whole time you’re here?” she asked.
His smirk was answer enough.
Then he also winked, because Derric could never be satisfied so easily.
She scowled back, but truth be told, she was looking forward to this visit.
***
When Derric entered the great hall, Alasdair’s son, John, rushed forward, Coira directly behind him. Her face lit up when she saw Derric. She’d become quite fond of him on the journey to MacLintock land some moons back.
But John wouldn’t let her step past him. “I proteck you.”
Coira stopped, and John peered up at Derric and asked, “You Engwish?”
Derric ruffled his hair and said, “I’m not English. You remember me, do you not?”
John spat into the bowl at one side of the door, and Coira ran to Derric’s side, tugging on his trews. He hoisted her up and settled her on his hip. “Are you happy here, sweet one?”
Coira giggled and nodded. “Lora is here, too, but she’s up there.” She pointed to the balcony. “And I have someone to play with. He’s not mean to me. John likes me.”
He felt rather than saw Dyna watching him, but before he could look back, Joya sprung up out of the chair where she’d been sitting near the hearth. “Derric?” she said in disbelief, hurrying over. He set Coira down and hugged his sister, grateful to see her looking so hale.
A quick glance revealed the hall was empty but for Joya and the bairns—Ailith was playing with some fabric animals. The sound of a closing door had him turning around, and he saw Dyna had left. Part of him wanted to go after her, but Joya started leading him over to the hearth. “You are well, sister? Does Els treat you kindly?”
“Aye, he does,” she said, sitting down and gesturing for him to do the same. “We’re waiting to see where we go next. You came in with Dyna, so I’m sure she told you about the situation with Alex.” When he nodded, she leaned forward to whisper. “I can see he’s troubled by this. More so than he has been in the past. I don’t know what he has planned, but he’s conjuring something up.”
As if he’d known they were speaking about him, Alex Grant strode into the hall, still walking on his own with nothing for support. It truly was a marvel. Perhaps it was because he lived on the road and on the run, but Derric had never known anyone as old as Alex Grant. Alex approached them directly.
“Greetings to you, Alex,” Derric said.
“Corbett. Tell me what news you have for us? Have you seen any garrisons nearby? Any small factions of soldiers near here?” The elder Grant’s intense scrutiny sometimes unsettled him, but he answered him as best he could.
“Nay, I’ve seen no one. I intend to stay here for a few days, assuming no one has any objection”—his sister beamed at him—“then head north to catch up with King Robert eventually. I have a couple of errands to do first.”
“So Robert is going north. I’d heard the rumblings, but I’m grateful for a direct account. They say England’s new king has run back home. I hope he stays there.”
“He still has the coin and the men to order about as he wishes,” Derric cautioned. They’d certainly felt the sting of it more than once.
The door burst open, and Joya’s husband, Els, entered the hall with Alasdair. “Corbett,” Els called out, “we heard you were here. We’re going hunting. Care to join us?”
“Sure. If my sister doesn’t mind,” he said, glancing over to see her reaction.
“Go,” she urged. “I want you to get to know Els better. Go and have fun!”
“May I grab something to eat first? I’m sure you have better offerings than what I’ve had the last few days.” His stomach growled in anticipation of a warm loaf of bread or a fruit pastry.
“Aye,” Alasdair said, “we won’t be leaving for half an hour. I’ll show you where you can sleep so you can settle your things. You’re staying awhile, aye?”
“If you’ll have me, I’d like to visit with Joya for a few days. Then I’m headed north.”
“Follow me,” Alasdair said. “Joya can find you something in the kitchens while I show you to your chamber.”
Derric followed Alasdair upstairs to a chamber at the end of the passageway. “There are four beds in here, but no one is using it at present. You have it to yourself.”
“Many thanks to you. This suits me fine. I enjoy sleeping on a bed once in a