Anna noticed how a feeling of calm overcame her. Just from being in Susana’s presence. It was the same feeling she had when sitting in the arms of the great sycamore.

But a small part of her mind could not help wondering why the elder woman had called to her. They rarely spoke.

Had she done something to displease her?

Mother Susana chuckled to herself, sensing the young shepherd’s fears.

“I am told you have recently been of enormous help in acquiring special herbs,” she said, her voice clear and steady.

Anna glanced over. It was true. Since stumbling upon the haoma, she had set her sights on uncovering ever more rare finds. Her efforts had resulted in the collection and cultivation of several new varieties.

“Yes,” Anna said. “And Rachel has told me that the haoma is growing well and should, one day, be hearty enough to provide a consistent harvest.”

“Is that so?”

Anna frowned. “At first we struggled with its needs, having over-watered it, I fear. But now the plant is well established and will soon bloom.”

Mother Susana allowed herself a smile. Both Shereen and Ruth had kept her apprised of the young shepherd’s progress—from tending sheep to making repairs, from gardening to copying scrolls. And, the elder woman could see, their claims that Anna possessed a keen curiosity and capacity for learning had not been exaggerated.

The young shepherd boy had truly grown into a remarkable woman.

Though she had left Anna’s guidance in the hands of the other Sisters, Mother Susana had felt propelled as of late by a sense that her turn to participate in the young woman’s development had come.

Staring into the distance, the elder fell into a deep silence. After several moments, she said, “When Zahra and Maya and I were young, our mother taught us a game,” she said.

Anna watched the old woman’s eyes grow hazy with internal focus. Her fingers curled around her staff.

After a minute, Mother Susana said, “Would you like to try it?”

Anna nodded.

“First,” Mother Susana began, “find something.”

Anna looked around her.

“It can be anything. An object, a scent, a sound.”

The pale green shoot of a small plant poking from the rock caught Anna’s eye. She had not even noticed it before.

“You have chosen?”

Anna nodded.

“Now,” Mother Susana intoned. “Take slow, deep breaths and focus on what you have chosen. As you breathe, let your mind slip from its hinges. Let it go out and greet what you have chosen. Let your heart set its cares aside. Let it also go out and greet what you have chosen. Introduce yourselves and discover all you can.”

Anna looked down at the shoot. It seemed so plain. She wished she had chosen something more interesting.

“Do not judge, simply discover.”