The Crossing by Mandy Hager Page B

vanity and pride and it occurred to her that, now the Apostles were convinced of her conviction, they would leave her be. Besides, with this beautiful and miraculous Holy City to serve in, how could she have ever doubted the Lamb's love?

    Over the next three weeks Maryam settled in to her new life in the Holy City, waking each morning to collect the water for her bath before going about her kitchen chores amidst the chatter of the group. During the day her required silence didn't bother her,as the other servers seemed content merely with her smile. But she yearned for the closeness she'd once had with Ruth, missing their easy conversations. Rebekah could not fill this gap, refusing to communicate anything other than the task at hand. And so each night, as Maryam lay in bed and reflected back over the day, her mind would fill to overflowing with the host of thoughts and questions she'd been unable to express aloud.
    She tried, each night, to take the soothing words of the Holy Book and make them real, but always her nagging doubts would crowd them out and leave her with a sense of unease—why had she been Chosen and what was her role? It was tempting, when her mind refused to still, to succumb to the anga kerea toddy and slip into a numbing sleep. But she fought it, paying heed to Hushai's warning and, instead, she'd often sneak up to the outer decks to take in the salty fresh sea air. This was foolish, she knew, and she made sure her late-night ramblings went unobserved.
    One long hot afternoon, as she helped scrub taros and scale fish for the evening meal, she found the heat pressing down upon her—her eyes longing to droop shut and her hands fumbling in their menial jobs. She was struggling to lift a heavy water container when Mother Michal approached.
    â€œSister Maryam? I thought you'd like to know that Sister Ruth and Mother Elizabeth are to join us tomorrow—Ruth's bloods have come.”
    This news was like a gift straight from the Lord.
    At last! Her dear friend and Mother Elizabeth, too! She clapped her hands, wishing she could let out an unholy yell. Now her life here would be happy and complete.
    Mother Michal helped wrestle the huge container onto thebench. “I'd like you to come with me now.” She smiled at Maryam and winked. “I'm sure you will not mind if I drag you away!”
    Maryam returned the smile, happy the tension she had sensed initially between them had now been erased. In fact, everyone seemed so much warmer now.
    She waved goodbye to Rebekah and the others and followed Mother Michal out. Today she was relieved of chores, and then tomorrow she'd see Ruth! But as they traversed the endless corridors, Maryam began to ponder just what this imminent arrival would really mean. She'd have to get to Ruth before she, too, was thrown into the dreadful testing unaware.
    Then she recognised where Mother Michal was leading her—back toward the hospital. Try as she might, she could not stem a sudden fear. What if Mother Lilith had found something wrong with her insides at the time of the examination? What if she was really sick? She longed to ask Mother Michal what lay in store, yet dared not break the rule of silence. Instead, she prayed frantically inside her head. Merciful Lord, He who knows and sees all, please protect your little Sister…
    The words soothed her. When they reached the hospital corridor, Mother Michal turned. “The Lord has spoken to Father Joshua and told him how you're best to serve.” She reached over and patted Maryam on the arm. “You are indeed lucky, child. The Lord has given you the power to heal.”
    To heal? If only she could ask what this meant, but Mother Michal led her now into a small stark room. All that it contained was a strange bed, elevated near the low ceiling, with one small chair and table at its side.
    â€œSit,” Mother Michal gestured. “I will tell Mother Lilith you are here.”
    Perhaps, Maryam thought,