Chapter 25: Faith and Intrigue, Part 2

So good 💗💗

Love the illustrations, good job

Wonderful! I love the addition of Father Anselm to the story.

“Francis! That's a very unusual name for the Holy Father to take!” Father Anselm exclaimed.

“It is indeed! He was named for...” she chose her words carefully as Father Anselm had never heard of the great Saint Francis of Assisi, for whom the Holy Father had taken his name and for whom he wished to emulate. “…for a great and holy reformer of the Church. He lived a few hundred years after your ancestors were brought here through the Stargate.”

“Forgive me, Reverend Father. You look exactly like a priest I know back on Earth.” The priest in question was Father George Crooker, a Carmelite Friar who had been stationed in Leavenworth, Kansas while Sister Helena was in prison and was known as Victoria. The two had first met on Christmas Day when Father George had come to the military prison at Leavenworth as a substitute for the prison's chaplain. He gave a beautiful Christmas message that moved to Victoria. Father Abraham continued to minister to Victoria for the remainder of her stay in prison, helped guide her into the Catholic Church, helped Victoria find gainful employment once she was released, and nurtured Victoria's vocation as a Carmelite nun. “Is a pleasure to meet you, Reverand Father. I bring glad tidings on the faithful of Earth and of His Holiness, Pope Francis.”

Simon, with a little hesitation, made the introductions. “Reverend Father, may I present Lieutenant Colonel Marcus Larkin and Sister Helena the Cross of SG-24. Colonel, Sister, may I present Father Anselm de Faverches, the spiritual leader of Eversham.” Father Anselm was a kindly middle-aged man with gray hair and blue eyes. He wore a black cassock. “A pleasure to meet you Lieutenant Colonel Larkin, said Father Anselm warmly.

“Likewise, Reverand Father, replied Colonel Larkin. “You can refer to me as Colonel Larkin.” Father Anslem nodded and turned to Sister Helena.

“Sister Helena, I am most honored by your presence. But you seemed joyful for a moment but then that joy left you. Are you all right?”

Simon and Godric were waiting in the center of the village when Colonel Larkin and Sister Helena returned.

“You've returned,” said Simon, relief evident in his voice. “Come with me. Father Anselm is waiting for you.” They made their way to the wardrobe in the Lord Mayor's Office. Father Anselm stood as soon as Simon and Godric entered the room. When Sister Helena entered, she saw Father Anselm; immediately, her face was flushed with joy but that joy quickly subsided as she recognized her error.

“Is there a problem, Sister Helena?” Simon asked, his tone gentle yet cautious.

“No, Simon. I'm alright,” Sister Helena replied, trying to compose herself.