Chapter 16

* * * A few days later. Daphne was picking strawberries in the greenhouse with her fellow trainees. The strawberries harvested here were served when the Pope and the cardinals received distinguished guests. They were grown in the greenhouse of the manor that sat on the grounds between the main hall and the prayer house. Abba taught that nothing is gained without labor, so once the priests-in-training had picked the strawberries, even they were allowed to taste a few. Everyone was completely absorbed in picking strawberries, their mouths watering at the fruit they would taste after the harvest, when Thalia craned her neck to see how many Daphne had picked and cried out in shock.