Of Pigs and Pythons

Silent, Sister Gabrielle drags each of the men across the carpeted floor in turn, and deposits them, not ungently on Sister Priscilla's teal couch bordered with gold trim. "Am I done here? If so, there are other pigs that need tending to."

"Stay while, Sister," Priscilla says. "I would chat with you awhile to pass the time. It does get so... dreary around here, does it not?"

"Hmph," Gabrielle says, looking away. "What would I know about that?"

A pretty blonde Sister in a crimson habit knocks on the door. "Earl Gray tea, with extra milk in mine, and some smelling salts please, Sister Leah," Priscilla says, and the blonde Sister departs.

"Now, Sister Gabrielle... you've only been with us for a short time, haven't you?" Priscilla says, reaching into a glass tank and pulling out a small, squealing white rat.

"Yes, only three days. Why?"

"No reason, no reason at all, really," Priscilla says, walking over to her giant python tank and tapping on the glass. "Let me ask you something, Sister. What do you think of charity? Is it not a noble pursuit? Something disparate from the selfish everyday concerns of mortal men?"

"I'm not quite sure what you're getting at," Gabrielle says as Priscilla opens the tank and drops the rat inside. "Sure its noble... when its done right."

"That's just what I mean," Priscilla sighs. Inside the tank, her python has already smelled his meal, and is lifting his head, blinking lazily as he watches the white rat, frozen in fear in the corner. "Charity can be such a competitive affair at times. So many things can go wrong. So many mistakes can sometimes be made... all in the spirit of charity."

On the couch, one of the men groans, clawing at the air. "He must be running in his sleep," Gabrielle comments.

"I have a job for you, Sister Gabrielle," Priscilla says, as the python slowly wraps himself around his prey. "Just a little errand."

"Why me? My job is tending to the pigs. Any one of the other Sisters will do."

"Of course they would," Priscilla yawns. "But I have a feeling that you're perfectly suited for this type of task. That is if you're really interested in charity work, and don't want to get... locked down by the concerns of the outside world."

"Fine," Gabrielle scoffs. "I am at your command, Sister Priscilla."

Priscilla reaches into her habit and retrieves a small cream-colored envelope, which she then passes to Gabrielle. "I would have this letter delivered to Walter Hutton, Director of Fundraising at the Holy Assumption Orphanage for Disadvantaged Girls. It is a day's ride from here by horse, or less if you take a carriage or taxi-cab. This must be done in absolute secrecy mind you. When you speak to Mr. Hutton, you are to refer to yourself as Sister Rosemary, and say nothing of me or this abbey, do you understand? Say as little as possible, in fact, so as not to arouse suspicion."

"Sounds dangerous," Gabrielle grunts. "Do I really need to do this?"

"Yes," Priscilla smiled mysteriously, watching her python gulp down the squealing white rat.

1. Gabrielle excuses herself and leaves to prepare for the journey.
2. One of the men awakes and starts screaming hysterically.
3. Sister Leah arrives with the tea.

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