Miracles Can't Fill Stomachs

Early morning in the town square was livelier than expected. The chilly air wasn’t enough to deter a growing crowd that’d already formed by the time Maria arrived in the crack of light. Market stalls smelled of smoked meat that pulled at Maria, but she remained focused. 

She wasted little time getting into a rhythm, helping each person who came to her as best she could.

“Come one, come all!” Thomas yelled out. He corralled lines filled with people of all ages and walks of life. They stretched around the block and beyond where Maria’s gaze could reach. He hopped from person to person, making sure not to miss one copper coin of donation.

The crowd buzzed with anticipation while Maria attentively listened to their needs. Some had injuries or illnesses that were far too great for the local clinic. Others just wanted a simple blessing from the “Saint,” which Maria gladly provided; though not without trying to correct their misconception of her. But regardless, Maria treated each person’s request with genuine care and importance.

“Maria,” Thomas came over with narrowed eyes, cutting in front of an old woman who trembled with a cane, “you can’t spend so much time on each person.”

“But I must properly help them.”

He raised an eyebrow. “At the cost of all who await?” He gestured to the lines that snaked deep into town. “I only hope to help you reach as many as you can.”

“Of course… I’ll do my best!”

Thomas sighed. “And aren’t we missing another pair of helping hands?” He glanced around. “What was his name again? The brooding one?”

“Kaelan.” Maria frowned as the dark-cloaked assassin finally arrived deep in the morning. “You’re late,” she said with a dry stare. She spoke before Thomas even parted his lips.

“Sorry.” Kaelan scratched his tousled dark hair under his hood. “I overslept.”

“I’m aware.” Maria’s words carried more chill than the morning air. Upon daybreak, she had gone to his room and tried her best to shake him awake, to no avail. “Has that bad habit of yours of staying up late finally caught up to you?”

“You mean like you at the chapel?” he barked back.

Thomas came between the two. “Now, now. We’re just happy you’re here. Isn’t that right, Maria?”

Maria nodded with a pout.

Kaelan sighed. “Whatever.” He glanced around the seemingly endless rows of people. “So, what’s my job? I doubt there’s much I can help with here.”

“Actually, I have the perfect task for you.” Thomas handed him a large stack of papers.

They were flyers. Decorated with flowery words and hand-drawn illustrations of a little glowing nun. If Maria were to be honest, even the children’s drawings back at the chapel held an edge in comparison.

It’s an endearing design, at least.

Kaelan picked one up and read it aloud. “Are you in need of a miracle?” He crumpled it before even finishing reading the rest.

“A simple task,” Thomas said. “Just go around town and hand them all out.”

“You can’t be serious?”

Though Thomas held a grin, Maria knew he was. And she was in full agreement with the plan.

Kaelan glanced at her. “Come now, Maria.”

Her glare turned from icy to devious. She motioned for him to come. Kaelan reluctantly complied.

Maria gently pulled down his hood. “Can’t have you going around frightening anyone,” she whispered with a grin. “Good luck.”

“Fine.” Kaelan turned with a heavy sigh. “It’s going to be a long day. And an even longer road to the Holy Capital…”

***

Maria’s tunic was made of a light, breathable material, but by midday, the sweat-soaked linen clung heavily to her skin. The early morning chill seemed like such a distant memory. She’d lost count of how many faces had come before her since then. Still, the line of people in need wouldn’t end, but she held her smile as best she could.

“Thank you, Sister,” an elderly man said with a withered voice. “You are a true blessing.”

“I’m glad your back feels better. But please, don’t push yourself!” Maria waved as he left.

Thomas arrived and pulled Maria to the side under the shade of a nearby tree. It provided a cool breath that tickled her skin, but the lingering crowd muttered in her absence.

“Wait, there’s still—”

“Don’t worry. I’ll entertain them for a bit.” Thomas tossed her something warm. “Here. Eat. Can’t help people on an empty stomach.”

Her gut growled at the words. She unwrapped it with a slight tremble in her hands, revealing a honey-glazed pastry.

“Thank you… Old—” Maria cleared her throat. “Thomas.”

“Good save,” Thomas said. He glanced around. “What of Kaelan? I figured he’d be fed up by now, considering I gave him enough flyers for almost the entire town,” he muttered.

“He won’t be back for a while. He can be stubborn with that sort of thing.” Maria chuckled. Knowing him, he could complain all he wanted, but she knew Kaelan wouldn’t be back until he handed out every crudely drawn sheet.

“Ah, is that so?” Thomas shrugged. “Then you can hold on to it for him.” He handed her a second pastry. Having devoured hers between words, she stared at it like a sacred treasure. “Or, help yourself, if you so desire.”

Maria shook her head off the temptation before a string of drool could drop. “Thank you, I’m sure he’ll enjoy this!”

Thomas simply nodded. “Cool down for a bit and then return once ready.”

Maria shot up, wiping her mouth. “I’m ready!”

Thomas forced a chuckle. “Very well, then.” He adjusted his collar with more force than was necessary. “Back to it then.”

“Of course!” Maria said with a smile. She ran back toward the lines awaiting her. “Thanks again, Thomas.”

His gaze lingered for a moment before he followed her lead. Thomas started up his rounds again, collecting coin from the crowds. His collection sack grew ever fatter with every stop he made.

***

Maria stood frozen at the entrance of the tavern. Kaelan stood by her, glancing around. 

It was a local place, deeper within the town, where fewer people traversed once street lanterns came aglow. 

The scent of ale was far stronger than that of the dining hall in the inn. Faces appeared more rugged, and eyes narrowed at their presence. But what made Maria freeze was the faint scent she unconsciously picked out among the alcohol. That of the smoked meat. It was the go-to dish in the town of Arborhaven, as long as you had the coin for it. Normally, they wouldn’t, but after a long day of helping people, Thomas had insisted on treating them. “I know the best place in town for smoked meat,” he had told them.

“Is this really the place?” Kaelan locked eyes with men who seemed a part of his world.

Maria had already picked a seat at a corner table. “It sure smells like it!” Kaelan soon joined her. The two recounted the day as they awaited Thomas.

Kaelan had returned to them by sunset. Somehow, he actually ran through every single sheet of paper to hand out. It left Thomas at a loss for words.

Maria had tackled wave after wave of people seeking her divine magic, and she helped every one of them. From the mundane seasonal cold of a child, to the impossible miracles that she treated like another household chore she’d complete with a smile. But whispers of her miracles rippled through the crowds regardless, much to her distaste.

A swing of the creaky tavern doors drew some stares around the entrance. Thomas finally arrived. A few narrowed eyes lingered on him while he walked past tables before dragging a seat to join Maria’s.

“Sorry for the delay. I had some counting to finish. But as promised. Order what you’d like. My treat!”

“Really?” Maria’s eyes sparkled.

“You might come to regret those words, Thomas.” Kaelan said.

The two stared at Maria, who simply tilted her head.

A server soon arrived and quickly took their orders. She appeared acquainted with Thomas, who teased her about how well her uniform suited her. Though the young woman didn’t seem too thrilled at his advances.

Maria was just thrilled she could finally savor the smoked meat. The scent had tormented her since they’d first stepped into the town. So close, yet always out of reach. The wait was worth it. In fact, it made it better. It was juicy and tender. The smokiness provided the perfect hint of bitterness.

Her eyes watered with every bite. She half-listened to Thomas’ explanation about needing another night to have a carriage prepared.

“But, hey, it also allows us to help many people for one more day,” he said.

Kaelan glanced at Maria. She took a deep gulp before speaking. “Then, I’ll help as much as time allows tomorrow. But it will have to be the last day.”

No matter how much Maria wanted to stay and help, she couldn't remain much longer. King’s Road was a long one, and she couldn’t keep the children and Mother Martha waiting forever. How many birthdays would she miss? She couldn’t even imagine.

“I promise. The carriage will be ready come tomorrow night.” Thomas ran a hand across his chest.

“Somehow, I have my doubts that you're a man who keeps his promises,” Kaelan muttered.

Between lingering glances and a rowdy atmosphere, the three finished their meal.

Another day of miracles awaited Maria come morning, if you were to believe the whispers through the crowds. To Maria, just another ordinary day where she could help others through the grace of the gods. But regardless, with her belly full, the evening would surely bring the rest her body craved. And the rest that she routinely failed to acknowledge she needed.