Beneath the tree, and throughout the gardens, she could see the Sisters already at work. Some were tending plants. While others sat in contemplation. Not wanting to disturb them, she quietly made her way to the spring bubbling near the center of the foliage. In order to give the Sisters more time to perform their duties, Anna had taken on the responsibility of maintaining the garden’s irrigation system. Kneeling beside a broad-leafed plant, she checked the spring beneath the ceramic holding jar and found its flow active and gurgling. From there she shuffled on her hands and knees along the path of ever-narrowing channels that fanned like a spiderweb throughout the garden. Using a wooden trowel, she tended to each, clearing debris from some while digging out others to restore the proper flow. Her careful path took her in an ever-widening swath designed to ensure that no waterway went untended.

Losing herself in the task, she ruminated on how a single source of water could be divided over and over to nourish far more than a single stream ever could. The amazing power of division, she thought, was not unlike how the sycamore supported itself. Such a great tree could not rely on a single root, no matter how giant, but could flourish, instead, atop a fanning of the many.

Anna snapped from her reverie when she felt a hand press along her back.

“Good morning, Anna,” Rachel whispered.

Anna looked up with a smile. She never interrupted anyone in the sycamore cave, but more often than not, Rachel would find her.

“I just planted a new row of herbs. See them there?”

Anna marveled at the feathery plants.

Rachel’s smile disappeared behind a frown of concern. “Perhaps they will not receive enough water in that location?”

Anna dropped to her knees and surveyed the nearby channels. “The soil is a bit dry. Even for young anise.”

A look of surprise came to Rachel’s face. “How can you know it is anise?” she said. “The seedlings do not even yet resemble their adult form.” She shook her head in amazement. “You have very keen powers of perception,” she said. “And very big ears!” she added, knowing Anna had gained the knowledge by listening to their conversations.

Anna grinned. “I will dig a new channel to water your plants,” she said.

“Thank you, Anna. You are most helpful—as always,” Rachel said, tipping a warm smile toward her friend. Her eyes then glanced toward the other Sisters. “I must get back to work,” she whispered. “For I think today will prove to be of enormous significance.” She then disappeared into the green before Anna could ask what significance the day might bring.

Leaving the sycamore cave, Anna made her way to the center entrance. She hesitated before rotating the stone. Despite the fact that she visited the cave on a daily basis, she still felt a bit awkward whenever entering the Sisters’ domain.