The Dragon's Speech

Chapter 9: Her People

Aeon:

To say that I was outside of my comfort zone was a wild understatement. I had never been around this many people. In. My. Life. Let alone people unafraid of me. When Eilea led me to the tables populated by her kin, I certainly didn't expect this. A large burly man a little taller than myself, with a build reminiscent of a boulder approached me first.

Clasping a large hand on my shoulder, he took a swig from his mug before asking, "Are those scars boy?"

"No, I was born cursed like this," I answered truthfully.

He shook his head solemnly, "Nay, not cursed. You have been touched by the dragons, just like our miss Eilea and master Terrowin. It means you were destined for something special; you just haven't found it yet." He winked, slapping my back, hard.

"Come! Meet the men and find your place among us, were bit of outcastes ourselves!"

A large woman carrying a small child approached us, "Gussalt, you're scaring the poor boy!" She scolded the burly giant.

"Am not Winny dear, I was just about to bring him over to our table for a pint!" The man I now know named Gussalt quickly retorted.

Just then two small boys peaked out from either side of her legs, "Mommy, who is that man?" the taller one asked. He looked to be about six.

"What's on his face?" the smaller one questioned, who looked to be about four.

"Hicket!" she scolded the younger child.

I chucked. "No, it's ok." I said kneeling down to be on eye level with the small boy. "I was born like this, there's nothing to fear."

His eyes went wide, gaping at the side of my face covered in scales. "It's pretty neat looking!" the older one stated, as if it was a matter of fact.

"Daddy, when I'm a warrior like you can I get markings like that?" he asked, his eyes alight with excitement.

"Hew, you are going to be the death of me. You are not going anywhere near any weapon until you are much older." The woman chided.

"I'm Winifred, the proud wife of that oaf, Gussalt." She said with a warm smile, "Please come and join us." She finished gesturing over to a table with a view of the royal families.

"I would be glad to," I accepted with as much of a warm smile as I could muster. Following her I heard Gussalt promise the older boy that as soon as he is proficient with the sword, he'll take him to get his first tattoo. A genuine smile crossed my face, her people were different.

Once seated, they freely offered me food and drink to excess. I sat among them chatting more comfortably than I have ever held conversation in my life. Glancing up from my mug I found my eyes drawn to her direction.

There she was, sitting at the high table, speaking to an older man to her right that had the same green eyes. That must be her father, and to his other side, sat a younger man with the same flaming red hair. That must be her brother I deduced. To her brother's side sat a younger, more slender man with ash blonde hair. As if noticing my gaze, he met my eyes, slightly raising his glass and winking in my direction. I paused quizzically before lifting my own mug in acceptance. That was odd, he must know Eilea as well to be so forward.

She was in a word, stunning. The deep green of her dress matched her eyes and her full red hair fell down her back in cascading waves. I continued to watch as more and more nobles presented themselves to her father, some of their sons approaching her with compliments. I grinned as I saw her dismiss lord after lord, son after son, with barely a second glance. She was not like the other noble women I had seen or heard of before. That was for sure. Turning back to my plate, I continued to eat my fill.

I was caught up in the energy of the hall. The sounds of laughter around me, the chatting of people from more regions than I had ever seen before, the excited squeals of children as then ran around playing. It was like a dream, one that I didn't want to wake from. Glancing her way once more, she met my gaze before smiling brilliantly.

Gussalt heaved next to me. "If you two keep staring at each other like that, the lords are bound to notice." He chuckled, making my blood rush to my face.

"Tell me, is she as...true as she seems?" I asked him, staring into my ale.

"Aye, she is true. More than that she's a true leader. I trust her with my life." He replied, his eyes shining with pride.

Suddenly the hall quieted down as Rulf and the man I believe was Eilea's father raised from their seats to address the gathering. Rulf began, "It is with a full heart that I see you all together this evening. We have all suffered so much in these past months." He paused, taking a moment to collect himself.

"I am happy to say that I believe I have found a way to turn the tide in our struggle against the invaders who seek to pillage and burn our homes. Lord Tarac Brehnach and his family have come to save us." His voice broke, Lord Tarac stood beside him, placing a hand on his shoulder for comfort.

"Thank you for the introduction Lord Rulf," his voice boomed through the hall. Rulf inclined his head in respect, receding a few steps to give him the floor. "My Lords, my family and I have been settling conflicts throughout the continent for many years. Never before have we found a land to settle and make our own. That changes today, with the promise of Lord Rulf, my people, my family and I will become your kin as at the conclusion of this conflict. We intend to stop our travels and settle down, making this not only your fight, but now ours as well. This is a beautiful part of the region, and we will fight til our last breath to ensure that beauty will endure. You have my word, as a warrior, father and dragon that we will not let these invaders take any more from you."

At his last words, the hall erupted in cheers and chants. "To the northern dragons!" I heard a someone call. Voices echoed the toast throughout the hall.

I found myself raising my glass, as the excitement of the men around me rose to a peak. Feeling the heat of eyes on me, I glanced around, finding that Lord Tarac was staring in my direction. With a small smile he inclined his head, I repeated his action respectfully. I watched as he returned to his table, leaning to whisper something to Eilea before taking his seat. Whatever he said, she blushed in response. Meeting my gaze once more, her emerald eyes bore into mine as my breath hitched in my throat. Things would never be the same for my quiet Western Wood, that was for certain.