The Dragon's Speech

Chapter 4: The Dragon's Curse

We set off in the direction of the town, the trees of the encroaching forest to our right and the expanse of the countryside to our left. While it was not uncommon for females of my group to venture out on their own, I saw the utility in having an escort, if only to make sure I did not become woefully lost in the forests that surrounded and pervaded these lands. I had to admit, this was a gorgeous part of the country. The lush green foliage of the dense forests was a stark contrast to the barren lands we had spent so much of my young life traveling through.

For the most part we traveled in silence, I could tell that Gareth had a fear of the forest, as he kept eyeing the tree line as if the branches themselves would reach out at any moment to snatch him from his saddle. It was an uneventful ride to Rulf's home. It was a larger structure than the surrounding cottages and had a moderate expanse of grounds around it. The path leading to the entrance was overgrown, flanked by a stone wall that was now crumbling under the weight of the foliage, overgrown without someone tending to it.

A meek woman in her mid to late forties opened the door when we knocked, she had the same sagging skin as the man of the home, showing me that she had also lost a considerable amount of weight recently.

"You must be Rulf's wife, Blitha. My name is Eilea," I introduced myself bowing politely, inwardly thanking my father for forcing Terrowin and I to memorize the names of all the noble houses in the regions center.

Her eyes widened in shock, "Yes, I am, I'm sorry we were not expecting you," her voice trailed off.

"I apologize for the intrusion, but I have an inquiry that I need to address with your husband before the gathering tonight."

"Of course, we are all so happy to have your father and his men here, please do come in." She smiled warily, but stepped back allowing our entry.

"Thank you," I smiled in reply, trying to convey the air of respect and warmth that my brother so easily enamored people with. But for me, my attempts at courtesy seemed to give people the impression I was meek and could be easily manipulated, something which honestly dissuaded me from the endeavor altogether, more often than not.

She led us to an interior sitting room, warmed by a large hearth. The walls were adorned with the skins of game long ago hunted and displayed for decoration. I highly doubted that Rulf killed these beasts himself, most likely a son or hunter under their employ.

Hanging over the weak fire was a painting of a happy family, I recognized Rulf and his wife, but they looked like entirely different people. They both must have been 50-60 pounds heavier, and between them sat a, honestly, strapping young man probably about my age. He was shorter, like his father, but with a bulky frame and the delicate features of his mother. While it was not customary to smile in family portraits, their expressions depicted a much happier time. A time now gone.

Rulf entered, looking flustered, he was only partially dressed in a different outfit, a formal tunic hung loosely from his shoulders and had been pinned back in certain places, as if he was in the process of having it tailored.

"My apologies, but I have a matter of some urgency to ask you, Lord Rulf." I began, inclining my head in apology.

"It is no trouble at all, I was just confused to your calling as I was under the impression your escort was under strict orders to ensure you remained in your encampment until the feast tonight." Rulf stated glaring in Gareth's direction. "For your safety of course, we want to announce you and your family's presence here in the right way to the other noble families, as to not imply that our agreement is in any way a threat to their positions," he enunciated his last words more carefully than the rest.

"I understand completely, as you discussed with my father, we are here to augment your forces and restore a peaceful presence only. Our goal is to rid you of these invaders and find our own peaceful way of life in the lands that you have granted us." I smiled tactfully.

"I am sure you all will come to an understanding to my father's place in the ruling authority at the conclusion of this war effort, just as I am sure your motives are not to gather more land than you currently hold when the fighting is said and done," I answered curtly. I could see a spark of understanding in his eyes, he underestimated my intellect and knowledge of matters of politics, a mistake he should not make again.

"Of – of course not" he stammered, "please come and sit, what can I help you with my lady?" He questioned, quickly changing the subject.

"As we will be spending some time among your people, I need to find a tutor who can teach me the written language of this region as well as the written and spoken languages of the surrounding areas, do you know someone with this capability?" I inquired moving to sit in one of the large chairs positioned close to the fireplace.

Rulf sat opposing me, leaving Gareth to entertain himself by gazing out the open window at some passersby outside.

"I cannot think of anyone off hand that would have that knowledge, to be honest most of the men left here are simple famer folk, most can't read and even fewer can write in our main language let alone any other variations. I confess, I only know a handful of symbols in any other dialects." He sat back rubbing his chin as if deep in thought.

"Rulf, if I may be direct, my father intends on my family settling here, and if I am to wed one of your own, I need to also learn about the culture and customs of your people." At this, he cast his eyes downward, suddenly saddened by a memory unknown to me. Clearing his throat, he asked Gareth to leave, giving us a moment to speak in private.

He stood, walking towards the painting, reaching his hand up to tenderly stroke the face of the young man depicted there. "Eilea, I will be honest, there are not many men of noble blood left in our center towns. When the invaders first attacked our outermost towns, the young men of fighting age amassed a force to meet them head on. Little did we know that the small bands of brutes were not representative of the true fighting force of these savages. The entire group was wiped out, my son included, that was some eight months ago. He was about your age." His voice trailed off as he let his hand fall to his side.

"I am so sorry for your loss." I said sincerely. "As - as you know we are not from this country, my oldest brother was killed when we were retreating from the forces that tore apart my homeland."

He nodded his head silently. "No parent is meant to see their child die before them, I understand your fathers protective sentiment towards you and your brother better now." He replied, turning back towards me. Wiping away the tears that now streaked his face, he sat again leaning forward to rest his elbows on his knees, regarding me seriously. "There is one person who may have the knowledge you seek, but I must warm you, he will not take lightly any requests that I can make on your behalf."

He? I thought to myself, so there is a scholar left in this area!

"I will not be dissuaded so easily," I said with a smirk.

He chuckled, "Yes I can see that about you, you would have liked Randall, my son, he was also headstrong. Blasted lad wouldn't listen to a word of advice I said." He smiled at the memory.

"Please Rulf, tell me about this man who can help me," I probed gently, drawing his attention back to the here and now.

"Yes of course, but first I need to tell you a little about the history of his family and how he became cursed with Dragons scales." Rulf paused, grimacing. "His name is Aeon Velecos..." Rulf began, settling back into his chair.

I leaned forward unconsciously, Dragon scales, I thought, I have not heard of this condition or curse as he called it. But if there was another gifted by the dragons, I had to learn about his story. I would find this man, no matter how resistant he may be!