Anakis (Part 3)

   

   I hold my breath for one small moment, then breath out.   Now they all shall know my true self, I told myself.  With that thought, I tore off my robe.   Some others gasp, but Natia just nods.    "I must go, Anakis," Natia told me.   "I'll be outside.   You know I'm not good at these things."   I say nothing, but look straight to Nairi in fear.   I hope this works, I tell myself.   I haven't practiced in a while.   
   I sigh, then begin my chants.   "Oh, Deus, come into me.   May your spirit be in my fingers.   Oh Deus, the mighty Healer, may I do what is good in your sight.  Deus, come to me.   Come.   Come!"   Then all of the sudden I felt the shiver go down my spine.   Here He is, I thought to myself.    I now prayed a silent prayer to He who is within me, Please, oh Healer, may I heal Nairi.   I don't want someone I barely know to die in my own arms!   The people will blame both me and You, and no one, and I mean no one, shall ever believe that you are a just and merciful Lord. 
   As I opened my eyes, I looked down at Nairi.   She was so pale!   A small tear ran down my cheek and landed on hers.   She stirred, but did not wake.   Here we go, said I, and I began to rub my hand all over Nairi's head.   Be merciful, have mercy on this poor girl, I whispered to He who is within me. I could almost hear his tender voice saying, "You who fear Me, trust Me - I am your help and shield."   Oh, such calm came to me!
   All of the sudden, Nairi awakened!   I was overjoyed and tearfully whispered, "Praise be to Deus, healer of even the best of healers!"
   Nairi, in a weak voice, uttered, these words, "P-praise, t-t-to, T-Tu-han."
   I gasped, then cried out, "Oh, Deus!   Thou art more merciful than I deserve!"   I fell face downward on the floor.   "Thou hast healed Nairi faster that ever imagined!"   And with that, I began to light a candle for the life of Nairi is spared.