The area was a large one, and most of it occupied by people and tents. Dogs ran about the place in a pack, one of them his.
“So this is where Bran is hiding.”
“He likes the other dogs, and Uncle Wolf,” Luke said. “All animals like him.”
“So many people.” Rory looked about. Most were huddled into warm clothes and wrapped in scarves and hats, but all looked happy enough to be outside on a bleak day.
“Only those foolish enough to live in this village understand the need for a fair in winter,” Max muttered, opening the door and climbing down. “My family appear to be part of that.”
“Keep your arm in that sling, Rory. It will stop you straining your shoulder,” Essie said, giving him a look that he knew by now meant business.
“Yes, Essie.”
“Max speaks in that particular tone, then does as he wishes.” She patted his cheek and stepped down behind her excited son, leaving him to follow.
He wasn’t used to people caring, but she did… and possibly so did his brother, but he was still coming to terms with that.
Rory stood beside the carriage and simply took in the sight before him. He imagined the knights in armor who had stood just as he was upon returning from a battle, clunking over the well-worn floors inside those stone walls.
“Impressive, isn’t it.”
“Extremely,” he said as Max joined him.
Everywhere he looked he saw history… his history.
“Hard to believe we’re part of this isn’t it?”
“Very much so.”
Rory sniffed, and detected mulled wine with its spices, and the taste of sugar in the air.
“Our father lived here. Apparently he was something of a beast. Mean with his money, and evil to those closest to him. Makes a son glad he never became acquainted with the man.”
“You can see why he was drawn to our mother then.”
“Yes, they were a match made in hell.”
Rory grunted his agreement.
“There are many legends surrounding the Sinclairs and the Ravens; one day I’ll tell you some of them, but for now let us get inside out of the cold as you are still—”
“If you say weak again, I’ll not be responsible for my actions,” Rory said. “I can walk about stalls and not fall flat on my face, Max.”
He felt his brother’s eyes on him.
“What?”
“You’ve not said my name once since you arrived.”
“A slip that I will make sure not to repeat,” Rory said, then started walking. Max fell in beside him. “You have no need to keep me company.”
“Maybe I like your company. It’s the constant abuse, it grows on a person. Plus, I need to introduce you to those you have yet to meet.”
“I do not abuse you constantly.”
“Is this you being nice then?”
Rory ignored the question. “Right. Let’s get this done. Introduce me to them, and I can leave, and everyone will be happy.”
