Page 41 of Promises to Keep

Lochinvar strode over to a table with three young women and stood preening with his chest bowed out, while they giggled in his presence.

He had the look of a happy young man for someone who had just been reciting sad poetry about flowers that were a metaphor for vaginas. I giggled.

Magnus looked at me with his brow raised.

I gestured toward Lochinvar.

He nodded with a chuckle.

Then Sean said, “Finally, I think I hae had enough of the drink tae be in the right spirits tae discuss why ye hae come.”

Magnus sipped from his bourbon and Coke. “Why hae I come? I hae forgotten!”

“I believe it has somethin’ tae do with Lady Mairead, as I haena seen her in a—”

Magnus leaned forward, “When was the last time ye saw her?”

Lizbeth said, “I daena ken, six months ago? More?”

I asked, “Is that rare? Do you see her more often?”

Lizbeth said, “As ye ken, she daena care much for seeing her grandchildren, and most of her auld friends hae died a’ready, so she is out of sorts when she does visit, and she only wants tae come if the Earl is away. She has a way of arrivin’ just after he leaves.”

Magnus pulled the letter from his Sporran. “Aye, Kaitlyn and I saw her recently, but I believe she has had some difficulties since. She sent me a letter… She says she needs m’help.”

He tucked the letter back to his sporran and asked, “Hae ye received any word from her? Any sightings or signs?”

“Nae, but she is probably on one of her adventures, she is often travelin’.” Sean added, “Remember when we went tae France lookin’ for her, and she had already returned?”

“The high seas and the pourin’ rain in the crossing — twas terrible.”

“Aye, good times.” They raised their whisky glasses. “Slainte.”

Lizbeth asked, “How long before ye must leave, Young Magnus?”

Magnus said, “Kaitlyn and I will stay for a few days, as it has been long since we hae seen ye.”

There was a commotion, we all turned to see Lochinvar, standing on a chair, swinging his sword in the middle of the room.

Magnus shook his head. “Och nae.” He stood as Lochinvar boomed out, “...and then he lunged for Maggy! And if I hadna been there, Maggy would be dead!”

Magnus groaned and rushed Lochinvar and put out his hand. “Give me yer sword.”

Lochie said, “Why nae sword, Magnus?”

“Ye are too drunk, ye can hae it in the morn.”

Lochinvar hiccupped. “What if a Baobhan Sith comes in the night—?” He hiccupped again, then held the sword out, but when Magnus reached for it, Lochi pulled it away and giggled.

Magnus said, “Lochinvar!”

Lochie passed him his sword and then turned his attention back to the young women.

Magnus returned and slid Lochie’s sword under his chair, joking, “And when we leave we will be leavin’ the wonderful and untroublin’ Lochinvar with ye…”

Sean said, “I am certain the fair lad has stories tae tell on ye, Young Maggy, I think I will enjoy his company greatly.”

Magnus moaned again.

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