An interruption.

Before Winlay could even answer Sister Margaret, a face appeared in the doorway.

"Sister Bernice says Prudence is having one of her fits in the library." Margaret imediately set down her tea and moved to a work bench as she probed:

"Go on Sister Shanlynn, I've seen her fits before. Was this one of her violent rages or the other type of attack?" Margaret asked tactfully because she could see the initiate's obvious embarrassment.

“The other type I think sister, she called herself a whore.” Winlay's jaw dropped when she heard sister Shanlynn use that word but Margaret just nodded in understanding. Winlay watched in wonder as Margaret ground several different ingredients together in a mortar and poured them into a small bottle filled with a dark liquid.

The whole procedure took less than a minute, and as soon as she set a cork into the bottle Margaret stepped to the door. Turning to Winlay she beckoned to her, "I may need help if you don't mind."

And with that both the women walked swiftly back to the library. Prudence’s yells could be heard as they passed through the entryway, so no further guidance was needed as Winlay and Margaret made their way through the library. A small crowd had gathered outside the room where Prudence was being held, but when they saw Margaret approach the collection of retired priests and new initiates all moved away from the door.

“Hyenas” Muttered Margaret under her breath so low that Winlay wasn’t sure she heard her correctly, but then Margaret continued “You’d think that the teachers of this next group of emissaries would set a better example.”

In the room by a table, a stocky middleaged woman held a younger woman in the grey robes of an initiate in her arms. The robes had somehow been pulled open revealing the slender initiate's white breasts. Sister Prudence was struggling to free herself while describing in explicit detail how she should be abused sexually as punishment for her transgressions. Winlay helped hold the young woman's hands still as Margaret poured the elixir down Prudence’s throat as she squirmed in the stocky nun's arms.

“That’s right! Give me the holy wine, then flap me while I am barely conscious!” Cried out Prudence as she tasted the liquid. Whatever was in the elixir, worked swiftly and soon the crazed sister slumped to the floor. The nun picked her up in her arms and carried her from the room like a baby leaving Margaret and Winlay alone.

"Are you all right dear?” Asked the grey haired sister. Winlay opened her mouth to assure the Sister that she was fine, but no words came out of her mouth. “I'm sorry you had to see that. Why don't you walk with me for a while.” Sister Margaret said taking Winlay firmly by her arm and leading her back out to the tranquility of the gardens.