Chapter 16.2.1

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The next day I found I could move easily. I rose went out the door, then through another door that led outside. I looked upon an inner court, a square of pristine snow bordered by covered walkways. Before me the spire of the church thrust higher than the red tile roofs of the cloister, and beyond it I could see the low, dark stain of the Dragon’s Tooth Mountains. I faced to the west, therefore. Towards Slatten, the Guildhall – and Elise. I closed my eyes and basked in her memory.

Not long, my lady, before I hold you again.

"Gerard!" Charles called out.

I opened my eyes to see him running across the square, a broom in his hand. I signed, slowly and with broad movements, "Careful. You ruin the snow."

He looked back at his footprints and shrugged. "More will fall. Go back inside, where it’s warm."

I hadn’t noticed the cold until he mentioned it. I retraced my steps, motioning for him to follow me.

Inside the room, he pulled the chair next to the fireplace, Then he sat on my bed, leaving the chair for me. "How are you doing?"

"The Abbot knows I’m a Heathen."

Charles looked as if this were not news to him. "What is he going to do?"

"I don’t know. He is letting me stay, but when I can travel, I think he will want me to leave."

Charles puzzled for a bit, then asked, "Will you go back to Songless?"

I shook my head. "I’m free of that place. I owe no allegiance to Lord Reinard. I will go to Slatten to look for Elise, and then – did you mention that you might go on a pilgrimage? To Bartiese?"