Page 35 of Henry & the Dragon
The door opened, and Mother flew out of the house and into Henry’s arms. “Henry! I was so afraid. They… They found Neron’s body, and several others. They believed a dragon attacked and slew them all.”
“A dragon was there, Mother, but it was I who slew Neron for his attempt on Kai’s life, and for stealing so much ofmine from me.” He stepped aside and with a sweeping gesture indicated his companions. “Mother, this is my daughter, Dmitra. Her mother left her in my care when she grew too ill to do it herself. And this is Prince Kaithyn, and his mother, Queen Arissa Dellamar.”
Mother paled as she slowly dropped to one knee. “Your Majesties,” she whispered. She took the lady’s hand, and kissed it reverently.
“Your mother is a true delight, Henry.” She turned to Mother. “Milady, please, rise.”
When she did so, Mother was shaking. “You’ve not come to take Henry, have you?”
“In a manner of speaking,” Henry replied. “May we go inside? Has Euric moved to the farm?”
“He has,” Mother answered, her voice cracking. “Henry, why are you traveling with a Queen?”
“Please gather everyone, so that we may talk. I will explain it all then.”
Mother went to ring the great iron bell that Father had installed for her to summon them to dinner, and a few moments later, Merry and those who Henry could only assume were her family, came running.
“Mother? Who are these people?” Merry asked, suspicion lacing her tone.
“They’re here for Henry,” Mother said, her voice all but broken.
A burly man, thick with muscles, dark eyes, and a heavy beard stepped forward. “You’ll not have my kin,” he snarled, clamping a hand on Henry’s shoulder and squeezing tight.
“Stop, please. Everyone must hear my story. Mother, have you food? Though the poisons are out of his body, Kai should eat something.”
“Poisons?” Mother gasped.
“’Tis a long story, one that speaks of things we must know.”
“There is no need to bother with food, milady. I’m fine, Henry.”
Henry narrowed his eyes, and Kai grinned.
“I could eat, if it isn’t inconvenient,” he said.
Mother ushered them all into the house. She bade the queen to sit at the head of the table, but she declined, saying that was mother’s seat as was her due befitting her station as the dowager of the home. Merry served a bowl of thick, rich smelling vegetable stew with fresh hearth bread to Kai and his mother, then placed piping hot bowls in front of Henry and Dmitra, and finally her own family.
“I’m sorry we haven’t anything more to offer, Your Majesties. Meat is a precious commodity and we haven’t any animals we can use,” Mother said, her gaze never leaving Henry.
Arissa’s eyes widened. “What? Don’t be daft. We don’t eat meat, but still, we appreciate your kindness. You have invited us to your home. Given us succor in dire times. We are beyond grateful for the bountiful repast you’ve provided.” She took a spoonful of the stew and smiled after she sipped it. “This is most delicious,” she said, then continued eating while Kai ravenously attacked his own food. So much for him not being hungry.
“Someone must explain to me what is happening,” Merry snapped. “My brother already gave himself to a monster, and I won’t allow him to leave us again.”
Euric stood behind Merry, his hand on her shoulder. “Nor will I. Merry has oft told tale of the brother who gave himself away when he was naught but a wee lad. One who put his family before his own life. Henry has earned his freedom.”
Henry couldn’t explain the warmth that flooded through him that someone who didn’t really know him was still willing to stand and defend him.
Kai put his spoon down and touched the corners of his mouth with a napkin. “Please, we are not here to haul Henry to a dungeon. Far from it. I wish Henry to be my consort. I love him, and have no desire to see him in chains or dangling from the hangman’s rope. The truth of it is, Henry is not willing to leave his family, and I am more than happy to stay. My mother, however, has offered another alternative. She would like for all of you to come with us.”
Mother’s eyes narrowed. “Where is this kingdom of yours?”
“’Tis very far away, Mother.”
She shook her head. “No. I am too old and frail to partake of such a journey. And I said I would not leave the farm my husband and I tended to our entire lives.”
Henry wouldn’t comment on the frail part. She was a very sturdy woman, stout and proud. She could work anyone in the family into the ground. Or… she had been able to. Once upon a time. Now that he looked, she wasn’t the same as she had been. Her back was a bit more stooped, her hands shook when she lifted the spoon to her mouth, her eyes were rheumier. In short, his mother had aged a lifetime in the years he’d been gone.
“Getting to our realm would take naught but a few moments,” the Queen said. “You could stay here, of course, but then Henry’s life would be in danger.”
