Page 136 of The Empire and the Wolf King

“Yep.”

“But,” I took a deep breath, “She’s saved our lives probably eight times since then.”

Hayley said, “Yeah, probably, still a bitch though.”

We all watched them dance and then the song was over and Lady Mairead returned tae the table. “We are verra tired and thinking about retiring tae our room… and not one word of teasing from ye, Sean, about what we might be doing once there.”

“Och nae, I canna even think about it, Mother.” He shivered with a laugh. “Ye will get nae teasin’ from me.”

The music changed and Sean said, “Och! Tis our favorite!” He looked at me, “Want tae get up and sing for auld times sake?”

I asked, “What song is it?”

“Ye ken, Uncle Baldie’s favorite! He used tae sing it every night, he claimed it was about him!” Sean stood and began walking around the table heading tae the middle of the floor, urgin’ me tae join him.

Kaitlyn asked, “You forgot the words?”

“Aye, for a moment, but I hae heard it many times, I just had a lapse…” I stood and followed Sean tae the floor.

Fraoch said, “Tis the one about the Wolf King? I love this one, we used tae sing it, back home. Wait… the Wolf King?”

Lochinvar said, “I’m joinin’ ye, twas an auld favorite.”

Sean, Fraoch, Lochinvar, and I began tae sing.

CHAPTER 62 - KAITLYN

Iglanced over at Lady Mairead. Her face was ashen, staring at the four men as they launched into a song, accompanied by the musician, with their mugs of ale held up. Their other arms were around each other, swaying. The song went like this:

Frae the ancient line o’ kings, standin’ so tall,

With wolf’s heart and courage, he answered the call.

His eyes like the moon on a winter’s night,

His howl tae battle, fierce in the fight.

High upon Highlands and low upon Tay,

The Wolf King Archibald rode out on a day.

Fightin’ with Wallace, tae battle rode he,

Home cam’ his good horse, but never cam’ he.

Saddled and booted and bridled rode he,

The Wolf King Archibald, crossbow at his knee.

But home came his saddle, all bloody tae see,

Home cam’ his good horse, but never came he.

Lady Mairead joined them, standing between Magnus and Fraoch with her glass raised. She sang along.

Down came his family, learnin’ o’ his win,

Taegether they wept for the end o’ their kin.

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