Page 86 of Defy the Highlander

“Are ye going tae ride him, Brody?” Tynan said excitedly, trying to avoid hooves that were as big as his head. “Does he have a name?”

Brody grinned at the enthusiastic child whom Angus had evidently been training in the ways of the stables since Brody had left.

“I dunna know if he has a name,” he said. “Angus? Do ye?”

The old man had a half-chewed piece of green grass hanging from his lips. “When Laird Currie purchased this horse, he named it after the immortal steed owned by the Roman god of war,” he said. “His name is Aethon.”

Brody looked at the animal. It was white with a hint of gray, which made it look silver. Its mane was dark gray, as was its tail, giving it a striking appearance.

“Aethon,” he said. “I like it. What say ye, Tynan?”

The boy nodded eagerly. “It’s magical.”

“Aye, it is.”

“Where will ye take the horse, Brody?”

Brody looked at the child, hearing something wistful in that tone. The little boy had attached himself to Brody when he’d been here the first time and, now, it was as if he’d never left. Tynan adored Brody. Truth be told, Brody loved Tynan, as well. He was going to be sad to leave him behind.

“Far away,” he said quietly as he finished securing the saddle. “Have ye been tae the Highlands, lad?”

Tynan shook his head. “I’ve only been here.”

Brody came away from the horse. “The Highlands are a place of beauty and magic,” he said. “It has big mountains of the greenest green and lochs of the bluest blue. ’Tis a beautiful place.”

“Will ye take me there sometime?”

“If yer mother allows it.”

Tynan left his post by the horse, coming to stand in front of Brody. “I dunna want tae work in a house like my da did,” he said. “I want tae fight, like ye. Will ye let me fight with ye?”

Brody smiled, mussing the boy’s straw-like hair. “That is up tae Laird Currie,” he said. “When ye’re old enough, mayhap I’ll ask him if ye can come with me tae the Highlands and learn tae fight. Would ye like that?”

Tynan’s face lit up. “I would!” he said. “Can Mam come with me?”

“If Laird Currie says so.”

Tynan was delighted with the prospect of learning to fight with Brody. He picked up a horse brush and began to dance around, trying to brush the horse but the animal was skittish and didn’t want a dancing boy near him.

Brody finally had to put a big hand on Tynan’s shoulder to settle lad down, and he stopped wriggling long enough to brush the horse’s left front leg and part of his torso. Brody watched the boy for a moment before turning to Angus.

“When I’m gone, ye’ll watch out for him, willna ye?” he asked quietly. “He’s a good lad. I worry about him here and how much they work him.”

Angus chewed on his grass as he looked over at the child, eagerly doing his task. “That’s why I brought him intae the stable,” he said. “He’s too young tae scrub floors and work the kitchens. He’s smart, too.”

“I know.”

“He doesna belong here. Brody, did ye mean what ye said? About taking him with ye?”

“I never say anything I dunna mean.”

Angus seemed relieved. “Good,” he said. “Come back for him and his mam soon. Take them both with ye, away from Lady Currie and her nurse. That woman is the devil.”

Brody knew that but refrained from agreeing. He was simply glad they were finally able to leave it all behind. His belongings were tied onto the back of the saddle and he took a few steps towards the open stable door, looking up into the sky. It was nearing dusk. Lilia should come around soon. He was just turning away from the door when something in the yard caught his attention.

Lilia was approaching.

Brody tucked in behind the open door, watching her as she practically ran across the yard and darted into the stables.