THE SWORD “Well, it’s just that . . .” Rosetta chose her words carefully. “I guess I thought Deu’s religion would bring me more happiness than it has. You know—his blessings. A better life. Good things.” “Hasn’t Deu brought you a peace you’ve never had before?” “Yes, I suppose you’re right. But sometimes I wonder if it’s worth the cost. My sister and brother-in-law are in exile. Their house is destroyed. My niece is treated like cow dung on a trail. What’s next? Will my house go up in flames too?” Ana sipped her cider without replying. She wasn’t sure how to answer such heartfelt, searching questions. Rosetta took a seat across the table. Tears welled in her eyes, and she sniffled as she wiped them away. Ana took her aunt’s hands in her own. “It’s hard,” Ana said. “What are we supposed to do, child? You seem to trust Deu so much! Tell me—what’s a doubter like me supposed to do?” She implored Ana with tearful eyes. Ana sighed. “I think we’re supposed to believe, Aunt Rosetta. Believe that Deu is good, even when circumstances seem to say otherwise. Remember, we can’t see everything he sees. He has purposes we may not understand. All we can do is keep walking ahead, saying to Deu in our hearts, ‘I believe you’re good. Please take care of me!’” Rosetta stared at Ana, nodding. “You have uncommon wisdom for such a young woman.” Ana didn’t feel wise—she felt vulnerable. Everything she counted on for security had been yanked away. Her parents. The house community. Even Teo. Especially Teo, she admitted to herself. “Do you mind if I find a quiet place to read?” she asked her aunt. “I’m hungry for Deu’s words.” “Run along, child. I’ll go to the market and see what I can find.” Ana collected a few things and put them in her rucksack along with the satchel of Shaphan’s scrolls. She closed the door behind her and set out for Teo’s theater, intending to read for a while, then hide the Sacred Writing there as he had instructed. The key was where Teo had said it would be, under a flat rock by the tree nearest to his cottage. She unlocked the door and entered, taking a 272
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