R.S.Sharkey

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Sarabrandae swung open the door. A smile lit up her face as she saw who stood beyond. With a giggle of joy, the young lady threw her arms around her father’s shoulders. His chest rumbled in a deep laugh and his strong arms held her tight. Sara looked up and into his wrinkled and grinning face. The sight of her smooth, innocent face sent the wrinkles deeper. A lock of her hair, like a curl of chocolate, slipped over her eyes and he brushed it away; releasing her at the same time.

Without waiting for him to speak, Sara grasped her father’s hand and led him into the room. A servant brought forth a chair for the lord and as he sat, Sara knelt to the floor; leaning on his arm. With a shine in her earthen eyes, Sara spoke the first words.

“What de’ he reply, fath’r?

Her father grasped Sara’s hand, his own shaking with excitement. Sara’s red lips drew back; revealing her straight teeth.

“Aye, he says.” Her father nearly burst out. Without a thought, Sara hugged her father yet again and kissed him on the cheek. Drawing back she saw a tear in his eye.

“What be it, fath’r?” Her smile vanished under a look of concern.

His lips twitched as her father struggled between crying and laughing. “It be non. I only my hear’t be crying fer joy and sadney at the same time.”

“Wher’ be the sadney spring’n from?”

“From the thou’t of ye bein’ gone.” Her father grasped her head and kissed her hair, the shimmering locks falling freely. When he let her go, Sara looked back into his face.

“Cry not at my goin’ but be happy for the life I’ve ben givn’.” She smiled, though tears could now be seen on her face.

The smile won over her father’s mouth. “Aye, ah will. Nothin’ less than ah knight for my chil’d.”

Sarabrandae laughed and rose from the floor. “Ai keen thee man ye’ve found be good and well. If he’s pass’d your hear’t than he shall mine as weel.”

“Than ye’r hear’t be givn’ to a good man.”