Chapter 5By the time William and Samuel had reached the chapel William had regained his physical composure—his robes were no longer tented. However, emotionally he was still in turmoil. He’d come to grips with his physical needs over the years and knew how to handle them. But that was before Samuel. With his arrival, something had changed, something was different. But just what it was, William wasn’t sure.
William robotically joined the compline chants and prayers, his mind occupied with what was to happen at the end of the service. Before he was prepared, they were reciting the benediction. The “Amen” sounded in his ears, and the monks began silently wishing each other a peaceful night’s rest with the ritual embrace.
All around him monks were hugging and kissing each other on the cheek.
