The One Well Received

Either the Church is hiding something or the nun is lying.

Isabella could not think of a reason for the nuns to make up an order. After all, they were abandoned and discarded. Judging from their pale, emaciated look, she guessed that probably one more fortnight of starvation would kill them all.

But if the Church was lying, what were they going to do by recalling all the members to Hermes and leaving Cloud Ladder and the Old Holy City unguarded?

Trying to set aside her speculation, Isabella looked at the leading nun and asked, "What should I call you?"

"I'm Qiu, Your Holiness."

"Didn't you ever think to get out of here?"

"What, why?" The nun seemed surprised.