For amoment, jealousy bit at himbecause the girl would get to see what he never would.He focusedback on Mercy.Though she spoke of his duty, her words always had away of making him feel like she’d caressed him.He nodded and tookhis place at the girl’s side.Taking her hand in his, he closed hiseyes and murmured ancient words.He brushed his fingers over hergolden hair, trying to soothe her as she struggled with herfear.
They all had it themoment when they knew they were dying and the fear came over themlike gangbusters.He blanketed her in those words until her raggedbreathing began to even.
Thoughthe humansin the roomcouldn’t see him, the girl could.Her hand tightened in his,flexing.“I’m scared.”
“Don’t be, littleone.Once I’ve taken your sins, all will be forgiven and thebeautiful angel behind me … will guide you home.”
“But I don’t want to leave.”
“You have to.There isno room for you here.”
“Please, I haven’thad my own children, I never married.”
“I understand morethan you know.This life isn’t for you, and perhaps theMaker has another life for you to experience.”
“I canhave another life?”The girl’s eyes shone with hope.
“Yes,another life possibly.If it’s the Maker’s will … another time toget it right.”
“But will Iremember this life?”She kept searching for assurance fromhim.
Hewouldn’t give her false hope.There was a good chance she could try again, but there wasalso the possibility that this was it for her.“Perhaps, but that,my dear, is up to God.While a chance at another life is a miracle,the Maker may grant it.”
She swallowedhard.
Awomanin the room placed acrust of bread on the girl’s chest.Then another person handed amug of what would be ale.
Yes,the usualpractice.Humans were always melding the old and the new together,making their own religion.An old spiritualist shuffled in, and thefamily moved away from the bed to give him room.This wastheirsin-eater.
Cajshook his head, as little didthey know the old man had no such power with the true sin-eater washere and present.
The old man in theblack robes grabbed the ale and chugged it down then ate thebread.
Onceagain, the roomfilled with mournful wails, edged on by Dirge.
“Is it time?”thelittle girl asked.
“Yes, it’s time.”Caj nodded.“Close your eyes and relax your mind.You’re beingcalled home.”
“Home… yes, Iwant to go home.Thank you.”By this time, the little girl’sbreathing was shallow almost stilted, but she still thankedhim.
Thistugged at Caj’sheart.Now he felt the girl’s hand flex in his once more.Closinghis eyes as well, every sin she’d ever committed poured slowly fromher body and into his.Tensing, he braced himself, not having toopen his eyes to know a blackish smoke left the girl’s mouth andmade its way to him.Caj opened his mouth and breathed in deeply,so every sin she committed became his.
“Are you anangel?”the girl asked him.
Cajgazedinto her eyes andsmiled.
The girlnow seemed to be at ease.Thepain she’d once been feeling was gone.She was ready.
He shookhis head.“No, butdo you seethe beautiful angel at my side?
The little girl nodded her head to his question.
“Hername is Mercy, and she’s an angel.She will take you where you needto go.Are you ready?”
“My name is Mina… and yes.I’m ready for the next adventure.Thank you.Idon’t hurt anymore.What is your name?”
“My nameis Caj.Harmony and love be with you, little Mina.”He gave her asoft smile.
