An All Hallows' Eve Journey (Complete)

2. Valley of the Penitents

We walked to the edge of the cemetery and into the woods. I cautiously lagged behind my guide until he urged me to speed up. Reluctantly, I obeyed. Night was falling fast, turning the trees into looming shadows.

As I pondered the insanity of being in the middle of a dark forest with a perfect stranger, I stepped into a stream, which my companion somehow managed to avoid. I had been in these woods a thousand times as a kid but never remembered coming across that body of water.

"Where exactly are we going?" I asked.

"The Valley of the Penitents," he replied.

I tilted my head. "I'm assuming that's near here, right?"

"In a manner of speaking," he said.

I was about to ask another question when we came to a tunnel of tall trees. Stunning statues of saints with golden halos lined the path. Overhead, light streamed through the canopy, bright as the early morning sun.

Soon, the forest gave way to a clearing, but the road continued. The path we were on converged with two others that emerged from different parts of the woods, forming a crossroads with a fourth path that led towards towering mountains in the distance.

Many people were heading to the verdant peaks in an orderly manner. No one pushed or tried to rush past anyone. So, despite my hurry, I felt compelled to do the same.

As we came closer to what I assumed was the valley, I saw a pointed, golden archway above two gates that stood between two mountains. One by one, each person stood a little way off from the entrance, waited for a few seconds, and then the gates swung open to let them go in before closing again.

Words were etched into the archway, but I couldn't read what they said. Oddly, the words appeared to be changing for each person who came up to the gates. Seemingly, sensing an oncoming question, my guide spoke.

"Come unto Me all you who labour, and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest," he said without turning his head. "Each soul that approaches is able to read the words in their own language, yet the message remains the same."

"Soul?" I looked around.

"Yes," he said.

"So, you mean all these people are—"

"The faithful departed," the monk said before I could finish. "And no," he added. "You are not yet one of them."

I grappled with his words as we continued along. There was still no sign of Anastacia, but if what the monk said was true, she must have gone into the valley. That thought comforted me somehow, but I struggled to figure out why.

We got close enough for me to admire the artwork on the golden gates. Four stunning, circular mosaics hung on the bars, two on either side. Each disk featured a haloed figure with four wings: an angel, a lion, an ox, and an eagle. I had seen them before, but I couldn't remember what they meant.

When there were only five people in front of us, the monk said that I could not go through the gates and pointed to a small path leading away from the one we were on.

"Why not?" I was a bit taken aback.

"Only the souls bound for final purification may enter that way," he replied calmly.

"I see." I glanced at the gates. That was obviously the fastest way in, and I didn't have time to waste.

"On the off chance that you were tempted to race through the gates, I would strongly advise against doing so."

"Hypothetically speaking, what would happen if I did?" I asked.

"In the simplest terms, the angels standing guard would stop you."

"Angels. Of course." I looked at the gates and saw nothing but people.

"I can assure you that they are indeed there," he said, "even though you can't see them. Come," he pointed to the little path with his quill. "We must go this way."

I looked at the gates again. Part of me wanted to make a break for it, but something told me that would be very unwise. So, I turned to the monk and followed where he led.

The path continued up the side of a mountain, which was wonderful. Nothing is more enjoyable than going on a hike you weren't prepared or dressed for. I inhaled and told myself it was for Anastacia. As I attempted to start the climb, the monk held up his hand, stopping me where I stood.

"Remove your shoes, please," he said.