Breckin detested Edinburgh with its crowds and thieves. He couldn’t stand aside and allow the woman to be filched of her coins. Yet she wasn’t as appreciative as he thought she would be when he foiled the lad’s attempt to rob her. He shook his head at the absurdity of her carelessness and continued to walk toward the castle.
Rain soaked him thoroughly from his hair to his boots. He wanted to get dry, eat a hot meal, and get a night’s rest. All of which had to wait until after he met with Alexander. Most people moved out of his way as he progressed through the market. The gate was just ahead and he hastened his steps. He hoped to get his meeting with the king over with quickly so he could find lodging at an inn close by and on themorrow be on his way home.
He reached the heavily iron gates and stepped close. “Buchanan to see the king.” Breckin needn’t say more.
The guards sprang forth, opened the gate, and moved to the wall to allow him to pass. He marched through and kept walking until he was stopped again at the entrance to the castle. More guards were posted and a man made his way past them. He seemed affable and wore a greeting smile.
“You must be Laird Buchanan? I could tell right off what with Alexander’s description of you.” To the guards, the man said, “Allow him to enter.”
Breckin nodded. “Aye, I am Buchanan. The king called for my attendance.”
“Come, he has been awaiting you.” The man mumbled as he walked ahead, “I am Edmund, our fair king’s chamberlain. I am at your service, Laird Buchanan, if you have any needs.”
He didn’t retort to the overzealous man but followed silently behind him.
“The king is within his private solar.” Edmund knocked and opened the door slightly. “Laird Buchanan has arrived, sire.”
“Well, show him inside,” came a voice.
Breckin entered the chamber and noticed Alexander standing near a window casement. He seemed to be deep in thought. The small chamber was furnished with a few tables with chairs scattered about. A larger table was situated on one side and was flanked by an oversized chair. Although the room was small, it afforded a coziness with tapestries set on the walls and a hearth that had dimmed with its fire long extinguished.
He hadn’t seen the king in recent years. Not only had he clan troubles and the death of his parents to contend with but there hadn’t been a need to visit Edinburgh or the king. Breckin took in the sight of his longtime friend and bowed his head in greeting. His comrade had aged somewhat and was no longer the lanky lad with whom he had visited frequently and sparred.
“Sire.” He bowed.
When he straightened, he discovered that Alexander grinned in greeting. “Breckin, you are here at last. Edmund, bring some food and drink for us. Have someone stoke the fire and light some candles,” the king directed.
Edmund practically bounced on his step and shouted for a page who entered and quickly saw to the task of lighting the many candles in the chamber as well as stoking the fire. The chamberlain disappeared and the page followed.
Alexander neared the door and closed it. “Come, sit with me near the fire. I suspect you were soaked through on the journey and need to get warm.”
Breckin meandered his way past the chairs and tables until he reached the hearth. “Aye, I was, and the journey was longer than I remembered.”
“It has been a while, has it not? It is good to see you, Breckin.” Alexander sat in a chair by the hearth and rubbed his hands together.
“It has indeed. Why have you called me, sire?”
“I have much to discuss with you but before we get to that… I wanted to tell you that I was sorry to hear about your parents’ deaths. It has been a while since they passed, aye, I know, but I haven’t seen you since… My father was fond of your da and they were comrades long before my father was named king. Do you remember when we were forced to go along on their many hunting treks?”
Breckin chuckled lightly. “I recall swimming bare-arsed in the loch whilst our das fished or foraged in the woods. You always got me in trouble too.”
Alexander laughed with a scoff and raised his hands. “Me? It was you who always got us in trouble. You were older and therefore responsible for our plights. As I recall, I always followed you around.”
“Perhaps.” Fond memories came and Breckin recollected the times he’d spent with Alexander when they were lads, the adventure, andtheir misbehavior. That brought a smile to him as he thought about his brothers who were just as adventurous and misbehaved. Maybe it was just a lad’s nature to be so and he shouldn’t be so hard on his brothers.
“You were always the one who disappeared, and of course, I followed you. Those times hold a great fondness for me and the freedom that we had. How I wish times were as easy now, but alas, life is about to get complicated.”
He frowned slightly at the king’s words. “Is there trouble, sire?”
Alexander shook his head. “Not presently but soon enough, there will be difficult times and strife ahead for us all.”
“What do you mean? Since you are now joined to England what with your marriage, surely there are no difficulties betwixt us? Is there?” Breckin sat forward and studied the king’s face. His sovereign didn’t seem overly concerned.
The king fingered his red beard and then slid his hands down his tunic. “For now, England gives us no trouble. Who knows how long that shall last? I have called you here because—” Alexander ceased in midsentence when a knock came at the door.
The king called “enter” and servants bustled in, carrying trays of foodstuff and a pitcher of ale with cups situated on a smaller tray. Once everything was set on the table between them, the servants quickly left the chamber.
“Let us drink to our good health and success.” The king shifted forward and poured them each a cup of ale. He handed a cup to him and Breckin accepted it. “Slàinte,” Alexander said and raised his cup.
