The Twins of Noremway Parish Read Online Free PDF Page B

along with whatever tirade Rita was currently launching, but never the force behind it). Even as the friar and spiritual leader of Noremway Parish, Decon found himself intimidated on occasion.
    He shouted out to all: “Now, people, there is no reason to panic. I’m sure the mayor is fine. And so are Lynn and the baby.” He didn’t really believe this. In fact, he knew it wasn’t the case. But even during—or maybe especially during —potentially tragic events, it is always important to consider the politics of the situation. If he said what he really thought and that stirred more panic–a panic that could hardly be tamed–Chancellor Urey would have his head on a pike.
    But something about that left him feeling hollow. He glanced at Teret. The look in her eyes made him decide that he needed to be honest with the people, damn the consequences, and damn the politics. “We’ve heard the howl of the wolves lately throughout the long days, which is a sign of the harvest season. Wolves are ancient predators that show no mercy.” The parishioners looked to one another and murmured agreement, which was good, very good, because they were calm. Some patted the front of their cloaks to make sure they had their knives, just in case: again, good. They felt they were in control…at least in some way. “The path that Ragas took to give us a good life was a trying one. It took resilience . It is time to pray so we too can have the resilience and resolve of the great Ragas so we can survive in this world.” Then Teret took over the speech. Even though it was Decon’s moment of improvisation, she seemed to be feeding from the same wavelength. “We will be ever grateful to the great Ragas and his strength. Now let us pray for health and hope.”
    As others around them prayed for strength, Rita Morgan looked around, condemning those who were going along with this impromptu speech. She looked to her husband, who was praying. “ What are you doing?! ” He quickly stopped, looking sheepish, unsure of what he had done to anger his wife.
    The service was quickly over without feast, without many of the common prayers, and without the mayor’s harvest address. As the people started to leave, Decon left them with a message of hope: “Now is the time for us to seek the mayor and his wife. Bart, Ghora, Franz–you with me?”
    Plague nodded. Both the chancellor and sheriff declined the invite, however, but with good reason. Franz Phoenix approached Decon and said, “Brother Decon, I believe it wise for Urey and me to stay behind and ensure a peaceful dispersal of the crowd. You and Bart should make the journey alone. We’ll be ready to offer assistance as soon as everyone is home.”
    “ Thank you, Franz. Good thinking,” Plague said.
    ***
    After several moments Teret whispered to the friar, “Make sure Bart is prepared to deliver a child. She’s due any day now, and I’m so worried about her. What if something has happened? The baby should be your priority, Decon.”
    “ Aye, I’m already on it–Bart?” He brushed past her and ran down the stage steps. He didn’t mean to be rude to Teret; in fact, it would be the last thing he would ever dream of intentionally doing, but because of the vision he’d had, he already knew exactly what they were facing. But he was in a hurry and of course he knew to be prepared to deliver the baby; the baby was the first thing on his mind.
    “ Wait up, Decon. I’m not as young as I used to be.” Plague ambled from the pulpit, following Decon to the nearest carriage. The horses were ready to go, which was a small blessing. “We have to stop by the infirmary and grab supplies,” he said as he caught up.
    “ That’s why I’m hurrying. We need to be prepared for this child as well as trauma on two adults. I am certain, the more I think about it, that Tomias and Lynn were attacked by wolves. Tomias was out in the field; Lynn came to his rescue and was attacked.” I saw it in a vision , he