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.Still, the possibility of learning something important was almost irresistible.Mother Gwendolin satin silence, and Catrin met her eyes briefly.No words were exchanged, but Catrin clearly understood thatthe decision was hers alone."Mother Gwendolin says there is a purification ritual that I must perform in order to enter theInner Sanctuary, but it takes thirty days and I'm afraid.I don't want to be away from all of you for solong.""What kind of ritual takes thirty days?" Chase asked."I'm not sure I like the sound of that.""I cannot tell you much," Mother Gwendolin said, "except that many have undergone the ritualbefore Catrin, and none have come to harm.""Still don't like it," Chase said."I'm certain Mother Gwendolin would not invite Catrin do something that was not in her bestinterest," Benjin said."But I'll not push Catrin into doing it either.You must make that choice for yourself,li'l miss.""If you're not back in thirty days," Strom said, "we'll come in after ya.""Thanks, Strom, Benjin.I appreciate your words.I heard what Chase said as well, but I cannotlet fear stop me from doing what I must.I came here in search of knowledge and understanding, and Imust pursue those above all else.I want to undergo the purification ritual, so I can enter the InnerSanctuary," she said before her commitment wavered, and a small smile played across MotherGwendolin's face.Benjin also seemed to agree with her decision.Strom and Osbourne said they wouldmiss her, but she had their full support, and she drew strength from their encouragement."I don't like it," Chase insisted."I'm sorry, Chase.I have to do this.""Be safe," he said.Then he grew very quiet.When the meal was finished, Mother Gwendolin led her from the dining room.Catrin took onelast look over her shoulder at her friends sitting at the table.They all smiled encouragingly at her.Theywould be only a short distance away, yet she would not see them for weeks.She would miss them, but itwas comforting to know they would be nearby.Catrin and Mother Gwendolin moved deeper into the Outer Sanctuary.They reached a hallwaywith plain wooden doors lining each side.One door was open, and Mother Gwendolin stepped inside.Catrin followed her into the sparsely furnished room.It contained a sleeping pallet, a small wooden chest,and a lamp hung on the wall, but it was otherwise bare. "I must leave you for now," Mother Gwendolin said."I've some things I must attend to."Though the room offered little in the way of amenities, it was comfortable to Catrin.To her, itsymbolized the beginning of a new journey, and she was determined to get everything she could from thisadventure.Uncertainties that had nagged her became gleaming possibilities.No longer concentrating onwhat might be embarrassing or uncomfortable, she chose instead to focus on the good that could comefrom the experience.Benjin had attributed his knowledge of meditation to the Cathurans, and Catrin hoped she, too,would leave with lessons that would last the rest of her life.Settling herself into serenity, she practicedsome meditation techniques.It made her feel closer to her friends, despite the walls and distanceseparating them.* * *When morning came, Catrin had no recollection of falling asleep and woke feeling refreshed andready to start her new journey; at least she thought she was ready.A gentle knock on the door made herjump.She got another shock when she opened the door: a robed and hooded figure stood in the hallway,hidden within the shadows of the cloak.A strange feeling came over her, and she suddenly wonderedhow trusting she could be within the Outer Sanctuary.Perhaps the anonymity of her escort was a test ofsome sort to see if she were ready for the ritual.The hooded figure did not move or speak, but Catrin sensed impatience, and she mumbled amuted apology as she stepped into the hall.The figure made no response and glided deeper into theOuter Sanctuary.Catrin followed in silence, taking in the strange and wondrous sights.Indoor fountainsand rock gardens drew her eyes, and they passed through massive arches that were elaborately carvedwith scenes of forests and animals.Paintings hung on some walls, and mosaics decorated the floors.None of the artwork she'd seen within the sanctuary depicted people; all seemed to focus on the glory ofnature.Catrin followed and marveled at the gracefulness of her guide.The fluidity of movement and theway the robes flowed along the floor gave the impression that her guide was floating rather than walking.The illusion was temporarily broken when they reached a spiral staircase that descended into the heart ofthe mountain.The gliding movements shifted to rhythmic, and Catrin watched the body of her guide bobup and down in front of her as they descended.The graceful and measured movements now gave theimpression that her guide was made of soft springs, but she forced herself to concentrate on not falling.They climbed down for what seemed a long time, passing many landings and archways but noother people
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