Dragon’s Sacrificed Bride : Curse and Redemption

Chapter 5 : The Discussion

After he left the witch house and returned home. Alot of things has been going on his mind. He was so shocked to learn the truth about the demon beast. The demon beast is actually a dragon! More to his surprise that dragon has been living for almost for a thousand century on the highest peak at the highest mountain. He hardly believe it when the witch told him. But when he thinking back the story he heard about a dragon when he was small, it's possibly true! He remembered now when he was young, he always heard the story told by his parents about the existence of a dragon. He thought it was just a fairy tales stories to scared the kids who never liisten to their parent. But what's the old folks said is a true stories passing down from generation to generation. He never truly believe it until tonight.

A dragon! That beast has taken her daughter! He might have eaten her alive or torturing her! When he think about the hurts and suffering his daughter went thru, his anger exploded! He really wanted to kill that damn dragon! He was so angry to care about his surrounding, he didn't realise his son were following him from behind. When he reach his home and entered from the back door, he was surprised when his wife suddenly asking him...

" Where has you been in the middle of the night? His wife asked curiously.

" Nowhere, i just went out for a short walk. Why are you waking up in the middle of the night? " He replied. 

" I had a bad dream. When I woke up I didn't see you on the bed. I thought you were in the kitchen. Did you have a bad dream too? Is that why you went out for a walk? " His wife asked in concern. 

He looks at his wife sitting on a chair with a sudden tears flowed out from her beautiful eyes. She must be still very sad about losing their daughter. He felt a sharp guilty in his heart. He knew he cannot undone what has happened. He walk behind her and give a tenderly love hug while pressed her lip on her forhead. He wanted to reassured her that everything is gonna be alright.

' Go back to sleep. I'll join you shortly, my love. " He said and kissed his wife on her right cheek. 

His wife hold his hands and kiss it. She wipe her tears away and smiled at her husband. He move back abit so his wife can stand up.

" Don't stay out too long, you need to take care of your health and sleep well. I'll go to sleep first. Goodnight and I love you. " His wife said with a weak smile on her face.

" Goodnight and I love you too, my love. Now, hurry up and go to sleep. " He replied with a smile. 

After his wife left the kitchen, he sat on the chair...poured a glass of water to drink and quench his thirst. He put down his glass slowly...he began to think about the dragon. If what the witch said it's true, he is willing to take a risk. He suddenly remember the witch give him something. The witch told him there's a weapon that can kill a dragon. He took it out from his left robe pocket. He unfolds the fabric slowly one by one and its surprised him to see a medium long size sword. It's an antique swords! The scabbard cover made from a hard steel. 

He opened the sword scabbard and saw a very unique silver curvy pattern antique sword. The sword has a very unique design. On both side curvy line of the sword there was some written which he did not understand. The middle part has a small transparent clear glass line going down to the place to where the sword handler. On the sword handler there are five tree-like claws. Each claw has a germ stone of different color attached to it. 

" What a beautiful antique sword. " He whisper in admiring.

He was so mesmerized with the beauty of the antique swords until he almost forgot that the sword is needed to use to kill the dragon beast. Tomorrow, he's going to meet the witch again. He need to know the way on how to use this sword. 

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Leon couldn't believe in what he heard! He was so surprised to find out the truth about his little sister. She is being sacrified to the demon beast! He felt so angry and couldn't contains the anger inside his heart. He almost thought to confront his father there and then to ask whether all his conversation with the witch is the truth or what? But he has promised Logan not to make any rash movement before he talks to him. He need to let his brother know! Since he'd been grown up in this village, he is the expert following the short cut around that area. He's running as fast as he could to go back home. He knew his father is safe since he is about fifteen minute walk to reach home.

He run toward the back of their house...knocked three times on his sharing bedroom window and he heard logan voice.

"Who is it?" Logan asked.

"It's me Logan...Leon. Hurry open up and let me in...Quickly!" Leon replied in haste.

Logan quickly unlatched the window and open up the window to let his brother in. When he saw Leon concern looks and his face turned as white as a sheet. He knew that something is not right. He saw Leon sitting on his bed trying to catch his breath with his head bent down like something bad has happened to him. Logan and Lucas walk nearer and sat infront of Leon. They understand Leon might need some time to recover but they itchy to know what has happened? They feel like their heart going to fall out and waiting is killing them both with curiousity.

"Something serious has happened. Our little sister is in big trouble!" Leon said nervously.

"What do you mean? Explained to us slowly?" Logan said looks concern. He didn't want to force Leon to speak until he is ready to speak on what he knows. On the other hand, Lucas is not as patient as Logan.

"What has happened to Leah..Leon. Did you heard something? Did father really know where our sister is? Or..or...what kind of trouble...." before Lucas can finish his sentences, Logan lightly pressed on his shoulder and shake his head to tell him to hold on to his questions. He keep his mouth shut although it's killing him inside and nodded in understanding.

"Hey...relax...Take your time to tell us what is going on and what did you heard?" Logan said with understanding.

Leon took a deep breath and started to talk...

"I've followed our father went inside the forest. He keep walking deeper and deeper and going around in circle as if he didn't know where he were going. It's looks as if like he were searching for something. I was wondering what he was looking for almost an hour. I just followed him from behind as quiet as i can. Then, he found the place he was looking for..." He suddenly stop talking half way while his brows snaps together. As if, he himself also in confuse and speechless.

"What place?" Logan asked curiously.

Leon look at both his brother face then come to his sense and slowly whispered..

"The Witch..." Both brothers said in surprise.

"The witch? What do you mean by the witch?" Lucas asked in confuse.

"Is father went out there to find the witch house?" Logan asked

"Yes...and they started to talk about something which i can't really hear at first. Then, father talking about the demon beast and Leah." Leon said in shocked.

"Wait..wait..wait..When you mention about the demon beast, what do you mean? What's that has anything to do with our little sister?" Lucas asked curiously.

"The demon beast got our sister. That's why father went to the witch house asking for help." Leon said

"What! What the hell are you talking about Leon!" Lucas shouted in anger.

"Lucas, lower down your voice! Father might heard us later! Did you think you the only one who worried about our little sister! So do we! Have some control over yourself okay. Or else our conversation will not going anywhere." Logan said in hissed low voice trying to calm down him down.

"I'm sorry, i didn't mean to shout. I just shocked and i don't believe it at all." Lucas said while racking thru his hair in sheer frustration.

"Leon, listen carefully here.I want you tell us start from the beginning until the end. I want you to repeat every conversation you heard between our father and the witch. Can you do that?" Logan asked, then Leon nodded his head understand and answered "Yes" in replied.

"Ok good...and Lucas, you need to just stay quiet and listen to what Leon gonna tell us. Not until Leon is done talking only then we will ask the question. Do you understand me?" Logan gave an early warning incase lowie might lose control over the anger. He never saw Lucas easily lose control of his anger so quick. Usually he is the most quiet one and always just listened.

"Yes, i understand brother." Lucas answered.

"Leon, are you ready to tell us now the whole story?" Logan asked to make sure Leon has prepared himself to tell them what's has truly happened while he followed their father. What's kind of conversation between their father and the witch. It's look like he need to be calm and listened well if he wanted to know the truth behind Leah dissapearance.

Leon nodded his head and started to talk about what happen and what he heard. Logan and Lucas just sat in silent and listening. By the time Leon end his story. Logan and Lucas were in bit shocked. They almost cannot believe that their sweet little sister has become the sacrifice bride for the demon beast.

Another an hour will be dawn. They discuss among themselves and finally came to an agreement. When the morning comes they will has a talk with their father. They also understand that the reason why they father has kept a secret from them. This time they will not let anything come harm to him too. They will protect him and they will together get their little sister back alive.

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The next morning, they all had a breakfast routine as usual. It's was so very quiet unlike the time when Leah was around. Usually, Leah always the loud and talkative lad on the table. The head chief know his family all still in a mourn and try just to follow their normal routine. He look at his eldest son Logan, he usually like to tell a joke with his little sister and brothers but now he seem so quiet. His second son Leon, usually like to laughing out aloud when he heard his brother funny jokes and if he excited his voice will be louder than usual. His third son Lucas, he always a quiet type but only talk when necessary. He also very close to his little sister. All that happiness is gone since Leah is no longer with them. 

He was thinking what to said when his family when Logan suddenly break the silent.

" Father, we would like to have a word with you after breakfast."

The chief nodded his head in agreement. They all ate quietly with alot of thinking on their mind.

After their morning breakfast, the three brother quickly helped their mother to clean up and wash the plate. Usually their little sister always do the chore but since she is not around, they took turn to do wash the dishes. Today, they all do the chore together and can't wait to talk tp their father.

They keep looking over their shoulder to make sure their father didn't left their house yet. Their mother realize her sons weird behaviour and suddenly asked..

"Sons, is something wrong? Why did the three of you looks so impatient. It is regarding the talk with your father?" Mathilda asked his sons in confuse.

"No mother..truly is nothing. We're just fine. Nothing for you to worried about us. We just in need to talk to father about something. That's all." Logan replied while smiling sweetly to his mother.

"Alright...Are you sure? Maybe you can talk to me instead of your father. You'd all know he is kinda busy with the village after the ruins." Mathilda said to reassured her sons.

"Nothing mother..It's fine. There's some matter we need to discuss with father regarding the works he asssigned to us." Lucas replied.

"Yeah..Don't worry at all. There's no big deal at all. Just have some walk to the market and buy something delicious to eat tonight." Leon said with assured smile.

"Yes mother, what Leon said is true. Why don't you go buy some groceries in the market. Our food all almost empty." Logan said smillingly.

"You all might be right. I'm sorry since Leah's gone..." suddenly their mother stopped talking and pain shoot thru her eyes. But she continue to said..

"What i've meant to say is... i haven't gone to the market for almost a week. I guess it's time for me to do some shopping right." Mathilda said while smiling sweetly at her sons.

"Yea..you'll do that. Try cheer up and relax while shopping at the market." Logan said while walks toward his mother and kissed her on the cheek.

"Have a nice walk and cheer up mother." Leon said and did the same as his brother do.

"Don't forget to buy some meat and chicken. We're totally out of it. You take care of yourself out there mother." Lucas said and did the same thing his brother do.

Then they all left... She were so surprised since Leah's not around, they always stay quiet and almost bury themselves with work. It was so shocked to see their weird behavior. But she won't ask or pressing on this matter. She is so glad that his sons is back to their normal self. She thought maybe she also need to do the same. Time to move on with their life. She didn't want to ruin her sons moods so she just agreed and follow what they said. Today were the first conversation they had since Leah's gone.

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After breakfast the head chief went to his private office room. He sat at his desk and thinking on what he wanted to do today. He was supposed to meet the elderly but his sons wanted to discuss something urgent with him. So, he thought maybe he will meet them later on. He knew why the elders request his present at their house.

While waiting for his sons to come, he think about what the witch has told him last night. He thought maybe if the witch is telling him the truth about the demon beast and his weakness. Then, he will do whatever within his power to make it happen. Although he is only at the age of fifty nine, but he still have some stamina and muscle. Maybe because he'd been working hard since his youth time. His father was a head chief before he took over the role after his father pass away. It's been almost twenty years since he become the head chief. His sons, Logan were only six years old and Leon were only four years old. Four years later Lucas were born and Leah was born four years later after Lucas.

He'd think that time has flies away so fast. In the blink of eyes, all his children has grown up. Before... He thought of early retirement and hand down his position to his eldest son Logan but after the jeopardy cause by the demon that has almost destroyed half of his village left him undecided. On the second thought, he didn't think it is a good time to do that while the village is still unprotected from only god know all this time there's more than just one demon beast will attacked their village. But right now his top priority is to save his daughter. He need to be sure to handle this situation under control first before he go and save his daugther. He knew his son Logan are capable since he has trained him since he were just a toddler but still he's still lack of leadership. He is too soft hearted and sometimes easily wavered. But he always able to reflected on it and a fast learner. He think maybe he should've let him learn from experience. He knew Logan were able to took over his position right now, if he really need some help then Leon and Lucas will back him up. But the question is will he accepted it? He must have a lot of question to ask him. He need to be prepared when the time comes.

Soon, he will set a journey to find the demon beast nest and save his daugther. But above all, he need to make sure his son understood his position as the next head chief village. He needed to make sure his son is able to bear the responsibility not only to protect their family but the whole villagers too. He has decided that now is right time to let his son took over his position. He had faith in him. Maybe he will discuss with him later.

While he was so immersed into thinking suddenly he heard a knock on his door. He asked his sons to come inside. Yes...this is the right time to discuss with them. Tonight, he is going to find the witch...

Before they went inside, Logan turned around and look at his both brother.

"Okay we do as we planned. Remember, don't talk about the demon beast or Leah. Wait until i gave you both a signal. Understood?"

Both brother nodded in agreement. Then they heard their father asked them to come inside and they went inside the private room. They saw their father sitting at his desk and they sat on the sofa facing their father.

"Son's, you'll come at the right time. There's something i've wanted to talk to all of you here. So, can you hear me out first before you spoke yours?"The Head Chief asked in serious tone.

His son looks at each other and nodded. The head chief thought it has to be this time to sort thing with his sons.

"I am getting old. This village is my legacy passing down from generation to generation. I've protected this village the same like your great-great grandfather and so on until me. I guess it is about time i'm passing down my position to my children." The head chief said.

"But father..." When Logan were trying to speak, he hold up his hand to stop him from talking whatever on his mind.

"I know what you were thinking Logan but yes, you are right. I am thinking that it is about time for you to took over my position. And i also know that your brothers here will help and guide you. I believe in all of you. So, all i'm asking you is hoping that you all will bid to my wishes. I know there's a lot of question on your mind but i think you all should be ready for this. So, what do you all think?" The Head Chief said with a hopefull look on his face.

"Father, i am really glad to accepted this position but as you well aware that i'm not ready to accepted it for now." Logan answered.

"But..why? Wasn't it's been your dream to become the head chief village. Even when you were just a young toddler you already pretended to become like me." The head chief asked curiously.

"Father, of course i wanted too but now is not the right time to do that." Logan said desperately trying to make his father understand.

"If not now then went? Do you want to wait until i die!" The head chief said in frustrated.

"No! Until we save Leah from the demon beast! For god sake father! We all know what you did behind our back! How could you do that to your only daughter!" Logan answered in anger.

The head chief face turned white. He was shocked to hear it. How did they knew about it? He never even uttered a single words to them.

"We know why you need to do it but we just don't understand why you never bother to talked to us before you sacrifice our little sister." Logan said in a calm and dissapointed.

The head chief closed is eyes and bend down his head with two hand hold it. He really didn't want to do that. He knew that make him look like a bad father. But he has no choice. That is why he wanted to make the right things now.

"How did you all know? When did you found out? Did one of the elders told you?" The head chief asked curiously. He wanted to know who the hell tell his son's this secret.

"No one father. I found out about everything when i followed you out last night. You went to the witch house and i've heard everything you and the witch said." Leon answered.

"You did what? You spying on your own father?" The head chief said with unbelieveable tone.

"Well then...will you tell us if we didn't do this? Until now, you still keep everything to yourself without  telling any of us!" Lucas said in frustrated tone.

"Father, we all a grown up adult now. We no longer a little kids. But, our Leah is still young girl. She's only sixteen years old. She is our responsibility too. It is our duty as her big brother to protect her from harm and keep her safe." Logan said in calm voice.

"Leah is no longer a little child anymore. She is old enough to get married. I married your mother when she was her age too. But now, what has i've done to her. She is so sweet kind -hearted girl willing to sacrifice herself just to protect her family and the villagers people she loved and care. What should i do now? I wanted to save and get her away from the demon beast! I swear i will do anything to get Leah back!" The Head chief with tears swelling down his cheek and  in anger. Then he quickly wipe away his tears and control back himself. he cannot shown his weakness to his sons.

"We all feel the same too father. We also wanted to save  Leah as much as you do. I believe, If we do it together then we can save Leah." Logan said in hopeful tone.

" No, you all can't! This is not something you can handle by yourself. And don't think of doing something stupid. Do you understand me? " His father replied firmly when he coming to his sense. He cannot put his son's life in danger.

" But why? That beast took our Leah!  We cannot just let Leah carried the burden alone while leaving with the beast! Why did you never argued with the elders! Why did you let that beast took our little sister away! " Lucas spoke in frustration.

" Enough with this talk! Do you think I've wanted this to happen too! Your sister is chosen because she were happen to born on a dragon year! Do you think there's any parent would want to sacrifice their own daughter to the beast! Let's alone to be his bride! She is my daughter and I love her too! " His father replied with angry emotional pain.

" Father, please let us hunt down the beast. ' Logan asked with serious looks on his face.

" I already said no! Please don't make me repeat myself again! No is a no and that's final! " His father insisted. 

" Father, the three of us can kill the demon beast. You know how goods we all in hunting. " Leon said with the hope his father would change his mind.

" Yes father, we all definitely can kill the beast. " Lucas said. 

" You don't have to worried about us, we all can take care and protected each other. So, there's no harm will comes to any of us. We promise you, we can take care of ourselves. " Logan pressed the matter more to convince his father.

He was actually surprised when his youngest son, the most quiet one and seldom talk suddenly become so aggressive. He must loved his little sister so dearly for him to act this way. He looks at his all sons face, he knew they really wanted to kill the beast as much as he do. But he couldn't let them take a risk. They didn't know with what kind of the demon beast they are dealing with. He couldn't tell them too as he promised to the witch not to say a words.

" My sons, I knew how much you wanted to kill the demon beast as much as I do. But.. if I'll let you all go out there, there's no different I sent you all to suicide. Do you want me and you mother to lose all of you at once? Forget it! This is not something that you can handle. So, please I'm begging you all, don't let us lose more than we already had. " He said in hope his sons will understand. He fear for their safety, he is not gonna lose his sons too.