Chương 11: Chapter 10: The Communion of the Dead

The classroom door swung open, and a ghoul robed in white stepped inside. He carried two large books in his hands, bowing to Orlando before placing them on the table. Orlando said something unheard, and the ghoul nodded and left the room in due haste.

"That would be enough for today," Father Orlando said. The children let out a collective sigh of relief. Most rubbed their eyes in pain, some blinked rapidly, while others stared blankly at the wall. After a while, they grabbed their things and began pouring out of the room.

"Are you two alright?" Evelyn furrowed her brows at Jack and Marley in concern.

"My eyes hurt a little. Just the usual," Jack said. Marley shook his head and placed his hand over his belly, his face twisting in discomfort.

"What's wrong with you?" Jack's eyes widened.

"I'm… I'm starving," Marley murmured.

"You had me worried, you fat pig. We still have Mass, come on," Jack said. Evelyn stood up and stretched out both her arms.

"Let's go, Alice."

"Ri… right." Alice sprang to her feet and followed Evelyn.

"I need to get something from Father Orlando," she muttered, and quickly made her way to the priest's table.

"These are the books." Father Orlando tapped the side of the first green book.

"Read them during your free time." Alice looked over the plain green-covered book, A Matter of the Soul by Harrun Aylen. It was nearly as thick as four fingers held side by side. The second was similarly sized and drab brown, but its title was written in bold silver lettering. Components of the Chain by Daemon Arthur.

"They are a little old, so some terms might be different. But I'm sure you can figure it out," Orlando said.

"Thank you." Alice stacked the two books together—"Do you need help with that?" Orlando frowned. Alice easily lifted them up, settling them against her flat chest.

"I can carry them."

"Apologies, it's just that you remind me of my twelve-year-old niece. I forget your strength." A soft laugh escaped Father Orlando's lips. Tw… Twelve-year-old niece?! I'm not that small. Alice resisted the urge to pout.

"It's alright, Father." She quickly hobbled over to the chamber door, where Evelyn and the rest were waiting.

"He gave you those books too?" Evelyn raised her brows in curiosity.

"Yeah, they are quite big." Alice nodded.

"I think I have to put these in my room."

"Looks like it. Do you want me to come with you?" Evelyn said.

"No, it'll be…" Alice frowned and thought for a moment. This place is like a maze. I might get lost.

"On second thought, yes, I would like that." Evelyn's lips curled into a wide smile.

"You can head off first." She glanced at Jack and Marley.

"You're not skipping Mass again, are you?" Marley frowned.

"No, of course not. I just don't want little Alice getting lost," Evelyn said. Jack cast a doubtful stare.

"Right." Evelyn rolled her eyes.

"I'm telling the truth." Jack sighed and turned around.

"Come on, Marley, better not be late." The two of them hurried down the corridor, catching up with the other students.

"We should get going," Evelyn said, and led Alice down the opposite direction. They walked through countless twists and turns, and the ornate wooden and brick walls seemed nearly identical with every passing hall. It was like a maze; it was hard to think these children could roam about freely without getting lost. Eventually, they reached the acolytes' quarters. Evelyn pushed the last chamber door open and looked back at Alice.

Alice stepped in and plopped the two massive books on the table, right beside her small collection of novels and stories.

"You've got a lot of books here. You've read all of them?" Evelyn raised her brows.

"Yeah… I don't do much else," Alice replied.

"Are you a noble?" Evelyn said. Alice blinked, taken aback by the question.

"No? What made you say that?"

"Books are expensive. I've only ever seen rich people read them. I think they're long and boring, to be honest," Evelyn said. Rich people? Don't they sell books in the market?

"Where are you from anyway, Evelyn?"

"I'm from West Wall. Ever been there?"

"No, I don't go out much." Alice shook her head.

"And what about—" Evelyn glanced at the brass clock.

"Right, we should go back. We might be late."

"It's the afternoon Mass, right?" Alice tilted her head.

"Yes. They said Father Arno is leading the Mass today." Evelyn stepped back into the corridor, gesturing for Alice to follow her. Alice went out and closed the door behind her. She followed Evelyn through the maze-like halls of the eastern wing, eventually ascending a stone stairwell. She emerged atop a stone gallery, overlooking the entirety of the nave. The children sat on benches carved into the very stone, eagerly watching the sight below.

Alice looked down and saw a massive crowd in the hundreds, if not a thousand, in number. More trickled in from the gates like a trail of ants, filling the empty pews. There are so many of them. You mean to tell me this happens every week?

"There they are." Evelyn rushed on ahead. Alice squinted. Jack stood up from the far-left bench and waved, towering over everyone else with ease. He's like a tree… a dead, shriveled-up tree. Alice hurried after Evelyn. Marley sat beside Jack, leaving enough space for two people on the edge of the bench.

"What a surprise," Marley said.

"I told you I was just helping Alice." Evelyn grumbled as she swooped over to her seat. Alice sat down beside her and tapped the ends of her knees. There are even more people here… that's to be expected, it's the afternoon Mass. Now that I think about it, isn't this my first Mass? The first Mass that I remember, at least. She looked about, spotting a choir dressed in all white standing on a gallery by the right wall. From here, it was hard to tell if all of them were human.

As the children and crowds settled in, a high-pitched voice of a woman sang from the choir, reaching a tone so high it nearly seemed inhuman. A collective melody followed suit, with calming lows and awakening highs blended together, perfectly melding with the louder and more brilliant singing of the girl. They sang in ancient words and tongue, their voices loud and booming and yet calming to the soul at the same time. Alice leaned against the cushioned pews and felt a comforting warmth rise inside her chest.

Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions. Wow. This is… this is beautiful. Evelyn, Jack, and even Marley listened to the choir with bright smiles strung across their faces. I feel something in my soul… I knew Mother told me not to use my eyes here… but… one glance won't do any harm, right? Alice shut her eyes and funneled spirituality into the back of her corneas. When she opened her eyes, the nave turned black and white.

Waves of colorful light fluttered across the air, swooshing with every rise and fall of tone as though they were dancing to the song. The light billowed and flowed straight into her chest, giving off that warm, comforting feeling. It wasn't just her; the masses absorbed the light as the song went on and on. Mother… what is this? This warmth… I feel like I want to stay here forever. And at last, when the last song was sung and the choir fell silent, the billowing light faded from sight.

Alice closed her eyes and released her leftover spirituality into the air. Opening them, she saw Father Arno walk up the chancel, his long black robe dragging along the floor. He stood behind the lectern, and he raised both his hands and said aloud, "Good morning, my children. It gladdens me to see so many of you today. For today is an auspicious day indeed. Every day is an auspicious day, given to us by our God, Anastasia."

His voice was soft, and yet it reached every inch and corner of the nave, bouncing off wall to wall.

"All of us know the Story of St. Helen, Gracious St. Helen. Two hundred years ago, she sacrificed herself to defeat the devils invading our land. But that is not what I am to speak of today. I shall speak of her reasons, her actions before. Some might say that she sacrificed herself out of her love for the prince, others for the love of her homeland. It is not entirely untrue, but her greatest love was neither the prince nor her nation. Nay. It was for the Lady. Her dedication was unmatched.

She gave up her life for death. It mattered little if the prince was truly there or not, or if she was truly born on this land or the lands of Tarsorum. What mattered was her faith. And faith guided her to eternal salvation and consecration. As we live and breathe in this world, we must follow her as an example. For even if Hell were to break open, your faith in the Lady will always lead to salvation. She will embrace you into paradise, so long as you hold her above everything else.

For what is mortal suffering compared to eternal bliss and salvation? Love your brethren. Help those in need. Help yourself and loved ones. But do not do it because of your own desires or the desires of others. Do it because it is the will of God. It is the will of God that we live in peace and harmony, that we love our neighbors as they do to us. Some may take advantage of you. Spite you. Hurt you for it. But in the end, only those that follow her word will arrive in paradise.

Faith will unlock the gates of Heaven. All of ye rise and profess our love for the Lord." The masses sprang to their feet, and Alice quickly followed. They placed their hands upon their chests, and so did she, but when they closed their eyes she kept hers open. And so, they prayed, hundreds of voices converging into one stream of gratitude. Afterward, the masses left their seats and formed several lines down the aisles. Communion… Well, I don't think we can just go down there.

An acolyte emerged from the stairwell, holding a black bottle in one hand and a golden goblet in the other. Oh, we get one too?

"This is my favorite part," Marley said.

"Of course it is." Jack shook his head and sighed. The acolyte filled the goblet with this strange red liquid and approached the children one by one. They drank, and the acolyte moved to the next, refilling the goblet again and again. The bottle seemed unending. Then Marley came next, then Jack. When it was Evelyn's turn, she quickly gulped it down, her face flushing slightly red. Alice gulped as the acolyte offered the half-filled goblet to her. Alice held the cup to her lips and drank the bright red liquid.

It was incredibly sour and had a tangy copper taste. Is this wine? After a mouthful, she gave the goblet back and lowered her head. Evelyn was hunched over slightly, her cheeks red and her eyes slightly glazed.

"Are you alright?" Alice raised her brows. Evelyn slowly nodded.

"Yes…" Eventually, the masses returned to the pews and the acolytes hurried behind the altar. Father Arno let out one last prayer about life and the eternity of death, and bade farewell to the crowds with a low bow. As the afternoon Mass finished, the children also sprang up and went back to the eastern wing.

"Finally, I'm starving," Jack said.

"Didn't you eat breakfast?" Evelyn said.

"I didn't. I heard it was easier to control the soul when hungry," Jack said. Marley scoffed.

"That can't possibly be correct." Alice followed them through the corridors until they emerged into a large dining hall fitted with long wooden tables and seats. The children grabbed small iron trays from a stand and approached the kitchen counter manned by ghouls one by one. Alice followed suit with her new friends, and as she held out her tray, the ghoul gave her a small bowl of vegetable soup and two pieces of white bread. Same as everyone else.

Then they took their seats at one of the corner tables and began their lunch with a short prayer. When all was said and done, the only thing left to do was to eat. And eat they did.

"Baruch? How in the world did you control your soul so quickly?" Marley said. Evelyn rolled her eyes.

"I told you not to call me that." Marley scoffed.

"It is impolite to call a lady by her first name."

"It's easy," Evelyn clasped her hands together.

"Like, once you imagine your soul, just make it go up into your eyes like Fuwah! Then just keep doing that, and then if you want to stop, just let it out, make it swoosh or something." Marley sighed.

"I shouldn't have asked."

"What about you, Alice? How did you do it?" Jack raised his brows.

"I just imagine a container in my soul," Alice said, taking a light sip of her soup.

"I get that. What I don't get is how to move it," Jack said.

"I just… well, my father had me memorize the nerves of the body. I just think of my spirituality going through those nerves, and it works." Alice tilted her head.

"Nerves? What? What are you talking about?" Jack furrowed his brows.

"Nerves. Like the nervous system. Didn't Father Orlando teach that? Surely it isn't that hard. I did it in a day." Jack sighed and rubbed his eyes.

"I have no idea what you're talking about." Marley wolfed down a piece of bread.

"If it wasn't hard, everyone else would have already mastered it."

"Maybe focus less on eating and you might actually make some progress," Evelyn said.

"How can I practice on an empty stomach? I would rather die." Marley drank down the rest of his soup, the liquid vanishing into his mouth in one go. Afterward, he carefully wiped his lips with a handkerchief and neatly set his utensils inside the bowl. The rest ate until their soups ran dry and their stomachs were sated with bread. Alice bit her lower lip. Her stomach was still aching for more. When she looked at the counter, the ghoul was already going back to the kitchen with the large pot of soup in hand.

"What happens after this?" Alice said.

"Nothing much. There's a shorter Mass at seven, but we don't need to attend it. We're free to do what we want," Evelyn said. Alice let out a soft yawn.

"I think I'll take a nap for a while. I'll go back to my room."

"Mhm." Evelyn murmured, a slight disappointment in her eyes.

"Do you want me to come with you?"

"Yeah… the cathedral is like a maze. I might get lost," Alice said.

"You know, one of the acolytes warned us that we shouldn't wander the halls alone," Jack said.

"Really? Which one?" Alice said.

"I don't know, they all look the same." Jack shrugged. Alice nodded and rose to her feet.

"I'll see you two later, I guess." Evelyn and Alice left the dining hall and returned to the eastern wing, going back up the long stairwell. There, Evelyn led Alice through the numerous twists and turns.

"Do you have this place memorized?"

"Ma… maybe." Evelyn looked away. Alice furrowed her brows.

"What?"

"You'll figure it out eventually." Evelyn let out a soft giggle. Alice pouted.

"Suit yourself." After a while, they arrived back at the quarters area. Evelyn opened Alice's chamber door and let Alice go inside first.

"Thanks," Alice said.

"No problem. If you need any help, you can always come to me." Evelyn replied with a bright smile. Alice widened her eyes for a second, before lowering her head and murmuring, "O… okay. See you later," she said, before gently shutting the door. Oh Goddess… I feel bad. I wanted to be alone for a bit. I'm not sleepy. But I can't really tell her that now, can I? Whatever… it doesn't look like she knows. Now that I'm here, I might actually just lie down.

Alice approached her bed, spotting the journal nestled on her sheets. I guess now's a better time than any other. Alice grabbed the journal and sat down by her desk. She grabbed the pen and flipped through her previous entries, eventually landing on an empty page. With a slight exhale, she began writing. Black ink flowed onto the paper, transforming into cursive. It's my first day in the cathedral. They taught the other children how to use their souls.

The priest, Father Orlando, was surprised I could already do it. It seems like I'm quite good at it. The others, not so much. Well, except for one other. After that, we had our Mass, and I drank from the goblet. It tasted weird. I think it was wine. Then, we had lunch in the dining hall. The food was… rather bland, and the servings were small. I wanted to eat more, but they quickly ran out of soup and bread. I met three other kids today. They're… kind, I suppose. There's Marley.

He's a large fat boy who reminds me of a pig. But he talks very politely and is surprisingly clean and neat. Then, there's Jack. He's very tall, almost as tall as Father, and he is nearly as pale as me too. I thought he was a ghost when I first met him. Lastly… there's Evelyn. Evelyn Baruch. She's a very pretty girl, with red hair and amber eyes. Her hair smells very nice, and her hands are soft and warm. Apart from me, she's the only one who can control her soul here. She's kind to me… and I wonder…

is she also like that to other people? She's very strange. She's very lazy, too, and she can't teach at all. She seems smart but also an idiot somehow. I don't know how to describe her. But she is pretty. She told me she lived in West Wall with her family. I want to know more about her, and more about the others, I guess. It's only in the afternoon, and a lot has already happened. Maybe… maybe this place isn't so bad after all.