Isle of Fire by Wayne Thomas Batson Read Free Book Online Page A

candle, slowly opened the chamber door, and quietly stole out into the hall. He passed by several doors, each leading to rooms occupied by his friends from the Bruce , but he could not stop there. Not yet. So Cat stealthily made his way through the corridors of the Citadel until he came at last to Father Brun’s chamber. He was surprised to see light beneath his door. Cat knocked once lightly on the door, and Father Brun said, “Come in.”
    Cat opened the door and found Father Brun sitting at a small round table. He had several candles lit—one on the table, one on the windowsill, and several on various shelves. There was a second chair at the table. It was turned invitingly toward the door. Father Brun had a book open in front of him and did not look up. He said, “I thought you might be along about now.”
    â€œI couldn’t sleep,” Cat said as he eased in and pulled the door shut.
    â€œNo,” said Father Brun. “I expect not.” He motioned for Cat to sit down.
    They sat in silence for a few moments, Father Brun not looking up from the pages and Cat not knowing how to begin. At last, Father Brun said, “The Holy Scriptures tell of a young man named Samuel who heard a voice calling his name. He went to his master and said, ‘I am here. What do you want?’ But his master said he did not call. This happened twice more—a voice calling Samuel’s name, but Samuel’s master saying it was not him. But Samuel’s master had an idea who might be calling . . .” Father Brun looked at Cat expectantly.
    â€œGod?”
    The monk nodded. “People do not always recognize the call of God when they first hear it. He does not always choose to speak with a voice. For some, the call is a felt passion for service. Powerful—even tragic—events seem to conspire against some others until, at last, they stop running and surrender. That was how it was with me. I would turn to the left, but something occurred inexplicably and closed that road. I’d turn to the right and find hardship behind every door. It was only then, exhausted of my own stubborn will, that I said, ‘Yes, Lord.’ I wonder, Cat, is that what you’ve come to do?”
    Cat hesitated. “I . . . I don’t think I can join the Brethren.”
    If Father Brun was troubled by Cat’s answer, he did not show it. “But?”
    â€œBut I will sail for you if . . .”
    â€œIf?”
    Cat took a deep breath. “I will sail for the Brethren, captain one of your ships, and help you catch the Merchant if . . . if Anne can sail with me.”
    Father Brun finally showed some surprise. “Anne? Anne Ross, the captain’s daughter?” Cat nodded. Father Brun’s pale blue eyes narrowed, but then he smiled as if the solution to a complex sum had just become clear. “She is very fond of you also,” he said. “But can she sail? We could face any type of sea, and the stormy season is not far off.”
    â€œAnne is a brilliant seaman,” Cat said. “Uh, sea-woman . . . person. I mean, she can sail very well. She practically grew up with a ship’s wheel in her hand.”
    â€œI do not need to tell you again how dangerous this journey will be.”
    â€œAnne can take care of herself. She’s smart and good with a sword. I’d make her my quartermaster.”
    Father Brun drummed his fingers on the book. “You must first seek permission from her father,” he said.
    â€œYou . . . you mean Anne may come? She may sail with me?”
    â€œIf Declan Ross permits it, I will accept it as God’s will.”

    Cat had rapped softly on Captain Ross’s door several times and had heard nothing. He felt foolish and somewhat suspicious standing in the darkness outside the door. What would other members of the Brethren think if they found him out slinking around so late? Cat tried again, knocking harder than he meant