It was 8 am when they landed in Italy. Enid stretched as she got off the plane. She’d just parked it in the hanger and had called in for maintenance and refueling. She was wearing the same black turtleneck and jeans she had changed into after getting out of her shredded combats and armored vest. She watched as the sisters and girls she had rescued piled into a black bus. She had her Sarah the superhero face on. She showed her passport to the customs agent who was waiting at the bottom of the stairs. He compared her face to the passport.

“Welcome to Italy. You don’t have any luggage?”

“No, we’re not staying long. Just dropping off some stragglers for the Vatican.”

“Well enjoy your stay. Ms. O’connor.”

Enid nodded and walked out the shade of the hanger. It was crisp sunny day. She pulled her sunglasses on and then tugged her hoodie over her shoulders. She got into the van sitting beside Sister Mary. Who leaned close and spoke quietly?

“You are heaven sent. I did not think we would get out of there. We prayed for a miracle.”

“I’m sure you would have; The Americans were there already.”

“I do not think they could do what you did. I saw one of those men throw a car.”

“They would have figured something out.”

“No, god sent you to save us and the Americans. They would not have stood a chance.”

Enid shrugged.

“Well, you’re welcome, but I didn’t do it alone. I had help.”

Enid motioned to Mariana and Eyre.

“I have thanked them already. Are you alright? We heard the stone breaking and he sounded like he wanted too…”

Sister Mary crossed herself.

“Let’s just say my sword was bigger and I knew how to use it better and leave it at that Sister. I’m used to hearing that sort of thing from men. I just need to get ready for when we get to the Vatican if you’ll excuse me.”

Enid pulled out her phone and put some earbuds in.

It’s the gratitude afterwards that drives me nuts.

She stared out of the window, watching buildings flicker by. The song that was playing suited her mood. It was slow and melancholy. In her mind’s eye the old Rome and new Rome were superimposed. It had been almost seventy-five years since she was here last. But she was remembering the glory of Rome. Watching the returning legions march up the main streets, polished armor. Lucius had their daughter on his shoulders so she could see them. Enid had leaned against him her belly swollen with their son. She avoided Rome as much as possible. It brought back memories she’d rather forget. She realized too late that tears were dripping down her cheeks out from under her sunglasses she pulled them off and wiped them off her face. Thankful the sun was shining on her of they would have been tears of blood. Sister Mary was looking at her and Enid did her best to cover up the accompanying sniffles.

“Are you alright?”

“I’m fine Sister, just some bad memories. Rome is not my favorite city; I have a lot of history with her. And I lost something dear here.”

She put her arm around Enid’s shoulders and hugged her close. She said nothing more and just held Enid. Enid kept crying; The weakness made her angry, but two thousand years had done little to ease the pain of her soul mate betraying her. She calmed down and wiped up her face. She couldn’t look at Eyre or Mariana.

“I’m sorry sister I didn’t mean to be so emotional.”

“We’re only human. Would you like to tell me what upsets you about Rome?”

“My husband died here.”

“Your husband? You were married?”

“Yes, I married young.”

“Oh, that is terrible.”

“Rome was the last place we were together.”

“Well, you’re still young, you may find another love, and perhaps God has other plans for you.”

“He seems to.”

“I will say a prayer for your husband.”

“Thank you, sister.”

Pray that his murderer finds his just end at the point of my sword.

“I’m going to look all puffy eyes for the Pope. This isn’t very dignified. And not like me at all to cry so much.”

“He will not mind.”

Enid nodded and straightened up her hair and put her sunglasses back on. The motorcade went through the entrance to Vatican City. They were met by Swiss guard in black suits who helped everyone out of the bus. They checked Enid, Mariana and Eyre for weapons and motioned them inside the offices. The sisters were ushered off in a different direction as were the girls. The trio were in a waiting area that looked dated. Enid pushed the sunglasses she was wearing up on the top of her head. Eyre and Mariana were both looking at her.

“What?”

“Why were you crying mom?”

“Rome is full of bad memories which is why I avoid it.”

“Oh. You know I’m here for you right mom?”

“Not a conversation I want to have with my daughter from my second marriage.”

“Oh.”

“Look I’ve been here five times since Lucius, the Black Son condemned Mariana to death. There’s a lot of emotions wrapped up in that whole mess. With father, the council. It’s just not a city I like. When I look at Rome, I see the city of my childhood. Not whatever this is now.”

Enid waved her arm towards the exit from Vatican City.

“Well Mariana is here now, and you know it wasn’t Lucius doing it.”

“Yes, I know but it doesn’t change the constant feeling like I want to throw up when the memory comes back up. I’m sorry I’m such an emotional wreck. God, forbid I care about something.”

“Mom, I didn’t mean it that way. I just…”

Maria touched Eyre’s arm and then she hugged around Enid. Eyre joined in the hug.

“I understand Enid. Eyre is just used to her mother being a pillar of strength. She is not used to seeing vulnerability and she is trying to help.”

Enid nodded and held back blood tears that were threatening to flow. Suddenly she wished this waiting room had windows to the outside. They waited for half an hour and a cardinal came in. Enid quirked an eyebrow. She wasn’t expecting a Cardinal. Maybe a father.

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

“I apologize for the wait. The holy father had a scheduled meeting. He would very much like to speak to you. Please come with me.”

Enid followed, Eyre and Mariana hesitated. Enid motioned them to follow with her hand.

“Sorry your Eminence, they are nervous.”

“As is often the case. From what I understand you did last evening; I would think this would be a walk in the park.”

“Maria thinks she’s not good enough, and Eyre thinks she’s going to burst into flames because she missed a few masses. I’m just wondering how much trouble I’m in.”

He chuckled.

“He has watched your videos and he had some questions. He had several people trying to find out how to speak to you, it looks like it was God who found the answer.”

Enid nodded. Then realized she had her sunglasses on top of her head and pulled them off and put them in her hoodie pocket. She’d be blushing if she was in the sun. They reached an office. Here the sun was streaming in and behind the desk in the traditional white robes was the Pope he stood up and shook each of their hands vigorously.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

Enid and Eyre blushed; Mariana would be if she ever had the ability. Even in life she’d had the same drained look about her. He looked each up and down.

“It is a miracle, I prayed for the safety of our sisters and the children in their charge. And there in the chapel an apparition of Saint Sarah appeared her sword held aloft. Golden wings behind her and she spoke to those present. She said, ‘The father of all has heard and he is sending his avenging angel, my scion, to smite the wicked who have done this then with his right hand he shall pull the sisters out of the darkness and place them within the walls of St. Peter’s church.’”

He crossed himself. Enid glanced at Mariana and Eyre then back to the pope, truth be told she was trying not to laugh. Eyre was glancing back at her, she looked a bit angry at her mother. Enid gave a slight shrug.

He sure went all in on this whole I’m his avenging angel thing. Wonder if I can sue him for using my face without permission… Eyre probably thinks it was me.

“That truly is a miracle. I wish I could have seen her. She is a hero of mine.”

“Tell me child, how did you know to rescue them?”

“An Angel named Ezekiel came to us and told me that I should rescue the sisters. That God wanted me to be his avenging angel and smite the wicked within the walls of the compound.”

He crossed himself again. Mariana’s fingers rose to her crucifix which she began to stroke.

“Blessed be the holy trinity. The holy spirit lives within you and you are an instrument of God’s will on Earth.”

Enid bowed her head, Eyre and Mariana followed.

“Thank you, Lord for the gift of these three holy women who have done your will without question and brought our sisters and our children to the safety of Vatican City. Thank you for the guidance and the wisdom of the Saints. In the name of the father, the son and the holy spirit.”

He crossed each of them in turn giving them a blessing. The trio crossed themselves, each had been to Catholic church so much it was basically muscle memory. Enid responded with the Latin without meaning too. The trio spoke at almost the same time.

“Thank you, Holiness.”

“Would you be willing to stay in Rome for a little while? We are making preparations to honor your selflessness.”

Enid opened her mouth to say something, but Eyre jumped in.

“Of course, whatever you need of us.”

Enid gave Eyre a look.

“But Maria has school.”

“I’m sure the Catholic school she goes to would understand a special request by the Pope, Sarah.”

“I can keep up with my schoolwork remotely. I am at the service of the church, your eminence. But the sisters might get worried.”

“We’ll call them.”

The pope seemed to consider for a moment.

“Ah, yes Maria, you are staying with the sisters in Edmonton. I will make sure they are aware of the delay in your return. The bishop of the diocese was surprised to receive our call.”

“And what about Enid and Violet?”

“Violet is old enough take care of herself, and I will let Enid’s school know she is in Rome with us and that she will work with Maria to keep up her schoolwork.”

“Are we missing a someone?”

The pope smiled at the three women.

“Yes, and no, Enid is my daughter, she is already at the hotel ahead of us. She’s fifteen and is Maria’s best friend. She’s not comfortable with her faith and declined to come. You know teenagers.”

The pope nodded.

“I apologize but I have another meeting, I will ensure you get a ride to your hotel. You have my blessing to come and go from the Vatican as you please.”

Maria looked as giddy as Enid had ever seen her, even before she lost her memory. Eyre was trying to conceal it but also seemed excited.

“Thank you, your eminence.”

Enid had realized that the cardinal escorting them was the Camerlengo.

Very strange. They must be worried about me.

“Eminence, thank you for taking time out of your busy day to escort us.”

“I will admit I did abuse my rank so I could meet god’s avenging angel for myself. The pope has been a personal friend for a very long time, I want to thank you for saving his sister. He can’t directly.”

“I’m glad I was invited to do so; The world would be a darker place without her.”

“You are not what we were expecting.”

“I’m sorry Eminence.”

“No, no it is not like that. We were expecting, well it is not important. You are more glorious than we could have imagined. I did not believe the father when he said that you had the charisma of Saint Joan of Arc. That he would gladly follow you through the gates of hell should you say it was God’s will. We thought he was exaggerating, but now I see he was not.”

“I hope people do not take my words as if they are from God. They aren’t, I’m just a woman. The last thing I want to do is be his voice.”

“Well, if he wills it, then what can you do but serve?”

“To be honest, eminence I am more worried about what people will. They look for someone to cling to and it never ends well.”

“It may be out of your hands Sarah, but I’m sure that God will show you the way.”

Enid nodded. They rode to a hotel. Eyre went expensive as always. She liked living well so her mortal identities never were anything less than multi-millionaires. She had the kind of credit cards that when she pulled it out businesses would do anything in their power to make her happy. Sarah was also a wealthy identity being the CEO of a startup. The clerk looked at them down his nose, Enid was fairly sure he was going to mock Eyre’s choice of rooms, but he managed to be more professional than that. Enid couldn’t disagree with his opinion. None of them were dressed especially well. Mariana looked like an Italian widow, Eyre looked like a soccer mom, and she looked like a teenage girl. He picked up the phone and spoke in Italian.

“Security I have three American ladies here who are trying to perform some form of scam.”

He hung up the phone and continued to waste their time. Feigning computer issues. Enid glared at him then looked up at Eyre.

“Are you paying, or am I?

“Well, you flew us here, the least I can do is pay.”

“Nonsense.”

They both looked at the clerk and pulled out their Aurelius gold plated credit cards that opened all the doors. Eyre laughed and pushed Enid’s hand back.

“Put that away, hon.”

She produced her passport.

“Reserve our rooms, please. Remember there will be double occupancy in the Maria’s room.”

The desk person looked down at the card and swallowed very hard. He then silently took the card, verified the picture and handed them back to Eyre. It was about this time that a pair of very well dressed very large men arrived behind the girls. Enid watched the desk person waving his hand very subtly desperately looking behind them. She turned and looked up at one of the men speaking in perfect Italian with a beautiful smile gracing her lips.

“The service here sure is great, but it is okay, we didn’t bring any luggage. We weren’t expecting to stay in Rome for more than a few hours.”

She looked back at the desk clerk who turned several shades paler and tripped over his words. Waving them away. Enid enjoyed watching the judgmental prick die inside.

It’s the little things.

“Yes, yes it’s fine.”

The men looked the trio up and down and moved off. The desk clerk held four room keys. His hand had a subtle shake to it. Eyre took the keys and distributed them and Enid and Eyre both looked at the clerk and in their clearest Italian uttered the word: ‘Thank you’

When they got on the elevator, the pair laughed.

“Did you see the look on his face, mom?”

“I took way too much pleasure in that.”

Maria looked between the two.

“What is so funny?”

“Oh, you don’t understand Italian. I’m sorry. The clerk called security on us he thought we were criminals. Our cards are well, rare and you have to be very rich to have one. The kind of rich that could get him fired with a phone call. I could tell Eyre was as annoyed by the judgmental prick as I was, so we had some fun with him. We were very polite, I assure you. We just didn’t say we understood Italian.”

“Oh, but you will not try to get him fired, will you?”

“Of course not, we just wanted to teach him a lesson about being judgmental because of how people look, at least I think that’s what we were doing?”

Enid looked up at Eyre.

“I was just messing with him for the fun of it. Did you see how panicked he looked when he saw the cards?”

“I know. Aurelius owns this hotel. I thought he was going to drop dead right then and there.”

“I bet he wished he had.”

“What is Aurelius?”

“It is a corporation that is very wealthy, and very large. Fingers in everything. Also, very us friendly.”

“You mean as in, fangs us?”

“Yes, its run by, well the Imperials, but it’s very secretive and to make it work, we don’t know who has what there. It’s all just random account names associated with a blood sample and palm print. So, I couldn’t find out what you had in your account unless I knew exactly what your number is even though I’m empress. It doesn’t work that way. I’m not sure who set it up, but they were a genius it is the world’s oldest continuous running Corporation.”

The elevator dinged and Enid held the door while Eyre and Maria got out. She followed and the three piled into Eyre’s room. Eyre sat down in the couch.

“We need some nice clothes.”

“We’re in Rome, that should be no problem.”

“True.”

“I’ll need two sets, glamorous-functional and teenage girl.”

“I’ll take care of it. I know what size you are. Maria though…”

“Take her with you. I need to relax my brain. Flying for 18 hours takes a toll.”

Enid went into her shared room with Maria and set her face back to her real one and plopped own on the bed and turned on the television.