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He seemed to try to change the subject. “Who will command Dunstaffnage?”
Niall said, “The King has given it tae me. Twill be held by Campbells, ye will be welcome anytime.”
“Thank ye, kindly, but I plan tae be gone long afore the castle is ready tae host guests.” He squeezed my hand under the table. “Och, Sire, afore I forget, I need tae return tae Dunstaffnage tae search for somethin’ my wife has lost.”
“What did she lose?”
“Her prized jewelry box, a verra unique box, about this long.” He held out his hands to show it was about seven inches long, talking about our time-travel vessel. “Tis the shape of a chalice and has a secret lock upon it, did yer men happen tae find it?”
The king said, “I haena heard tell of my men finding such a thing, they would certainly pass it over tae their king if they did.” He narrowed his eyes. “Ye want me tae send Niall tae search for it? Ye arna in any condition for a day’s ride.”
Torin straightened his back. “Nae, I am fit for it, we will go on the morrow, my wife does feel the loss of her jewelry box greatly. I mean tae find it for her.”
The king said, “I give ye permission, ye may search the grounds of Dunstaffnage and I will send guards with ye for protection.”
Torin raised his brow. “Tis not usually in m’nature tae need a guard, especially tae visit a castle I so recently sacked.”
The king said, “Laird Torin, ye plan tae hae Lady Alexandria with ye!” He dragged another piece of bread back through his broth and took a large bite, chewing he said, “Ye might not need a guard, but I will give ye one tae protect Lady Alexandria from the MacDougalls who are spoiling for revenge.”
Torin said, “We will be good enough—”
“But she is a fine lady, she deserves a party of at least ten men! Ye daena hae even one lady tae take care of her needs, ye are all alone in—”
“I can protect her. We spent a week crossin’ Alba and—”
“Alone, Laird Torin?” The king waved a hand at him, dismissing the thought. “Though I daena doubt yer abilities with sword and axe, and though ye claim tae be ready tae fight, I daena think yer arm can live up tae the demands ye are placing on it. And now ye hae sat at my table, dined with me, given me a castle, ye are one of my men. One of my best soldiers — twould be verra complicated if ye were captured and I had tae negotiate for yer lives. Nae, I canna allow it, daena be an arse, Laird Torin.”
He set the bread down. His voice went quieter. “My wife, Elizabeth, was taken after Methven. They put her in a cage at Roxburgh, hung from the wall so the town could look at her. My sister Mary was caged at Berwick. The Countess of Buchan, who set the crown on my head, was caged as well. My daughter is still captive. My brother Neil was hanged and drawn. I winna send a woman across this country alone because a man is in a hurry.”
Torin was quiet for a moment. Then he said, “Och, m’lord, I agree, I winna be an arse. Send a guard, then, and I will thank ye for it though I refuse tae accept that I need it.”
The king gave a short nod. “Laird Torin, I suppose this is a testament tae yer bravery.”
Torin smiled. “M’brother-in-arms Max says I am the bravest and dumbest man he has ever had the honor tae fight beside. I try tae live up tae both titles.”
The king said, “Whether tis courage or lack of wit, we thank ye for yer help securing the MacDougall lands.” Then the King leaned forward, “How did ye manage tae do it? What weapons caused so much damage tae the walls? How many men?”
Torin looked thoughtful about how to answer. Then he said, “Sire, Lady Alexandria is with us, she daena want tae hear long descriptions about battle plans and strategies—”
I sighed, and added to be helpful, “I get so bored with all this talk of troop formations.”
Torin said, “And as she thought I nearly died and we are newly married…”
The king said, “My apologies, Lady Alexandria, but I am verra curious how Laird Torin was capable of storming a castle and seizing it so easily.”
Torin said simply, “Och, twas nae easily seized. It nearly took m’life.”
“Yet here ye sit, before yer king, having given us a castle that ye seized without an army tae speak of…” The king steepled his fingers. “Laird Torin, ye are a battle commander sorely needed for my cause. I have need of strong men. Men who can lead. Men who understand war the way ye clearly do. Scotland is nae yet whole. I want tae hear yer battle stories.”
Torin nodded quietly. “And I would like tae hear all the details of Brander Pass…” He drained the last of his ale. “But for now, please excuse me, Sire, I am growin’ tired from the effort of the meal. Would ye mind if I returned tae my room?”
The king didn’t answer. He nodded, but not in agreement. His eyes were narrowed and he was searching Torin’s face. Then he said, “Nae, first I need ye tae swear yer sword to me — yer allegiance as a Campbell and as a warrior tae stand under my banner.”
Torin remained quiet, the muscle in his jaw working while he chose his words. His voice was gruff and low, tired, but firm when he spoke. “I will nae raise a hand against ye, Sire, and I will give counsel if ye ask it. But I canna swear myself—”
A flash of irritation on Douglas’s brow. “Ye refuse the King?
“Nae… I…”
