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surprised to see the contents of the bag spread before him.  He had often wondered what the little healer carried in his bag.
    Selwig picked up the plastic water bottle and held it up in the light.
    “This is very handy.”  He told the Healer.  “Much better than carrying a large vessel made of crockery or a goatskin pouch.  We had no such things as this where I come from, but I have to change the water from time to time to make sure it remains pure.”
    “Of course.”  Simon agreed.  “Are these the items that you used to cure Jozsef Daniel’s hand?”
    “I collected some things from the caves.  Herbs are also best when freshly gathered from the fields.  I do carry a supply of dried leaves and berries, but I like to pick more when I have a job to do, if there is time.”  Selwig began to roll up the linen strips very carefully.
    “You have been very upset since Vanni left.”  Simon commented.
    “I am afraid for him.  He is very young and yet he knows a great deal.”  Selwig shrugged.  “It is not for me to tell him what he should and should not do.  He asks me for advice quite often and I am pleased to help him when I can.”
    “He didn’t ask you to go with him?”  Simon asked cautiously.
    “He thought it best that I remain behind.  The Abyss is a very dark and dangerous place.  I spent some time there as you know.  It was most distressing, but I believe it would have been preferable to remaining behind and worrying after him.  I am also concerned about the welfare of the Master.”  Selwig replaced the linen in his bag and began to put away his other materials with great care.  “I promised him that I would serve him well in return for his patronage, but there is little need of a Tuathan healer here.  You are here, and they have their own physicians with great magick.  I very much out of place and unnecessary baggage for the Master.”
    “You are not baggage, Selwig.  Believe me.  Sir Ramsay thinks very highly of you.  He would not have you anywhere else.  And everyone here loves you.  Did you know that?”
    “I feel welcome here.  They are always kind to me and understanding of my… differences.  I regret that I cannot participate in your worship services, Master.  I hear that they are quite inspirational.”
    “Thank you, Selwig.”  Simon was truly flattered.
    “Vanni speaks to me of your words every time he returns from the services, and I do my best to understand.  I have learned a great deal.”
    “I’m glad to hear it.  If there is ever anything I can do for you, do not hesitate to ask me.  I am at your service.  We are all God’s creatures, you know.” 
    “That is what bothers me most.”  Selwig stopped and looked at him intently.  “Vanni tells me the god who created us was a false god, yet he speaks of someone else whom he calls the Creator of the Universe.  I do not understand this.”
    “It is a difficult concept.”  Simon nodded.  “The beliefs we hold are very old.  The Creator and Supreme Father is the One True God.  All others are merely extensions of His Divinity.  Long ago, another came into being who tried to set himself up as the one true god through ignorance of his own beginnings.  He created this world and everything you see in it.   He was not the One True God of Perfection and therefore, his creations were imperfect.  Thus we have what you see.” 
    “This god created man and some of the angels in order to glorify him, but he was an angry and vengeful god.  Cruel and heartless in many instances, bringing great sorrow on the world of men and the angels he created.  When they displeased him or failed to obey him, he punished them severely and sometimes caused them to die.  He hid the One True God from them and led men into great folly.  Still, even now, they follow him in ignorance.  But the Creator, the True Father, had mercy upon this world for He is all love and kindness, and He would not see any of us perish