He had taken the laird’s chamber gladly. Eddard and Morag had moved into the top floor, the pigeons relocated into the south tower, the water tank moved into the north, an ingenious system of pipes ensuring it could still reach the sink in the chapel in time for the feast day services.
Climbing the stairs past his own bedchamber, he paused, looking down the corridor. That was where she had appeared from nowhere. Was it possible she had gone back there?
A quick glance inside was enough to disappoint him. Everything was how he’d left it last night. She was gone.
Stop thinking about her, he told himself. Think about the clan.
He made his way up the next flight of stairs, stopping at the top to speak to the guard. “My laird,” the man said, nodding as he got to his feet. “I trust all is well.”
“William,” Jock replied. “How are they?”
“Neither of them ate much this morning.” He turned and unlocked the door, stepping into the alcove carved into the wall to allow Jock to pass.
Once he was through, William locked the door again. It would stay locked until Jock knocked to be let out. It had been that way for the last six months ever since Eddard had been found teetering on the edge of the well in the courtyard.
Jock was surprised by how quick his parents’ decline had happened. For many years the only sign of their ageing was an increase in white hair and afternoon naps. Yet in the last year they had begun stumbling, forgetting things, and then the worst part of all, becoming dangers to themselves.
At least they were somewhere safe. Not all people had that. They were safe and loved by their people. If only there was a way to reverse their mental and physical decline.
It was an impossible dream but it didn’t stop him including the desire in his prayers from time to time.
He wished God could give him back the parents he knew so well. He knew it was impossible but he never gave up hope the decline might miraculously be reversed one day.
Passing along the corridor he heard conversation in front of him. For a moment he thought they might be talking to each other but he was disappointed.
Stepping out into their main living space he saw the conversation for what it was. They were both reading out loud, neither one seeming to notice the other doing the same.
“Mother,” Jock said, crossing the room to greet Morag. She looked up at him with watery eyes, looking somehow even thinner than last time he saw her. She was losing weight fast and it frightened him. Her lapdog looked up at Jock for a moment before settling back to sleep.
She lifted a bony hand to his face. “Have you lost your mother, wee boy? Dinnae fear. I shall help you find her.” She went to rise but Jock gently held her shoulder.
“Dinnae trouble yourself,” he said. “Enjoy your devotion.” He noticed the book was upside down but said nothing.
Turning to his father, he tried to keep from gasping. The enormous man he used to crane his neck to look up to was no more. Eddard was still tall but he was stooped over as if his own head weighed him down like a destrier around his neck. His hair had thinned and hung lank around his ears. His eyes were hooded and his skin wan like that of a tallow candle.
“Father,” Jock said, pulling over a chair and sitting opposite Eddard. “How are you?”
“Good morning, wee Jock,” Eddard said, his voice faint and husky as if he hadn’t tasted water for a long time. “How art thou?”
“I’m fine,” Jock replied. “How’s the book?”
“This old thing?” Eddard closed the volume. “History of the MacGregors. Needs a new chapter from you perhaps. Keep it going.”
Jock winced, thinking of the empty treasury, how close the clan was to ruin. What a chapter that would be.
“Listen, Father. Has Robin been to see you recently?”
“Aye. He’s often here to see how we’re doing. A good man, that one. One of the best. Takes away all my troubles.”
Jock was beginning to piece things together. “Does he?”
“Doesn’t want me worrying about things up here. How are things in charge? Found a wife yet?”
“Not yet.”
“Dinnae take forever. Me and your mother would like to see you wed before we go.”
“You’re not going anywhere.”
