Page 112 of Long Live the King

Kaitlyn was writing furiously.

Lochinvar sat down in his chair.

I said, “Where ye goin’?”

“Don’t know, I regret this stupid vote. Will ye run it?”

“Aye.” I stood. “Quentin? Beaty?”

Colonel Quentin said, “Because we don’t for sure know that the timeline goes back past 1557, we would need to test, we would have to be cautious, we might need to use the...” He shivered, “...Trailblazer. I opt for the simpler place, first. We should go to the twentieth century, find out what we are up against.”

Beaty said, “I think ye ought tae pray on it first, Lochinvar, then ride intae battle with yer sword high. There is justice at stake.”

I raised my brow. “Verra interesting. Zach and Emma?”

Zach said, “I agree with Beaty, swing that sword, Lochie.”

Emma said, “I agree with my husband, Lochie should follow his heart.”

Lochinvar’s foot was jiggling, he drew his sword from its sheath and held it point down between his feet.

I said, “Lochinvar, I thought ye said it wasna binding?”

“Tis binding if it goes my way. And I am just ready — tis comfortable tae rest m’hands on my hilt.”

I said, “James and Sophie?”

James let Sophie go first. “I believe Lady Mairead will be able tae learn what we need, and we must ken more afore we act. Please note that I am wantin’ the men tae go with Lady Mairead tae the twentieth century first.”

James said, “I’m thirteenth century, first. Do it, go team Lochinvar.”

I said, “Kaitlyn?”

She said, “I’m writing down my idea, that I am on the side of caution. It’s always good to be on the side of caution. Twentieth century.”

I said, “Generally, except when the villain has stolen yer maiden, then ye ought not be cautious, ye ought tae start swingin’. I vote for the thirteenth century. Will ye count the votes?”

Kaitlyn counted. “It’s a tie.”

“Och nae.”

Lochinvar said, “Archibald, would ye like tae break the tie for us?”

He said, “I side with Fraoch and Colonel Quentin, it’s safer?—”

Ben said, “Ride into battle!”

I laughed. “Och nae, another tie!”

Lochinvar said, “Isla, would ye like tae break the tie?”

She said, “Side with Mammy.”

Kaitlyn leveled her eyes at Magnus. “Your son and daughter vote for caution.”

I nodded.

Lochinvar looked around at all of us, then at Archie. He exhaled. “Alright, this is what we will do. We will go check in New York first. It has been decided.”

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