Page 110 of Long Live the King

“Where did ye hear that I was a king in the past?”

“I remember it.”

Magnus nodded, watching his son, then said, “Perhaps, but it still daena make the dream true. The important thing is that the crown prince kens that this is not tremendously worrisome, the dream he is having is wrenching but also unrealistic. I am goin’ tae be here tae run everything, and when it comes time for him tae take the throne he will be so auld that he will be grateful that I am gone, finally.”

Archie threw his arms around his da’s waist and held on. Magnus patted the back of his head. “I ken, son, I ken.”

After a few minutes, Archie released his grip and wiped his eyes and said, “Bug Man! Want to go explore?”

Ben put down a chicken wing. “Yep, coming!”

They ran off with Isla yelling, “Wait for me!” But they were already gone.

Lady Mairead was left muttering, “If they get chicken grease on my tapestries I will murder them and not give it another thought.”

Magnus said, “Thank ye, Mother, for the help with him, ye set his mind at ease — mine however is fully tormented.”

She smiled, “Thiswas my plan. It will help ensure ye work verra hard tae return, as ye will be driven by fear of me. Ye will be taking the dog and pig and chicken?”

“I will be leavin’ them tae guard the family.”

“I thought twas worth a try.”

We finished our buffet meal and I watched Magnus, looking thoughtful and concerned. He seemed distracted as if he were coming up with a big plan.

CHAPTER 45 - MAGNUS

RIAGHALBANE

The mindset of m’son was greatly concernin’ me. I kept thinkin’ on his recent question,If I am king, are you gone?And his dream that matched my own,Long live the king, and how that meant it must be a memory — if I was there, it ought not concern him much, but the fact that his dream included the chant,The king is dead!concerned him a great deal, and finally, most worryin’, the fear in his eyes.

We were all settled in chairs. The kids had returned from their exploration. Lochinvar’s leg was bouncing, he was ready tae go. “Where will we look first? Tis time tae make a plan.”

I stood, “I agree. But first, I hae made a decision, I would like tae move the family tae Balloch while we rescue the maiden.”

Lady Mairead said, “Wouldna it make sense tae leave everyone here — we have the computers, yer large military, yer castle?”

I glanced at Archie. He and Ben were sittin’ on a chair, their legs swinging as they dinna touch the floor. “Nae, while I understand that there are positive reasons tae stay here, I think the Prince needs tae see his cousins. Runnin’ through the halls of a musty castle in the eighteenth century will do him good.”

Archie said tae Ben, “Bug Man, we’re going to go see the cousins!”

They high-fived.

I said, “Master James, I will let ye choose whether tae move yer bairn or nae. Ye are welcome tae stay here, or ye can come with us tae Balloch.”

James looked at Sophie. “What do you think, babe?”

Sophie said, “M’lord, I would like tae go with the rest of the family. That way ye might be of a help tae them.”

James said, “Alright, we are decided, as long as Junior gets a gold thread.”

I said, “That will be a priority. Everyone else is game?”

The group nodded.

I said, “Okay, then, ontae the matter at hand. We hae two possible dates. Tis yer decision, Lochinvar, where do ye want tae look first?”

Lochinvar ran his hands through his hair. “Tell me the two choices.”

---