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I said, “I don’t understand — you’re saying I glow?”

He shook his head. “I canna describe it nor explain it, but I see the resemblance. But this is why I am takin’ the risk, tis dangerous for ye here. The King wants ye close, because ye are useful. After Dunstaffnage, ye ought tae continue south.”

Torin said, “I am thinking the same. We will take our belongings.”

I perched on the edge of the bed “I don’t know, the king seemed kind, are we sure…?” My voice trailed as both the men looked at me as if I had lost my mind.

Torin said, “Alexandria, he is a king, fightin’ the English. How can he be kind tae strangers who sacked a castle he wanted for his own?”

“Good point, but you gave it to him.”

He scoffed. “Twould be safer for his throne if he had taken it from me by force.”

Niall said, “Aye, he winna like that he owes ye.”

I said, “Oh.”

Niall said, “I will ride with ye on the morrow and cover for ye. He trusts me.”

“That is a risk, thank ye.”

“I ought tae return afore he notices.” And then he left.

I stared at the closed door, then said, “He says I glow, and that the guy he knew also glowed — why do I glow?”

Torin said, “Because ye are a time traveling princess.” He stood on shaky legs and staggered over to relieve himself in the chamberpot.

I said, “So that means Niall has met another time traveler?”

“Aye, it seems he has met someone else.”

“This bodes well for us, since we’re looking for a vessel, there may be one nearby.”

“Tis the best news I hae heard the whole night.”

14

ALEXANDRIA

1308 - OUR ROOM AT THE PRIORY OF ARDCHATTAN

Torin sat down on the edge of the bed and his head hung tiredly. Dude jumped up on his lap.

I went and stood in front of him, two hands lightly on his shoulders. “Exhausted?”

“Aye. This was arduous — I am worn out. The king is goin’ tae demand my oath, he will threaten my life tae gain it.”

“You could just say the words, you don’t have to mean it.”

“Ye daena understand what that would cost me. I will hae made a sworn oath tae two crowns.” He shook his head. “How could I consider m’self an honest man with a sworn oath tae two crowns? Nae, I canna lie about an oath, Princess, tis binding.”

I exhaled. “I suppose it could hae been much worse.”

“Aye, it could get verra much worse.”

I frowned. “That’s not what I said.”

He tugged at his ear. “I dinna hear ye fully.”