Saint's Prison - Chapter 39

Sword of the Monastery Knight

Dusk, shadows stretch out, beckoning.
Twilight, nightmares creep silently.
Dawn, sleeping with all sins embraced.

The blue sky, even gazing upon it is unattainable.

…

Now then, I walked down the corridor, hand on my chin.

(…The problem is the lack of time alone.)

Even if I want to think with my diary open, Amal is always by my side in my room. And if I were outside, I’d be in plain sight. I’m the only Asian in the monastery.

With my uncommon black hair here, I’m easily identified from a distance. So, as before, I must choose the time rather than the place.

Reaching the library, I opened the door slightly to make sure no one was there.

Then, I quickly stepped inside. Lastly, I closed the door without making a sound.

I sat down on the chair facing the desk.

A small creak echoed in the silence.

I pulled out a pen and diary from my inner pocket and spread them on the desk. Only then did I take a breath.

It’s time for mass now, and all the priests are holed up in the chapel. I probably have about an hour’s grace.

I’m being this cautious because, of course, I’m following Johanna’s words to keep it secret from the monastery’s people.

(“Dogs of the Order, descendants of plunderers and conquerors”…)

Words Amal once used to describe Johanna. Since Johanna is one of the monastery’s people, I understand the expression “dogs of the Order” (though it’s not a kind one). The problem lies in the phrase “descendants of plunderers and conquerors.”

What comes to mind is the vision I saw in the chapel the other day.

That was, without a doubt, a tragedy of the monastery’s past.

For some reason, I was convinced of it.

Flickering flames, the smell of scorching, something black, and I saw the figure of a conqueror clad in armor, carrying a sword.

It was undoubtedly a knight. The knights burned villages, killed people, and committed all manner of plunder and atrocity. Who exactly were they?

I open the diary and begin to write.

Monastery.

• Those who conquered and plundered.
• Knights.

The words I’ve laid out make me think of the Crusades. I furrow my brows and try to squeeze out my knowledge of world history. It’s shaky, and there are likely many errors, but I’ll overlook that for now. What’s important are the insights and associations.

The Crusades sent to reclaim the Holy Land.

Though called an army, it was actually a ragtag group, many of whom acted out of self-interest. It wasn’t unusual for younger sons or illegitimate children of nobles, who wouldn’t inherit land, to join in hopes of making a name for themselves.

Furthermore, the Pope guaranteed it as a holy war, God’s will, and granted indulgences. It was an implicit permission from God for all past sins to be absolved and for the forthcoming invasions against pagans, the looting, robbery, rape, and all barbaric acts to be permitted.

After the first Crusade, knightly orders were born. They were created to expand Christian influence, defend the Holy Land, and protect and support pilgrims. Among these, the most famous is probably the Knights Templar. Of course, they were made up of priests, but they were also warriors.

I can’t say whether the knights I saw were connected to them, but it’s certainly possible they were monastic knights.

If “dogs of the Order, descendants of plunderers and conquerors” means that they are descendants of monastic knights, it all makes sense.

Johanna is a descendant of the monastic knights who caused this past tragedy.

And what if she herself is a monastery knight?

The stamina that pursued me when I was lost in the forest. The flawless movements. The calloused palms from wielding something continuously. All the elements overlap.

Johanna’s smile flits across my mind.

Johanna, who told me she’s here in Stonehurst to kill Amal. If Johanna is a monastery knight, then even if it was a soliloquy, it wasn’t something she should have said.

But still, she told me. Could those words have been her confession? I can’t help but think so.

Once again, I traced over the part I had transcribed from the parchment.

…the vow.
One, thou shalt not…
Two, thou shalt not speak to…
Three, thou shalt not touch…
…thou shalt not…
Five, thou shalt not leave here…
Six, thou shalt not… together…
Seven… thou shalt not…
Eight, thou shalt…
Nine, thou shalt observe all.
Ten…

Many parts were unreadable due to smudging, but this was it. There are ten vows, most ending with “thou shalt not.” Indeed, the vows seem to be a record of taboos.

Monastery knight Johanna, fighting for God against pagans, is charged with watching over Amal and delivering justice. The reason is hidden in this parchment.

A shiver runs down my spine, and I turn around.

Rows of bookshelves. Books, books, books…

Nothing else was there.