Page 129 of Long Live the King

“Alright then, good, if we somehow get stuck make certain ye hae yers ready tae press intae service for our rescue.”

I pushed out my chair. “Tis time tae go.”

Magnus glanced at Kaitlyn for a moment, then nodded. “Aye.” He pushed his chair back and stood.

Fraoch stood up. “Looks like we are goin’.” He kissed Hayley goodbye. “Love ye.”

“I love you too, safe travels.”

“Aye.”

Quentin said, “We are still waiting here, Boss?”

Magnus said, “Aye, we will return promptly or ye will be in charge of our rescue.”

The Earl said, “What’s that ye say, Magnus — ye are leaving in the middle of the meal?”

“Aye, sire, we must attend tae an important matter?—”

“In the night?”

Magnus looked at the window, twas light outside still, and would be for an hour more. “Tis early still, but aye, we must go... my regrets and we will return in four days.”

The Earl said, “Well, we winna be here, we are removing tae Edinburgh tomorrow, there are plenty of people here, more than can be accommodated comfortably...” He continued on while Magnus stalked toward the door leading us away.

CHAPTER 54 - KAITLYN

BALLOCH CASTLE

Istood, bowed, gave my regrets, and rushed after the men as they left the Great Hall. In the gallery I called after Magnus, “Love, I’m going to get the kids, I’ll meet you in the courtyard.”

I ran to the nursery where all the kids were having a heck of a raucous time.

“Archie?”

A woman there said, “He has gone explorin’ with the cousins.”

“Great.” I picked up Jack and gathered Isla and we went to the courtyard sending a messenger to hunt for Archie but he was already there by the time we arrived. He had a pensive look on his face as he watched his father gather his things, yet again.

Quentin had collected bags of weapons, Magnus had them loaded onto their horses.

We watched as there was a lot of activity and we didn’t want to get in the way. But finally they were ready.

Magnus said tae Archie, “Wee man, I am goin’ tae help yer uncle rescue his maiden, I will be home in four days.”

Archie nodded. “Where are you going, Da?”

“I am goin’ tae the thirteenth century, tae a village called Fortingall, tis right there over in that direction, not far away, ye hae been there.”

He said, “It’s a very old village?”

“Aye, but this is not yer dream, Archibald, I promise — I am not, nor hae I ever been a king in 1296. It inna the same.”

To Isla he said, “In four days — can ye count them?”

She said, “Yes, Da, I will keep track.”

“I will make sure tae bring ye a good present.”

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