Page 176 of Long Live the King

He and Hayley high-fived. All of us laughed.

I said, “The kids and I are going, Haggis, the horses, Hayley and Fraoch...” We all turned and looked at Zach and Emma.

Zach put his hands up. “Don’t look at me, I’m decided. My face is in the ancient book, got no fucking choice, a king is calling me to come.”

Emma said, “We can’t split up the Ben and Archie duo, either. It’ll be like Kilchurn, just more dire, but we’re in it together. Yes, we’re going.”

Zach said, “...as long as a buttload of toilet paper is trailing behind us.”

James laughed. He and Zach high-fived.

We were all laughing and didn’t notice Sean push his chair away from the table — he leaned forward, his elbows on his knees. He said simply, “I want tae go meet Magnus there. Tha neart againn mar aon. We hae strength as one.”

We all stopped talking and looked at him.

Lady Mairead said, “Ye never wanted tae time travel before.”

“I hae been considering it, and it seems like Magnus needs m’help. The writin’ with the sword was directed at me, I ken it. And I hae never been able tae help before, it has always been beyond m’abilities, but I would like tae lend my sword.”

James said, “Hoowee, Sean, this might be the worst possible time. You could go to the future and have all the food, video games, flushing toilets, but you decide to go back in time instead?”

Sean shrugged. “I daena ken what half those words mean, Master James, but I think I ought tae go, it seems time. Liam can watch over Balloch. Maggie is well, I spoke tae her, she kens I must go if m’brother requires m’assistance, and m’boys are strong and healthy, we are well guarded. I can return when I am needed.”

Quentin said, “And James, Lochie, and I will be here with Liam watching over Balloch, Sean.”

Fraoch slapped his hands on his knees, “This is a good plan. Gather yer things, family, we leave after lunch.” He looked around. “Tis time for lunch yet?”

We all got up to gather our things, and I pulled Lizbeth aside. “Are you okay with Sean leaving?”

“Aye, a few months ago he spoke about it, I knew he wanted tae, and he told me, ‘If I am asked I will go next time.’ Tis funny, he wasna asked directly, but he considered the Gaelic line and built up his strength and offered tae go. I find it courageous.” She said, “Please tell Young Magnus, he must make certain Sean is safe. We need him.”

“I will, and he will understand.”

“Good, thank ye, Kaitlyn.”

CHAPTER 76 - KAITLYN

THE CLEARING, NEAR BALLOCH CASTLE

It was mid afternoon, Jack was exhausted, sleeping in my arms. Zach and Emma and their kids were packed and ready. Sean was stoic, holding the reins of the horses. He had been quiet, just asking where he needed to be and then watching and following.

Fraoch, on the other hand, was running the enterprise like he was the CEO. He ordered where everything and everyone ought to go.

Lady Mairead had already left, headed to Riaghalbane.

She left Archie’s book here, James was the keeper of it. If we needed anything we would leave a message inside.

Quentin and James accompanied us to the clearing. After they saw us off they were going to go to Fernandina to get supplies. Everyone had a plan, a place, something to do.

Mine was basic: get to Magnus.

I tried not to think of all the times the ‘get to Magnus’ had happened under duress, completely frantic, fleeing something horrible. Or the time that I ended up on an alternate timeline and had been stuck there... that time had been Stirling Castle too.

I gulped. I had been trapped in that castle, completely alone, no chance of escape.

It had been terrifying.

But, I told myself, this was a different situation, a very different circumstance. Everything was going to be okay?—

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