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The Steel Orb
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My head slowly began to clear--much more slowly because Fortress was carrying me again.
"I'll sleep at your doorway at the monastery," Fortress said, "and fast with you."
I closed my eyes. "I'm sorry. I don't deserve to--"
"Not as punishment, Unspoken. You've endured punishment enough; harsh fasting and vigils are a much lighter load than--but you are weak and vulnerable now. You need the support. And I would like to share this with you."
The fasting passed quickly. Or more properly, it moved very slowly, and it was hard, but there was cleansing pain. The Wind moved through me, and gave me respite from my burdensome toil of evil.
When it was the eighth day, Fortress and I returned to the Temple. A mighty wind was blowing all around, and its song and its breath moved inside. Wind blew through every jewel of the liturgy. And there was--I couldn't say.
After the end of the liturgy, when I was anointed for healing, Fortress said, "Let's go home and get to work. Pool has some money to buy a chicken, and--why are you hesitating?"
"Could I return to the monastery and fast for another week?"
"Why? You have done what the priest asked. You needn't do more. There is no need to engage in warfare above your strength. Remember, the Destroyers always fast."
"That's not why."
"Why, then?"
"That's what I am trying to find out."
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The Steel Orb
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