laneys.info Beware of Yankees, drunks, and loose women.

He set the basket onto his small bed and headed over to the washbasin. A new day had dawned when he least expected it. Just that morning he was thinking about finishing his contract with the church here and heading home. Alisandro contemplated what he would have missed as he washed his face.

"Alisandro," Brenan called quietly from the foot of the bed which prompted the new father to turn.

"What is it," he asked as he dried his face and hands, noticing that the priest stood quietly for a moment as he eyed the little girl.

"We can't keep this child here," the priest stated apprehensively as he concentrated.

"I'll be taking her tomorrow, that's already been discussed."

Nervous eyes looked up to him. "No. We need to get her out of here now."

Alisandro tossed the towel aside as he approached the basket. "Why, what's wrong?"

"She's been cursed with some malady and if the brothers here sense her presence, all three of us could be tried and executed."

Alisandro studied his friends face for some sign of a joke but found none. "What kind of malady? She looks healthy to me."

"Trust me on this. The girl has to leave now. Didn't you wonder why her grandfather brought her to us," Brenan asked as he picked up the basket and headed for the door. Alisandro grabbed the priests arm and pulled him backwards and reached for his daughter.

"I'm serious, brother. You can't keep her here another moment," Brenan stressed in hushed tones as he glanced towards the door and any potential eavesdroppers.

Alisandro lifted Kailee out of the basket and held her to him protectively. "No one is taking her from me, do you understand. The bishop himself detected nothing, what makes you think your powers are greater than his?"

Brenan sighed as he glanced to the secured bundle. "Believe me when I say this, I admire your place now with having a child. However, not only would your father chastise you for having one out of wedlock but, he would also banish you for protecting this...thing."

Alisandro's blood began to boil and he could feel the heat in his face intensify. "You may leave," he spat. "I mean it, get out!"

Brenan stepped back. "You have no idea what you're protecting, my friend. Get her out of here." He turned, opened the door and exited as the alchemist glared. Tears began to flow as the heavy oaken door closed. He swallowed hard and looked down to the bright green eyes that studied him curiously. His mind raced as he tried to formulate a plan to keep her near without alarming the others until he remembered the large, empty storage room just a short distance from his bedroom. One to which only he held the key.