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“Tis the work of the devil.”

“No, it’s not, it was invented like the…” I wanted to say steam engine or telescope which were the oldest things I could think of — the gun? I had no idea what to say.

Torin said, “Tis not magic, tis an invention from her kingdom. Much like the spinning wheel or the clock.”

Douglas said, “What is a clock?”

Torin slightly shook his head, “Tis another invention from our kingdom, but this is like the spinning wheel, or the wheels on the trebuchet, ye ken?”

The three men nodded. Douglas asked, “What could we use it for?”

I was looking down on the drone screen while I got it to lift again. “This one has a viewer so…it’s good for spying. I’m not great at it.” The drone ran into a candle stick.

Torin said, “Tis useful for scoutin’. We flew this iron bird over the walls of Dunstaffnage castle tae see guard positions, weak points, and whether the garrison was alert. Tis how we ambushed them. It gives ye an advantage during a siege.”

Douglas said, “Twould help us when we take Linlithgow, tis next. Then Dunbarton.”

Niall said, “Aye, and Perth.”

Torin said, “Princess how is this one powered? Yer uncles told me this would be an issue.”

“There is a solar panel in the case lid, here. You would just have to put it in the sun when you weren’t using it.”

Torin said, “Good, good.” While the men were conferring at a distance from where we stood, Torin used Dude as a block, drawing the bag with our gold and silver coins close. He didn’t hide the bag; it was as if he were saying, ‘this is ours and tis non-negotiable.’

The King returned to the table. “Princess Alexandria, would ye shew us how tae command the iron bird?”

“Yes, it’s growing dark though. I will in the morning.”

Torin said, “Before we go.”

The king nodded.

“What else dost ye hae?” He picked up the first aid kit.

I said, “That is medicine for Torin’s wounds. I need it.”

The king pushed it toward me. “I see ye hae yer bag of valuables, Laird Torin?”

“Aye, I will need it tae get Princess Alexandria home.”

I said, “There are also these guns.”

There were three, I pulled one close and pushed two towards them. “I can show you how to shoot them tomorrow as well.” Did I know how to load them? I was not sure, it had been a couple of years.

“Tae shoot?”

I said, “To fire, they’re like a small cannon, but⁠—”

Douglas was holding a gun dangerously close. “Wait, I don’t know if it’s… This is where the bullet comes out, you don’t want to shoot anyone accidentally.”

Douglas put it down.

I saw a small stack of ammunition boxes. I pushed two toward the king, and took one for myself.

I kept three pens and pushed the rest towards the king. I gave him the notebook, some rubber bands, a bundle of zip ties, and then there was a compact multi-tool.

“This! You’ll find this very useful.” I opened the blades and showed the king. He took it from my hands, his eyes wide with excitement. “Och, this is a verra fine blade.”