CHAPTER 70 - The visitors from the future
IF IT WAS GOING TOwork, it could happen at any moment. They had the advantage of traveling to any specific day in time. That’s the reason he wrote the date on the stone. He had to be prepared.
First order or business had been to tell Alasdair of his plans. His cousin was his heir and instrumental in him being able to leave with a clear conscience. It was fortunate he was here now. That way, Dale had time to prepare him to assume the responsibilities of the dukedom if necessary.
To that effect, Dale was working in his office the next morning with his cousin when the butler announced there was a gentleman who would like to speak with him. His heart leapt. He never had callers, so this had to be it.
“Did he give a name or have a card?”
“No, Your Grace. He said his name was Roys Kinkaid, and that you had summoned him.”
He didn’t know, much less summon, anyone by that name. The mysterious visitor must be speaking metaphorically, referring to the message on the stone. This had to be it!
“Send him in, Harris.”
The butler bowed and stepped out just to return a few moments later with a stranger. The newcomer was tall and athletic. His brown eyes were sharp and studied his surroundings before focusing on Dale.
His long brown hair fell loose about his shoulders in a style that made him look foreign. He looked to be in his late twenties or early thirties and had a look of competence about him.
He was sure he had never met him before; however, there was something familiar about him.
“Your Grace,” he said in a neutral accent before performing a somewhat awkward bow, as if he wasn’t used to that manner of salutation.
“Mr. Kinkaid,” Dale said, tilting his head. “Harris, you may leave us now.”
The butler backed out of the room, closing the door behind him.
Dale gestured to the armchair that flanked the window. “Mr. Kinkaid, would you have a seat?”
The stranger shook his head. “Call me Roys, please. And I would request to speak to you in private.”
“This is my cousin, Mr. Collins. You may speak in front of him.”
When the other man still hesitated, Alasdair spoke up. “I’m sure we can catch up later. For now, I will leave you two to discuss your business. A pleasure, Roys.”
“Likewise, Mr. Collins.” Roys said with a thankful glance.
When his cousin had left, Dale stepped from behind the desk and sat by the window. Still eyeing his visitor, he once again gestured to the other chair.
The younger man relented and sat. Clearing his throat, he ventured. “I think you may have an idea why I’m here?”
“I think I do,” Dale said, “but I would like confirmation before I get ahead of myself.”
“My parents are Dariux and Kalli. Do their names sound familiar to you?”
