The Ciphers of Muirwood (Covenant of Muirwood #2)(84)

The Leerings guarding the abbey no longer repelled her. The eyes flared brilliant white as she advanced, greeting her with feelings of welcome, warmth, and determination. Maia tugged on the handle of the pewter door, and it swung smoothly open.

Her heart throbbed with excitement and joy. All her life she had desired to enter an abbey and make her oaths, inspired by her mother’s example. She did not fear the oaths. She had a vague understanding of the process—that she would receive a Gift of knowledge first and then be taken to the Rood Screen, where she would take the oaths and receive her chaen. That was where the Apse Veil waited for her.

As Maia entered, she sensed the power of the Leerings inside the abbey flare even brighter. Outside the abbey had been unnaturally bright, given it was after midnight and well before dawn. Inside the abbey, it might as well have been a midsummer day. Everywhere there were vases and pots full of living plants, flowers, and trees. She sensed the Leerings carved into them, each one unique and special, and she was aware of the combination of Leerings pervading the abbey. It was as if dozens of lutes, harps, flutes, and instruments were playing simultaneously—she understood them all at once, in unison, but could also hear the hymn they were playing.

Walking toward her down the hall, she saw the Aldermaston and his wife, Maia’s grandmother, Sabine, and . . . there was another woman there as well. Maia squinted and blinked, and the third woman vanished. She blinked a second time, and there she was again, gliding toward her, smiling so brightly it was like looking at the sun. Joy and recognition bloomed inside her heart. Maia had wanted to see her for years, had dreamed of meeting her at Muirwood, and had been crushed by the knowledge of her death.

Mother!

Maia’s heart leaped with intense gratitude, and she muffled a sob that nearly ruined her composure. Her mother was there at the abbey with them. She could see that others had gathered behind the group, including a man who was tall, somber, and bearded, appearing as old as the world itself. She could feel his thoughts brush against hers, heavy with purpose, and she realized he was a previous Aldermaston of Muirwood, Gideon Penman—the man her husband was named after. Maia covered her mouth, her eyes brimming. They had all come to welcome her, and she felt their combined hope and joy flood through her, driving away every feeling of unworthiness, self-loathing, and gloom. She was honored to be in their presence, yet she could tell that they also felt honored to be in hers.

The Aldermaston’s wife separated from her husband and approached her, taking her hands. Her eyes were wet with tears, but she seemed oblivious to the figures Maia could see so clearly. Perhaps the others could only feel their presence?

“Remove your shoes, Maia. This place is holy.”

Maia nodded and quickly pulled off her damp slippers. The humans and specters approached her, all smiling with gentleness and welcome. She had never felt such peace in all her life. The Leerings throughout the abbey thrummed with the power of the Medium. She could feel it penetrating into her bones.

“Do you have any Gifts?” her grandmother asked her, beginning the ritual.

Maia swallowed. “I have,” she answered and felt the Medium flood her mind. “I have the Gift of languages. And music. I have the Gift of ruling and deep faith. I hope I am wise.”

Sabine smiled at her. “You also have the Gift of Meekness, which is very rare and one you cannot utter yourself. You have others as well, Maia. If you pass the maston test, you will receive more. The Medium has a work for you to do. I think we can all feel that.”

Maia shuddered, feeling her knees tremble.

The Aldermaston spoke next. “Do you seek the rites of the mastons?” he asked her.

“Yes,” Maia answered, nodding firmly.

“Then first you will receive a Gift of knowledge. Come with us to the chamber below.”

Maia walked with them, giddy with excitement and completely at peace. She sensed every Leering they passed and recognized its purpose, whether it was to warm the air with fire or provide light. She did not summon their power. The Leerings seemed to whisper to her as she passed, divulging their secrets. They were all glowing, radiating a forceful feeling of goodness and power. The Aldermaston led her down a series of stone steps, into a chamber that was full of polished wooden benches and had a stone altar at the head.

Sabine sat next to her on one of the benches and held her hands. The Aldermaston’s wife sat on the other side of her as the Aldermaston began to explain the history of the abbeys and humanity’s exile from Idumea. Maia had been raised by mastons, so she knew much of what they told her. She knew that Idumea was not a person but a world. She understood most of the principles the Aldermaston taught her about the second life, and how, in order to tame the Medium, she needed to first let herself be tamed by it. That was a concept that most struggled with, and she could see why. She knew people assumed that surrendering their will to something else was a lessening of themselves, but in Muirwood she had realized it was quite the opposite. The more she gave, the stronger she became. While wearing the kystrel, she had constantly been haunted by fears and self-doubt. A secret shame had clung to her, a sense of concealment and evasiveness. She felt only pride when she thought of wearing a chaen. Being in Muirwood, she had finally, for the first time in her life, felt free to breathe and be herself. Here, she felt accepted for who she was. Her worth was intrinsic, and she learned it had to do with her potential to become one of the Essaios, the race of immortal beings who lived in Idumea. Even a lavender like Celia would have the same opportunity as she, a princess of the realm. For in Idumea, there were no ranks or stations.