Neophyte

Trial

The Bishops and Padre Fermin sat silently in the meeting room in their respective seats as they finished mass and breakfast. The other Padres sat silently on the other side of the meeting room. Many noticed a couple of Soldados de Cuera standing in different parts of the room, weapons in hand. 

The Padres were still shocked regarding the news about their fellow brother, Padre Federico. Some had suspicions due to his behavior, while others were in denial. 

The trial was going to occur, and everyone would eventually listen to the truth. 

Bishop Victoriano stood from his seat and said, "My brothers. I am certain you are all concerned about why a trial is to be held. Unfortunately, one of our brothers was caught in deplorable sins." The Padres murmured to one another; the Bishop raised his hand, commanding silence. "What sin has this brother committed? You all shall find out." He looked at Manuel, who stood by the door. "¿Están los testigos aquí? (Are the witnesses here?)" 

Manuel looked outside and saw Esteban and Metztli arriving. "Acaban de llegar. Les informaré que pueden entrar (They just arrived. I shall inform them that they can enter)." He walked outside as the duo got closer. 

The two stopped when they saw Manuel; Esteban walked forward. "¿Han llegado todos (Has everyone arrived)?"

"Los Padres y los Obispos están presentes y los están esperando a ambos (The Padres and Bishops are in attendance and are waiting for you both)."

"¿Está aquí Mariana o Guillermo (Are Mariana or Guillermo here)?"

"Estoy aquí, mi niña (I am here, my child)." 

Mariana was seen walking toward the trio. Relief set in as Metztli ran to her elder and hugged her. "Mariana, thank you so much for being here." Having Esteban by her side brought reassurance, but having Mariana's support made her feel safe and reassured. 

"Of course, I would be here. I would not leave you alone in times such as these."

The women separated from the hug. "Would they let you enter?"

"I care not if they are pleased. I will enter whether they wish it or not. I am now your Nonantzin."

Nonantzin, meaning mother in the tongue of their people. Mariana was her nonatzin of the past. "Tlazocamati, Nonantzin."

Esteban smiled as he walked forward. "Forgive me, but we cannot keep the Bishops and Padres waiting."

Mariana nodded. "Yes, you two enter, and I shall be there."

Esteban and Metztli walked together as Manuel led them into the meeting room; Mariana followed. Walking inside felt heavy; Metztli felt uneasy. Esteban never left her side as he motioned her to walk to the center of the meeting room, where the Bishops and Padre Fermin watched them. Bishop Victoriano felt Metztli's discomfort and noticed Mariana at the corner of his eye; she walked inside the meeting room and stood by some Soldados. He wanted to tell her to leave, but she looked at him.

It was a warning glare, as if Mariana were telling him she would not leave. 

Bishop Victoriano let out a slight smirk. "Stubborn as always." Guillermo arrived but stood outside the meeting room. The Bishop couldn't believe that his son had arrived. He was happy and relieved that his son was safe, but looking at his emotionless eyes made him shiver. The happy and energetic Guillermo, whom he raised as a Padre and Bishop, was no longer there. His heart momentarily skipped a beat. "I did this to him." The Bishop wondered whether Metztli had spoken with him and whether he had been moved to support. Either way, his son safe.