James said, “Uh oh.”
I said, “Yep, it’s all messed up.” Then I asked, “Was there another king, a Mag Mòr?”
“Tis what yer friend asked as well, nae, there inna a Mag Mòr.”
I shook my head slowly. “This is very, very confusing. You’re really supposed to be fighting the English. I’m sure of it. That’s the story I heard.”
His brow drew down. “Ye heard tales?”
“Yes, you’re a warrior, you fight for Scotland. I suspect someday there will be monuments erected in your honor.”
James nudged me, but I didn’t care, history was already trashed — buttering up this guy, perhaps the only person around who might be willing to help us, was my only chance.
He chuckled. “I daena think ye ken what ye are talkin’ on, I hae won a couple of battles, aye, but King Ormr has evaded the sharp end of m’blade every time.”
“Well, once my husband finds me, he’s going to kill them. He will help you, I promise you that.” I licked crumbs off my fingers.
“What is yer husband’s name?”
“That’s Magnus, or Mag Mòr, the one I was telling you about.”
“Your husband is named Mag Mòr? He is a king? He is the one with the weapons?”
James said, “So many weapons, all for you.”
“Then I will hae tae keep ye alive.”
“Yes, definitely, I expect himanymoment.”
We all turned to look down the path.
CHAPTER 36 - MAGNUS
Ihad a meetin’ with William Wallace, but I was in sour spirits. I couldna hear the voice, or sense the presence of Kaitlyn since the night I heard her beggin’ for help. I was verra concerned that she had died, but I dinna want tae think on it.
I sat in my chair while William Wallace was ushered in. He bowed out his chest, bellowed, “What are ye lookin’ at?” and lunged at one of my guards as he passed.
Then he stood in front of me, unbowed, his hand remaining on the hilt of his sword.
I watched that hand.
My guards watched his hand.
I asked, “What ye up tae, Bill?”
He scoffed. “What dost ye mean?”
“Ye walk intae the king’s hall, with yer chest bowed out like an insolent child, yer hand on yer hilt, tis an agitatin’ state of affairs. Ye hae my guards on alert, they want tae kill ye. Ye are causin’ trouble throughout m’kingdom.”
“I am fightin’ the king of England, I hae too much on my mind tae worry on yer guards.”
The guard on my right shifted.
I remained seated, but placed m’hand on my hilt.
I chose an expression tae show him I was amused. Iwasamused. I possessed four weapons that would kill him where he stood. He would not see it coming.
He said, “Ye ought tae be behind me, Mag Mòr, ye are king of Scots, we ought tae raise arms taegether.”
