“Trust our laird,leannan.”
Celestina swiped at the tears in her eyes, leaning into her husband’s embrace, but not before she noticed that Maddie, sitting by Alex’s side in front of the dais, had a linen square ather face and was mopping up tears as well. She and Maddie were definitely kindred spirits.
Staring over Loki’s wee head, Alex continued. “Is it true you went to the MacLaren keep by yourself, again without notifying anyone of your destination, just to let Celestina know her husband was injured?”
Loki’s shoulders slumped, and he hung his head in shame. “Aye, my laird.”
Alex’s voice softened, “Is it no’ also true, lad, that you stood proud and protected the Scots by using your slinger against the invaders?”
Lifting his gaze to meet Alex’s, the boy said, “Aye, my laird.”
“Is it true that after my wounded brother passed out from battle you managed to get him to the healer immediately?”
“Aye, my laird.” His voice was now strong enough to be heard across the hall.
Alex smiled. “And did you no’ use your sling to protect my sister-in-law, Celestina Grant, against a group of Norsemen in Lennox?”
The lad nodded his head, sniffling as he stared at Alex. “Aye, my laird.”
Alex stepped down from the dais, grasped Loki’s shoulders and said, “Well done, lad. You make me verra proud.” Then he nodded to Brodie and Celestina, and they came to stand in front of Loki.
Loki’s eyes grew big as saucers when Celestina pulled out the red and green Grant plaid made just for him and enfolded his wee body with it. Brodie approached his brother and handed Alex a small sword, then pinned a badge with the Grant crest on the wee lad’s chest.
Their parts completed for now, Brodie and Celestina moved back to stand off to the side of Loki, and Alex moved closer to the lad. He positioned Loki where everyone could see him, then heldhis hand on the lad’s shoulder. With his other hand, he touched the sword to Loki’s head and began, “Lucky Loki, I christen thee a Grant. I am proud to say you acted as the fiercest Highlander in all the land, protecting the weak and innocent, acting with honor at all times, guarding a member of my family when necessary, and fighting bravely for our country.”
When he finished, Alex handed the hilt of the sword to Loki, who took it into his trembling hands before Alex turned him to face the warriors behind him. Alex nodded his head, and the warriors who surrounded him unsheathed their swords at the same time, knelt in unison, each placing their weapon on the floor pointing toward Loki, individually pledging to protect him with their lives.
Celestina’s tears flowed freely down her cheeks as she watched the expression of sheer wonder dance across Loki’s face as the warriors knelt in front of him. Her husband wrapped his arms around her shoulders and tugged her in close for a quick kiss. After everything the lad had done for both of them, they were both so glad to see him receive this tribute.
When the warriors finished, Loki turned around, his face lit up with joy. He stared up at Alex and said, “I made it. Is that no’ right, Laird Grant? Am I finally a Grant warrior and a member of your guard?”
Alex stood with his hands behind his back. “Nay, lad, that is no’ correct.”
Loki’s face fell and his shoulders slumped. It was time. Brodie strode over to the lad’s right side and Celestina to his left. Loki peered up at both of them, unsure of what was happening.
Alex cleared his throat. “Lad, I christened you a Grant, no’ a Grant warrior. You will be asked to fight with the warriors, aye, but you are officially christened a Grant, with Celestina as your mama and Brodie Grant as your sire, if you will accept them as your parents in the eyes of Scottish law.”
Loki looked first at Brodie, then at Celestina and said, “Truly, you want me?”
Brodie said, “Aye, lad, naught would make us happier than having you as our son. That is, if you want us.”
Loki let out his best imitation of a Grant war whoop and jumped into Brodie’s arms.
“Aye. I am no longer Lucky Loki.”
Puzzled by his declaration, Celestina looked at him as he hopped down and ran to her side to hug her.
“I am Loki Grant,” he said with a grin.
Journey to the Highlands
Book 4
Robbie and Caralyn
Loki became an important part of the clan, but most of all, he became the protector of the wee ones.
Chapter Thirty-Two
