Page 57 of The Eagle

After a simple meal the next morning, Stuart, Caelan, Artair, and four guardsmen headed to the village. Dougal had left early and gone hunting.

From atop a hill, the village came into view. The quaint seaside community was pretty to look upon, the smattering of homes and shops welcoming a weary traveler.

Upon their arrival, children raced out into the street running alongside them yelling, “Laird! Laird!”

“Have ye told them ye are not the laird?” Caelan asked.

“I have. But with yer light hair, they must think ye to be Darach,” Stuart replied with a grin. “Toss them coins.”

Caelan’s eyes narrowed as he pulled out his purse. He counted out the coins. “One each,” he yelled tossing the shimmering bits to the delighted children.

Stuart pulled his horse to a stop and dismounted. A few feet from him, two boys grappled over a coin. He walked to them and taking them by the back of their tunics yanked them off the ground. “Who has a coin?”

The smaller of the two pointed a dirty finger at the other. “He has two, Laird.”

“I am not yer laird,” he said, but the boys didn’t listen as one tried to kick the other.

“Give me my coin,” the smaller boy demanded and swung his fist, missing the other boy, but connecting with Stuart’s chin.

Both boy’s eyes rounded. “Sorry, Laird.”

He lowered them to the ground and pointed at the larger one. “Give him back his coin.”

After a short standoff, the boy tore his gaze from Stuart and finally produced the coin. He held it out to the younger boy. “Here. But it is mine. I found it first.”

Stuart wasn’t sure what to say at this juncture. Instead, he pulled out his coin purse and plucked a coin out. He then held it out to the smaller boy, who snatched it.

“Why does he get two?” the larger boy whined. “He does not deserve it.”

“Do ye think to deserve it?” Stuart asked.

When the boy nodded, he asked, “What did ye do to deserve it?”

The larger boy met Stuart’s gaze and without blinking blurted, “I am faster, braver, and bigger. One day I will protect ye, Laird. It would behoove ye to have my allegiance.”

“Good to know who I should keep an eye out for. A brave man does not attack those smaller than them.” Stuart met the boy’s gaze. “Brave men learn to be kind.”

The boy nodded and hurried to catch up with the smaller one. “Come on. I will ensure no one takes yer coins.”

When he walked to the village square, Caelan stood in the center of the small crowd that had gathered. Stuart watched with envy how his brother fended off questions with the experience he’d garnered from his time at Darach’s side. So many times, Darach had asked Stuart to sit with him, and he’d declined. Now, he wished to have the knowledge of how to ensure to please the majority.

The villagers seemed reluctant to believe him when Stuart announced there would be a fairer constable. He motioned Artair forward. “This is my cousin, Artair, he will fill the position for now.”

The muttering indicated their lack of belief. However, Artair didn’t see it as a bad thing. He held up a hand and waited for the people to quiet.

“I propose we get to know one another before ye judge me,” his cousin called out. “I will remain here until it is decided if there is anyone better suited for the position.”

The people were not totally convinced, but they seemed somewhat appeased when Artair stated his plans to be there at the village square each morning to hear grievances.

After a pair of hours passed and they were convinced Artair was not in danger, Stuart decided it was safe to leave. He ordered the guards to remain as he and Caelan rode away.

“I do hope he decides to remain,” Stuart said. “If he doesn’t, I will ask Dougal.”

“I was going to ask about Dougal. He and Bree may be a better choice,” Caelan stated. “As a married couple, they can help with situations that affect both men and women. In addition, Bree is easy to trust and very kind.”

“I had thought of it, but then considered she’d make a good friend for Cait.”

“They can still be friends. The village is not that far.”