The game went on for a bit, the wee ones hiding in the easy spots. The night nearly finished, John said to the bairns, “I’m hiding, and it will be a difficult place, one you’ll never think of. You have to close your eyes.”
John climbed the stairs to one of the chambers, though Merryn had no idea where.
As soon as John disappeared, Grant stirred, kicking and whining. “What’s wrong, Grant?” Maeve readjusted his outfit that had nearly become undone. But that didn’t appease him.
Merryn said, “He wants John.”
Maitland said, “What?”
“He has watched John’s every move. He adores him, and John went abovestairs.”
Maitland said, “I’ll take him, Maeve. We’ll test this idea of yours, Merryn.”
“He watched him climb the staircase. He’ll wish to do the same.” Merryn looked to Broc, who nodded in agreement.
“I think she’s right. Walk away from the stairs, then walk toward them, Maitland.”
Maitland did as Broc suggested and walked away from the steps, but Grant fussed, his hand reaching for the banister. When Maitland turned around, Grant kicked and giggled. “Wia.”
Wiawas the only word he’d voiced yet, and they all thought it meant Lia, but did it?
Broc got up and said to the wee ones, “We’re going to let Grant find John. Would you all please sit for a minute?”
Brenna came out of the kitchens and called to the bairns, “Come finish your baked apples with honey.”
The bairns all ran to her side, but Grant was not interested in that at all.
He wanted to go up the stairs.
By now, everyone in the hall had their eyes on Grant and his interest in John.
A voice called out, “Come find me, Grant.”
Grant kicked again, nearly jumping out of Maitland’s arms. So they headed for the staircase. “Stay hidden, John,” Emmalin called out.
Maitland went up and headed in the wrong direction.
Grant squealed.
Maitland turned around.
Grant giggled.
Maitland went in the wrong chamber.
Grant screamed, crying this time.
Maitland came out of the chamber.
Grant smiled.
Then Maitland stopped to test him. “Which way, Grant?”
Grant’s arm shot out as if he were reaching for something, so Maitland went that way.
Maeve said, “Oh my word. He is special. Dyna? Avelina? What is this? I don’t understand. He knows where John is. How could he possibly know that?”
Avelina came up behind Maeve and squeezed her shoulders. “I don’t know either, but he definitely has a special skill for finding someone.”
