“Ye said she has fallen ill?”
“Aye, she was taken with the flux.”
“They would have a cure, I think.”
“I prayed for her health, twas all I could do. But she assured me that in her time they would be able tae cure her. As soon asthe vessel began tae work again I got her home. I told her man, Cooper, tae guard over her and tae make her well. I left afore I could say goodbye.”
He frowned. “I am sorry, Torin, this has been tragic for ye.”
“Tis fine,” I drained my ale, “as long as she survives. This is all I pray for in the world.”
He chuckled, “Och! Ye are selfless! This is a wonder! But ye must ken, Torin, ye canna hae her anyway. Tis just as well. Even without this man, Cooper. Ye winna hae the princess as yer own.”
My brow drew down. “I ken, I said I ken, I hae assured ye, I ken — but why nae?”
“Because, ye haena asked the permission of her parents, the King and Queen of Riaghalbane. Nor hae ye asked for my blessing in their stead, and tis just as well, ye ken. A princess is meant tae be married for the treaty of it; what dost ye bring tae the table?”
I scowled, “Naething.”
“I would add, not ‘naething.’ Ye bring charm and a humorous sense tae a tavern hall. Sometimes, when yer mood is not brought low by believin’ yerself in love with a princess, ye can be fine company. But ye haena ever believed yerself tae be a prince.”
“Aye, I hae watched ye be a prince. It seems tae require a foolish and asinine countenance. I am surely not cut out for it.”
He laughed. “Aye, ye are too sensible tae believe ye are fit tae be the chosen of the princess.”
“Ye think that of me? Wait until ye meet her man, Cooper.”
He smiled, “He is not a prince-like man fit tae couple with a princess?”
I scowled again, “Nae, he inna good enough for her.”
“But still ye left her there, thinkin’ only of her health and protection?”
I nodded.
“Torin, ye are a dismal messenger. I thought seein’ ye would lift m’spirits. Our whole life has been ye helpin’ me tae secure my birthright, and here ye are, ruinin’ yer own life tae further mine.”
“I swore I would help ye find the princess, and now I hae sworn tae protect her. If it means I am not tae be near her because my presence causes her tae be in danger, then I will go away.”
“Och, I never thought I would see the day.”
He looked me over, the effects of the journey were hittin’ me, the wounds and weariness caused me tae list tae the side. The copious amounts of ale were causin’ my head tae droop. I thought I might collapse right there on the table and sleep. It wouldna be the first time.
Max said, “I want tae be reunited with Alexandria. I would leave within the hour, but ye need tae rest afore ye can travel.”
“Ye want me tae accompany ye? I thought… I am unsure I want tae see her, I canna see what good twill do.”
“Nonsense, Torin. Ye would sit here in this tavern while I am realizin’ the fruits of all yer hard toil? Look at ye, ye hae been beaten mercilessly! Ye are goin’ tae sit here imbibing ale, sleepin’ in a chair, while I ride intae the New World tae meet the princess? Ye found her! I am a prince, how can I be expected tae meet a man named Cooper on my own? What would I tell him, that Torin is sitting in a tavern in the sixteenth century? That ye are too consumed with a disquieted soul tae come? Nae, I canna allow it, Torin. Ye hae looked after my birthright for years, I winna allow ye tae cede the field tae a Cooper man: he canna hae the princess, he haena asked my permission.”
“Ye winna let me stay away?”
“Nae, ye will accompany me. I ken usually when I say tis my last word on it, ye want tae brawl. But I see ye canna brawl in yer condition so I will say it: Tis my last word on it.”
I exhaled, looking down on the table, beginning to sway. “I will need a few days.”
“Aye, I canna travel with ye in this condition. Ye are filthy, weak, and hae the stench of a boar. Yet another reason why ye arna fit tae keep the company of a princess.”
“I ken, my mind kens there are many reasons, yet my heart canna think of one.”
