“Besides Grant knowing where you all were, I have to ask you about the strength that came out of nowhere. You were weakening, Alasdair, and for good reason. You probably were hardly fed. A sudden surge of strength sent you swinging like you were twenty summers again, taking down two men that I saw. Then, all of a sudden, the blue light appeared from the sword, and you all fought like you were possessed of some unknown power.” Maitland paused for a moment, then squeezed Maeve’s hand. “I felt it too. Maeve said Tora told her Alex warmed their cell on Ulva when they were taken. Did you see anything like that?”
Alasdair cleared his throat for a few moments. Then he said, “I know exactly what you are asking, and the answer is aye. Lia spoke to me.” His gaze went to Uncle Connor and Aunt Kyla, knowing what it would mean to them. “She said my father was there and told me not to worry about John. She told me that another man named Alex was there with a message for me.”
All had quieted to listen to his tale.
“And?” Kyla asked.
“I asked him why we were there. Grandda said I was there to save his daughter,” Alasdair explained as his gaze locked on Kyla’s. “I was there for you.”
Kyla gasped. “Da said that?” Then she looked to her brother. “Didn’t Tora tell you the same?”
Connor nodded.
“So Lia and Tora both said the same,” Kyla whispered. “How can you not believe something like that?”
“I believe it. How would she know a man named Alex unless he was truly there?” Emmalin asked. “I think he was there to watch over you. I believe in angels.” She squeezed Alasdair’s hand. “I believe you.”
Logan drawled, “I think we all do at this point after watching Lia.”
Connor said, “I wish I could see them again.”
Kyla added, “I miss them so much.”
Alasdair sighed. “Maitland, you’re right about the surge of power too. I could feel my father with me when we were battling in the passageways. I thought I was about to drop when I could smell the mint leaves, and then a sudden surge of power came over me. It felt as though someone was using my arms. I know how daft that sounds, but it’s how I felt.”
Maeve asked, “Do you all think there’s some special link between Grant and John?”
Four voices replied in unison, “Aye.”
Avelina said, “I don’t know what the connection is, Maeve, but there is definitely something there. They will be close all their lives, I think.”
Maitland laughed. “Anyone who was there surely agrees. I don’t understand it, but I accept it. I just pray that …” He stopped and shook his head. “I can’t even say the words.”
“What?” Connor asked.
“I know what he’s thinking,” Maeve said.
“I do too,” Dyna added. “Are they done? Is there another fool to take their place?”
Tora jumped up and ran over to her grandfather’s lap, leaning into him. They all followed her every move. “Gwandda says no mowe bad men.” Then she ran off.
Sandor jumped up with a squeal and ran in a circle, shoving at something as he giggled.
Alasdair immediately followed him. “Sandor, who is it?”
“Unca Shakie chaseen me aden.”
“What does he say, Sandor?”
“He say no mowe bad men.”
Sandor ran and giggled again. “’Top, Unca Shakie. What?” Then he stopped to stare up at something. “He say Shon an Gwant awe safe.”
***
The next morning, Broc and Merryn found Tristan in the stables, brushing down his horse. “Merryn, I assume you are staying a wee bit longer?”
“Aye, for now. Until I … I …”
