Page 148 of Promises to Keep

“Lochie shouldn’t want to kill Fraoch either!”

“Aye, but he is a machine when he fights, Fraoch is all heart.”

Hayley was agitated. “Exactly!Youshould fight him in the arena, Magnus, you won’t kill him, he won’t kill you. It’s the perfect plan, right?”

“Ye are right, I wouldna be able tae kill him.” I leveled my eyes on Hayley. “Would ye want me tae die at yer husband’s hand? Tis something ye could live with?”

She leaned against the table and pouted. “No. There’s no... no.”

“If I die at yer husband’s hand, who would protect Archie and Isla and wee Jack?”

She shook her head.

We heard gunfire and a loud explosion coming from a few streets over. Quentin gestured for us tae pull our ear protection on.

I met Commander Burton’s eyes. “What is that?”

He looked down at a screen. “Our west flank is attacking a munitions factory, the last. This will greatly reduce their capabilities and it was right on schedule.”

There was another loud explosion and more gunfire.

I asked, “Do we need tae move?”

“No, sire, we have the guard stationed, though...” He looked at the map. “Let me deliberate with Connor at the front and confirm we are in the clear.” He left the tent.

We waited for the explosions to wind down.

Hayley said, “What are we going to do?”

Commander Burton asked, “If Lochinvar refuses tae kill Ian’s man, do you think Ian’s man would spare Lochinvar? Do you think it is possible?”

I said, “I daena see how. If Fraoch has a plan I canna guess it.”

Commander Burton said, “Fraoch must know he will die by entering the arena.”

Hayley said, “Lochie, is there anything you can do? Please, I beg of you, please, please don’t kill him.”

His brow furrowed. “What dost ye expect of me, Madame Hayley? This is a fight tae the death, are ye askin’ me tae die? Because Fraoch will be fightin’ tae kill me. If I daena swing he will swing on me — remember when I took his spot at the breakfast table? Tis like that, but far worse. Ye are asking me tae die, Madame Hayley, I am sorry, I canna choose it.”

I said, “Madame Hayley, think about what ye are askin’ of Young Lochinvar. Ye hae never been in a fight tae the death — there inna usually time tae pull oneself back from bloodlust — Ye must see, Madame Hayley, what we are up against.”

She nodded. “Yeah, I see it. But we know Fraoch, he is on our side. He... he must be— ” Her chin trembled. “He might send you a signal, Lochie, he might have a plan. I know I haven’t been in a battle to the death, but maybe if Lochie starts defensively, and watches Fraoch’s moves, maybe he would see that Fraoch isn’t trying to kill him. I still believe Fraoch has a plan. Just give him, I don’t know, like five minutes. If Lochie is this good at fighting, he could probably wait a few moments before he goes in for the kill, right?”

Quentin handed her a tissue and she dabbed her eyes. “I see how hard it is, and — Lochie, I know you and Fraoch were often at odds, but he doesn’t want you to die, please,please, just look for signs.”

Lochinvar said, “Aye, Madame Hayley, for you I will watch for signs.”

CHAPTER 71 - HAYLEY

The day was long, I had nothing to do but worry. Wishing I could see Fraoch, talk to him, tell him goodbye, but Magnus had been right. I wouldn’t be able to live with the possibility of making this situation worse.

Plus Fraoch had a plan.

I didn’t know if his plan meant he would survive. But I hoped so.

We gathered for a meal of stewed greens, mashed potatoes, and a Salisbury style steak. Quentin said, “I miss Zach, this food is shite.”

Magnus said, “Aye, the food at war is horrible, I canna wait tae get home.”

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