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Torin said, “…and who are ye?”
“I am Artair, Prince Artair, of Riaghalbane.”
His ale was placed on the table and the server filled our cups with her pitcher.
Artair stood quietly while she worked, as if he were nervous about being overheard, but then when she finished and stepped away from the table he began talking in his booming voice again. “I hae ye right, ye are Torin and Princess Alexandria? Och, daena answer, I see it, Princess Alexandria, ye are a beauty, the image of yer mother, may she rest in peace.”
Torin drew his sword, making the steel whizz as he swung the point to Artair’s throat.
Artair put up his hands. Everyone in the room went still and quiet. Artair said, “Nae, Torin, I am nae trouble.”
“If ye are Prince of Riaghalbane, where is Max?”
“I promise ye, tis not what ye think.”
“Tis exactly what I think, ye hae usurped the crown, and are here tae cause trouble. Ye winna hae the chance, Prince Artair, because I will end ye.”
“Please, let me explain. I am here tae help ye, tae rescue ye.”
Torin stared into his eyes. “Ye best not be lyin’ tae me, I daena hae the patience for usurpers, thieves, or fools.”
“I ken, I understand, I winna lie. Just please, sheathe yer sword, allow me tae introduce m’self.”
“Ye will need tae explain yer presence and yer pretense of familiarity. We hae nae idea who ye are.”
“Of course, I am well ahead of m’self, please. Let us share an ale in this fine establishment and discuss this.”
Torin slid his sword into the sheath.
Artair said, “Sit down, sit down!” He smiled around the room. “Everyone relax, I am buyin’ yer ales for the fright.”
There was a heartfelt drunken cheer.
Torin sat down by me, still tense.
I asked him, “Did he say he was taking us home, we’re rescued?”
“Aye, tis what he said, but he haena proved it yet.”
Artair slid into the bench across from us. “Tis true, I hae come tae — skip that, I hae been sent tae rescue ye—”
Torin said, “Who sent ye?”
“First, ye hae been injured, Torin, twas the battle?”
“Aye, I was injured, but I can still beat ye if needed.”
Artair said, “Tis why ye are so ornery, Torin? The injury?” He looked at me, “Dost he always bluster about like this, threatening tae kill everyone who is tryin’ tae help?”
“No, but he is sworn to protect me, he takes it seriously.”
“I get that, because ye are a princess, nae?”
I nodded.
He grinned. “I am royal as well, och, we hae some similarities in our stories as well. I am vera pleased tae hae found ye, and,” he turned to Torin, “ye winna hae tae draw yer sword on me, honestly. I am here with the best of intentions, I am goin’ tae get ye home.” He adjusted his sword at his hip so he could get comfortable, one leg up on the bench, in a cocksure way.
Torin ran his hand through his hair. “Dost ye hae a way tae get us home?”
