“We counted forty camped outside last night,” Gavin said, taking back the waterskin and having another drink.
“And?”
“Two rode off in the night,” Gavin said, handing back the water. “One went north, the other south.”
“For what purpose?” Kyle asked, his interest peaked.
“I dinnae,” Gavin answered. “But the northern rider came back this morning.”
“We should have them out,” Kyle said. “They’re up tae no good, ye can tell.”
“Maybe so,” Gavin said, moving his jaw back and forth. “They leave today.”
“Good,” Kyle said, bobbing his head.
“Now that’s settled,” Gavin said, glancing up at the parting morning mists. “Go and see Sophia.”
“What?” Kyle said, looking back at his brother. “What for?”
“She knows about matters concerning the heart,” Gavin replied with a grin.
“Oh, shove off,” Kyle shot back.
“I hope nay tae be interrupting,” MacNear’s voice brought their attention round, and they saw the Scotsman approaching from the far side of the training square.
“Good morrow tae ye MacNear,” Gavin said, standing from his crouch.
“And ye, Milaird, and ye,” MacNear said. “I come tae tell ye we’re off today. Ye can except our men in two days.”
“I thank ye, MacNear,” Gavin said. “So, the word is already out?”
“Aye,” MacNear said. “Feast gave us plenty for that. Word is a silver caravan is headed tae Stirling in a few days, led up by yer brither.”
“Very good,” Gavin said, reaching out his hand. “I thank ye once more.”
“Just doing our duty Milaird,” MacNear returned. “Maybe cut us some slack on the silver while ye’re at it.”
“Certainly,” Gavin said with a grin. “For a time.”
“Fair enough,” MacNear said with a grin. Then he turned his eyes to Kyle and said, “Thanks for the scrap. I’ll see ye.”
“Aye,” Kyle said, returning the smile. “Thanks for the scrap.”
MacNear walked away, and Gavin turned to Kyle, saying, “It’s happening now. Are ye sure ye’re good with this?”
“Of course,” Kyle said, sliding up to a standing position along the post. He hadn’t thought about Poor Robert MacLean in over a day, and he was glad to return to something that he could ground in reason. Laila, quite simply, was beyond him, though it did not stop him trying. “It was my plan, weren’t it?”
“It was,” Gavin said, touching Kyle on the shoulder. “I’m proud o’ ye.”
“Are ye?” Kyle asked, hefting the training sword up onto his shoulder.
“Well, I might be if ye go an’ see Sophia.”
“I saw her yesterday!” Kyle balked. “Leave off with it!”
“Just doing me job, little brither,” Gavin said warmly. “Just doing me job.”
