Destroyers and the Dragons

Page 54 (The End)

      "Ah niece," Uncle Marion said formally. "It is good to see you." I nodded in response not yet trusting my voice. "And King Evergreen what brings you to our lovely homes?"

     "I have come to formally ask for your blessing," Evergreen said never once letting go of my arm. I glanced up and saw the concern in Aunt Martha's eyes and then looked away. "My blessing in what?" Uncle Marion asked still not moving.

     "May we speak of it in private for now?" Evergreen asked finally noticing the entire clan watching the exchange of words.

     "Of course, my tent is always available," Marion said turning and leading the way to it. I watched as the tent was quickly cleared out of all but my aunt, uncle, Evergreen and me. Evergreen steered me into a chair and then stood behind it while he waited for my aunt and uncle to sit. I swallowed nervously and continued to stare at my feet terrified of what they would do once they discovered my shame. Uncle Marion waited until Aunt Martha had secured the tent flap leaving the clan outside.

     "You wish me to bless something?" Uncle Marion said carefully.

     "Yes, as you are her eldest living male relative; I have come to ask that you bless our union," Evergreen said smiling politely. "I have asked Adriana to marry me and she has agreed. I was hoping for your blessing in this."

     "I see," Uncle Marion said carefully studying me. "May I have a word in private with my niece first?"

     "Of course, but be forewarned she carries my child," Evergreen said as he walked back out of the tent. I waited, head bowed, as the silence stretched out. Finally Martha spoke up her voice shaking slightly. "Is it true you are with child?" I nodded my head and felt a tear slip free and slide down my cheek.

     "Tell us everything that has happened to you while you were with him," Marion demanded. I tell the sordid story and wait for their condemning judgment. "I need to know do you love him?" Marion asks making me look him in the eyes.

     "I believe I have loved him for some time," I finally manage around the lump in my throat. "I have brought shame on our clan and would understand if I was sent away."

     "Nonsense, your marriage to the king of the dragons is a great alliance," Marion says as he stands. "Now we will make things right." I follow behind him and Martha as we exit the dark tent and stand among my clan.

     "You Evergreen have shamed my niece," Marion says pulling his sword. My mouth drops open in shock as Evergreen backs up a couple of steps looking just as shocked. "Do you intend to make an honest woman of her or do I have to end your life for such a horrible shame?" Evergreen backs up a few more cautious steps as my uncle advances. "Well answer me King of the dragons."

     "I fully intend to make an honest woman of Adriana, at the soonest convenience," Evergreen says his stare locking onto me.

     "Then you have one week to return to your castle and make plans for a wedding," Marion says sheathing his sword and stepping towards Evergreen with an outstretched hand. Evergreen continues to stare at me as he clasps Marion's arm.

     "I look forward to seeing you in one week to celebrate our union," Evergreen says still staring holes in me.

     "Then welcome to the clans," Marion says pulling Evergreen into a hug. I continue to hide behind Martha until another dizzy spell makes me stagger. Instantly Evergreen is there to steady me.

     "I'm fine," I mumble against his chest. "I just got a little light headed."

     "It is my fault, I never stopped to feed you," he said pushing me towards the tent. "Go rest, I will find you food."