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There was a small roll of duct tape, almost gone, flattened by being at the bottom of the bag. I kind of thought I wanted it more. There were two energy bars. I pulled those over to my side casually.
Then I saw the mini flashlight. I wanted it, they couldn’t have it. I pulled that into our pile too. But then there was a conundrum because I opened a small plastic box and found a lighter and some matches inside. I had already put a lot of stuff in our pile, what would the king say if I put this there too, but he asked, “What is this?”
He pulled up a tiny sewing kit. I quickly stuffed the fire starter box under the bag of coins that the king had already allowed to remain in our pile and opened the kit to show him a row of needles and some small spooled threads.
Niall nodded. “Those are verra small needles, they will be fine for embroidery. This is verra good.”
Torin had been watching me divide everything without comment, then said, “As ye can see, Sire, we hae given ye the iron bird and two guns. Princess Alexandria will train ye with them on the morrow afore we go. We hae also given ye pens for writing, and fine small needles for sewing, and a few other things ye will find useful. And I hae, of course, given ye this castle that I hae sacked.”
He smiled, a weak sad smile in his beat up face. “In exchange ye will give me m’freedom and ye hae given Princess Alexandria the fine horse.”
Torin added, “And these things in our pile as well.”
He had his bound wrists on them, his hands splayed over it, so it was hard to make out what was there. “Also the treaty, the promise of men and weapons, once we can send them.”
The king nodded. “I accept this deal, Laird Torin.”
Torin nodded.
The king said, “We will hae a large meal in the Great Hall, I would like ye tae attend.”
Torin said, “Sire, I would beg ye tae allow the Princess and me tae go tae our room tae rest and prepare for the morrow’s journey. Perhaps a meal could be brought tae our chamber?”
The king nodded. “Aye.”
Niall said, “I will hae yer meal sent tae ye. Follow me.”
While Niall cut the bindings on Torin’s wrists, giving him his freedom, I scooped what we had won in the negotiation into the messenger bag. I was so thankful that we had found it or we would have had nothing but our gold, a gun, and the first aid kit to negotiate with. I pulled the messenger bag onto my shoulder, and Torin and I followed Niall from the room.
23
ALEXANDRIA
1308 - WE SPEND THE NIGHT IN A CASTLE WE SACKED DAYS BEFORE
After more stairs and corridors, Niall let us into a small musty chamber.
A page followed us in, carrying a blanket and hastily tossing it onto the bed, causing a cloud of dust to blow up into the air. The chamber must have been unused by the MacDougalls since long before we laid siege. We stood awkwardly while the boy put a candle on the table and straightened the edge of a thin rug.
He bowed to leave the room as Niall said, “Bring the chamberpot.”
The lad rushed away.
Niall stood quietly for a moment. “Twas an important discussion, ye did well, Laird Torin.”
“The Princess handled most of it.”
“Ye hae won yer freedom, ye will be gone tomorrow — will ye want guards tae travel with ye?”
Torin said, “Winna be necessary. If we get away early enough we will be in Dalmally by nightfall. There is an inn there, and ye hae chased all the English and the MacDougalls away.”
“Aye, yer trip should be peaceful.”
“Thank ye for yer help, Niall, if anyone comes lookin’ for us, tell them I hae gone tae the meeting place in Clackmannanshire.”
“Only if they are Campbells, if they are anyone else I will tell them tae go tae hell.”
Torin chuckled. “Tis as it ought tae be.”
