The Dragon's Redemption

Chapter 29 The Arrival

"Mom, Dad! What do you think?" Gwen asked.

"This is a little hard follow Gwen," Harald said. "What do you think Haakon?"

"I believe it, I trust Brie."

"Inga?"

"We'll never know, will we?"

"Mom, I can return to visit, can't I?" Brieanna nodded.

"We can also communicate between the worlds. It is difficult but it is possible," Brieanna added.

"Is this what you want?" Harald asked.

"I don't want to leave my home and those I love, but I want to live," Gwen said with conviction. "This is my only option."

"Loki warned me that a destroyer would come on dragon back," Harald said.

"It was Loki who drew her here," Haakon said.

"How did he do that?"

"He kidnapped my husband and told me he would bring him here. He hopes to kill me and take my dragon."

"Are you a destroyer?" Harald asked.

"In a way I am. I destroyed an army that had come against my village. I have no desire to hurt you or your family. I would like to help."

"Look at what she has already done for Gwen," Inga said. "She had lost all desire to live, to dream and was simply awaiting death."

"I am grateful for that," Harald said, "but it means I still lose you Gwen."

"I will always be your daughter. If I had simply grown into adulthood I still would have ended up as a wife on some distant shore. It is the way of life."

"Like your mother, a princess of the Danes living here in isolation with me."

"I came because I loved you. I chose to spend my life with you. I have been happy to be part of your life."

"You are both right," Harald said. "It is your choice to make Gwen. Go with my blessings daughter."

"And mine," Inga added.

"Thank you," Gwen hugged her parents and Haakon as all of them wept.

"What's next?" Harald asked.

"We wait for Sam. This is far from over. Nothing is assured or set in stone," Brieanna said

Brieanna and Gwen continued to work on defensive moves. They made one more flight to their island and flew with Dreki daily. Otherwise they waited. Then the day came when they received word that Loki and Eric had returned. Loki would make his first appearance at the evening meal. Brieanna and Gwen decided to come fully armed and in shield-woman clothes. "Should I streak my face with blue paint like a Berserker?" Brieanna asked her friend.

"We are already a nice bronze color," Gwen said thoughtfully. "That will be effective enough."

Harald's court waited in silence as the visitors were announced. Brieanna and Gwen waited off to the side obscured by Brieanna's bear skin robe. Loki strode into the hall like a regal prince. Eric walking behind a few paces. Brieanna gasped as she saw Sam as he was lead in barely able to stand or walk. Loki squeezed the bag around his neck and the foul mint like scent filled the room. "I have brought a prisoner," Loki said. "A conspirator in a plot to overthrow our chieftain. He is the servant of the Destroyer who will deliver herself to us."

"Shield-woman," Harald asked. "Is this your husband?" Brieanna dropped the robe and walk toward them. Loki at first failed to recognize her. Then as he looked over her gentle curves, her small athletic form, her bronze skin and her warrior garb he leered at her. A cruel smile of triumph darkened his face.

"Yes, my lord. He is my husband." Sam's face was so badly beaten that he could not see clearly, but he knew her voice. "May I go to him?"

"You may."

Brieanna slowly crossed the floor with Gwen on her heels. She approached whispering his name. Sam reached out to her, tears fell from his eyes as they touched. Brieanna gently caressed his broken face and her hands glowed blue. Gwen holding on to Brieanna's shoulders willing to help sharing her life energy. Bruises and skin tares appeared on both Brieanna's and Gwen's face. They felt the pain as their jaws broke, as their skull fractured and multiple ribs snapped. Sam was dying Brieanna realized, from internal bleeding, and she willing took those injuries into her body. Gwen was terrified but stood by her sister, willing to give her life too. Then the bleeding stopped, the broken bones mended and their faces returned to normal. Brieanna and Gwen relinquished their hold on Sam and collapsed. The entire court was in turmoil as they witnessed the apparent evidence of witchcraft.

"Behold the power of the witches," Loki shouted, again squeezing his bag. "They must be rooted out and exterminated or we will all perish." Loki had not recognized Gwen as the other witch.

"Enough of you Loki!" Haakon shouted. "We will wait until they can speak for themselves before any judgment. Loki bowed and squeezed his bag again.

"Take the women to my room," Inga directed and they were carried out. Sam just stood in shock. He tried to think to make his mouth speak but all he could feel was the thick air and the putrid smell from Loki. He realized Brieanna had touched him and all the pain had gone.

Haakon was watching Eric. Eric was staring at him, his eyes full of hatred. Haakon had no idea how to respond. Harald seemed to be in a stupor. "Everyone eat, dinner is served," Haakon said trying to return some normalcy to the room. Initially everyone ate in silence, then the buzz of conversation filled the room. Eric continued to stare at his brother.

It was several hours and late in the night when Brieanna and Gwen awoke. Inga was sitting next to them.

"What happened?" Gwen asked.

"You emerged as a witch," Brieanna answered.

"Can I throw fireballs?"

"Yes, I will work with you. You also have the gift of tongues. You will speak and understand all languages. Inga, where is Sam?"

"I took him to the small guest room. He was barely able to respond. I just took his hand and he followed. Go to him Brie." Inga showed her the room and she quietly slipped in. Sam was laying on his back, his eyes were open but he appeared asleep. She climbed into bed with him and curled up next to him. She lay her head on his shoulder, her right arm curled on his chest, her right leg flexed and over his. She slowly ran her fingers through his hair.

"Brie?"

"Yes, my darling, sleep now."

"Brie," his voice broke and his breathing became erratic.

"I'm here, just lay with me. I love you Sam."

"I love you too. We are going to die aren't we?"

"Not if I have anything to do about it. Sleep now Sweetheart." Eventually his breathing changed into a sleep pattern and his eyes closed. Brieanna continued to hold him, eventually she also slept. Her mind raced but she could see no way to save her friend, her Sam, or even herself.

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