The Dragon's Redemption

Chapter 39 Family Discord

"Ana Michaelsdottor!" Sam's mother shouted, "You had the unmitigated gall to marry into that family?"

"We love each other Mother."

"Her family has destroyed ours, how could you Sam."

"What did they do to our family?"

"They were behind Lemuel's exile. How could you forget about your brother?"

"Lemuel murdered her father, Mother. He got off easy."

"Who told you that?" she asked.

"Lemuel told me."

"So you did find him?" his father asked. "How is he?"

"He's dead, and he deserved it," Sam said angrily. His father slapped him soundly across the face.

"HOW DARE YOU!"

"Lemuel tried to kill me, he almost murdered my wife. He was using this red powder to control everyone, even the dragon was under his spell. When he tried to kill the local chieftain he went too far."

"Did you try to stop them from killing him?" his mother asked.

"It happened so fast...he had tried to kill my wife and her friend. They were bleeding out. I was with her. They simply dragged him off."

"How did he die?" his father asked.

"I would rather not say."

"You owe us an explanation Sam," his father shouted.

"The blood eagle. They cut open his back and broke his ribs free of his spine. Then they pulled his ribs open like wings and salted his lungs."

"Oh my god," his mother said as she collapsed.

"He claimed he was going to be a god. My wife and her friend managed to get some of his powder and her dragon was able to free itself from the effects or all of us would have been killed."

"Did she know what was in the powder?" his father asked.

"I believe so. She was totally unaffected by it."

"Tell us more about Lemuel," his mother said.

"Lemuel was pure evil, or crazy. I'm not sure which one. He always had a bag of the powder around his neck. I couldn't smell anything, but others said he stunk from an odd minty aroma."

"Who else could smell the powder?" his father asked.

"Several people, they were unaffected by it for the most part. I tried to talk to him and bring him home. I had no idea he had committed murder. My wife is innocent of any wrong doing. I would like to have her meet you both. I'm sure you'll love her. We have a child too. We will always be family."

"We had no idea Lemuel had killed anyone," Sam's father said. "I had thought he was exiled for sedition, simply disagreeing with the Three Sisters."

"I was surprised too Dad, I loved Lemuel."

"Does your wife's family know...about Lemuel?"

"Yes, we have both been totally honest with them. Aryanna knew Lemuel had killed her husband but they had no proof."

"And she and her family still accept you?" his father asked looking surprised.

"Yes, they do for my wife's sake. Please can you both put this aside and simply accept Ana?"

"We have to Sam," his father said slowly. "You are our son too. Will her family accept us?"

"They will. Lemuel is gone. We had no part in his crimes. Mother, can you accept my wife too?" She appeared very angry and her face was red with rage as she breathed rapidly. It took a long time before she could speak.

"For you sake Sam, I will do my best to accept you wife." Sam hugged his parents and kissed his mother's cheek.

"Thank you. That is all I ask. She now goes by the name of Brieanna or Brie. When would like to meet her?"

"Give us a couple of weeks Sam. It will be hard to put aside our grief. But we will, we are family."

Sam was light hearted as he left his parents' home to join his wife for lunch in the village. He was glad he had visited his parents before bring Brieanna over. Aryanna's advice was most helpful. He had just left their home when his mother hissed, "Do you think the little witch knows Lemuel's formula?"

"We'll squeeze it out of her, let's abide our time. Sam has always been such a trusting fool," his father said.

"Sam you look happy?" Brieanna said as they sat by the village gazebo.

"I met with my parents, they did take Lemuel's loss hard but are willing to put it aside for our sakes."

"You told them about Lemuel?"

"Yes, they didn't know he had murdered your father. They were shocked when I told them."

"When will we meet them?"

"They asked for a couple of weeks. They need to mourn their loss. I want them to love you as much as I do, and Aednat too."

"My Mom loves you Sam."

"I feel that, and I know she loves Gwen and Aednat too. I'm positive my parents will too."

"You are their only surviving son. That counts for a whole lot."

"How did the shopping go?"

"Really well. The wagon is filled and we will have more deliveries later this week. Did you order the coal?"

"Whoops, I forgot...I'm sorry."

"You had a lot on your plate, we can go together after lunch. We will all meet at the inn. Mom's buying pretty dresses for Aednat right now."

They walked to the inn and found the rest of their party waiting. "It's about time you joined us. Aednat's simply starving!" Susan said teasingly, while she hugged the child.