Escape from the Sanctuary
I slip through the door, push it shut and simply lean back against it for a few moments, eyes closed. "Next time," I mutter, "Simon can wear the nun disguise." It's not the first time I've masqueraded as a Druidic nun (purple and blue habit, hood, wide-brimmed flowered hat and, in this case, bare feet) for the sake of an investigation, but so help me, it will be the last.
Belatedly, I realize that the ambient noise and feeling of space here is not what I expected. Or, more to the point, that it is not what I usually find on the other side of this door. It seems I am not in my cell in the Two Hills convent of the Druidic Church, but back in Milliways. And although I had had quite enough of this place when I left it a few weeks ago, I am profoundly relieved to find it now.
"Thank God," I remark as I make my way to the Bar, removing the hat and hood. "A pair of shoes, please. And some tea. And something to eat that's decently cooked and has meat in it." The Bar provides me with a pair of slippers, a pot of tea, and a roast beef sandwich.
As I sit down to my providentially provided evening meal, I consider staying here overnight. If I have to go back to that convent without a break I have no doubt it will drive me stark raving mad.
Belatedly, I realize that the ambient noise and feeling of space here is not what I expected. Or, more to the point, that it is not what I usually find on the other side of this door. It seems I am not in my cell in the Two Hills convent of the Druidic Church, but back in Milliways. And although I had had quite enough of this place when I left it a few weeks ago, I am profoundly relieved to find it now.
"Thank God," I remark as I make my way to the Bar, removing the hat and hood. "A pair of shoes, please. And some tea. And something to eat that's decently cooked and has meat in it." The Bar provides me with a pair of slippers, a pot of tea, and a roast beef sandwich.
As I sit down to my providentially provided evening meal, I consider staying here overnight. If I have to go back to that convent without a break I have no doubt it will drive me stark raving mad.