“Why?”
“Because I daena really understand it, but if they die we winna be able tae bring them back and I believe Charlie is fightin’ for his life.”
“Oh, yes. Let’s go find them.”
I put my hand on the wall tae steady myself.
“Love, are you alright?”
“Aye, I am good, just hae the get m’head right.” I straightened up and brushed my hands down the front of my shirt. “Ready tae go around again.”
30
ALEXANDRIA
MED BAY - SEPTEMBER 17, 2185
We found Max in a recovery room, heavily bandaged, and still groggy from the anesthesia. I sat down and held his hand. “Hey, brother.”
“Hello, sister. We survived.”
I said, “Barely.”
Torin stood beside me, looking stoic. “Are ye well, m’laird?”
“Aye, did we kill him?”
Torin said, “Nae, he lived, yet…”
Max said, “Och nae, what are we goin’ tae do?”
“I decided we are goin’ tae go around again, but I wanted tae talk tae ye on it, first.”
“What dost ye mean, go around again, ye mean… ?”
“We are goin’ tae fight the battle once more.”
“Och nae, Torin, just hours ago, ye were saying twas the worst idea ye had ever heard, now ye are suggestin’ it?”
Torin said, “Aye, I had a clear vision while tryin’ tae keep ye alive on the battlefield.”
Max said, “Och nae, I am on m’deathbed because ye dinna talk me out of going, tis yer fault, clearly.”
Torin chuckled. “‘Och nae’ is right, ye are in an ornery mood.”
“I am near dead, I get tae be.”
“The doctor says ye are well enough tae speak and not be an arse, but tis true I must go if tis the plan, afore ye decide tae die. If ye die I canna save ye.”
“How is everyone else?”
“Charlie is still in surgery. His wound is grave, m’laird, I ought tae leave and begin tae circle around afore he… ye ken.”
“Aye, I see. What dost ye need from me? Want me tae come?”
Torin scoffed. “Ye want me tae ride intae battle with a broken, wounded man dragged from his hospital bed, near dead from the battle, or dost ye want me tae go get ye a day ago, healthy and fit and ready tae fight?”
“Ye are wounded as well!”
