The Capricious God had no definite form. Many stories depicted him appearing as light. At the Canonization Ceremony, the pope was framed with light streaming in behind him, which reinforced his position as the Capricious God’s messenger. The light was so blinding that the girl didn’t even notice all the attendees.
When the pope called her name, she approached. He draped a stole over her shoulders. They probably exchanged a few words after that, but she couldn’t really remember. Once it was over, Norris assured her that she had conducted herself with dignity—and that was a great relief.
“Now,” he told her, “it’s finally time to present you to the people! Do you remember your speech? If you forget anything, look at your notes.”
He was more excited than she had ever seen him. Maybe that was a given, since he was the one who had nominated her. At long last, his goal to have her named saint had become a reality. Being her backer would give him more influence than he’d had before. His reaction spoke of his expectations for her.
I’m really the saint now, aren’t I?
The weight of the stole on her shoulders was proof of it. A person’s raiment changed depending on their rank within the church. The cardinals wore a white mozzetta with a stole over it. The saint wore similar garments, though her stole was a different pattern than the cardinals’. It was white with blue embroidery, and it was one of a kind. This same stole had been passed down through generations of saints. It was surprisingly pristine, but the fabric was incredibly old.
I feel like I’m dreaming. Her nerves told her that this was very much reality, but she felt like she was walking on clouds as they headed to the front of the cathedral, where she was to address the public.
The first thing that struck her was the sheer number of people. The knights formed a wall in front of the platform, so she couldn’t see her audience until she rose to the stage—but she could hear their voices. Once she climbed the steps to the platform, she saw them…and they saw her.
A blast of wind hit her, ruffling her veil. Cheers boomed all around her. Some people had their hands clasped in prayer, while others were weeping. The swirling gusts were like a manifestation of the people’s emotions.
Are all these people…here to see me? Chills ran down her spine.
The crowd was so massive, it was backed up all the way to the road leading to the city. She couldn’t even begin to estimate how many people there were. What she did know was that she’d never seen so many in her life.
I need to make sure my voice is loud enough to reach them all. They deserved to hear her, having come this far. She was supposed to be a symbol of hope. Would her words eventually reach that island she’d lived on for so long? She pictured the red-haired sister and nodded to herself. This was beyond hoping. She needed to act, to take away the fear and anxiety plaguing these people. She needed to make her plea and give voice to the refugees, to ensure no children among them suffered and starved.
As she was about to open her mouth and begin her speech, Norris appeared in her periphery. He wasn’t supposed to approach her during this time. He was walking slowly and deliberately so as not to alarm the crowd, but there was something unsettling in his demeanor.
Did something happen? She gave him a questioning look as he reached her side, and he leaned in to whisper in her ear.
Her mind went blank. Why would he tell her something so startling now, right as she was about to give her first address to the people?
The girl’s shock must have shown on her face because he added, “I realize this isn’t the ideal time to be telling you this, but I thought you should know as soon as possible. We can discuss further details later. Don’t worry, I believe in you.” When she remained frozen, he reassured her, “It’ll be all right. You can overcome this revelation. In fact, I think you can take advantage of it.” His blue eyes softened, and he quietly retreated.
He must have a reason. In the time she’d spent with Norris, the girl had come to realize that everything he did had a purpose. He even saw right through her. If he said that she needed to hear this now, then she did.
Accept that and think, she ordered herself. Remember what you can do to make a change.
The girl took a small breath, her movements subtle enough that no one would notice. The crisp mountain air flooded her lungs and helped clear her mind.
This means I’ll need to speak about more than just the refugee crisis.
Until this point, the girl had been concerned about two problems: the refugee crisis and the plight of the desperately poor. The priest had revealed to her yet another problem that required her attention—though she suspected that wasn’t why he had rushed to speak to her.
I need to broaden my perspective.
She had to guide the people’s awareness, their focus, to these issues as well. That was within the saint’s power, and it was a power she would need to utilize henceforth.
I can’t believe it. Witches are real.
Norris had just told her as much, though she still was grappling with the idea. And while she hadn’t fully digested his words, she could sense the evil from afar.
Determination renewed, she looked up at the crowd. It was her duty to lead them. They had gathered before her, expecting her to be their light.
This is where my new life begins.