Preview

"Hail Mary."

Father Corwin took a step towards the forest.
"Full of Grace."
He passed the first line of crosses, trembling.
"The Lord is with thee."
He passed the second line, their backs were still turned.
"And blessed are thou."
Third line, the crosses here were stained red with the blood of the Lord.
"Amongst women."
Father Corwin didn't notice, trying very hard to be silent, but Andrea had a hand on the butt of a gun, tucked into her waistband.
"And blessed are the fruit.."
Corwin was clear, passing the fourth and final row of crosses marking the borders of the Province of Saint Phillip.
"Of thy womb, Jesus."
Andrea raised her pistol calmly, firing twice. The bullets struck Corwin solidly in the back. One went on through, flying heedlessly into the forest, the other hit a rib and bounced, trapped in the traitor-priest's torso.
"Holy Mary."
Andrea slipped the gun away.
"Mother of God."
Corwin coughed blood.
"Pray for us sinners.."
He staggered forward, dropping to one knee.

"Now, and at the hour of our death."

Corwin fell, dead before he hit the ground.

"Amen."