Chapter CIX
The monk called Anthony led the way back across the the courtyard and up to the room where Trudy was standing, Mariam in her arms, peering out through the small window in the door. As soon as she saw us she jumped back and watched fearfully as the monk unlocked the door and opened it.
"Is everything well?" she asked anxiously as I came in.
"Everything is well," I told her. "Are you ready to come and eat?"
"Almost," she said.
"What can I bring you?" Brother Anthony asked.
"Can we have some warm water to wash the baby?" Trudy demanded.
"I will bring some at once," Brother Anthony said and went off, leaving the door open.
"Should we try to escape?" Trudy demanded, looking pointedly at the open door.
"I don't think so," I said and told her of my interview with the abbot.
"I've heard of these Arians," Trudy said. "They reject the Trinity completely and as a result they are considered heretics by all who hold to the truth. I am surprised that they still exist."
"Are they Christians?" I asked.
Trudy looked thoughtful. "Truly, Fuad, I don't know. It is not for me to say whether someone is a Christian or not. Many would say that they are not, but I think Brother Hildebrandt would say that they are Christians, just heterodox Christians."
Brother Anthony returned with the water and carried it into the room, but when he saw that the baby was a girl he retreated hurriedly and stood outside the door while Trudy washed Mariam and dressed her. When we were ready he led us down to the refectory where the monks were finishing their meal and brought us bread and fruit and wine to drink.
After we had eaten I went out to care for the animals, only to find that they had plenty of fodder and the trough was filled with running water. Our goods were laid neatly on a large stone in a corner of the enclosure, but nothing had been taken - even my sword was still among the tent poles as I had left it.
I returned to the house and sat with Trudy until noon when Brother Anthony came and took us to the refectory again. After we had finished eating he sat down at the table with us.
"Father Abbot wishes to know of your plans," he said. "It is our custom that guests may stay with us for three days; after that they must depart." He glanced at Trudy. "Father Abbot is aware of the kyria's condition. He bids me tell you that there is a house of holy women near here and they are skilled in such matters. If you wish to stay until the kyria's time comes, we can find lodging for you."
"That would be very kind," Trudy said to him. "These lodgings - how expensive are they?"
"Kurios," he said, ignoring her and speaking to me, "We have an empty house near to the convent where you can live and take your animals to pasture nearby. For this we ask a drachma each week and you are free to trade in the village, to buy what you need or sell if you have anything to sell."
"And if we wish to leave?" I asked.
"When you are ready, come to us and we will provide a guide," he answered.
I smiled. "We do not need a guide," I said. "We came over the mountain there," I pointed with my chin, "and it is only across one valley to the road."
Brother Anthony looked at me steadily. "I think you do not remember well," he said. "It is a long way to the road and there are many mountains where it is easy to become lost." He paused. "We do not wish others to discover our refuge."
I understood his meaning. "You are right," I said. "It was dark when we came and we cannot remember the way at all. Of your kindness, let us see this house."
"Come," he said, rising from the table. "I will show you."
The house stood on its own in a small valley with a stable and a stone fold behind it, a spring to one side and plenty of green grass on the hillsides. It was indeed only a short distance from a second large building which Brother Anthony told me was the convent.
"It's beautiful," Trudy said, adjusting Mariam on her hip. "Fuad, let's stay here until the baby is born."
"Tayib," I said. "We will stay."
"Good." Brother Anthony looked pleased. "Come, I will introduce you to the sisters and then you and I can bring your goods and your animals up here."
He led the way back down the valley to the convent and pulled at a rope by the door. We heard the tinkling of a small bell and after a while an old woman came to the door and opened it.
"Sister Euphemia," Brother Anthony addressed her, "here are guests who will live in the house of Kallimachos. The kyria will need your skills."
Sister Euphemia stood back. "She is welcome to come within," she said.
Trudy stepped forward but when I made to follow Brother Anthony restrained me.
"Men are not permitted to enter," he said. "Come, we will go to fetch your things."
"It is a girl-child?" I heard Sister Euphemia ask Trudy.
"Her name is Mariam," Trudy replied.
"Then she is also welcome," Sister Euphemia said.
"Not even male children are permitted to enter once they have been weaned," Brother Anthony said to me with a grin.
When I returned to the house Trudy was there already.
"I've met Sister Charite and she's very nice," she told me. "She says that as soon as I go into labour I should send for her and she'll come at once. She is the midwife for all the women around here, so she's very experienced."
"Good," I said. "Now, where will I put these things?"
