Turncoat by Anthony J Quinn
Author:Anthony J Quinn [Quinn, Anthony J]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00
NINETEEN
Shortly before five oâclock, we began our final station of the night. I no longer walked as quickly or spoke the prayers as hurriedly. I was walking towards a new destination, and wanted to make sure that I planted each step firmly along the path. My slowness was not a symptom of tiredness, but of relief. I was staggering towards the dim light I could see softening the faces of the pilgrims, the light descending upon their figures from some invisible source above.
In a long line, we turned the corners inside the basilica, our bare feet falling softly. The mumbling sound of our voices and the murmur of the lough echoing through the opened doors soothed my anxious thoughts. Beyond these sounds, the silence of the night descended upon the island and eased my sore heart. If I stayed with these people, I would be safe. If I could not find Ruby, I could at least find protection here. The light that surrounded the pilgrims was what I had been seeking, a light that was not human, but nor was it divine. Something primitive and eternal yet also fleeting, like the mist that floats over trees and hides the darkness of the forest. These were my people and I was on my way to becoming one of them, a pilgrim.
I rested my eyelids and kept going like a sleepwalker, immersed among men and women who were carrying the dream of their faith. But I had no faith. I only wanted safety, and the thought tugged at my sense of comfort. Why could I not share their dream? Why was I so full of darkness? I opened my eyes fully and stared all around. How could these people, their figures moving and blending with each other, shadows upon shadows, have such earnest beliefs and I have none?
Perpetua appeared beside me. She must have walked around the church and lapped me during the rounds of praying. Her step was lighter and firmer than mine. She was pushing herself on towards the inescapable dawn, while I hung back, shuffling and crouching in the shadows like prey hiding from its hunter. I glanced across at her and she met my gaze. I stared at her eyes, which seemed so soft in the moonlight, but also strong and full of emotion.
She narrowed her eyes and frowned. She looked away and walked a little quicker until her figure disappeared again in the procession.
What had she been communicating? Some sort of warning that I should keep to the path and the prayers? I glanced around me but could see no sign of Paddy and Kieran, or Marley either.
Before the station finished, I slipped back to the dormitory and surveyed my room. Someone had ripped the blankets from the bed, and emptied the contents of my suitcase on to the floor. Mercifully, the bottles of vodka were still there and intact, and I was able to replenish my hip flask. The intruder had been searching for something. The question was for what? And had they found it?
I looked around again but could find nothing missing.
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