Birgitta the Nun

Part 39 - A New Destination

Birgitta settled behind the reins of the cart and patiently waited for Charlie to find the missing wheel. The nun would be of no help. She would be lost in seconds if left unwatched in the forest. The wheel was found and Charlie did her best to mount it on the cart. She was no engineer, neither was Birgitta, and the wheel was fastened backwards.

"Hey," Birgitta called from behind the reins, "are you sure duct tape will do?"

"Why don't you come down here and give it a try," the wizard replied. "Let your soft hands touch the strength of this silver-band, and you'll be amazed."

"No—I believe you," Birgitta replied. Then, in a murmur, "I wouldn't say trust—but sure, I believe you. If you find it strong enough, I believe you mean so. Even though you're not qualified to tell—"

"What—what's that Birgitta?"

"Nothing—nothing at all. You take your time. I'm in no hurry—" Then, after a pause, "And remember to pack your knapsack, dear Charlie. You wouldn't want to be without your cookery, no—you'd be sorry. Make sure to bring your best." As it was, Birgitta had brought nothing, and she was more than willing to let the wizard treat her to some of her delicious provisions.

When done, the wizard threw her stuffed knapsack inside the cart. But before jumping in herself, she hesitated:

"Actually," she said, with one foot on the ground and the other on the cart, "I'll let the owl do some research before I start my investigation." She let go of the cart and reached for her knapsack. The owl didn't need to be told twice. She spread her wings and took off in some random direction.

"What's this now," Birgitta cried, confused. "Are you already giving up?"

The wizard scratched her head, but didn't offer a reply. She seemed reluctant to give any information away. Her gaze wandered, as if wishing to catch a glimpse of an oncoming decision. Then, turning to Birgitta and the cart, "A peasant just died—and I've got to attend a funeral."

"Seriously?" Birgitta was dumbfounded. "And you just realized this now? What—this morning? Or maybe only five minutes ago?" She squeezed the reins between her fingers till her knuckles whitened.

"Don't be an ass," the wizard replied. "You only arrived just yesterday, didn't you? What do you know about my personal affairs? Nothing. Have you even thought about asking?" But the wizard continued without waiting for an answer, "No, I wouldn't think so. As it was—in fact, I wasn't planning on going. I still don't want to go. But I think I might have to."

"And why is this peasant suddenly so important?" Birgitta said, not receiving the wizard's accusations at all.

"She's not important," the wizard faltered. "Well, of course she's important—"

"And you want us to split up?" Birgitta continued. "Sure, we can do that. But I'll stick to the cart and you can fly off on your staff."

"As a matter of fact," the wizard ignored the agitated nun and her perverted suggestions, "her cat died and the poor peasant expired from sorrow. Yes, that's how it happened—you tell me how a thing like that could happen?"

Birgitta fell silent. She sagged in her seat and the reins fell to her lap. She didn't have an answer to that. Of course she could see how a thing like that could happen - it was a cat after all, a queen of hearts. But she didn't want to think about such nasty business.

The wizard waited, observing the pondering nun.

"Poor bastard," Birgitta finally said. "Alright—I'll join you. Let's attend this funeral together. I feel for this peasant and her cherished cat."

"Fair enough," the wizard replied. "I guess your experience could come in handy. But don't get caught up in emotions - this isn't about you."

"Very well—I'll lie low. But at least, let's bring some flowers."

"Flowers it is," the wizard agreed. "And then we'll search for your cat."

"Good," Birgitta replied, and renewed her firm grip on the reins. Then, with conviction, "That is well enough—if that's how it's meant to be, then let it be so."