Complaint achieved nothing worse, it would prevent him from accomplishing his task. The throbbing ache seemed to encompass his entire world, gathering intensity and radiating upward, but he struggled to shut it out of his awareness.
Sweat streaking down his face, the young novitiate recited the words in his head and struggled against the distraction of the pain lancing outward from the spot where his knees knelt on unyielding stone. Yet until that moment arrives, I greet you like an old friend. You will know peace in this house, but only until the completion of my task, and at that point you must go. You shall not live here long, yet while you stay with me, I receive you like an honored guest.
