The Dragon's Redemption

Chapter 7 Yeomen

Sam reached the cave by the noon hour. He was bursting with desire to see Brieanna and tell her of his plan to purchase their freedom. He could hear her voice as she sang quietly to herself deep in the cave. He found her in the large cavern sorting through a number of items as she sat in the light singing. The song was in Avalonish and he was surprised to hear her sing in his native tongue. He greeted her in Avalonish, "You have such a lovely voice, Brieanna." She stopped singing and turned toward him. She was on her feet running the distance separating them and launched herself wrapping her in her arms and legs. She responded in Avalonish.

"SAM! I was so worried."

"I'm back Sweetheart, when did you start speaking Avalonish?"

"So that's what it's called. I always could but didn't realize it until I spoke to a dragon."

"How's your leg?"

"It's healed, thanks to dragon magic."

"I have a surprise, but now that you have a dragon..."

"Tell me, please Sam. I love you. That is all that matters."

"I have found a treasure of gold and silver coins. I have enough to buy our freedom and a small farm. If you'll have me?"

"Is that a marriage proposal?"

"Yes, I want you to be my wife. We could make a nice life here together."

"Let me down so I can formally accept," Brieanna said smiling at him and looking into his eyes.

"You're the one that tangled herself," he teased then released her. As she stood before him he noticed that she had her hair down. He had never seen it down and simply wanted to brush his fingers through the silky waves of her long hair. She was smiling as she looked into his face. He noted that she had loosened the neck of her dress and both of her shoulders were bared. His hands found their way onto her shoulders on their own accord.

"Yes Sam, I accept your proposal!" then laughing she stood on his feet and on tiptoe and kissed his lips. Before a startled Sam could get her into his arms for a second kiss she was leading him to a pile she had made on the floor of the cave. "Look what I got!"

"Swords?"

"Four, and knives, look at this little one." She pulled at a cord she had around her neck and produced a small knife she had concealed between her breasts. "I found bows and arrows, a mail tunic for you and a small one for me. Some clothes, but they are in bad shape. What do you think?"

"I think we should go to Oother and ask to buy our freedom. The Vikings have left and now is our best chance." They left all they had found in the cave except Brieanna's knife she had around her neck and a second one in her belt. She had returned Sam's knife to him. As they walked hand and hand toward the village Brieanna was surprised by the loud bellowing of the cows.

"Sam, on one has milked the cows!" she quickly braided her hair putting it up and cinched the neck of her dress tight ran to the cows joining the other milkmaids and thralls who were attending the cows. The villagers were slowly inspecting their homes and property. Sam walked determinedly to the village chief.

"Clan Chief Oother, I request to purchase mine and Brieanna's freedom." Oother looked at him and motioned him closer and a group of villagers to act as witnesses.

"What are you plans Sam?"

"I wish to make my life here as a freeman, and take Brieanna to wife."

"That is good, I paid 170 silver pence for you, and 50 for the girl."

"I will give you 17 gold Aureus for my freedom and twenty-five for Brieanna." A large crowd had gathered and watched in fascination.