Returning to the Family

"Go on, sit." Hurman motioned toward the empty row of seats, those formerly claimed by Mertin's family. "Hurry up, so Shadur can explain his piece before the food gets colder."

"Y-yes…"

Everyone watched as Mertin came forward and led his family to the table. Forcing Mertin to sit first, Melida, Melinda, and Milo waited for Mertin to formally sit before they did the same. They also waited for Mertin to serve himself, not letting their regretful father or husband punish himself.

Shadur hurriedly finished his first serving and wiped his mouth with a cloth napkin. Getting an approving nod from Hurman, Shadur took in a slow breath. "Roughly a sun ago, I took samples of Patriarch Hurman's and Master Lyle's blood in order to run some tests. This morning I finalized the results of those tests, which I'll now share for the entire family under Patriarch Hurman's suggestion."