Thorfinn and the Rotten Scots by David MacPhail

Author:David MacPhail
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781782502302
Publisher: Floris Books

CHAPTER 9

Later that day, Ranald returned from the hunt, riding into the courtyard with a look of wicked glee across his face. His horse was festooned with deer, rabbits and partridges.

He dismounted and passed the reins to his chief steward, Glen.

“Well, how did the Viking boy fare watching the men practise? Did he crack? Did he break? Did he sob with jealousy?”

The steward was stony faced as he replied, “No, my Lord. In fact, he was heard to enjoy it.”

Ranald’s smile melted away. “WHAT??”

“I’m afraid so, my Lord.”

“Did you give him the comfy seat?”

“Yes, he declared he was very happy with it.”

Ranald’s eyes blazed. “I’ll show him. I will go and see this boy.”

He stormed up the stairs to the corridor where the prisoners were kept. “Where is he?”

“SSSSHH!” said one of the stewards. Ranald suddenly realised that everyone in the corridor was tiptoeing.

“What is the meaning of this?” he asked.

“Because of the old man!”

Suddenly an incredibly loud and whiny voice cried out:

“QUUII-ETTTT!”

It sounded like the mating call of a Pacific albatross.

Oswald’s head popped out from behind his door. “I’m trying to think, you know.”

“Why is this man’s door unlocked?” cried Ranald.

“It was just easier, sire. He kept banging on it and demanding things,” said Glen.

“Things? What kind of things?”

Glen pulled a piece of paper from his tunic and opened it out, which took a moment because it was very long. “Ahem… a beard comb, a neck pillow, a foot muff, toenail clippers…”

“Aye, alright! Alright!” roared Ranald.

“It was just constant. My stewards were rushed off their feet,” Glen explained.

Oswald came out of his room carrying a huge pile of dirty linen. “You there!” he cried at Ranald. “Stop loafing around and take my laundry!” He dumped the linen into Ranald’s arms.

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