Let them go

The skies were overcast and threatening again. The chill in the air had a bite that nipped the ears, and his fellow monks were all losing weight - despite of the thick clots of crème they had been eating.

Ever since their torment, nigh after the Sheriff had bemused himself with his bilious comments whilst restraining them, the men had been downcast and believing themselves to have failed for becoming a'feared. Added to that was their survivors guilt from the battle; for all of them had brothers and fathers that had died that very day and it had only been the robes that had kept them from being cut down also.

They did not feel like men, and nor did they feel holy. This was a low period for them all.

"You must know that you are nit-picking about the crème" remarked Robin in his most tedious voice - what he meant to be saying was that this was the least of their troubles.

"I do know" the Monk replied wearily ... "but it fills in a day. There is nothing for us to do out here in hiding and the brothers are getting tired of it just praying all the time. I fear that their hearts are not attached to their contemplations anymore."

"You should let them go", Robin said unexpectedly. "The villages are in need of men - their own families are calling for ploughmen and fathers to be. Perhaps you should release them of their vows."

-Gabriel Brunsdon, Puck in Hell, Azlander Series