Gilliam’s Father

Gerrard knew what to expect from his Gilliam. That being trouble and ambition. But as a Voice, he'd seen so much ambition in fifty years. And watching the foolish boy's grow was incredible. There was still a harvest festival for the people to participate in, but that was the duty of the Head. Not the Voice.

But the idea of him just being a bystander. He couldn't, even if it meant losing his title. Father meant more. It was an hour before dawn as the sand fell. And most of his family sat together in the next room. He and his lovely wife seated on the bed together, shoulder to shoulder, elbows to knees, heads down, rich long red hair raining down on one, the other, raven black.

Nothing had been said for a while, until she put a hand on his knee and squeezed, her warm apishly big hands made him smile and put an arm around her and kiss her forehead.

She leaned into him, pulling his hold tighter to deepen the embrace as if to juice out their fears.

"Okay, my love," Began Gerrard. "You shall begin with the boy, I vill do Glen."

"Ve're comin vith d'you." Ingrid said, he lifted her by the jaw to his lips.

"And vhere else vould d'you have been?"

He winked.

Gerrard lifted his wife, and she wasn't short! But he managed and even got to rub her swollen belly. The motion would always be an ease to his mind, a peace. They took the moment to just breathe and plan their next move.

They opened the door and a wave of yelling came to a crashing halt as their parents stepped out. It was time to lead. Be… parents.

"Glen, any word from Gaylene and Greg?" Gerrard growled, the voice he used exclusively for his wife long packed away.

Ingrid crossed her arms over her belly. Glen tried to sit up, his daughter on his lap, fast asleep.

"Gaylene should be on a boat, I don't think a Tern with a message fir his ship has found her. But I expect her sometime before the evening. Gaylene should be her within the hour."

"Thas fine. Geralyn an Gabriel, d'you vill vait fir her and d'you vill meet us at the hall. Gil, do me a favor and help Gabe vith the vater pumps then both of d'you, bath. D'Your mother did vell vith the blood on d'your face."

To the entire group's surprise, he stepped up and gave his son a huge hug. The boy took a breath and squeezed back, the family gathered to hold onto each other.

"Family! Our Boyyo here! Has dun summin special. Summin great. Taken battle against full grown volves! He has made the family proud. Gilliam!" He roared, raising Gil's hand.

Teary eyed as the family cheered and applauded.

"Now go, boyyo, there's chores to be doing!"

Gerrard smacked Gil on the back and shoved Gabe by the back of his neck.

Soon after only those above the age of thirteen were left behind. A hard eyed Gerrard sat on the table.

"Okay son, talk to me. Sl'owly explain everyt'ing. For the sake of the family, leave nothing out."