by Anna Rose
“You did not know it, but Andagebi was in the process of arranging another marriage for himself. A young woman who would be able to bear him more children. Imagine what he would have done with another daughter,” Drannar told her. “No, Sentinel did the right thing in moving to protect you, but I would encourage you not to make a habit of taking justice into your hands in the future.”
He squeezed her shoulders encouragingly but did not release his grip. Instead, he drew her in close to his chest and let her cry herself out as he held her. She held tight to the Dragonguard as though he might slip from her grasp and go away, never to be seen again.
Several minutes had passed before Drannar spoke again.
“And finally, Aya, it has occurred to the Council that you still have only half a name, and with your Dreaming, you are surely deserving of the second half of your name,” Dran told her, with a reassuring smile.
“My family’s tradition was that my future husband would give me my second name, Dran. I no longer have a family to arrange a marriage, so I will have to make do with my simple, childish Aya,” she looked down to hide the sadness on her face as she spoke.
Dran chuckled, and Clarion nosed Aya from behind, startling the girl into raising her head, where she saw something dancing in the man’s eyes.
“Aya, girl, you have a new family now, which is something you don’t seem to understand,” he explained. “A family who loves and cares about you, and who want you to be happy.”
“A new family,” she asked, confused by Drannar’s words.
“Firstly, you will not marry unless you decide you wish to do so, and it will only be for love.”
Aya stared at her friend, not comprehending what he was telling her.
Lauro emerged from the crowd that stood on the periphery of the cavern and crossed to where Drannar and Aya stood. He cradled a small wooden box in both hands, which he then gave to Drannar. The Dragonguard opened it, showing its contents to her.
Inside the box was a ring made of polished bronze, exquisitely worked into the shape of a dragon. Sliding it on each finger until she found one it would fit, she saw that it was sized to fit around her right index finger.
She held up her hand, showing the precious gift to all assembled.
“As of this day, you are Dran’aya,” he said. “Does anyone here question or challenge my adoption of this young woman as my true daughter?”
The loud cheer that greeted his question coming from all those assembled was all the answer Dran’aya needed to hear, and she jumped into the arms of her adopted father, both Sentinel and Clarion roaring their enthusiastic approval.
Did you like what you read, because there will be more stories about Aya, Sentinel, and the Dragonguard! Keep your eyes open for more!
About The Author
Anna Rose lives in sunny Southern California, where she spends her time writing, spending time with her family, and playing online computer games. In addition to having a brilliant human daughter, she is also owned by a gray tabby cat and two very opinionated Chihuahuas.
She is also the author of the Sumaire Web series of vampire books, which feature the Irish vampire, Siofra.