The Dragon's Redemption

Chapter 26 Haakon

Brieanna and Gwen had their skirts hiked up above their knees as they raced their horses. Their long hair flowing behind them as they laughed ridding at top speed. Haakon followed at a slower pace. He noticed that both women were barefoot and their feet and legs were tanned. Seeing Gwen racing her horse and laughing gave his heart joy. He had not seen her so alive and happy since that awful day the runes had been read. They were rapidly approaching a row of bushes. Brieanna slowed her horse to go around the bushes as did he, but Gwen spurred her horse on looking back at him and laughing. Then her horse jumped and cleared the bush with ease.

"Brie, slow a bit. I would like to talk to you." Brieanna slowed her horse and they rode together. "Mother says you are behind the changes in Gwen. I am pleased."

"I only befriended her. I love her like a sister."

"I love her too. I was devastated when the runes foretold of her death at fifteen."

"I'm familiar with the runes, how well do you recall them?"

"I was sixteen when the shaman visited. Gwen was close to nine I think. I really remember little except what was said about Gwen. Loki, my father's confidant, has been much better at recalling the event.

"Gwen has a much better recollection, talk to her. She would enjoy talking to you."

"I don't have the courage, that's why I ran off to the Iceland colonies."

"The runes have more than one interpretation Haakon. Her death is not the only possibility."

"You were in the prediction too, Brie."

"Yes, I know. I'm here on my own quest."

"To sew discord?" Haakon asked. Brieanna smiled patiently at him.

"Loki has kidnapped my husband. I came to await their arrival."

"Loki said a dragon rider will come, a Valkyrie from hell to destroy my family."

"Do I look like a Valkyrie?"

"You came dresses as one."

"You have a point there."

"You are a handsome woman. My mother trust you implicitly."

"I don't recall ever being called handsome, funny looking maybe. What do you think?"

"I don't know. Your hair is unusual."

"I'm a blond!"

"Yes, and my hair color was the same as a child as was Gwen's, but it darkens in time becoming yellow like Gwen, or brown like mine. Hair colored like yours in an adult is rare."

"So I have Valkyrie hair?" Haakon nodded.

"Your eyes, they are golden yellow. In the great hall they were copper colored."

"I've been told they color shift like my mom's. I thought they were brown as I've never really seen them."

"You have no mirrors?"

"A brass one. Everything looks copperish."

"I have a small glass one from Italy. I'll give it to Gwen. Check it out."

"So, am I a destroying Valkyrie or not?"

"I don't know. You are an enigma Brie. An attractive interesting enigma. Your ears are elfin and not Valkyrie."

"I'll consider that a compliment."

Gwen returned and they began ridding three abreast. "Don't get too smitten with Brie big brother. She's a married lady." Haakon laughed at her statement.