Chapter 10: To Be a Pilgrim
The gentle chimes waking the community summoned Kia from her dreams, and she reluctantly left a smiling Rial’s arms. She levered herself up off the bed with a grunt and stepped into the box-like shower. Her status of special guest enabled her to have her own room, although most of the women slept in common dormitories as space in the cave system was at a premium and there were few single cells.
Heat, via thermal vents, and water weren’t a problem, but time was—Mother Superior wouldn't chastise anyone, but then she didn’t have to; one look would leave you quashed and mortified. Therefore, despite her expanding belly, Kia was in and out of the shower, tying her lengthening hair into a braid with practiced speed. She’d tried to keep track of the days, weeks and m
