CHAPTER 18
What is religion to you, pilgrim?
For most, it is a sanctuary of peace and harmony
Which gives it followers a safe harbor
To weather the terrible storms of life.
For others it is a tool. A weapon. A source of
Ephemeral power, both in this world
And in the spiritual world, which promises
The task masker untold wealth and power.
-FROM THE BOOK OF ST. ALBANS-
She slept the entire night in my lap in a deep sleep of one who was completely exhausted. She moved not a muscle nor made one sound as her tiny face beamed up at me a mask of deep relaxation. I slept little during the night. For most of the night I sat holding her. Leaning up against the cave all and watching the fire in front of me slowly work its way down to glowing coals of dull redness. I felt terrible grieved at
