“I honestly don’t know, the memories came back when I saw it.”
He passed it back to me.
“You told me it would keep me safe and it did.” I tucked it back in my pocket. “I also got a letter from our mother, I will show you, I brought it, but most importantly, she asked?—”
He shook his head. “Can ye save it for another time, Alexandria? Tis a great deal tae think on before the battle.”
“Yes. Definitely. Of course. I’ll let you read it when you’re back.”
“Good, and I am verra glad ye are here. Twill be good for ye tae ken what was required of us tae gain the throne. I believe twill give ye discernment and strength. And seein’ ye as beautiful as ye are, ye will inspire as well — the soldiers need the inspiration, yer strength will be important in the coming hours.”
I said, “I will, I’ll be strong. And… this was mom’s dress.”
“Ye look much how I remember her, tis verra difficult… and also verra good tae see ye.”
“I feel the same way,everythingis difficult and everything is good.”
He said, “I also thought it important tae tell ye that if somethin’ happens tae me?—”
I frowned. “I don’t like all this talk.”
“Ye hae a responsibility tae hear it — if something happens tae me, ye will be next in line for the throne. I wish I had married, secured my line, but ye ken… I dinna think twould be fair tae her…” He shook his head and continued, “The throne will be yers, but ye would hae tae win it first. Please promise that ye will fight for it, that ye winna rest until ye win it. There has been a great deal of sacrifice, I need ye tae not waste it. Promise that ye will sit upon the throne, bringing our family back tae our rightful place.”
I said, “Nothing will happen to you?—”
“I need yer promise, sister, or I canna…” He exhaled, his eyes down on the ground.
“I promise, if something happens to you, Torin and I…”
He sadly shook his head again.
I said, “I will fight for our throne, I will win it back. I will, I promise.”
“Good, thank ye, Alexandria. I also want ye tae ken, I hae valuables and gold. There are instructions tae find it in my room at Glume.”
“I will get it if the time comes. But Max, we just found each other, please don’t die.”
“I will try not tae, I want tae hear yer stories. I haena even heard the full story of where ye hae been all these years.”
“I’ll tell you all about it as soon as you’re back.” I added, “Promise me you won’t let Torin die.”
He patted the back of my hand. “Aye, he and I will look out for each other.”
“Good.”
He rose and left my side.
They all conferredand I watched them, my heart aching for what was about to happen — and how dire it might be. I couldn’t hear what was being said, and didn’t want to get closer; I trembled with fear and didn’t want to worry them. I also thought that if I listened to the ordinary planning of a battle, discussed with such grave expressions, that I might totally freak out. So I watched the side of Torin’s face from afar as he listened and spoke, a strong and wise presence, then he said something that made everyone laugh and his eyes rose to mine.
Oh God, how I loved him.
Please let him live.
A messenger entered,the other soldiers had arrived. There was a large crowd, hundreds of men, outside. The uncles and Max and Torin all straightened up, they needed to go out and say something inspiring.
Max gestured for me to come, putting out his elbow, which I held, with Torin walking a step behind. I was brought to the front of the crowd. Most everyone there was in their usual uniforms as if their day would continue on, but there was a group of soldiers in the front, wearing combat uniforms, battle ready. Those were the men, handpicked to go on this dangerous journey. They were big, they looked competent, I hoped they were competent enough.
As Max and I walked to the front of them, they all bowed their heads.
