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.When shecommented on the exotic bird, Mother Gwendolin seemed surprised that she didn't recognize thespecies."My father taught me to identify most of the birds that live on the Godfist, including several typesof hummingbird, but I've never seen one like that before," Catrin said.When the avian wonder sprang into the air, it zoomed backward then buzzed past Catrin's ear,causing her to duck involuntarily.The monk lowered the dish and turned to his audience with a smile."I'm glad I got to see himbefore he made his winter journey.He'll need the energy from that sugar water to get to the Godfist.Itgladdens me to help the gorgeous creatures," he said in warm greeting."Catrin, this is Brother Vaughn.He tends to our aviary and has a love affair with anything thatsoars on the wind.Brother Vaughn, this is Catrin Volker.She'll be visiting with us for the winter.""Splendid," Brother Vaughn responded."It'll be nice to have a new face around the halls."Catrin knew Brother Vaughn would appreciate knowing the hummingbird was most likely notflying to the Godfist, but she was unsure how much information to reveal.Mother Gwendolin looked ather briefly and skillfully used her body language and facial expression to communicate her opinion.Catringot the distinct impression that Mother Gwendolin trusted this man, but it was up to her to decide whatshe would reveal, and she decided to trust him as well."I've studied the birds of the Godfist, and I have no recollection of ever seeing a hummingbirdthat large or with that coloring," she said, and his eyes lit up."You've seen the birds of the Godfist, for yourself, in their natural habitat?" he asked, and Catrinnodded."What a treasure you've brought for me, Mother! I hope you'll allow me some time with Catrin.I have so many questions she may be able to answer," he said, his excitement clearly gaining momentum.He began talking softly to himself, listing the many things he would ask, and he excused himself so hecould write down his list."I don't want to forget to ask something important," he said with a smile.Catrin decided it was good that she would have time on her hands.Brother Vaughn couldprobably keep her busy answering questions for days.For this day, though, she decided to simply enjoythe peaceful surroundings and majestic views.She and Mother Gwendolin spent the rest of the daytouring the Outer Sanctuary, specifically avoiding discussions of any real consequence.Catrin enjoyedthe amiable companionship, and she appreciated Mother Gwendolin's not pushing her into any intenseconversations.As the sun began to fall, they walked to a private dining room.A small fire chased away the chilland provided a rosy glow.Catrin sat near the hearth, warming her hands.She heard Benjin and theothers as they approached, and they soon joined her around the rectangular table, where the longbenches made for cozy seating.The monks serving their meal must have been watching for the honored guests to arrive becausethey entered almost immediately with bowls of steaming broth and vegetables.Catrin and the otherslaughed as they all blew on their soup, and made slurping noises as they tried not to burn their lips ortongues.Other monks served platters of cheese and fruit, and they carried the empty bowls away.Mother Gwendolin ate in relative silence, letting them exchange news."We visited Milo and Gustad at the forge," Strom said."They used the sand and ash to makeperfectly clear glass.You should see it, Cat." Osbourne beamed."It's fascinating.You should come see the forge and the lenses they areworking on.Milo said he would teach me to work glass."Catrin smiled at their obvious enthusiasm.She looked down the table at Vertook and asked himwhat he did with his day."I talked to Brunson, the man with mule.He is a good man.Just don't lose his animals," he said."I will teach him to raise a horse in Arghast way.He will ride without silly bridles by spring."Catrin mentally wished Brunson luck; she could not imagine riding without reins in her hands.It seemed all but Benjin and Chase had found ways to pass their days.She sensed grimdetermination from each of them, and though it pained her, it made her feel safe.They could spend thewhole winter drinking and playing pickup, but she doubted they would.Considering all the ways she could spend the long winter, she asked herself if she were doingeverything she could to prepare for what lay ahead.She was not.It was an unpleasant realization, but sheaccepted the truth of it.She needed knowledge, understanding--comprehension; without those, shewould wander in the dark.Mother Gwendolin had implied that the Inner Sanctuary was the place to seeksuch clarity, but Catrin had an unexplainable fear of the purification ritual; it just seemed too bizarre.Catrin knew that others underwent the process, but thinking about it gave her a cold feeling in herstomach.In some ways, she was afraid of what she might find once she achieved clarity, but much of heranxiety was centered on the ritual itself.The thought of fasting did not appeal to her.She could notimagine dealing with the hunger pangs
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