Episode 60
Brother Swift
Brother Swift’s office was on the top floor of the administration building. Droma followed Tam up the stairs and, after knocking on the door, Tam ushered him in. The room smelt strongly of incense, though none was burning—a breeze flowed in through the open windows behind the large, intricately carved desk at which Brother Swift was seated, freshening the room.
Brother Swift got up from his desk and came round to where they were standing. He was a well-built hare dressed in white pants and sandals, with leather wrist-bands and a golden amulet with a green eye around his neck. “Ah, you must be Droma. A blessing to meet you,” he said, clasping Droma’s arms warmly and firmly. “Thank you for agreeing to meet. I’ve heard many good things from Tamaeus.” Tam nodded, smiling.
“Thank you,” Droma said. He liked Brother Swift straight away, though he still wasn’t sure why he was here.
“Come, take a seat.” There were some thick square cushions in a small circle on one side of the room, which was plain and mostly empty except for the desk and a thick black carpet covered in sinuous golden loops. Brother Swift passed Droma a couple of extra cushions, then sat with his eyes closed for a some long moments, breathing calmly. When Droma and Tam were settled, he opened his eyes. They were large and still. “Droma, I understand you’ve faced some tough times recently.”
“Yes.” Droma hesitated.
“Well, let’s not talk about that now. Let me get straight to our purpose. The reason I asked to meet you is that we’d like to invite you to become a novice with us.”
“Oh...” Droma said, a little surprised. Tam had been a little mysterious—he’d half-thought he was going to be reprimanded for being too slow, or even being told he had to leave.
Brother Swift smiled kindly. “You sound surprised?”
“Well, yes. It’s a surprise, yes.”
Swift looked at him keenly for a long moment. “Your moonlight is powerful. You’ve meditated before.” It wasn’t a question.
“Um, maybe. I mean, yes. A little.”
“You’re a good worker, you’ve demonstrated that. I trust you’ve felt welcome here?”
“Yes, very. Everyone’s been very kind.”
“Good, I’m glad to hear that. Let us know if that’s ever not the case, we’ll look after you. You’ve been doing some sunwork with the other attendants, is that right?”
“Yes.”
“You like it?”
“Yes, it’s relaxing. It’s a good start to the day.”
“Brother Tamaeus, what week of sunwork has Droma just completed?”
“Week 6, baru,” Tam said.
“Already so strong?” Swift sounded surprised, and looked back at Droma. “Speak to Sister Nystea,” he said to Tam. “Brother Droma can begin moonwork immediately.”
Swift clasped Droma’s arm. “Welcome, Brother. Tamaeus will explain the formal ceremony. It’s up to you, of course—you don’t need to decide now, we’ll respect your decision. But we’d really love to welcome you as a novice. There will still be a lot of work to do—I don’t want to promise less work!—but less time in the kitchen. Is that alright with you?”
“Yes, of course.” Droma was still unsure what a novice actually did. “I like to work.”
“Yes, I can tell.”
“Is there a … some kind of pledge? To be a novice, I mean.”
“Yes, I’ll let Tamaeus explain all that. He’ll go through it all with you, and be your sponsor. Let’s speak again soon—I’d love to hear how you go with the moonwork. Perhaps dreamwork is not so far away? I will consult my guides tonight. Alright?” They all stood. “Catch a big fish,” Swift said.
“May you catch a big fish,” Tam replied, dipping his head. “We thank you, baru.”
“Thank you, baru,” Droma said. “Catch a big fish.”