This is in response to Sue Vincent’s photo prompt for this week: https://scvincent.com/2016/11/10/thursday-photo-prompt-secrets-writephoto/
Sister Alys had been kneeling on the stone floor of the church for hours, at one point prostrating herself on the floor. She prayed for salvation, knowing nothing would save her in this world.
She had joined the convent when it became apparent that no man would have her as wife, and her family could no longer provide food for all the mouths around the table. Surprisingly, she had come to love her life as a nun. Her job was to work in the fields, something she had done since she was toddler, following behind her mother, father or one of her older siblings.
Even as a nun, the changing seasons, the wildlife, and the sun or rain on her face gave her the same sense of contentment she’d had as a child. Rising to pray at matins and prime was a welcome routine, and her fellow nuns were her family.
The sun was shining brightly through the windows when she finally stood. Then she heard the clanking of armor, the thudding of hooves, and the imperious voice. “All of you, come out.”
Sister Alys straightened her shoulders and walked to the door and her fate.
A life in a few words… and a real sense of suspense too.
You have to wonder why…
Thank you so much for joining in this week, Noelle!
You’re most welcome,Sue. The picture spoke to me.
I’m glad it did 🙂
Is it scary ? Who came to the doors of the Nuns ?
Armor, horses’ hooves….
Oh K
This is wonderfully written, but dear Noelle – nuns are my biggest phobia! I hope those horsemen know what they are letting themselves in for…
I was schooled early on by the Sisters of Divine Providence. Hard taskmasters – but they taught me a lot Why are they your biggest phobia?
I am not sure, it is an irrational fear that I have had for as long as I can remember. My mum doesn’t know know where it came from, only that I have always been terrified of nuns. Isn’t it odd? Even reading about them made me feel a bit woozy!
Maybe you need a Secretary for Religious Nonsense – Sister Immaculata Beneficia.
Oh my no! Absolutely no nuns in the Cabinet! 😀
The Inquisition? Well done!
I was actually thinking more of Henry VIII’s destruction of religious houses when he created the Church of England. Treatment of the nuns and priests was rather brutal.
That was intense, Noelle. I can’t help but think of all those who experienced this. You swept me into that moment in Alys’s life.
Thanks, Diana. I’ve been reading recently about the barbarism that occurred when Henry VIII took over the churches in England. Somehow this photo spoke to me of that.
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I knew it would end in tears. Beautifully done, Noelle.
Thanks so much, Jo. I didn’t want to think about theending! I’m feeling history, I guess….
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Thanks for the pingbacks – I like exposure – of the good kind,of course. 🙂
I don’t know that much about the this part of history. Will check that out. Well done on the short, though. Very nice!
Thanks, Sarah. I don’t write something to every one of Sue’s posts, but to the ones that inspire me. I probably should see what I can do with ones that don’t?
Now you’ve got me curious, what did they do with the Nuns, monks and priests they rounded up. I must find time to read more.
What happened to them wasn’t good, Charlotte. King Henry’s soldiers, given orders by Cromwell, did what soldiers in those days did – rape, pillage and murder. Destruction of archeologically important abbeys, monasteries, and churches. Such a waste.
Great post
Amazing
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