proffered beaker and raised it. 'To spiritual release,' he said, not really understanding why he said it.
Petrus gave a low chuckle. 'Yes, I'll drink to that,' he agreed and they touched beakers. Gabe watched his new friend take the first sip. Satisfied he was not to be poisoned he began to sip companionably.
'So which is your beast?'
'The unicorn,' Gabe answered quickly, looking away but careful not to appear or sound suspicious. 'It called to me the moment I set foot inside the cathedral,' he lied.
Petrus shrugged. 'That's the thrill of the first visit,' he admitted. 'I remember mine like it was yesterday?'
'What's yours?'
'Canis.'
Gabe tried not to look unsure. He waited, hoping the priest would clue him in.
Petrus sighed. 'Yes, the humble dog,' he replied and grinned.
Gabe shrugged, relieved to know to which beast he referred. 'Everyone loves dogs,' he said.
'Nicely said, Gabriel. And you're right. When I was young, I wished it had been Lupus who had chosen me. A wolf - wild and dangerous - appealed so much more. As a child I tried to convince myself it had been Lupus who'd called my name, but it was Canis who knew me.'
'Dogs are faithful. Dogs are loyal. Dogs are true because a dog doesn't lie,' Gabe said, smiling. 'Its tail gives it away every time.'
'I like you, Gabriel,' Petrus said, lifting his chin with a sense of pride. 'Thank you.'
'It's the least I can do for someone who shares his supper.'
They sat in a friendly silence, chewing on their food and listening to the soft splutters of the burning oil.
'If you're Unicornia, why were you sitting beneath the king?'
Gabe was ready for this, having guessed the wily canon might ask. 'I suppose, like you, I was pretending for a moment. I wished the Dragon had chosen me. I wanted to see what it felt like to touch him. I really didn't mean to fall asleep.'
'You looked very comfortable in his embrace. And he looked ...' Petrus searched for the right phrase, '... very protective of you.'
'It's always helpful to have friends in high places, don't you think?'
At this remark, Petrus laughed and the sound of his amusement echoed around the cathedral.
'Petrus, would you mind very much if I remained here for a while ... I mean, in the church?'
'Why should I mind, son?' the man said, his dark eyes twinkling with humour.
'I don't see anyone else remaining after dark.'
'Oh, you'd be surprised. This is just a quiet night. You are welcome to stay. Everyone is welcome. No traveller is ever turned away. Where are you headed ultimately?'
'Salvation,' he said and immediately wished he hadn't at the way the canon's eyes widened.
'Gabriel, have you a troubled soul? Can I help?'
He shook his head. 'Not troubled. I have felt trapped. In here, I feel safe but not imprisoned.'
'You are looking for release?' the older man asked carefully.
Gabe realised what the man suddenly feared. 'I am no danger to myself. I simply want quiet time away from others, alone with my thoughts, a time to reflect and be close to my spiritual beast.'
His companion visibly relaxed. 'Stay as long as you wish. I must leave you now to attend to my duties.'
'Thank you for the food.'
'Commune with your beast, Gabriel. Find peace,' Petrus said, standing and sighing as his hip creaked. 'I'll look in on you from time to time.' He left Gabe with an avuncular smile after gathering the linens, flagon and beakers into the small basket he'd brought in.
Gabe watched him leave, returned his attention to the dragon and remembered how it had welcomed him as his son. He was confused, needed to understand more. If the beast could speak with him, then surely he could in turn speak with it ... if he could find the way.
And then it occurred to Gabe that he already knew the way. He left where he was and sat in a pew close to the dragon but not on it as before. When he reached out he could still touch the dragon, which was comforting. He stared at it. And its stone sculpted eyes appeared to stare straight back at him ... almost daring him to try.
He dared.
Gabe closed his eyes, as if in prayer, and reached for his mental haven. This was not for an exam. It wasn't for escape from the darkness of losing his family. It was to learn.
He easily saw it in his mind's eye. There was the nave of the cathedral from his vision,