Page 48 of Highland Lords of War & Thunder: The Prequel

She turned to Milo. “And you will stop encouraging his sheep into your field.”

Milo’s mouth dropped open. “I never⁠—”

“You've been putting salt near the boundary,” the queen accused.

“How did you know?” Milo asked.

“The same way I know your fence has been in need of repair since spring. You've both been complaining about one another to anyone willing to listen for months.”

The two men exchanged sheepish looks.

“You will get the fence repaired together,” Eudora continued. “And if one of those sheep finds its way into the wrong field again, I will have the entire flock brought here to the castle grounds and you can both explain to my cook why they should not become supper.”

“Aye, Your Majesty,” the two men were quick to say and hurried off.

Creagan had expected Eudora to be formidable. Queen Eleanor would never have entrusted Morra Mist to a granddaughter incapable of ruling it. However, he hadn't expected to find her entertaining.

A man standing a short distance from the queen stepped forward and consulted the parchment in his hand.

Creagan rarely came to Dunsire, but he knew who he was even though he had never met him. Wilford, the queen’s advisor.

Wilford looked toward those still waiting.

“Next.”

An elderly woman immediately marched forward dragging a lad, of perhaps twelve years, alongside her by the ear.

Creagan folded his arms across his chest. This promised to be even better than the sheep.

“Let go of the Ewan’s ear, Maggie,” Eudora ordered.

Creagan could not help but be impressed. The queen had known the name of every person who had stood before her. Not merely the chieftains, merchants and men whose names were likely brought before her regularly. She knew her people. Right down to an elderly woman who came before her dragging a troublesome lad by the ear.

Maggie released the lad, though reluctantly. “He deserves worse, Your Majesty.”

“I don't doubt you've already told him so.”

Maggie nodded. “Repeatedly.”

Ewan rubbed his reddened ear but did not speak.

“What have you done this time, Ewan?” Eudora asked.

Ewan shifted from one foot to the other. “I borrowed Grandmum's cart.”

“You stole my cart,” Maggie corrected.

Ewan defended himself. “I borrowed it. Borrowing is not stealing.”

“You did not ask permission. You had it all day and didn’t bring it back until after dark,” Maggie argued.

“I needed it and I knew you wouldn’t let me borrow it,” Ewan said as if it made all the difference.

“You took the mule as well and he was needed for field work.”

Ewan turned wide eyes on her. “What good is a cart without a mule?”

Creagan heard Legion choke back a laugh.