Page 123 of Long Live the King

I was walking the grounds of the compound, my finger trailing along a wooden rail. It felt real, the area smelled realistic, yet there was a dark tinge around my sight. I was looking out on the buildings around me as if in tunnel vision, as if down a long path. The sound of my footsteps echoed in my mind.

I walked across the yard to the building near the wall, where the kettles were boiling, new beer being made. The men looked up, their heads bobbed in acknowledgement, then they went about their sweaty work.

I heard in my head, Lochie’s voice, clear —Where are ye?

I don’t know.

I looked right and left.I can’t tell. Help me, please.

CHAPTER 50 - LOCHINVAR

THE CLEARING, NEAR BALLOCH, 1710

As the pain subsided, there was a voice — it was high and frightened, a whisper almost like an exhale?—

...I don’t know where I am...

Was it Ash?

Was she speaking to me?

...I’m lost... Can you please ask Lochie to look for me? God, please help me...

My mind filled with disjointed sensations, the heat from a flame, a blue sky with the edge of a thatched roof, the weight of a thick wool blanket, the feel of a rough-hewn plank as I ran m’finger along it, and the scent of bread, lavender, dirt, feces, and the prevalent aroma of hops within a bygone village.

CHAPTER 51 - LOCHINVAR

THE CLEARING NEAR BALLOCH CASTLE, 1710

Magnus was standing above me as I slowly gained consciousness.

He chuckled, “I will kindly ask ye tae unhand m’mother.”

I mumbled and groaned and felt around, realizin’ my face was on her chest. “Och nae,” I pulled m’self up tae a sitting position.

She sat up, patting her hair. “Magnus, daena mock us. We hae been fleein’ from the police, twas a frightening prospect. We barely escaped”

He smiled. “I think tis always frightening, rarely are we at peace when we jump — Did ye find out anything?”

“Nae, naething of use, the business office of Asgall Holdings is closed up and?—”

I said, “There was a pool of dried blood upon the floor.”

Lady Mairead said, “A murder was committed, it has naething tae do with us inanyway.”

“How do ye ken?”

“That office in Manhattan would be the worst place tae hold someone, ye saw how quickly the police responded — Asgall took her somewhere else, I am certain.”

Magnus nodded, “Then we will hae tae begin searching in 1296.”

I exhaled and shook my head. “Aye, tis what we ought tae hae done in the first place, I fear we are verra far behind.”

He said, “I ken ye are concerned, Lochinvar, but we are closer tae findin’ her?—”

“I think I heard her voice, she was beggin’ God for help. This is a thing that can happen?”

Magnus nodded. “Aye, ye can sometimes hear, ye can sometimes feel their presence. Kaitlyn calls it bein’ entangled.”

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