A knock on the door distracted me from observing my daughter playing with a new doll.
"Come in," I said, getting up to my feet and pulling the gloves up.
Elisa stepped into the room, freezing at the entrance. She always walked in like she was afraid that I will incinerate her on the spot.
Maybe it was because of Evi's black heart beating in the glass box on the shelf behind me. But I would not take it down. Looking at it and remembering how she was screaming when I cut it out brought me too much joy.
"Morning, Maud! Agatha brought three more back. One of them is old. I don't know, in her seventies, maybe. And men. There are five men with her."
She pursed her lips. Elisa did not like that I was accepting deserters in our settlement. But it was never only my decision. Together we listened to their stories and voted on whether they were allowed to stay.
I walked to the wall with shelves. There was only one doll of the older woman. Agatha made them by using her inner sight of our circle, while she was gaining her strength back. As soon as she was able to ride the horse, she left the village to search for our sisters in person.
Agatha's talents were impressive. And her past owners used her gift to sow and knitting to the fullest extent. I had to treat Agatha's fingers for weeks before they regained mobility.
I looked at the back of the doll. Eleanor was now with us, so I could put one more piece into the chase. Each finding was bringing me closer to fulfilling my promise.
"You have all you need to grant them blessing?"
"All is ready, Maud."
Elisa replied, but stayed in her spot. I could sense her mind raising, like she was about to start a conversation I wouldn't enjoy.
"Yes, Elisa?"
"I just think it's odd how you take in all the dishonoured men, but still insisted that we cast away Enoch and other men."
"It's not only men, entire families are looking to escape the Congregation's chokehold. Do you suggest I send them away, too? Enoch and others caused a lot of pain. It wasn't only my decision to out them."
"Yet so many kept their names. Even your friend Zaira. It's not like we judge you, Maud, your husband died. But it just seems like you show no respect…"
I zoned out. Elisa was not the only one who missed her husband. But Zaira kept her name not out of respect. It was to remember how much trusting the wrong person cost her.
And I kept Elisa near to remind myself that not everyone thirsted for the blood of the Sun Congregation as much as I did. And for those who did, we kept Pastor Dion. Smile parted my lips. He had much to atone for.
***
Author's note
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