Chapter 16:
The Sister Is Canonized
“HOW DOES IT FEEL, leaving the island?” asked the priest, who had introduced himself at last as Father Norris.
The girl glanced back at the island. It was barely visible from the mainland, a mere dot amid the crashing waves. “I wish I could say I feel free. Instead, I feel reluctant to leave it behind.”
Although she had initially rejected Norris’s offer, she later changed her mind and decided to depart with him. Prior to taking the leap, she had consulted him about her concerns, and he’d assured her everything would be taken care of. Alas, the red-haired sister wasn’t with her. The girl had left the island all by herself.
“Of course. You’ve parted ways with the people who care for you, so it’s only natural for you to feel lonely without them. But I hope you’ll remember this: You’re special. You’ll be a symbol of hope for many more people soon enough.”
She nodded. He’s right. I have a new goal now. She was like a chick that had finally shed the last of its eggshell, and she was big enough now that she could take to the wide-open skies on her own.
The other sisters are cheering me on too. It broke her heart to say goodbye, but even the red-haired sister had encouraged her to leave. Remembering her and the other sisters brought a smile to her face.
Determination renewed, she turned away from her former home and took a step forward. She didn’t regret her decision. She’d already decided to do whatever she could to help others. The girl hadn’t expected Norris to pick her as a candidate for such an important role, but if she had earned his notice through her actions, then she needed to continue down her chosen path.
Norris nodded approvingly at her.
The two left the harbor and climbed into a carriage bearing the church’s crest. It was nothing like the passenger carriages that the commoners often rode. This was on the level of an aristocrat’s possession.
I suppose that’s to be expected. As a clergyman, he’s bound to ride in a nicer carriage.
She already suspected Norris was high-ranking within the church, what with his crisp uniform and carefully groomed appearance. When she’d learned that he oversaw all the faithful at their monastery, she was shocked. No wonder the senior sister had been so nervous in front of him.
“I thought priests didn’t leave their monasteries,” said the girl.
“That’s normally true. A priest’s duty is to stay at whatever monastery they’re overseeing and look after the people beneath them. My duties as a missionary take up much of my time, however. I’m mostly preoccupied with visiting other monasteries, preaching, and expanding my knowledge.”
As Norris explained it, not all priests served the same function; what they did varied widely per individual. This was especially true for Norris, since he had no one backing him up. He’d climbed to his spot through his own diligent efforts.
“That’s different from my impression,” the girl mused.
The man always had a lively smile on his face. His general demeanor reminded her more of an aristocrat than anything else. If he hadn’t told her that he’d climbed up from nothing, she never would have realized that she had him all wrong.
Norris’s light-blue eyes crinkled as a smile spread across his face. “It sure brings back memories,” he said with a hint of nostalgia in his voice. “But you needn’t struggle the way I did. I hope you use this self-made opportunity to solidify yourself officially as the saint.”
Saints had the same authority as cardinals, though they weren’t eligible for pope because their duties were decidedly different. Still, a saint had significant influence among the people. The cardinals couldn’t ignore her input.
“Can someone as inexperienced as me really become the saint?”
When Norris first approached her about becoming the saint, she thought all she had to do was go with him and she’d be guaranteed the position. Naturally, it wasn’t that easy. There were other candidates.
“You needn’t worry,” Norris assured her gently. “You have the support of the people.”
“Yes, but that support is limited to the island, isn’t it?”
The worst part about her competition was that they were all related to distinguished cardinals. She hated that even within the church, the world was unfair. Her low social standing was a shackle holding her back. Unlike the other girls, she didn’t have anyone substantial backing her.
Norris grinned. “You’ll see what I mean soon enough.”
The carriage trundled along, turning onto a busy thoroughfare. When it finally rolled to a stop at the monastery where they’d be lodging, Norris handed her a white veil.
“This is proof that you’re a saint candidate. Keep it pulled over your head and exit slowly from the carriage,” Norris instructed. He disembarked ahead of her, then held out a hand.
The girl tugged the veil over her face, took his hand, and descended the carriage step. Voices erupted around her.
“It’s the saint!”
“The saint has arrived!”
“Where is she? I wanna see her too!”
Cheers accompanied their cries. The girl’s eyes widened; amid the cacophony of voices were children and adults alike. Her gaze swept the crowd that had circled the monastery. It had fencing instead of stone walls, giving her a good view of the people.
Norris suppressed a laugh at her reaction. “I told you when we first met, didn’t I? Word of you has reached the mainland. Rumors about the sister who was struck by a whip trying to protect a young boy have circulated widely.”
“Yes, you said that, but I never dreamed…” Her voice trailed off. “And how did they know I’d be coming?”
“I sent word ahead of time.”
When had he managed that? The only possible answer was that he’d arranged it the moment they arrived at the harbor. Even so, did information really travel this fast? There was definitely more to Norris than met the eye.
“You’re the people’s hope. Has that sunk in a little more now?”
“Yes!”
“I’m pleased to hear it, though I’m sure there’s still much for you to learn. Once you’ve had a chance to rest, I’ll explain more about your situation and what’s to come.”
They reached the entrance to the monastery, where the girl froze. She would have preferred to say something to the people rather than simply ignore them and leave, but their passionate reception overwhelmed her ability to speak. Moved by their support, she turned toward them and bowed low. That was enough to send another wave of cheers through the crowd.