Fraoch said, “I daena want tae think of anyone in our family goin’ through it.”
We all exhaled.
Magnus said, “On a different note, Kaitlyn and I were ridin’ southwest of here and I saw a group of English men.”
Sean said, “Och nae, the English are on yer lands now, Young Magnus?”
“Aye, I saw them. Kaitlyn and I were up on the hill there, and the English were near Meikle Bin.”
Fraoch said, “How many men?”
“I saw six, they wore insignia.”
Sean shook his head. “Och, it means they are part of a larger army.”
Magnus said, “That is what I am thinkin’ as well.”
Sean said, “It must involve Longshanks.”
Hayley whispered, “Who is Longshanks?”
Fraoch said, “Edward, the English King. He wants tae start trouble.”
I gulped.
Zach said, “Wait, how far away were the English men?”
Magnus pointed, “Near that ben.”
“Well, that’s fucking formidable — I can see right over there, that’s close.”
Magnus said, “But remember, Chef Zach, the English King can threaten us, but we are time travelers. We hae time, power, and weapons beyond his imaginings.” Then he looked over at Sean, chewing his lip, looking out at the mountains. “I am concerned, but I want tae set yer minds at ease, we hae dealt with worse things than a vexatious troll on a weak throne.”
Sean said, “Ye think the English hae a weak throne?”
“Aye, or why else would they be scoutin’ around in my bens? If he was a king with strength he would call a meeting. He would ask for a treaty. Instead, Scotland is allied with France, and who is he allied with? Nae one. He is sneakin’ around, tryin’ tae find out about what we are doing, and I saw his men, he has been found out — I can ready for any disquiet he brings.”
Fraoch said, “Aye, Og Maggy, I agree, ye are king of time, surrounded by good men. Tomorrow Lochie will arrive. Two days later, Quentin will arrive with a large cache of weapons, James will come soon. And daena even get me started on LadyMairead up in Riaghalbane, if she catches wind of the English scouting around she will become irritated. I wouldna want tae be in his shoes if Lady Mairead gets annoyed.”
Magnus nodded. “Though I daena need m’mother tae fight the English King, I agree, tis good she is on our side.”
I said, “I need to get back to the kids.”
“Aye, I will accompany ye tae the castle. I will send scouts out lookin’ for encroaching English. None of ye needs be overly worried, but if ye do go out, make certain tae hae guardsmen with ye.”
CHAPTER 10 - LOCHINVAR
BALLOCH CASTLE COURTYARD - MAY 27, 1710
Ijogged down the steps to the ground floor where I found the men of the castle, milling around the courtyard. Craigh saw me and sneered, then looked away. I once worked for him in the stables and he had been used tae antagonizin’ me. It dawned on me that m’predicament was precarious — I was here without the protection of Magnus or Sean, and needed tae tread carefully.
I climbed up on a cask tae see over the crowd. Liam was at the gate, speaking tae five strangers on horseback.
I asked the man beside me, “Doest ye ken what is happening at the gate?”
He growled, “What do ye care about it, Lochie?”
I said, “I am one of Magnus’s men, a guest of Sean, a mate of Liam — if I ask ye a question, ye ought tae answer —”
