The Dragon's Redemption

Chapter 35 Sheng Chi

The evening meal was a boisterous affair, so Brieanna, Sam, Gwen and her family sequestered themselves in a quiet corner. "Everything happened so fast," Inga said, "did Loki stab both of you?"

"He was trying to stab me," Brieanna said, "When Gwen stepped in front of me."

"I thought to block Loki," Gwen said.

"I don't follow, both of you were bleeding," Eric said.

"I'm an empath, so is Gwen. Most call us witches but we are in reality is an empath. I can take another's pain, injury and even illness into my body. Sometimes that is enough to resolve or cure the problem."

"I think I saw you two do that with Sam," Inga said.

"Yes, sometimes no matter how hard we try, or desperately want to help, we can do nothing. If we persist we perish with the person we are trying to help."

"That is what happened," Gwen said. "My wound was too great for Brie to close. I saw her bleeding out. I told her to let me go."

"I couldn't let you go," Brieanna whispered reaching for her hand. "I'm going to take you to Avalon."

"We both almost died," Gwen said.

"Then my dragon breathed on us."

"I thought dragon breath is poisonous," Harald said.

"It is," Brieanna replied, "but a dragon also has the Sheng Chi, the breath of luck and health. It restored my crippled leg once, and today it closed our wounds. You are now bonded to Dreki, like me, Gwen."

"When will you both leave for Avalon?" Eric asked.

"We need to be gone before the twelfth of June," Gwen said.

"And I need time to tie things up in my home in the Faroes," Brieanna added.

"What will you do in Avalon?" Inga asked.

"We will go to my mother. She is a former ruler there. I know she will help and she will love Gwen as much as I do."

"You will visit us?" Harald asked, his voice cracking.

"Yes, I most defiantly will. I'll visit you too in Iceland Haakon," Gwen said. "You look so much younger Dad since Loki power ended."

"You really do!" Inga said smiling.

"I don't understand how I could have been so blind to Loki's lies and manipulations," Harald said softly.

"He had me believing my father didn't love me, preferring Haakon," Eric said.

"I love all of my children with all of my heart!" Harald said as he hugged Eric.

"Even dragons fell under his spell," Brieanna said. "He came so close to winning."

"It was Dreki that saved us all!" Gwen said.

They spent the next few weeks with Gwen's family. All of them riding horses and taking short voyages in the long boats. Brieanna and Gwen shocked everyone by dancing on the oars while underway. The day of their departure arrived. They were packed and ready to go. The dragon rider sisters decided they would wear their shield-woman outfit to the final diner. Brieanna knelt before Harald, "I am most grateful for the hospitality you have shown my husband and I. We take with us many memories of our time and struggle together. I am sorry that I have no parting gifts to demonstrate my gratitude."

"Please stand before me shield-woman." Harald walked to her and embraced her. "Of the many gifts you have given me, none is more appreciated than your gift of saving and preserving my family. Go with my undying friendship and love. Sam, you too may approach me." Harald embraced him. "Take care of this woman of yours."

"I will, gladly." Brieanna then hugged Inga.

The meal included an almost endless round of toasts. Gwen and Brieanna sang several songs and danced. Then it was time to leave. Gwen and Brieanna hugged Gwen's parents and brothers.

"You are with child Inga, a girl child," Brieanna whispered as she hugged her one last time, "She will be healthy and strong."

They walked to Dreki who was waiting uncloaked.

"Thank you dragon," Harald said, "I am forever in your debt." Inga hugged the dragon. Then mounting Dreki; Gwen, Sam and Brieanna took flight. They rose higher and higher as those on the ground watched. Then they were gone.

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