Thirst No. 5 by Christopher Pike

Author:Christopher Pike [Pike, Christopher]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi, azw3
Publisher: Simon & Schuster, Inc.
Published: 2013-03-05T05:00:00+00:00

FOURTEEN

ONE

I heard talk of a man some people called the Master. The way they spoke of him, it was like they saw him as more than human. When I heard he would be visiting our town, I longed to see him.

It was hard to get free. My parents refused to let me go anywhere without my brother, and he had to work the week the Master was nearby. But somehow I talked Thomas into taking the afternoon off. My brother was always very kind to me.

When we reached the place where the Master was to speak, we learned he had already given his talk. We were disappointed but a follower of his directed us to a house where the Master was staying. The man was friendly and said the Master would be happy to meet with us.

The house belonged to a rich merchant. Thomas was reluctant to knock on the door. “Veronica, we can’t enter such a beautiful home dressed like this. Let’s leave and come back when he’s giving another public lecture.”

“We don’t know if he’s giving another lecture,” I said. “Besides, Uncle will never give you the time off.”

Thomas frowned as he stared at his dusty sandals. “Why would such a great man want to talk to someone like us?”

I took Thomas by the hand. “You heard what his follower said. His Master treats everyone as an equal. Even girls.”

We knocked on the door and the merchant himself answered, which surprised us. We assumed a servant would be attending the door. He acted happy to see us and invited us inside.

“The Master is in the back by the fountain,” he said. “You will know him when you see him.”

“Does he wear a crown?” Thomas asked.

The merchant laughed. “No. He’s a simple man. Go, talk to him, you’ll see.”

I recognized the Master the moment I saw him. The merchant was right. The backyard was crowded with people but the Master stood out in a special way. I wasn’t sure why, but when I looked at him I found it hard to look away.

He was tall with a fine face and nicely trimmed beard. Yet that is not what drew me to him. If it had been dark I was sure he would have glowed. A strange thought to have, I admit. The man was not bright like the sun. Yet I felt as if he had a light hidden inside, a radiance I sensed rather than saw with my eyes. I felt I had to get near him.

But Thomas grabbed my arm and held me back. “He’s eating, Veronica, can’t you see? We can’t disturb him.”

“The merchant told us to talk to him. I don’t think he’ll mind.”

Thomas hesitated. “Let me speak to him first.”

I shook off my brother’s hand. “Why you? Because you’re a boy?”

“I’m eighteen now, a man, and you’re supposed to obey me.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. Kissing my brother on the cheek, I said, “Never.”

We approached the Master cautiously. When we were a few feet away, he raised his head and smiled at me, and my heart pounded in my chest.

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