Chapter 20: Lady Selena

Selena walks swiftly down the hall and to her carriage. She focuses her mind before addressing her driver.

"We're heading to Gordowe, immediately.", she tells him.

"My lady are you sure? It will be nearly nightfall by time we arrive.", he says with concern.

"You are right. Best move quickly then.", she responds undeterred as she enters her carriage.

Night threatens to overtake the sky as Selena arrives into Gordowe. The last light of the sun resisting with its fiery, red and orange flames. As they near the convent they are stopped by a barricade of soldiers from the church. Selena steps out the carriage and approaches one of the soldiers.

Scanning over the scene she sees that the church has blocked off the area around the church completely. The open space around the convent is the only thing separating the knights and soldiers.

"I wish to visit the convent.", Selena states soloumly.

"I'm sorry, my lady. We have strict orders not to let anyone near the convent. ", the soldier informs her.

"Even if I'm visiting someone?", Selena replies.

"I'm afraid so. The reason doesn't matter.", the soldier answers her. Selena shifts her eyes over the soldiers in front of her. Meanwhile forming a plan in her head.

"Very well.", she says before turning around. Selena takes a breath and releases it. The idea in her head twisting her stomach. She stops beside her driver and motions him closer. "We're going to have to force our way through."

"My lady?", he responds. She raises a hand to stop him.

"You're going to turn the carriage around and head down far enough to get a running start. Whatever you do don't stop until you are past that line.", she whispers to him with cold determination. The driver says nothing, but his face morphs into pure worry. "We'll be fine. Once we are through, hurry over to the convent and knights.", Selena tells him.

She walks over to the door. As she steps into the carriage she stops mid way and turns one more time to her driver. "Don't stop.", she tells him. Sitting down a wave of nervousness sweeps over Selena. The carriage begins to move as Selena attempts to calm herself.

This will work. It has to.

When the carriage turns she closes her eyes and prays. As she does so Selena feels the carriage pick up speed. Her hand clenching around her fist. The soldiers watch as the carriage first leaves, but turns around. As it builds up speed the soldiers become bewildered. It's only at the last minute do they realize what's going on. Much to their horror.

"Wait!"

"Stop!", the soldiers shout, yet they still are forced to dive out of the way, or else be run over. At the same time Selena completes her prayer. Opening her eyes as the driver begins to turn the carriage to avoid the knights' line.

"Ah!", The sudden change threatens to sling her across the inside of the carriage. It's only by placing her hand to the ceiling does she avoid such a result. As soon as they come to a stop Selena recovers through puffs of breath and quickly jumps out the carriage.

"Run! Quickly!", Selena shouts as she dashes to the knights and convent. The driver is quick to follow.

"Lady Selena?", breathes one of the knights who recognizes Selena. "Quickly to their aid!", he orders. The knights quickly let Selena and her driver in, but just as quickly reform the line.

Stopping at the top of the stairs Selena catches her breath. She looks to the soldiers. Majority of them are shaken up with unbelievable expressions on their face. A grin of satisfaction appears on her own before she turns to knock on the door. It is Sister Sarah who opens it.

"What's happ- ...Selena?", she says with a wary, surprised look.

"Hello Sister Sarah. How are you?", Selena greets her. Sister Sarah takes Selena into an embrace. Selena returns it with a sigh of relief.

"Come in, come in. It's not...safe here.", Sister Sarah tells her. Selena nods and gestures for her driver to follow. "What brings you here so late my dear? Is something wrong?", Sister Sarah questions concerned.

"You can say that, but I need to talk to Mother Margaret.", at Selena's response a questionable look appears in her eyes. "I am aware of what occurred here as well as the crown. The situation is dire and a response must be made quickly. To do that we need Mother Margaret.", Selena explains.

"O-okay. How about you join us for dinner? You must be famished.", Sister Sarah offers.

"Thank you.", Selena replies with a nod. She follows Sister Sarah and gestures for her companion to follow.

Heading down a hall beside the staircase they arrive at the dining room. Memories wash over Selena as they do. She has been all over this convent in her youth and every room and corner held a precious memory. From the first time she met her friends to when Vincent asked her to marry him.

He had rushed all the way here to do so. Stopping her from completing the ceremony to become a nun. Which means as far as she knew she was the first and only person to abandon it in this convent. The thought causes a smile to appear on her face.

"Memories?", the question brings Selena back to reality. She hadn't even realized they were in the doorway to the dining hall. She takes a breath and releases it.

"You can say that.", she says smiling to Sister Sarah. Who returns it.

"Come on.", the sister says as she continues on. "I'm sure we can spare some food for the both of you.", she tells them. Selena looks to her friend.

That's right. Usually only enough food is bought for the nuns, children, and any adults that may be being cared for, but since this blockade has started… "Are you still able to buy what you need?", Selena asks worried.

"For now.", Sister Sarah sighs. Soon they approach the table where Mother Margaret and the sisters eat. Selena can tell she wanted to say more but she falls silent as Mother Margaret speaks.

"Selena? What are you doing here?", she says rising to her feet.

"Hello Mother Margaret. I came to speak to you. It is of an urgent matter.", Selena responds.

"I told her to have dinner with us first.", Sister Sarah adds. Mother Margaret nods to them both.

"Very well. Come and eat.", she says inviting Selena and her companion to sit. As dinner goes on Selena tells her tale of how she got inside. When she tells of how the soldiers tried to stop her no one is surprised. Instead looks of uncomfortableness and glances are shared between them. However, when she tells them how she got through Mother Margaret and the others laugh.

"Oh Selena! I never would have thought…", she trails off to catch her breath. "You truly have grown up, and I can tell you are Vincent's wife.", she continues after. Mother Margaret places her fingers delicately against her lips. "To think that little girl that used to be so…hesitate and quite has grown into this strong, bold woman in front of me now.", she looks at Selena in her dark blue dress with gold trimmings on the sleeves and neck. "I'm so proud of you."

"Thank you. It's thanks to you and Sister Sarah and everyone here.", Selena says touched.

"And Vincent.", Mother Margaret adds.

"And Vincent. I have to be in order to keep up with him; that's for sure.", Selena agrees with a sweet smile.

"You were very brave. I'm impressed. What is your name?", Selena overhears Sister Sarah's question.

"Maxwell. Pleased to meet you.", Maxwell answers. He smiles at her resulting in a quick smile from Sister Sarah, but it quickly vanishes. She looks away, her cheeks blushing. Selena smiles amused.

After dinner Selena and Mother Margaret settle down in the chairs in the forum. It's dark now and only the light of the moon and stars keeps them from complete darkness. The two seat counter corner to each other. Selena places her hands crossed and flat in her lap.

"Now then. Tell me what has brought you here.", Mother Margaret says getting comfortable. Her hands interwoven. Selena takes a moment to gather her thoughts. Closing her eyes she takes in a breath.

"King Winston is aware obviously of what has occurred here. As am I.", Selena begins. "What you may not know is that Pope Clement attacked you in addition to King Winston in his sermon today. Calling this place a den of misleading, snake tongued women whose goal it is to deceive and lead astray God's members of a community and children.", she says gesturing to the place that is they're home. "I believe Archbishop Rederick would have delivered a similar sermon.", she continues solemnly.

Mother Margaret's eyes fall silently to her hands. She takes a heavy breath and noisily releases it. Bringing her head back up as she does. "Well… It isn't anything I didn't suspect. You didn't have to risk your health for that."

Selena shakes her head. "There's more. King Winston is determined to keep supporting this orphanage, but we need a counter. The church is attempting to write the story the way they want the people to see it. We need to give them another side to consider and hope they choose to see the truth.", Selena goes on.

"Ahh. That's where I come in, hm?", Mother Margaret replies, understanding.

"Yes.", Selena forces out. "We are hoping you can…speak against the church. Defend yourself against this. Let your voice be heard.", Selena says passionately urging the woman who raised her. Mother Margaret doesn't reply. She turns her head to the door. Her eyes trained on something only she can see. "I know it's a lot-"

"I have fought against the institution that is the church for a long time. Quietly from the shadows.", she fiddles with her thumbs as she speaks. Suddenly Mother Margaret looks her age to Selena. Tired and worn out and not just because it's the end of the day. "I never thought I would make my own stand in public. In all my years…", she goes on half to herself.

"Mother…", Selena says simply. Mother Margaret turns to her.

'If she says no. What will we do?'

"I told your husband when he came here…that we all will have tough choices to make. It seems my work is not yet done either.", she says rising to her feet. "I will. I will stand with you and defend myself, this place, and my family from these accusations.", she says with strength and confidence.

After Mother Margaret agrees to help. Selena is left to figure out how to send word to King Winston and the others. Mother Margaret went on to attend to her duties and get everyone ready for bed.

"How am I going to get word to the others?", Selena says to herself. She paces back and forth with her hand to her chin. There was no way she could leave the convent for now she was trapped. For that matter how would Mother Margaret leave to do what she needed to do. An exasperated sigh escapes her. Suddenly she realizes the full situation. "Ugh, I did not think this through.", she says dropping her hand.

Out of nowhere the sound of someone knocking gets her attention. She approaches the front door to answer it. When she does she is faced with one of the knights from earlier. "Hello. Can I help you?", Selena speaks. The knight is somewhat familiar to her, but she can't tell right now.

"Hello Selena. I'm sorry for disturbing you. Do you remember me?", the knight greets. An uncertain look appears on Selena's face.

"You do seem familiar.", Selena admits thoughtfully. She stares at the young man around her age. His eyes are blue and his hair black. Then it clicks resulting in a gasp from Selena. "Now I remember! You're Marcus. Marcus Croullo."

Marcus smiles pleased. "Yes! That's right. I'm friends with your husband Vincent.", he says. Marcus looks around before going on. "May I come in?", he asks.

"Yes of course.", Selena invites him in moving aside to welcome him.

"I suspect you would want to make your husband aware of your situation. I can help you if you wish it.", Marcus tells Selena as he comes in. Selena closes the door as she replies.

"You are right. As you can see I don't have access to any messenger pidgins or even the roost.", she replies resolving not to tell him the whole truth yet. For his protection of course.

"And that is where I can help you. If you write the letter I can take it to the roost for you."

"You can get past the line?", Selena asks surprised.

"Yes. The forces sent by the crown cuts of the soldiers from the church. So they have no way to get supplies themselves. When they change soldiers we do the same so that we stay supplied while not draining the resources of the convent.", Marcus explains.

"That is brilliant!", Selena expresses, resulting in another smile from Marcus. "I'll get the letter prepared right now then."

"Good, we will be changing in twenty minutes.", Marcus informs her. With that Marcus gives a respectful nod and leaves. Selena hurries off to her room to prepare the letter.

In the letter she tells of Mother Margaret's agreement to help and when the event will take place. She also makes them aware of their situation with leaving. While she is writing another thought comes to her mind. If it works it will greatly help out the convent. She finishes the letter with plenty of time to spare. She folds it and places the seal of the convent on it.

Hurrying down stairs back to the door she looks around for Marcus. She spots him approaching, yet at the same time she is aware of the watchful eyes of the soldiers across the clearing. When Marcus reaches her she pulls him to the door of the convent.

"Here is the letter. Send it to the capital.", Selena says holding the letter to her chest.

"The capital? To the castle perhaps?", Marcus guesses. Selena looks him in the eyes. She suspects he knows something is going on.

"Yes.", she sighs, handing him the letter.

"Consider it down.", Marcus says taking it.

"Thank you. Also if it's not too much trouble. Do you think that the next squad of knights could bring supplies to the convent? Food, water?", Selena responds. Marcus thinks for a moment.

"I think I can do that. I'll be honest the town overall is confused and looking for answers of what occurred here. An answer is needed if we are to continue protecting this place like this.", Marcus shares. Selena releases a breath through her nose.

"I know. Actually we are working on that now. Don't worry.", Selena tells him.

"I see. Well I hope everything goes in this place's favor.", Marcus replies. Selena says nothing. It's clear Marcus isn't completely sure who is in the right either. Being outside all this time what has he and the other knights heard.

"By God's grace.", Selena replies simply. Marcus nods before turning around to leave. Selena steps back further inside and closes the door. She doesn't leave it right then. Instead Selena rests her hands and forehead against the door. Her eyes close as she takes a moment. When she opens them she turns around and heads up stairs to her room.