“Aye.”
Max said, “Och, ye are verra sweet tae each other, I am happy for ye both.”
Just then an ATVpulled up with three men in it. Torin stepped in front of Alexandria.
I said, “Daena worry, tis the uncles.”
The men all waved.
Torin said, under his breath, “These are the auld men we are goin’ tae follow intae war?”
I said, “They arna so auld, ten years aulder than myself.”
Torin scoffed. “They look as if they canna toss three stone.”
“I daena think tis how they determine who is in command.”
The men climbed from the ATV and came over. Uncle Ryan passed towels to Torin and me. “We wondered if you were going to return, Max.”
I wiped mud off my pants and didn’t meet his eyes. “Aye, I did some thinkin’, sought the counsel of m’man, Torin, and hae made a decision.”
Uncle Ryan said, “And…?”
“I will be joining yer battle. Torin has come tae lend his sword. I brought Alexandria so she will be safe while we are battling.”
Uncle Ryan clapped me on the shoulder. “That was a hard decision.”
“Aye, twas, but I daena want tae talk about it.”
“Good, we won’t.”
Uncle Charlie crouched beside Alexandria. “Hello, niece, how was the jump?”
“Terrible, and you are?”
“I’m Uncle Charlie, your mother’s little brother. I haven’t seen you since you were a baby, but I dreamed of this moment,man,I am so glad to see you.” He swiped his lower arm across his eyes.
He added, “I wish your mom and dad could be here to see you. But alas, the only thing left is avenging them and winning the throne again for you kids.”
Alexandria’s chin trembled, but she sat up and wiped the hair from her forehead.
Uncle Charlie turned his focus on Torin then, “I’m Charlie. You’re Torin? Max speaks very highly of you.”
Torin chuckled, and said, “Max, forget I said I wouldna share pizza with ye anymore, I am forgivin’ ye for all of it.”
I rolled my eyes.
Torin helped Alexandria up and she was handed a towel to clean off some of the mud. Introductions were made.
Uncle Aenghus said, “I am verra pleased tae see ye, Alexandria — my niece, what a joyous day. Where and when were ye raised?”
“Most recently it was 2004 in Brevard, North Carolina.”
Uncle Charlie said, “A princess raised in North Carolina and Max told us you had no idea you were a royal?”
“None at all.”
Ryan said, “I haven’t seen you since you were a baby, but I totally recognize you. You are a sight for sore eyes. I thought Max looked like Nor, I wasn’t expecting that you would look just like Livvy. You see it, Charlie?”
