Later, but still before sunrise, Sisters Shereen, Helena, Irene, Naomi, and Rachel would walk from the main entrance to a smaller one farther west. This cave also possessed a seamless entrance that yawned silently as the Sisters slipped inside. Anna had noted that the five Sisters spent the majority of their time within that separate cave and were visited frequently by Mother Susana. At day’s end, they would all emerge looking tired but exuberant—their skin dewy, their cheeks glowing. Together they would journey back to the main caves, whispering among themselves. Anna longed to know what occupied these Sisters and what it was they pursued with such vigor.

As for Sisters Ruth and Tabitha, Anna noted that they rarely left the main caves during the day. When the two did venture outside, they either slipped into the smaller cave for a brief stay, or journeyed into the valley, carrying baskets, to collect bits of plants and, occasionally, insects.

Perhaps for eating or flavoring their meals?

As for Sister Joan, Anna could rarely track her comings and goings. Like Mother Susana, she seemed to travel along routes as unseen and irregular as the wind. But Anna knew that the towering Sister remained suspicious of her and was never far away. Sometimes, when she was leading her flock, she would swear she felt Joan’s gaze upon her.

Though Anna had memorized the pattern of the Sisters’ movements, she could not for the life of her imagine what sorts of activities might so intently preoccupy them. Nor how such activities related to the practice of the old ways. If that was indeed what they were doing.

Several years had passed since Anna had first approached Ruth seeking answers. Yet since that time, and much to Anna’s disappointment, the Sister had offered no further insights. No additional information to explain the mystery of the Sisters’ endeavors nor of Anna’s presence among them. For months after her first attempt, Anna had continued to try to pry answers loose from her friend, but when those efforts proved fruitless, she eventually relented. Not because she no longer desired to know, but because, remembering Ruth’s words about patience, she had become concerned that if she were to persist, the Sister might withhold the truth out of principle. Anna had also noted that the more she insisted, the less often her friend would visit. And given how much she relied on Ruth’s company, she decided against doing anything that might damage their friendship.

Across the canyon, the door to the main cave heaved open and a figure slipped out. Anna immediately recognized Tabitha’s halting gait. As usual, she was carrying her basket and following the path down into the valley.