Chapter 25: Faith and Intrigue, Part 8

This is another wonderful installment. I love all of the details that you put in.

I like you include specific details, like the pitching of tents. Reminds me of my camping days 😸

I know I have missed a couple of episodes. I ain't missing out though, I just did a backread. I am just so hooked on Helena' story!

“God, come to my assistance. Lord, make haste to help me. Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia,” prayed Sister Helena as she began Vespers. She recited the ancient psalms and canticles with a serene and quiet reverence as if she was back in the monastery with her fellow sisters. She imagined herself next to Sister Marie Evangeline, who would always give her a smile every time Helena caught a glimpse of her.

After helping Colonel Larkin with his tent, Sister Helena turned her attention to her own tent. After pulling out an electric lantern, she moved her base kit and her duffel bag into her tent. She then pulled out her bed roll and meticulously made it with a soldier’s precision. She then moved all her gear into its proper place. Once she was satisfied with the results, she changed into PT shorts and a t-shirt, pulled out her scapular and her breviary out of her duffle bag and her backpack respectively and sat cross legged on her bed roll. After she adjusted the breviary’s ribbons, Helena made the Sign of the Cross.

“Let me help, sir. I have experience with these tents from my past,” she offered, kneeling beside him. She could see that the poles had bunched up in the grommet, a common issue she had encountered before. With practiced ease, she quickly corrected it, untangling the mess and securing the tent in place. “All better! There you go!”

“Thank you, Sister,” Colonel Larkin replied, his voice gruff but appreciative. He straightened up, dusting off his hands. Sister Helena smiled, a warm but fleeting gesture, and returned to her own work, the moment of camaraderie fading as the night deepened.

“I can,” the Scot replied. After dinner, the team pitched tents in the refectory, the cool evening breeze wafting through the makeshift camp. The scent of pine and the distant call of nocturnal creatures set the backdrop for their preparations. Sister Helena had finished pitching her tent, her movements swift and practiced. She glanced over and saw the Colonel struggling to pitch his tent, the poles and fabric a tangled mess. She walked over to him, her steps confident.

“Need help, Colonel?” she asked, her voice gentle but firm.

“Blasted tent! What am I doing wrong?” Colonel Larkin responded, frustration evident in his tone. He glared at the stubborn poles. Sister Helena thought to herself, “These tents again?” She was familiar with this design from her Rogue NID days, especially when they were on the run after killing Patrick and his team.