How many times had I kissed Alexandria goodbye?
How many times hae I promised her ‘on the morrow’ while knowin’, somewhere deeper than memory, that tomorrow might be nothing more than the same day wearing a different face?
A chill crossed over me with the thought.
I strode toward Alexandria and Max, tae make m’case.
“I need tae speaktae ye both.”
Max said, “Aye, quickly, there is a battle afoot, I need tae…” His voice trailed off when he saw m’grave expression. “What has happened?”
“I hae grown certain, m’laird, yer uncles hae been turnin’ time?—”
“Aye, Torin, tis certain, they are time travelers, they hae a vessel, we hae spoken about this.”
“Tisyervessel.”
“But they ken more of it, they are — what are ye sayin’?”
“I believe we hae lost this battle, my laird, three times, at least. I believe that someone has been gravely injured, and that tis too much loss for yer uncles tae bear. They hae already borne so much, so I think they are turning time and we are fightin’ this battle over again.”
His eyes shot over tae the uncles at the table. “They hae fought this battle before?”
“Aye, many times.”
His eyes went down tae his coat.
Then he exhaled and looked at the far wall. He set his jaw. “Twould be a bad thing?”
“They are doin’ it without informin’ ye. Ye are being treated like a soldier in their battle plans, but ye are the prince!”
He exhaled.
I continued, “What if one of these times Rannald kens we are comin’? The battle could turn, could be worse than…”
“If we lost. But we hae learned our weaknesses, now we will win.”
“Hae we learned our weaknesses? I hae been watchin’ the uncles, I daena ken how the battle plan is changin’. I daena see them adjustin’.”
“How would ye ken?”
“I wouldna, but I am havin’ memories, they are becomin’ more clear… hae the uncles spoken tae ye about this?”
“Nae, but… tis for the best, they want tae win. Twill be better if we are ready tae fight instead of worried that we are goin’ tae lose.”
I said, “What if Rannald has learned of our weaknesses?”
He chewed his lip, considering.
I said, “I am worried that yer Uncle Ryan inna in a clear head. I was watchin’, I daena think he and Aenghus are bein’ honest. I think Charlie has been deluded by them, I think they arna takin’ yer interest tae?—”
His brow furrowed. “Careful, Torin.”
I huffed.
Alexandria was looking from Max’s face to mine.
“I am sayin’ that it feels as if we hae done this afore. Truly, are ye settled with the idea that ye might be marchin’ intae a battle ye hae lost already?”
