Chapter 7
1352 Words
Elias
“The boys will be so excited to see ya,” Argus said as we headed down the hall. “How was the fly in?”
“It was good,” I said. “I’m excited to see everyone too.”
“Even Tiny?” he asked as he peeked over at me.
“Yeah, I mean, I got nothing against the guy,” I said with a shrug. “He’s got his mate, I’ve got mine. He’s a good guy.”
“For an Irish,” he sighed but laughed his booming laugh before smacking my shoulder. “I’m just joshin’! He’s not so bad.”
“So what do I do now?” I asked.
“Now we will feast!” he exclaimed in his big booming voice again. “The boys were so excited to have you visit that they demanded we celebrate your union.”
“Glad I have someone’s blessing,” I said and Argus smiled waivered. “What?”
“Nothing,” he said. “Lets get you situated so we can go eat.”
Argus lead me to another room and knocked on the door. Bronson, one of the warriors o had trained with when they were in Black Wing opened the door. He smiled at me and gripped my arm in greeting.
“Elias! I see you finally made it!” He exclaimed. “How was your trip?”
“Good,” I said. “Am I staying with you?”
“Nah, I was getting your room ready for you,” he said. “We use the spare room as a bit of storage so didn’t think you wanted a bunch of dirty knickers in your bed.”
“Gross,” I chuckled. “Thanks I guess.”
“No problem,” he said and stepped out of the room. “It’s all set for ya.”
“I need to go get mum down to the dining hall,” Argus said. “Get yourself freshened up and I’ll come back and get ya. I’ll explain what needs to be done before we head down. I know you guys aren’t traditional as we are at Black Wing.”
“Alright,” I said and looked around the small room. “Thanks.”
He smiled at me again and closed the door. I looked around the room some more. It had a funny smell to it, like sweat and blood and sulfur. It was smaller than average, much even smaller than my old room at Black Wing. I picked up my duffle and took out some fresh clothes since mine still had a bit of spit on them. I was thankful that the Chieftainess wasn’t there to receive us; I may have underestimated the severity of this situation.
After brushing my hair and my teeth, a knock came to the door. I opened it to see Argus looking a bit tidier than before. He smiled at me and I joined him in the hall. He had changed his clothes as well I noticed; though nothing fancier than a clean pair of pants and tunic. They didn’t really wear modern clothes here I’ve noticed.
“So what do I need to do?” I asked.
“Mum is already seated,” he said. “I’ll go in through first, I’ll announce you. You come in, bow to the chieftainess, state your name and what your intentions are. Once she gives a nod or some response to join us, you come sit at her side, across from Ginny. That’s about it for formalities. When dinner is served, she’ll probably ask questions and get to know you. Just be polite and answer them honestly, she’s able to tell.”
“Like Blythe?” I asked. Some dragons could sense truth or deception by hearing the words. Blythe explained it as seeing the lies coming out of the persons mouth in a red or black. Others just get a gut feeling or like an alarm that goes off in their. Gifts can be manifested in many different ways.
“Yes,” he nodded. “It wasn’t easy growing up with a mom would knew when you were lying. Patty was the only one who could get around it. She knew just what to say so it wasn’t exactly a lie, but still wasn’t the truth.”
We walked down to the dining area and everyone seemed to be there already. I didn’t know what but I was nervous as hell already as I peeked into the room. Table after table was full of big burly men all laughing and talking loudly. It was a cacophony of voices and raucous laughter. I searched the room for Ginny; which was more difficult than I realized as almost everyone had the same wild red hair. Guess we know which side Gin takes after.
I looked towards the largest chair centered at the head of the largest table. I could barely see the top of a golden crown sitting atop of grey hair. I couldn’t see her face, but I knew that must be the Chieftainess. I swallowed hard as I tried to get a better view. My eyes shifted to her right and saw Ginny smiling her polite smile; the one she wears where she’s feeling anxious and uncomfortable. Oh boy.
“Hey love,” I whispered through our mind link and watched as her smile widened. She turned her head away from her Gran and looked for me. I smiled at her but didn’t want to draw too much attention before Argus could make his announcement. I stepped back into the hall with Argus.
“You ready?” he asked.
“Yup,” I answered and deep a few deep breaths.
“Good evening brothers and sisters of Blood Fire!” Argus boomed as he stepped into the hall. “We all know why we are here! So allow me to get on with it and not waste anymore time before the feast! Chieftain Gladys Minerva Scott, may I present Elias Abernathy of Black Wing!”
The entire room went silent and everyone sat stock still as I stepped into the dining hall. Everyone’s eyes were on me and I felt the anxiety quickly through my chest and seize the air in my lungs. I looked for Ginny’s face and saw her smiling at me; encouragement in her eyes and I took a breath.
“Greetings, Blood Fire and Cheiftainess,” I said with a bow. “My name is Elias Lochlan Abernathy and I am here to ask for your blessing to marry, Ginerva Connors.”
Now that everyone was silent and sitting still, I could see the Chieftainess sitting in her chair. She looked remarkably like Ginny with the same green eyes. Her hair was white, grey, and silver and a beautiful crown of what I thought was gold was actually sticks weaved together and possibly painted gold. Her skin was wrinkled and pale, but her eyes were sharp as she looked me over; tightening at the corners as she scrutinized what she saw.
“Abernathy?” she said in a brittle, almost shrill voice. “Did you say Abernathy? Are you Scot?”
“I’m not sure, honestly,” I said. “My parents were killed when I was baby. They had sought refuge at Black Wing before my birth and were killed in an attack a few days a month after I was born.”
“I see,” she said with a nod. “Come have a seat, Elias Abernathy of Black Wing.”
“Thank you,” I said with another bow and went to take my place at the table.
- Writer
