Page 47 of The Dawn

“It does help.”

He asked, “Need me tae assist ye in takin’ off yer arm sling?”

I pulled the back of my hair to the side and he stepped close, untied it, and pulled it free. I held my shoulder and moved my arm around in a small circle, testing its limits. I said, “It feels a little better.”

“Good.” He kissed my shoulder. “Ye hae all ye need?”

I looked around: chamberpot, pitcher of water, wash pan, fire, bed. “Kinda, but I really wish there was a PlayStation.”

“Och aye, tomorrow, all goes well, after we finish our meetin’ with Don we ought tae go home, hook up the PlayStation, and play.”

“I don’t think we’re allowed to, it’s too dangerous.”

He scowled. “I am of a mind not tae allow Asgall tae come between me and m’games.”

I grinned. “That is the truth.”

CHAPTER 18 - ASH

THE CLEARING NEAR BALLOCH CASTLE - MAY 29, 1710

We left the castle at dawn. We needed to return the trailer to the clearing, so I rode on it, claiming that climbing on the horse was too difficult with my arm in a sling. Though as I watched James, Quentin, and Lochie climb on horses I could see that it was easy enough and I kind of felt like a loser in my big dress being pulled in a wagon like a child.

We were surrounded by ten guardsmen and they were watchful and cautious, looking out in all directions as they escorted us.

But we relaxed as we rode. Guardsmen rode ahead and reported back, there was no one around, no one trying to mess with us.

Quentin said, “Got your plan?”

Lochie smiled at me and said, “Aye, we are goin’ tae the Palace Saloon, checkin’ in with Don, a verra quick shopping trip for more diapers for the bairns, a game of GTA on the PlayStation, then come right back afore ye miss me.”

Quentin’s jaw clenched. “GTA? Where do you think this gaming is going to happen?”

“I daena ken, we could go tae the house? A hotel?”

“Lochie, you have no time for that at all.”

“Och aye, I ken, but twould be verra nice.”

“No, you’re in and out. That’s all and no more discussion.”

Lochinvar was quiet as we traveled along the path, then he said, “Twould be good tae practice, I hae one of the high scores?—”

James said, “Lochie, none of the rest of us can practice either, so your high score is safe.”

“Fine, I winna, I just miss it, tis all. And I am only tryin’ tae get a rise out of ye, I daena want tae waste any time. I want tae get tae Stirling castle as soon as possible.”

James said, “Why such a — oh right,” with a laugh.

Lochie glumly said, “Tis crucial we get married so I can think straight.”

I chuckled while looking up at the tree limbs stretching over our path.

Then he asked, “What if Ash and I brought one of the things, ye ken, the flat thing on the wall, the PlayStation would plug intae it?”

Quentin said, “You want to bring a plug for the PlayStation back to medieval times?”

“Aye, ye must admit, the nephews would think I was the best uncle if I did.”

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