i told you! i knew they did it around here! ask him.  the leader moves closer to hector and talks to him in a friendly, reasoning tone.
i tell you, it's one man, one stone. it'll help the voyage. the leader is unsure. he walks around the pile of stones, checking it out from all sides as if it was some infernal machine that he didn't know the workings of. he squats down and squints through it to the watery sun emerging from the clouds far out to sea. he looks across to hector, now sitting on the grass. the leader sits down beside him. they sit together like friends. the ageless intimacy of sacrificer and victim.
i don't know, yet.
it's meaningless, without him going over the cliff.
we want to praise god because we live in this ultimate age, when all things are done, all is known, all the wonders of his creation revealed to us.  nothing more for man to see or do.  all that is left is the hope of salvation.  even for our humbler sisters.  the girl is sobbing through all of this.
yes weep, child, weep for joy.  you are a glorious example to us all.  already a child of god's.  blessed to spend your earthly days within his church as christ's servant.  what generous parents you have.  giving you to the sisters.  what a sacrifice. * there is an irish lilt to his voice which colors what * he is saying with a tinge of mischief. he is a difficult fellow to pin down. hector looks at him amusedly, still * sharing his thoughts silently with the woman, beatrice. the nun interrupts the priest cheerfully.
fortunate child, destined for paradise. untouched by the abiding curse of carnal lust. i struggle against it.
i will not join myself carnally with any woman.  he looks accusingly at beatrice. *
 i will carry my unspilt seed from this world to the next.  as should every man.
 if all men forsook forever the fleshy temptations.  and held womankind to barrenness.  think how much the sooner would come the day of judgement.  all god's chosen gathered in paradise.  i've * written a small treatise in favor * of virginity, sister. we could * discuss it later if you like.  *
it's simple, brother.  if we cease carnal union entirely then in fifty or so years we'll all be rid of our earthly lives and god can proceed with his reign over his heavenly kingdom.  that same paradise that god gave to man before, but which man was so unfit to inhabit that within seven hours eve was already tempting her master and mate, and within nine hours the lord had to expel the both of them! just think, they * messed it up in nine hours! *
just bread and water for me, mistress. i have no need of wine or meat. she brings him a jug of water and he makes much of giving thanks to god for his simple meal, muttering his grace quietly to himself, excluding all others from his conver- sation with the almighty.
god, i'm starving. do you think i dare heat that up on the fire?
no.  i'll eat it cold.  i deserve to suffer.
have some wine.
so, the mad knights are at it again.  what were they, swiss or english?
it might help us get through.  if there's a bit of confusion.  we'll still travel separately though, for now. the priest changes his tone of voice, mocking his own holy act.
but, hector, you must keep out of the way of temptation.  i saw the way you were eyeing up that widow.  now stay away from that.  although she is beautiful, is she not.  but we're going home, remember. hector is smiling.
look at her eyes.  hungry eyes.  she could lead you into trouble.  she smells like paradise, though. he changes his tone yet again. he talks straight.
listen, hector, let's get this clear.  if anyone's going to dally with that widow it'll be me.  you couldn't handle her.  she'd bewitch you.  at any rate, you're not a sinning kind of fellow, are you.  why don't you get off up the road tomorrow, and i'll catch you up, in five or so days.
you're not a sinning fellow, remember.  another month and we'll be at the channel, then home.  the little ones you only talk about when you're drunk.  don't forget them.  hector still remains silent. the priest is worried.
why do i always talk so much.  you weren't even thinking of her 'til i opened my mouth.  but i trust you.  don't worry. i know you wouldn't do anything to anger your god, or me. get me some bread. hector obeys the priest without thought. the priest is * happier now that he is in control again.
who saved your neck in venice?
and don't you forget it.
may the lord forgive us our sins, those we have committed and those we as yet only dream of. she's a glory of a woman.
the fighting's behind us, brother .  you'll be safe enough. hector shakes his head, catching beatrice's eye.
you should go.
sleeping now.  at peace, for the moment.
goodbye, little girl.  the lord will bless you, i know, in his house. he talks to the nun as they move off.
how long for you on the road?
good luck to you.
the saxon, won't he go with you?
lie still, peter.
peter.
there's nothing wrong with helping someone to die in peace. they want me to go with them.
are you staying here?
she'll do you harm. i told you. she might be a witch. wait for me. i still have the money from venice. we can be home in a month.
so, you're leaving?
i'll comfort them whether they live or die, now or later, any of you, all of you.  i'll comfort you all.