A Dangerous Energy by John Whitbourn

Author:John Whitbourn [WHITBOURN, JOHN]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: historical-fiction, protagonist-evil, fantasy, to-read
ISBN: 9781473200890
Google: RdjJAAAAQBAJ
Amazon: B00GU2QVIC
Goodreads: 1690401
Publisher: Gateway
Published: 2013-10-02T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 10

In which our hero’s advance is checked.

I asked to see you simply to say that you will not be ordained as a full priest this year.’

‘I see … ’ said Tobias slowly. ‘Am I allowed to know why not?’

‘It is a matter of readiness, Tobias,’ said the Bishop. ‘Now, I don’t deny that you have proved yourself a very competent churchman. Indeed, the two Deans’ reports and your examination results confirm that. Nor do I doubt your magical ability – I hear your degree papers were very enthusiastically received at Canterbury and various members of my staff testify to your practical skills in this field – so you may well ask, what is the problem?’

‘Do you not think me a fit person to be a priest?’

‘Precisely. Frankly Tobias, I do not. You were once and you will be again, but at the moment – no. I’m sorry, lad; perhaps it’s through no fault of your own, but you’re not ready.’

All of this was something of a bombshell to Tobias, for when he’d received the Bishop’s summons that morning he had anticipated only a pleasant chat concerning the impending ordination ceremony. Now, in this familiar and friendly study he felt his future slipping through his fingers.

‘Could you be more specific, Bishop? Also, what do you plan regarding the continuance of my vocation?’

‘Your second question is easier to answer: I’ve arranged for you to spend a year at a monastery which is headed by an old colleague of mine. Under his guidance I hope you will find yourself again. At the end of that year, pending favourable reports, I will recommend your ordination, I promise you.’

A weight of indecision flew from Tobias’ mind – so his ambition was not to be unrealised – merely postponed. Nothing, save time, was lost.

‘So it’s merely that you feel more time is required for me to reach the proper, considered condition for priesthood?’

‘Not exactly, my son. Time, in part – yes, certainly; but mostly I want to place you in a situation that is conducive to good in the broadest sense of the word. I feel, having followed your training extremely closely, that the events of the last year or so are not those which I would choose for you to have in your mind as the initial influence for your future career.’

Tobias felt moved to protest at last. ‘But my Lord Bishop, I really do feel that nothing in my duties or actions over the last years has affected me in any adverse way at all.’

‘And that, my son, from your own mouth, is the reason why I have postponed your ordination.’

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