Her Hunchbacked Guardian

There are more things between Heaven and Hell than simple humans may ever understand; more wonders and miracles than they may ever hope for. Because not all is for their vulnerable eyes.

Then there are some cannot even believe what their eyes are showing them. But some believe. And those few, whom the Lord has granted sight to look upon these heavenly creations, are truly blessed.

I am one of them.

It was the year of the Lord, 1220 and the building of our new cathedral was proceeding. A sanctum worthy of God indeed. The stone facades would grace the whole city.

Our beauty.

Our lady of faith.

Notre Dame.

Night had fallen upon us. The city gates were closed and the last people gone to bed.

I was restless. I had not slept properly the last few days, and I wondered if it was a punishment sent by our Father. Perhaps it was the progress of the cathedral that had passed to slowly and therefore I should suffer the same dullness.

How wrong I was.

I had paced around in my room. It was a simple room; a bed and a nightstand with a candle placed upon.

The light was moving gently. Dark shadows were cast upon the white wall. There was no sound.

I finally decided to do what I saw best in a situation like this. I said a prayer, wishing that I may receive rest so that I could see the work through. I had kneeled by my bed, holding my hands together in a gesture towards our Father.

"… Amen," I muttered, standing up again.

I had barely turned around when it happened.

A light brighter than my eyes could withstand burst from nowhere. The rawness of the power sent me stumbling back into the bed. I had merely caught a glance, and yet, I knew what was before me. But my mind could not comprehend with what it was.

The glory pierced through my mind, leaving it stunned. I threw myself before the creature. I dared not look upon it. And yet, through my clenched eyes, the light burned. The pureness. The grace.

It only occurred to me later, how truly blessed I was, having had this creature in my presents. Suddenly, a voice as sharp and clear as water cut through the haphazard of my thoughts.

"Fear not human. We come in peace."