She was sure it wasn't going to rain, but now Clemence was becoming drenched as water poured from the sky. She draped the hood of her cloak over her head and brought the basket of food closer to her chest to keep it from getting wet. She knew well that when she arrived home that her mothers, all five of them, would be furious that she was returning so late.

After walking for half-an-hour, enduring mud puddles and the freezing rain, Clemence arrived at the abbey. Once she entered, she began to cross the floor but realized that her boots were covered with mud. She sighed and removed them, leaving them at the door and then hung up her cloak.

"You're late, Clemence." A familiar voice said.

Clemence turned and saw Sister Helene, she was one of the five nuns that had found Clemence on the abbey steps twenty-three years ago.

"The rain was heavy." Clemence said, putting on her most innocent smile.

Sister Helene folded her arms. "You worried everyone; it's past supper and you've never missed a meal."

Clemence looked down at her bare feet. "I apologize, Sister Helene."

Sister Helene smiled gently. "Well, come and warm yourself. I won't allow you to freeze."

Clemence followed Sister Helene through the abbey and to Clemence's bedchamber. Sister Helene laid a plain, white gown out on the bed.

"Change your clothes, sit by the fire for awhile, and then come and apologize to the others."

Clemence nodded in agreement and Sister Helene left the room. After wringing out her auburn hair, she went by the fire and dried herself with a cloth. She had just finished dressing into her gown when she heard a commotion from downstairs.

Clemence rushed from her chamber to see what was happening, and found Sister Helene and several other nuns clamoring at the door. Someone was pounding on it, and it was a strong and hard pound.

"It's late." One of the nuns remarked.

"What if it's a traveler who's become lost?" One of the nuns asked.

"It could very well be a thief." Another nun chimed in.

"No thief would think to steal from an abbey." Sister Helene made her way towards the door, but a fourth nun grabbed her by the arm.

"What if they mean to kill us all?" The nun asked.

Sister Helene took a deep breath and then answered the door. To everyone's surprise, a young man collapsed in the doorway.

"Is he dead?" The third nun asked.

"No, he's not. I'm sure he's just lost conscious, let's get him inside."

Clemence watched in horror as Sister Helene and two of the nuns carried the man inside and laid him in the middle of the floor. Sister Helene knelt down to exam the stranger carefully.

"I see no blood. He's completely drenched, he must have been traveling through the storm." Sister Helene said.

Clemence approached everyone and then knelt on the other side of the man. She touched his forehead and pulled away quickly.

"He has a fever. We must find him help." Clemence said, her tone showing her urgency.

"Once the storm has passed, we shall send for a doctor." Sister Helene said, trying her best to assure Clemence.

The man began to cough and to shake. Clemence took his hand, held it, and soon the man settled down again. Who was this stranger? Was he a criminal as the nuns had feared? It did not matter to Clemence, she knew that this man was still a person and deserved to live out the rest of his life.