Page 37 of The Ranger

She followed, looking over her shoulder at Aunt Belle’s. “I think they’re at Uncle Colin’s house.” She looked around. “Where is he?”

“He’ll be along,” Grandpa said. He also dismounted. “Be a love and unsaddle Pete while I find out from your grandmother how long our guests are staying.” He headed for the house.

Pa dismounted next. “Dalrovia,” he drawled. “I bet they’re interesting to talk to. And they brought a royal guard?”

“No, they brought Mr. Markhel.”

“What?” He scratched his head.

Maida watched his face run through a myriad of expressions as he thought about who knows what. Pa liked to think things through before he spoke, and this was no exception. “Mr. Markhel. No one’s seen him around for years. Maybe now we can find out where he got to.” He led his horse to the barn. “What are they like, these royals?”

“Mrs. Berg, her name is Makama, is pretty, and nice. I like talking to her. She’s also American. Mr. Berg, that is, Prince Vale, is also very nice. He has an accent, but it isn’t like yours or Grandpa’s or Uncle Colin’s.”

“No, darlin’, he’s European so he’ll sound a little different.”

Mr. Markhel, he also has an accent, but I can’t figure out what it is.”

“No one can,” Pa said. “The man hardly speaks to a soul as I recall. Except Grandma Waller. I suppose if she trusts him, we can too.”

“The MacDonalds do. They give him things to bring to Grandma. Mama told me.”

“Yes, but that was a long time ago, darlin’. The man’s been gone for a good eight years I’d say.” In the barn they unsaddled the horses, and as there was still no sign of Aunt Belle, Maida concluded they had to be at her house.

Colin rode into the barnyard, dismounted and led his horse into the barn. “What a day. Maida! Please tell me your aunt has my dinner ready.”

She smiled. “I wouldn’t know, but she has guests.”

“What?”

“Your Mr. Berg’s son is here visiting,” Pa told him. “I believe they’re with Belle.”

“Andel’s son? Which one?”

“Vale,” she said, smiling. “And he has a wife.”

“And a royal guard,” Pa added. “Someone we’re familiar with.”

“Who?”

“Mr. Markhel,” Maida said, a slight smile on her face. She didn’t know why she liked saying the name, she just did.

Uncle Colin, on the other hand, blanched, handed her the reins, and took off like a shot for his house.

8

“What was that about?” Grampa Harrison asked as he rejoined them. “He’s been acting strange lately but... well...” he scratched his head. ““That’s your Uncle Colin for you.” He smiled at them. “And Sadie informed me we have guests for dinner. Let’s get the horses put away while Colin is pestering them.”

Maida smiled. “He’s excited to see the Bergs.”

“Yes, so I am, but I’m not going to sprint to my house.”

“Of course not, Grandpa, they’re not at our house. They’re at Uncle Colin’s.”

He laughed. “I know that you silly girl.” He put an arm around her and kissed her on the cheek. “Come on then, let’s finish up and go say hello to our guests.”

As soon as they were done putting the horses into the corral, they headed for Colin and Belle’s house. Maida steps quickened the closer they got. It’s not as if she was excited about the visitors, she’d already seen them. Still, they didn’t get visitors like these every day, and she was curious about them. They were royals for one, and two...

She stopped at her aunt and uncle’s front door. “What’s the matter sweet pea?” Grandpa asked.

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