Page 119 of The Empire and the Wolf King

“Nae, my heart is heavy.”

James said, “Sophie and I obviously can’t come, but everyone else goes — if we don’t meet you at the beach, come find us at the hospital.”

Magnus said, “Everyone else wants tae come with us?”

Beaty asked, “Dost ye need me, Sophie?”

She said, “Nae, do yer best tae return afore the bairn comes. I still believe we hae until the new moon.”

Fraoch said, “Good, all right lairds and ladies, arise, gather the bairns, we must go tae see if Sean is well.”

And that’s how, a couple of hours later, just before midnight, we were standing on the beach, preparing to jump.

CHAPTER 52 - ARCHIBALD

AFTER THE DO-OVER - NEAR INNIS CHONNEL CASTLE - 1301

Iwoke in a field and wasna certain how long I had been there.

I looked all around,where was Ben?

He ought tae hae met me, twas day and a large storm would hae been seen from the castle, he should hae come tae meet it.

I yawned. And then said aloud, “That answers that question... I am still verra tired.”

I rifled through a bag for my binoculars and then scrambled tae a high point and looked through them in all directions. I could see the castle in the far distance, it looked unbothered by the storm.

I watched until I was certain nae one was coming from any direction — I was well hidden.

I returned tae my gear. I had my old clothes with me. Lady Mairead had wanted tae launder them and promised tae give them back when I returned, but I had refused and carried them along, in case. I was glad I had the foresight, they were filthy but necessary. But for now I couldna change intae them, I was too exhausted.

I rolled out a sleepin’ sack, took off m’wig and m’boots, climbed in, and slept.

CHAPTER 53 - ARCHIBALD

LIFE AFTER THE DO-OVER - INNIS CHONNEL CASTLE - 1301

Iapproached the shore opposite the castle, keepin’ my cloak up from fear of being recognized while alone. There were already a few men waiting, and the boat was drawing near. The guard, a man I knew well, Amos, said, “What business do ye hae?”

I let my hood fall back.

He remained cold and distant.

I gulped, then asked, “Could ye ask Fraoch tae come tae shore, I need tae speak tae him.”

“There is nae Fraoch except one of the lads, ye want the lad, he is six years auld?”

“Och nae, I thought Fraoch was visitin’ here… my apologies?—”

“What is yer business?”

My second plan was tae ask for Uncle Cailean directly, but I kent Amos was verra well trained and wouldna allow me tae enter without a clear directive. I said, “I bring word of the coming battle with Edward, I need tae speak tae Uncle Cail— I mean Cailean Mòr, I was also told tae speak tae his sons, Dom and Niall.”

“What coming battle?”

I calculated. “The English king is near, I hae word on his movements. I am tae tell Cailean directly.”

He glared, lookin’ me up and down. I added, “I was also told tae ask Amos the guard tae allow me tae pass. Is he here?”

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