Page 64 of Torin and the Princess

“No, we don’t have a prince named Maximillian.”

“Then it must be further intae the future.”

“You’re saying we’ll be returning to a monarchy? This is a helluva story… fascinating that Lexi and Jen believe it. I’m learning so much tonight.” He swept his arm out, almost spilling his beer bottle. “Keep going.”

Torin broke off a hunk of bread as he told the story. “Max arrived at Castle Glume when he was but a lad and because I was close tae his age, we were raised taegether as if we were brothers. The tale I was told is that dangers had befallen his kingdom. Max learned that his father, the King, had died in battle. Max was spirited away in the night, hidden in Castle Glume. The king’s men promised tae return for Max once the trouble was over, but nae one ever returned.”

I said, “Oh no! You hadn’t told me the whole story.”

“Aye, tis a tough tale tae tell and harder tae hear. Max rarely spoke of it. Twas verra difficult tae hae been sent away and then left, forgotten, or worse — tae lose his whole family and his throne. He was young, twas impossible tae fight — he couldna go tae their aid.” He sadly shook his head. “Max has become a verra capable warrior, he is fair and loyal, he would hae been an excellent king, but he has been trapped there in Castle Glume, a lowly man, servin’ an Earl. Ye can imagine his desperation tae get his hands on this device. He needs tae gather his family, return tae his kingdom, and fight for his throne.”

His eyes fell on the machine. He popped the bread in his mouth and chewed, looking at the vessel, shaking his head.

Cooper pushed his plate away. “Yeah, that sounds like a terrible thing to have happened to someone in afairytale. You believe this, Lexi?”

I looked away.

He said, “Seriously?’

I said, “Sometimes, I think, time travel is the only explanation.”

He turned to Jen, “I’ve known you for years, you’re very practical, this is normal to you?”

She shrugged.

He got up from the table. “I need something to write with.” He stalked from the room.

Jen popped the caps off more beers and passed them around.

A few moments later, Cooper returned with a notebook and pen. “I’m going to ask you a few questions. Because I want to prove that you’re making this up.”

I said, “Coop, this is rude.”

“It’s not rude, is it, Medieval— I mean, Torin? You already said you’d be skeptical if our roles were reversed,right?You don’t mind me asking a few questions.”

The corner of Torin’s mouth went up, as if he were enjoying this greatly. “Ah, a challenge in yer Great Hall! I was wonderin’ when the games would begin,thiswill remind me of home! Mistress Lexi, I daena mind if Master Cooper questions me, I look forward tae it. I ken mine is not a common tale, and that he finds me unfamiliar.” He tore a piece of bread apart. “Master Cooper daena ken I am trustworthy.”

“Exactly!” said Cooper.

Torin added, “He also dinna witness me save yer life.” He popped a piece of bread in his mouth and chewed.

Cooper said, “Yes, true, you mean during the sword-fight on the lawn?”

“Aye.”

I said, “The other man charged me, I thought he was going to kill me.”

Cooper said, “Damn, Babe, I’m sorry.” He looked at Torin. “Thanks, man, I appreciate that, but still... I’ve got questions.”

Torin nodded. “Yer gratitude and yer challenge are accepted, Master Cooper.”

Jen said, “You’re going to give Torin a test?”

Cooper said, “Why, yes, yes I am. I’m going to ask him questions about Scotland and see how he answers.”

Jen said, “But how are you going to know if he’s right? You know next to nothing about Scotland.”

“After he answers I’ll look it up. That’ll work, I’m pretty sure.” He clicked the pen and poised it above the paper. “Maybe it won’t. The truth is ifIcan find the answers, homeboy, here, might have studied all of this for his character — heisvery committed. I will give him that. But it might help persuade you all that this is pure BS.”

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