Dragon Bride

Chapter 17 Michaelmas Feast (harvest)

Unni and Karliene were walking to the mead hall. "Thank you for taking me," Unni said.

"With so many boats in they need both of us."

"Why us?"

"The halls owner is Gretchen's uncle or cousin, not sure which. We come highly recommended."

"Do you always dress so nice and wear makeup when you serve?"

"Yes, and I think wearing our glit circlet and new necklace helps. Having the dress open on one side makes serving easier. Sometimes you need to be able to run to keep up with the serving.

"My leg peeks out when I move."

"Your apron covers that, you liked the opening when we danced at the fair," Karliene said.

"I did," Unni said smiling shyly, "I love these golden arm and ankle bands Loki gave us. They're Irish I think."

"They are beautiful. I like the carvings. They look so elegant."

They walked together past the harbor. Both of them had their walking staffs and carried a sword on their belt. "That's Bear's brother's long ship," Karliene said pointing.

"Why did Bear and Uncle Eric say we had to be armed," Unni said.

"No idea, but they insisted. We're only serving tonight not cooking. Gretchen sold them a bunch of pies," Karliene said. "She was very happy with the price. I think Father Pete suggested it."

As they drew near to the hall Vada, Gorm and three others approached them shouting taunts and and jeers at them. Vada whistled at them then made a grab for Unni's bottom and then groped her chest. Karliene slammed her staff hard on his foot then swung her staff up catching his groin. Vada grabbed his injured anatomy and Karliene landed her third blow to his head. He collapsed. Gorm grabbed Karliene's staff tearing it from her hands and tried to hit her but Unni, who until that moment was frozen in terror, swept his legs out from under with her staff and he was down. She lost possession of her staff to two of Vada's other companions.

Both sisters drew their swords and stood back to back with their swords to the ready.

"I'm going to see you dead," Gorm shouted at Karliene as he lay on the ground.

"You're going to have to wait in line," Karliene said as she pressed her sword into his throat. "You touch my sister or family I'll cut you down." She pressed the point of her sword until until Gorm bleed from a shallow neck wound. Then she put the point of her sword in Vada's nose and one swift move sliced it open. "I'm feeling generous so today I'll let you live."

"Run off now!" Unni shouted and Vada and his group did. Vada was pinching his nose to stem the bleeding.The sisters were both shaking after they sheathed their swords and retrieved their staffs. Karliene held her sister who held her in return. A group of people had gathered and were watching quietly. Karliene's face flushed in response to the unwanted scrutiny.

"Are you okay?" Karliene whispered.

"That happened so fast! Why did he touch me like that?"

"He gets away with," Karliene whispered, "no one ever challenges him."

"We just did and you did before."

"Let's go to the tavern. Bear said he'll come buy to pick us up." The tavern was crowded and they were kept busy serving. Gretchen's apple pies were a hit and sold out rapidly. The tavern owner approached the sisters.

"I've seen you both sing and dance. Could you do that here. I'll triple what I pay you for the day."

"We don't have our instruments," Karliene said.