Fortaleza Hidalgo - La Gomera 1910Victoria, now in her late sixties, was now the effective leader of the commune though not officially so until Francis died. She was being strongly challenged for leadership of the group by Zhou Wan who had returned to the monastery after an absence of four years. They both stood by Francis’s bedside and looked on sadly as the life ebbed away from the dying monk. “It is time,” murmured Francis. “With that responsibility comes the innermost secrets of the Elders as passed to each Leader on the passing of another. This decision will govern your life and that of your families for generations and change irrevocably the direction of the movement.”
“It’s an easy decision,” said Zhou coldly, Victoria remained silent. Francis gave a wan smile and told them to retu
