Page 113 of Long Live the King

He added, “But we daena need everyone at once, Lady Mairead and I will go tae the twentieth century and discover what we can while the rest of ye move tae Balloch.”

I said, “Ye are certain?”

“Aye, it seems likely the fastest way tae begin, or I will hae tae stand around waitin’ for all of ye tae pack yer things for Balloch.”

Zach said, “It’s a lot like herding cats.”

Lochinvar said, “Aye, tis. Lady Mairead, would ye be able tae go straight away?”

She stood. “I will be ready as soon as I dress.”

We all withdrew tae make ready for the trip.

The Trailblazer was brought tae me. I wrapped it and put it in a messenger bag. We had three vessels for those of us on the mission, many more for the rest of the family. We had enough gold threads for the bairns. The horses were bein’ saddled. I had bags of guns. Some grenade launchers, grenades, a drone. We were wearin’ garb from the past, and had a bag of camping equipment for when we needed it. We had some food so we wouldna need tae hunt or bargain for every meal.

We had presents for the cousins. Fraoch and I had changes of clothes.

During our preparation Lady Mairead, dressed in early twentieth-century traveling clothes, strolled intae m’office as I was gathering paperwork for the trip. “I wanted ye tae ken, the lad and I are leaving now.”

“Tis a kindness that ye are accompanying him.”

“Well, he is a good lad, he is easy upon the eyes and kens his place.”

“Ye hae always had a soft spot for him.”

“He has enough of Donnan in him that I do feel rather softened toward him, but, ye ken, if he ever crosses me I will end him, just as I ended his mother.” She turned on her heel and left for the twentieth century.

Later the rest of us gathered on the helicopter pad on the west side of the castle. Haggis was excited, we had our horses, a pig and a chicken, seven bairns, and a great many people tae be springing upon m’sister and brother. We packed and piled crates of food because the winter of 1709 had been the coldest on record and we wanted to provide sustenance. We piled the gear, held ontae each others’ arms, wrapped around our bairns and jumped.

CHAPTER 46 - KAITLYN

1710 - BALLOCH CASTLE

When I woke up, Sean was standing above me. Beside me Magnus was sitting up, still dazed, looking up at his brother.

Sean said, “I ken I always say this, Young Magnus, but ye are lyin’ in the dirt like a mucag, and ye hae an actual mucag with ye this time, or is that Fraoch?”

Magnus laughed and put out a hand. “Help me up.”

Fraoch said, “I ken I say this every time, but must we awaken tae the ridicule of Sean Campbell every time we visit the cousins?”

“If ye want me tae haul ye and all yer things tae the castle, then aye, I get tae mock ye. Och, tis a good thing ye hae come in summer, we hae just passed the coldest winter I hae ever seen.”

Magnus brushed off his kilt. “We brought more food, did everyone fare well?”

“Aye, mother has been sendin’ supplies from yer kingdom, we survived.”

Magnus said, “Ye might say that if the supplies were from my kingdom, I was the one sending it.”

“The cards were signed, Lady Mairead.”

“Of course they were.”

“And we are already grateful for the food and drink ye brought with ye.”

“I dinna mention drink!”

“Och, ye ken ye never come without sodas and whisky and chocolate. The cousins are goin’ tae be desperate for the sour candies.”

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