Ruth shook her head. “Only Sister Joan is permitted to come and go from The Narrows. Once a Sister has left the caves,” Ruth continued, “she is never to return, nor reveal anything of our hidden location. Doing so would endanger all our lives.” She paused before adding, “That was why there was so much fear when Sister Samara returned unexpectedly. How could we know that her murderers had not followed her? This was also why, initially, we were so terrified of you.”

“Because you thought I had been among those who murdered Sister Samara?” Anna asked, beginning to understand.

Ruth nodded. “Sister Joan’s sole duty is to protect the caves, their occupants, and their secrets from intruders. She discovered you crossing The Narrows—without an escort—shortly after Sister Samara’s return, which was why she dealt so harshly with you.” She chuckled. “Most believe Joan has a sixth sense and can smell danger on the wind!”

“But I never even saw her!” Anna exclaimed. “I only remember a rock dropping from the sky, then I fell off the—”

Ruth grinned. “Her methods are clever, and many,” she said.

A lull fell into the conversation as Anna thought about what she had learned. After a few moments, she asked, “Do you think The Way will ever flourish again?”

Ruth laced her fingers together in her lap. “The Way has continued to survive through consciousness and spirit, and it thrives wherever these do,” she said. “Like all living things, The Way has its seasons and its cycles. You have come upon it in a quiet, contemplative season. As with a plant in winter, it is a time for inwardness, anticipation, and enriching the roots upon which the plant will rely for future growth. It is a time when all of us, especially the Guardians, must remain vigilant. Because as time cycles, a new season will come and it will again call The Way into blossom.”

“Wait,” Anna said, eager to understand everything. “Who are the Guardians?”

Ruth smiled. “The Guardians are those who protect the Sisters in the outside world—much as Sister Joan protects us here.”

“Were Solomon and Judas Guardians?”

Ruth nodded. “Yes.”

“I knew it!” Anna said, brightening. She leaned forward. “But why must they be particularly vigilant during this time? What are they watching for?”

Ruth laughed. “Never an end to your questions, is there?” Taking a moment to gather herself, she considered telling Anna about the cyclical arising of The Way’s most powerful figure, and the attending resurgence, but decided against it. It was not that she did not trust Anna—she emphatically did—but the sacred being was not usually spoken of until she became apparent.

Having conversed with great intensity for quite some time, Ruth felt the need to rest. She glanced down at the last fig. “I believe I have said all I wish to today,” she said.