Part 33 (2/2)
”Master El.”
I definitely hadn't expected that response. ”Is Master El going to untie you too?”
”If it is His will.”
”I don't understand.”
”That's because you are of this world.”
I stood there wondering what to do when someone said, ”It wouldn't matter if I cut her loose, she still wouldn't leave.”
At the sound of the voice the woman gasped. I turned to see a tall, thick-lipped, redheaded man walking toward us. ”... Would you, dear?”
The woman bowed as far as her constraints allowed. ”Please forgive me, Master. This Earthman spoke to me.”
”You're forgiven, KaEl.” He turned to me. ”KaEl asked to be tied to the tree. Isn't that true, KaEl?”
”Yes, Master.”
”Why would she do that?” I asked.
”She feared that in a moment of weakness her carnal self would rebel and she might run away, so she wisely asked for help. But I don't think she really needs it. She's been very obedient.”
”Thank you, Master.”
He turned to face her. ”How goes your purification?”
”The flesh is weak, Master. But the spirit is willing.”
I looked back and forth between the two of them. Part of me wanted to bolt, the other part wasn't willing to abandon the young woman. ”Why is she tied to the tree?” I asked.
”I just told you,” the man said curtly.
I rephrased my question. ”Why is she standing here?”
”She's learning to overcome the carnal nature within. She's on the last twelve hours of her five-day purification and submission.”
”Submission?”
”Each member of our society must purge the world from their heart by undergoing the purification and submission ritual. It's a privilege. She forgoes earthly food for five days and drinks only blessed, holy water mixed with frankincense. During this time she cannot speak to anyone but her Master. Unfortunately, you interfered with her sanctification.”
”I didn't know.”
”Don't worry, I can absolve her of her commission. Our religion is not without mercy.”
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