Chapter 11: Alternatives (Abel's POV)
I looked at Cain then at Caternia who was looking at us in shock. I felt a little guilty that I didn't tell her sooner. I owed her that much…
"Well what happened was…well…we…"
"To get to the point," Cain said, making Caternia smirk a bit. "Shit happens. We fell for each other and if you don't like it, it's not my problem. I'm not going anywhere and if you people try to crucify me, I swear I'll come down from it and make your lives a living hell." To my surprise, everyone laughed.
"So noted…" Caternia said after composing herself. "I know what you've done in the past and that can not be overlooked." I looked at her wide-eyed and held Cain tightly. He looked at her evenly and waited. "But I can not overlook at what you've done here and now. You have taken down your own Orden and saved others. Those two deeds alone are worth merit. Besides, it would break Abel's heart and spirit if we did crucify you. I will not have you arrested or executed. In fact, I have something else in mind." We looked at each other then at her.
"What's that?" I heard him ask. Caterenia looked at us and smirked.
"There are some renegades that have to be dealt with and Abel can't do it alone…"
"What are you talking about, I've been doing…"
"Things could be done better." She said, causing me to blush. "And you seem more tactical and strategic than he is."
"Now who's not getting to the point?" I teased. She looked at me and smirked.
"Therefore, since you are already in the uniform and I doubt that you'll need much training, that you serve your sentence with the Vatican as a member of AX."
"WHAT?!?!" I heard Dandelion and her brother say. "But he's…"
"The perfect choice…" Caternia said. "He will be observed of course. He's just like you Dandelion. But instead of prison, he will remain at the church or on missions with Abel. Since Mistress' death and Esther being Queen of Albion and SwordDancer's death, I've been three AX members short. The Contra Mundi is perfect, for he can do for three."
"Are you sure this is a good idea?" I heard Dandelion ask with a gulp. "What if he tries to eat someone?"
"If I do," I heard Cain say, "You'll be the first to know." I saw Dandelion blanch a bone white and the Professor looked a bit uneasy. I tugged on Cain and shook my head. He got the point.
"Sorry. It's just my nature."
"Remind me to not piss you off."
"That I can manage…"
"Seth, are you still planning to throw a ball?"
"Abel, Valentine's Day passed already!"
"Oh, it did." I sighed sadly. Cain looked at me and held me close.
"Don't worry; we'll make sure to have one of our own."
"On what budget… four dinars..?"
"I've accumulated some wealth over the years." Cain began but Caternia held up a hand.
"As part of your sentence, your assets and accounts have been frozen and seized. They will be returned to you in full when your sentence is up." I had to hold my laugh in for Cain looked like he was about to cry.
"So you're saying…I'm broke?"
"Vow of poverty." She said. "And now since your sentence is with us, there's also the vow of chastity…"
"SAY WHAT?!" Cain roared. "No sex..?!"
"None at all…" She said. I felt bad for Cain. He had been reduced to a pauper and condemned to a term of celibacy in a matter of minutes. I wonder what else..?
"And how long is my sentence?"
"To be determined…it could be weeks, days, even years…doesn't matter you and Abel are Crusniks so you'll breeze through this."
"What are my other options?"
"Jail, execution or eternal servitude to your sister and the Empire…" Caternia said. "And the others would not work in your favor, for you would no longer be able to see Abel or the children, ever or for a while." I watched Cain bite his lower lip in thought. After a moment he looked up and sighed.
"Fine, I will serve my sentence with the Church." He sighed. "Like I really had a choice in the matter…"
"No you didn't." She said. "So welcome Father Nightlord code name: Seire." I heard Merdici clear his throat and look at Caternia.
"Caternia. May I speak to you in private?"
Uh oh...what will happen? stay tuned