Larksong Grotto Sorry That Took So Long

There was a voice. One of which Hiram hadn't heard for quite some time. Not since he had gone to fetch his daughters from the creek. The old woman had made his journey to the south possible, and for that the Cardinal was truly grateful. Her unspoken departure, while it had been while he was away, saddened Hiram deeply. She had not seemed the type to abandon the faith so easily, so the Cardinal worried for the safety of his wayward sheep. However, the sound of her return was triumphant and it spurred a joyous smile from the Cardinal.

The Lord had led his sheep home.

He rose from where he had come to rest and had to cut the game he played with his daughters short. He hoped they would understand and know that he would be back to finish as soon as he could. Planting an affectionate lick on each girl's head, Hiram set his course toward the border.

"Sister," spoke the Cardial as soon as he laid his gaze upon the woman. "The Lord has led you home." His smile was one of relief and his gaze was silently questioning.