The Key of Ban

Brad, Ingrid and Starhood spent their time at the Monastery in a routine of prayer, conversation and research in the library. The musty library preserved the wisdom of the ages and the history of ancient events. Starhood wandered in the library stacks with the joy of visiting old friends. He was determined to find the location of the Land of Westmore and the Key of Ban.

  Time passed in pleasant relaxation. Yet, the thoughts of Coaldon, Pacer and Earthkin were never far from the guests’ minds. At dinner on a quiet evening the Abbot announced, “Four travelers will be arriving at the Monastery later this evening. Please welcome them with your usual warmth and courtesy.”

  After dinner Ingrid, Brad and Starhood helped clean the kitchen and dining room. Everybody staying at the Monastery was required to assist in housekeeping chores. The bell for evening vespers was sounded at 7:45. Vespers, a time of ritual prayer, was drawn from the Books of Praise. Starhood and his friends entered the Cathedral from a side door. Their seats were located next to the rows of monks’ chairs and close to the sacred Table of Thanks. They arrived early to reflect on the mysteries of life. Many people from the Village of Toms crowded into pews to join the monks in prayer.

  In another part of the Monastery the four new arrivals were sitting around a large table. Coaldon, Pacer, Topple and Earthkin were tired after the long hike through the Wastelands. Their packs had been stored in the sleeping area and a fine meal of fish and roots was served.

  Topple talked to the monks about their funny looking green robes.

  He declared, “I strongly suggest you change the color of your robes. Green is such a dull color. You should try bright red or yellow. I will design something for you. The kids in the villages would be so excited to see you in colorful, new robes.”

  After dinner the four guests were led to the Cathedral for Vespers. As they entered the massive church, the pipe organ was playing soft background music.

  Coaldon stood in awe at the size of the church. The tall vaulted ceiling was painted with many scenes from the history of the Monastery. The walls were draped with large, colorful tapestries. Five stained glass windows graced each side of the massive walls. The images on the ceiling blended with the designs of the wall tapestries causing all eyes to ultimately focus on the Altar of Thanks.

  As Coaldon stood at the door of the Cathedral, the music erupted into a robust song of praise. Goose pimples grew all over his body as the monks walked single file into the church. The long procession ended as each monk stood in front of his assigned chair. The hoods of the monks’ green robes were pulled off their heads as they stood in quiet reverence. Abbot Hugh was the last to enter the Cathedral. He was a short man with a full body, round face and long brown hair. His gentle countenance was apparent through the language of his eyes. His green robe shimmered in the light of the candles. He stood in front of a chair located in the center of the chapel.

  Coaldon became mesmerized with the richness of the environment. The music added a feeling of reverence. As he looked around, he became aware of the three people shadowed in the front of the church. Coaldon’s eyes casually moved past them. Then their identity exploded in his mind. Without thinking he rushed down the center aisle of the Cathedral. Pacer, Topple and Earthkin watched him with smiles of delight. The music stopped at the disruption. Ingrid, Brad and Starhood turned to discover the cause of the disturbance.

  The monks and villagers watched as the seven guests held a reunion in the center of the Cathedral. Vespers was delayed until the excitement of the celebration was finished.

  After the reunion was completed, the organ burst forth in a hymn of triumph. The community joined in singing the praises of the One Presence. At the end of the liturgy, Abbot Hugh summoned the guests before the sacred Altar of Thanks. After the group knelt, he extended his hands over them. In his usual elegance, he offered a prayer of thanksgiving.

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  PART 2

  CRIES FROM NEVERLY