Her voice emitted, in a whisper because the bairns were likely asleep. “Finally, tell them I said hi.”
I said, “Go tae sleep, we will be there soon.”
CHAPTER 22 - LOCHINVAR
THE FIELD IN KING’S PARK - JUNE 17, 1291
Icould hear men’s voices. I pulled m’self awake. It smelled like Scotland, the air felt like Scotland, I felt damp. “Och nae, did we make it?” I blinked my eyes, there was a blazin’ light makin’ it difficult tae see.
Fraoch’s voice said, “Och, tis good tae see ye, Og Lochie, ye made it!”
Chef Zach said, “I’ve never seen that tried before.”
“What?” I looked down, I had a Big Gulp drink poured on me, the cup, lid, and straw tossed around. I glanced over at Ash, she was wakin’ up, shifting and moving. She had her Big Gulp turned over on her stomach, soda spilled everywhere.
I moaned, “Och, this was not a verra good idea.” I added, “Yer lights are too bright.”
Chef Zach said, “Oh, shit, right.” He and Fraoch pushed their lamps up so they lit the sky.
Magnus said, “I ken ye need a moment tae recover, but tis the middle of the night?—”
Fraoch said, “Och, tis the middle of the night in King's Park, we hae all the time in the world.” He smacked a bug on his cheek.
I said, “And what a fine Scottish night. But alas I am covered in soda — Ash?”
She mumbled, “Yeah?”
“We need tae get up tae go. We are covered in soda.”
She sat up and pushed the hair from her eyes, blearily. “Thatsucks, I’m furious my Sprite spilled. Are the peaches okay?”
I looked in the shopping bag. “Aye.” I stood and heaved her up. We met each other’s eyes at the moment — her thought,You will always heave me to my feet?My thought,Aye, always.
Magnus said, “I am verra glad ye are here, but where’re m’supplies, Lochinvar? We need weapons.”
“Nae worries, they are comin’ in the next load.”
“But we hae the English King threatenin’ us. He sent scouts ontae my lands.”
I groaned. “Och nae, truly?”
“Aye, ye ought tae hae brought the weapons.”
“I am sorry, Magnus.” I shook my head. “I regret it, they remain at Balloch, Colonel Quentin will bring them when he comes?—”
Magnus interrupted, “Day after tomorrow, Lochinvar, a great deal could happen afore then.”
I groaned again. “I ken, I am sorry, I just... I came directly from Florida, because... I wanted tae get married.”
Fraoch narrowed his eyes. “Ye dinna bring the weapons, Og Lochie, because ye wanted tae get married?”
“Aye, tis not m’best decision makin’, Fraoch, I will agree, but tis what I hae done. I wanted tae marry Ash first thing.”
Fraoch shook his head. “Och nae, ye are goin’ tae be the death of me.”
Magnus said, “We hope he winna be the death of anyone — but Lochinvar, ye are goin’ tae get married? Tis good news, verra good news.”
Zach brought their horses near and guards surrounded us.
