The priests were riding along the track between the two villages, the old one riding ahead, as befitted his status. He set a very slow pace, allowing the mule to pick his own way through the ruts and stones. He was trying to go gently because of the pain in his leg. The pain in his leg was huge. It was like a red, glowing fire, pulsing with heat, and every time his leg knocked against the side of the mule it flared up to a white-hot intensity that made him bite back a scream.
He could not understand why the Lord should choose to inflict such suffering upon him - an old man who had given his entire life to the church.
He had tried everything. He had prayed to every saint in the church, and especially Our Lady of the Remedies, but nothing had worked. At last, in desperation, he had submitt
