“Aye, but for some of us what happens tae us in our youth either breaks us or gives us strength. Ye take good care of Lizbeth, that is all that matters.”
He said, “I just… I just want her tae be well.” He looked overcome with emotion.
“I ken, but still, for yer assistance I will bring yer title when I return for the funeral.”
He then said, “Thank ye, Wilfrey.”
“You are welcome, Liam, tell Lizbeth I am glad to have done it.”
Liam raced back tae the castle.
I stalked over tae the cluster of trees near the riverbank and determined the tree which marked the spot. I showed Wilfrey the place tae dig.
He dug while I kept checking the billowing smoke and flames coming from the castle. The roar of the blaze, the sounds of men yelling orders at each other carried on the wind.
He leaned on the shovel. “We could go back, make certain everyone is safe?”
“Nae,” I turned away from the scene. “Tis nae necessary — tis a small fire, the men will hae it out in a moment. And how would we help?”
“You are certain?”
“Ye were almost sent tae the gallows, Wilfrey, we must flee.”
He shoveled until he uncovered the box and we found a vessel inside. I was verra relieved. There was also a useful flashlight so I could check the markings. There were some pens, because Magnus insisted they were always necessary, and Chapstick.
Wilfred asked, “Do you want me to bury the box again?”
“Aye, we need this spot tae remain secretive. But go fast, we are in a hurry, I want tae get ye out of here and I need tae return tae the kingdom. Our Ministry of Defense needs tae ken of Birk and the stolen vessels.”
“Is this the last vessel, how will Magnus get home?” He shifted dirt onto the lid of the box and tamped it down.
“As far as I ken this is the last, but he probably has at leastonesquirreled away.”
“You would leave him with just thepossibilitythat he has a vessel?”
“Tis everyone for themselves, Wilfrey, even between a king and his mother. He would do the same, I was just first.”
He said, “That is callous, I think. What of your grandchildren? What about Lizbeth and Sean?”
“My children are courageous and capable, of course they will survive a wee fire, they will hae it out in an hour, tops.” My gaze returned tae the castle and the dark smoke filling the sky. I shook my head and pulled my eyes away. “When we return for the Earl’s funeral, there will be some singed curtains, tis all.”
“You are certain there is nothing we can do?”
“We can do much more from the kingdom. I can send back a firetruck if I need tae. This is decided.”
There was a crashing sound from the castle. I said, unprompted, “Magnus winna allow anythingtae happen tae his bairns. I hae not one bit of worry about them.”
“I would feel more comfortable leaving if you were certain they had a vessel.”
“I am certain. Worse case scenario, Wilfrey, when we return for the Earl’s funeral we will bring an extra, if they are still here, stuck, they will be relieved that we hae brought them one, and pleased that I am so considerate. I will give ye credit for it. But, more pressing, ye were verra close tae death by hanging, I was terrified. I need tae get ye away before anyone changes their mind.”
“I am relieved I was able to save your daughter.” He packed down the last dirt, disguising the spot so no one could tell we had been there. Then he cocked his head tae the side. “I would like to mention, you would do better if you did not say what might be seen as cold and cruel, and instead only what is more amiable.”
“I am verra mature tae hae ye telling me how I might best behave.”
“Your brother was cruel, I think you would like to distance yourself from it.”
I frowned. “That is an inexcusable thing tae say.”
