30. Chapter 30 - Lochinvar

CHAPTER 30 - LOCHINVAR

THE FIELD IN THE KING’S PARK - JUNE 18, 1291

W e had many guards around us as we rode tae the field in King’s Park.

Magnus put his hands on m’shoulders, looked about tae say somethin’, then patted m’shoulders, and dinna say a word.

Fraoch said, “What happened, Og Maggy, ye speechless for once?”

“Aye, he kens what I mean tae say.”

Fraoch said, “Og Lochie, ye ken what he wanted tae say tae ye?”

I said, “He wanted tae say he thinks I am braw.”

Fraoch said, “Tis what it was, Og Maggy?”

“Aye, verra braw, but also, I meant tae say, if he returns without m’weapons I will put him in a dungeon, and not think anything of it.”

I chuckled. “Alright, we are goin’ tae get yer weapons, stop bellyachin’.”

Magnus said, “I am verra glad of yer wedding, I appreciate ye let me be a part of the ceremony.”

I said, “I ken.”

Fraoch said, “Och nae, I am surrounded by men who hae gone too soft.”

Magnus said, “Ye daena hae anythin’ nice tae say on yer younger brother?”

Fraoch waved his hands. “All of ye ken how I feel about ye, I daena hae tae get all misty-eyed.”

I joked, “I hope not, I will return on the morrow, tis embarrassin’ tae think on ye both weepin’ that I went away.”

Fraoch patted me on the back.

Magnus pressed the reins of the horse he was givin’ me for m’journey, intae my hand, “His name is Finny. Make certain ye bring him back, his favored mare is here.”

“Aye, I will get Cookie from Balloch and bring them both home.” I patted Finny on his withers. “Ye a good lad, Finny?”

Finny neighed in answer.

Magnus passed me the vessel. He and Fraoch moved their horses tae the side.

I asked, “Ash, ye ready tae go?”

She said, “Uh uh, not at all.”

I said, “We goin’ tae go through this again?”

“Apparently yes, because I can’t motivate myself without being bossed around.”

I exhaled. “Put yer hand on m’arm.”

“Nope, not yet. I will not, not until I’m ready.” She began dancing, stepping side tae side and snappin’ her fingers, looking straight at me, dancin’. “I need to distract myself.”

Fraoch called over, “What ye doin’, Lochinvar? Ye ought tae dance with yer wife.”

I huffed, put the vessel under m’arm, and began dancing with her. Finny weaved and bounced his head along with us.

I said, “I will give ye one minute of dancing, Ash, then ye are goin’ tae put yer hand on my arm. Dost ye understand?”

She twirled around. “What if I argue?”

“Ye are not allowed tae, five, four, three, daena argue, everyone is watching, two, one.”

I stopped dancing. She put her hand on my arm, I twisted the vessel and our jump tae Balloch began.