Part 19 (1/2)
”Because it's forbidden. Falcone thinks I wouldn't dare come here.”
”It's cursed or something?”
”It's from the old religion.”
”You mean... Christianity.”
”Yes.”
”What religion do you have now?”
”There are a lot of... sects. Lots of G.o.ds. People pray to the ones they believe will help them.”
”You spoke of the Great Mother. If you believe in her, do you believe she's the only G.o.d?”
”I hope she is.”
He wanted more facts. About this whole d.a.m.n world. But that couldn't be his priority.
He took a step toward the edifice. When she didn't move, he said, ”It will be dark soon. We need to find shelter and clothing.”
She shuddered. ”I don't want to go inside. A wolf can travel at night.”
”Yeah, but I've got to rest after that fight.”
She grimaced. ”Sorry. I wasn't thinking. You've been out of bed less than a day.”
”I'm not afraid of a building, especially not when it's a good place to shelter,” he said. This time he took the lead, ushering her toward a side door, not allowing her to hang back.
Inside, he looked around and found a table that held several oil lamps, which he recognized because he'd seen them in a museum display. They were shaped a little like gravy boats, with an elongated body and a handle. But instead of a pouring spout, they had a smaller opening where the wick came out. He picked one up and shook it, hearing the oil slosh inside. ”Too bad there's nothing to light them with,” he said.
Rinna gave him a quick look, then took one of the lamps and held it in front of her. As she stared at the wick, a flame sprang up.
He blinked. ”How did you do that?”
”That's one of the talents I discovered in school.”
”Did it get you into trouble?”
She made a small sound. ”No. I told you, all the children in the school had psychic talents. Actually, that's why we were there-to find out what skills we possessed and develop them to the fullest.”
”How old were you when you first changed form?”
”Eight.”
He looked at her in surprise. ”You didn't have to be... s.e.xually mature to do it?”
”No. Morga was my guide.”
”Who was Morga?”