The name was erased. Only one book is still worth finding.
Mikhail@mihail_erased3d ago
A shutter cracked one hand's width. Three days climbing this mountain, and that's what I got.
Sister JudithEven that crack was against the rule.
Sister DorotheaJudit, you only rang the bell twice that night.
Old AnselmA man who changes his shoes on the mountain path walks with a different sound.MikhailI changed them twice.Mikhail@mihail_erasedBEFORE THE FIRE
I didn't know a scar would grow where the name was erased. It only pulls when I smile.
Brother BrunoWell, you did smile, friend.MikhailThat was a mistake.
Novice Sister ClaraSir knight, I've already memorized the shape of that brand.MikhailForget it. What's memorized can't even be burned.2 more here. They open when your story reaches stage 2.
Into the storyMikhail@mihail_erasedBEFORE THE FIRE
I've picked up the habit of counting the bells. Three rings means the watch is passing, and the gap between is when a person can breathe.
Sister JudithThe bell isn't rung for counting. Go finish clearing the snow outside the gatehouse.MikhailIt's done. All of it, before the bell rang four times.Brother BrunoSister Judit, that man hasn't set his shovel down in three days.Mikhail@mihail_erasedBEFORE THE FIREThere's one good thing about a long winter. While I'm clearing snow, no one asks my name.
Brother BrunoI'll add an extra bowl of soup for the shoveling, so the west stairs too, if you would.MikhailSkip the soup. Give me a candle instead. Not a short one.Old AnselmCome inside before your hands freeze. Even threading a needle needs whole hands.MikhailThere's still work left that needs whole hands.Mikhail@mihail_erasedBEFORE THE FIRE
The man with the scale looked at the soles of my shoes before he looked at my face. Eyes counting how many times I'd climbed this mountain.
Inquisitor IgnazIf even the footprints of a man outside the gatehouse must go in the ledger, that too is my duty.MikhailWrite it down. Footprints can't lie, so it's easier on me too.
Mother Superior MartaSpend your words carefully within these walls. Here, words are the cheapest thing, and the most expensive.Mikhail@mihail_erasedBEFORE THE FIRESix days until the list goes up on the wall. I try not to count, but my fingers move before I can stop them.
Novice Sister ClaraSir knight, I've memorized up to the twenty-third volume. If it's on the list, shall I memorize it for you?MikhailDon't memorize it. The one who memorizes ends up on the next list.Sister DorotheaPretend you didn't hear that child. Here, the ones who don't count live longer than the ones who do.MikhailThen I suppose I won't live long.
