Page 181 of Tales of Highland Loyalty

The innkeeper, charmed, smiled back. He did not completely lose his head, though.

"We are full tonight," he said, his gray-colored eyes flitting between her and his wife. Ainslee watched the stone-faced beldam glare at Marisse.

As well she might!

The inn-keeper's wife bustled past. "Aye, there's nae room. We're packed full o' merchants an' chapmen for the fair…"

She scowled, setting her heavy features into frown and dumping their drinks unceremoniously in front of them, spilling the tops.

Then, she hurried on, without looking back. It was clear she wanted them gone.

Ainslee caught Marisse's face. Triumphant, she hoped her friend would agree just to go home now. But, at that moment, a lightning flash in the sky stopped her dead.

A giant thunderball shortly followed,

"We have got coin," said Marisse, patting her pocket. "We can pay oor way...!"

The woman stopped in her tracks; swiftly, she turned back.

"Ahm, well, perchance we can find a wee spot somewhere..."

The woman's eyes arched to the innkeeper's, who was quick to take the money.

"Nae fash, ye shall have a bed...," he said, pocketing the coin, with a smile. "An' a bowl o' hot pottage to see yer on yer way..."

Beaming, Marisse turned to Ainslee, who didn't make a good job of hiding her disappointment. But looking outside, it was clear to see there was no other option.

It was dark, rain was pouring, and now great streaks of lightning were crashing from the skies.

Sighing deeply, Ainslee resigned herself to her fate.

She was stuck here. Drinking deep from her ale, Ainslee wondered idly what had become of Malcolm. But she didn't think for long. Beaming widely, Marisse plumped down next to her, slapping her keenly on the back.

"So then," said Marisse, with a twinkle in her eye. Ainslee narrowed hers abruptly. "Ye gonnae tell me what he said, then?"

Ainslee blinked. But the expression Marisse wore said it all. Her smile burned into her.

"He said?" said Ainslee, wishing she did not understand. She did not feel like talking about Malcolm, but Marisse would not relent.

"Aye, what he said," said Marisse, with a wink. Ainslee blushed. The crowds thickened around them - the public room of The Ship inn was heavy with custom that evening.

Slowly, the innkeeper, and the barmaids wended their way through the packed room. Trestle tables were being moved around, into the center, forming a rough dining area.

With a nod, the landlady glanced at the pair to join them. Taking her seat, Ainslee looked around.

Men from the ships in the harbor were unloading in droves. Some were bargaining with the owner to secure their board, others were already at the table.

Ainslee hoped and prayed that Malcolm was far away, but sitting down, she heard a pleasingly salty voice beside them.

"Mind if I join ye, ladies?"

Ainslee turned around, to see a pair of twinkly brown eyes grinning at Marisse. In front of her, a tall, ruggedly handsome man, with sun-parched skin, and baggy keks.

Grinning at him, Marisse immediately hit it off.

"Can I get ye lasses a wee dram?"

The man's smile immediately trapped Marisse in its snare. Then again, it did not take much.