Ajacii and Demons: The Ingenairii Series (44 page)

“
For that spirit, you deserve to have them restored. You’ve grown so much in your visit to Avonellene that you deserve to have them all back. I know that you will use them judiciously,” John Mark concluded.

“
The irony is that I felt I would have grown happy living without them. As long as I can live with Caitlen and have a family in a peaceful land, I would be content,” Alec replied.

He felt a hand on his shoulder. “We will work to make you have a happy life with your family, in a land you’ve made peaceful,” Caitlen told him, arisen and standing behind him.

Alec turned and hugged her, then turned again, still holding her hand. “Caitlen, this is John Mark, the greatest saint of my faith. This cave is one of his holy places.”

Caitlen stared at the saint, overcome by the sense of holiness in his presence, then curtsied, something Alec suspected she had not done in many years. “I am honored to be in this place, your grace.”

“
It is you who helped make this meeting possible,” John Mark replied. “You told Alec that you had faith in his God.

“
Thank you. Now you and Alec may return to your home and live your lives together. I’ll let Alec explain everything to you. And perhaps someday we can meet again in your own land,” John Mark said, then disappeared from the cave.

“
What do we do now?” Caitlen asked, taking the disappearance of the saint in stride.

Alec looked at her, a serious expression on his face, then suddenly broke into a grin. “Would you like to climb some stairs?” he asked.