Ruth laughed and reappeared instantly, seeming to have poured herself out of the rock. “Look here,” she said. “The stone is cracked but the seam overlaps itself. Creating a hidden passage through its center. You cannot see it unless you know where to look.”

Amazed that in all her explorations she had never noticed this feature, Anna stepped forward and found where Ruth had slipped inside. As she followed behind, the walls of stone retreated and rose, creating a spacious cavern. As they moved deeper inside, Anna sensed heat issuing from the rocks.

They soon entered a dim vestibule, its walls shivering with torchlight. Anna paused, letting her eyes adjust. To her right she noticed an animal hide hanging before an opening. Behind it she heard the whispers and occasional giggles of other women.

Eager to begin, Ruth pushed through the animal skin. When she did so, Anna caught sight of the other Sisters. They were undressing. Some were already naked.

Anna felt her entire body freeze.

When Ruth realized that her friend had not followed her into the changing area, she returned and took her by the hand. Laughing, she led the reluctant shepherd inside. “Come now, I have never known you to be shy!” she said.

Ruth led her across the threshold. Embarrassed by the show of flesh, Anna dropped her eyes.

Sister Rachel stepped forward and held out a cloth. It was wet and warm. “Welcome, Anna. This is for your hands and face,” she said. “It will help you acclimate to the temperature.” When she saw Anna’s look of shock, she said, “Let me help you.” With that she began tugging at the cord on Anna’s tunic.

Anna stepped back, but before she could protest, a loud hiss echoed from farther inside the chamber. Soon thereafter, a minty-scented steam began to billow underneath a second animal hide, rolling across their ankles like hot fog.

When the hissing sound diminished, a bell sounded, and the women stepped through the second doorway. Ruth and Rachel escorted the reluctant shepherd through.

Inside, Anna found the rest of the Sisters seated in a ring around a mound of glowing coals. It was difficult to distinguish faces through the thickening steam.

“Sit here, Anna,” someone said. It was Tabitha. Without looking up, Anna turned and sat beside her. Tabitha took Anna’s hand in hers.

The other Sisters smiled over at them.

After a time, the women’s whispers fell into silence. The steam rose steadily to curl along the rounded ceiling.