Scars of the highlander

Chapter 11

Iona could feel that Dixon was having the time of his life. He nearly knocked her over when they got him out of the paddock. They were galloping along the edge of the Loch, his hoofs bring up the water as he rang through it. The Loch, which Buchanan stood next too, was the largest Loch in Scotland and took a week to ride around it. Iona gave Dixon the reigns and let him go. Saidh was riding next to her also astride. Her horse was keeping pace with Dixon and they were racing a secret race. They were nearly out of the sight of the castle when Dixon slowly started to slow. He had been galloping as fast as he could since they cleared the village. Iona hip was a little sore and she was glad when Dixon started to slow. Dixon reared up as he stopped, his feet landing deep in the water. Iona looked around and was still able to see the men on the wall, just barely. Saidh didn't seem too concerned and she got off her horse the moment it stopped. Iona thought that it was good distant to stop for lunch. She knew the Buchanan men would be around the forest.

"That felt wonderful" Iona said as she picked up her skirt. She had landed in the water and walked back to the grass. Saidh was already sitting on the grass when she walked over.

"Aye, I love riding fast. Bring out the food" Saidh cheered.

"AH!" Iona said and went back to Dixon. She took a sack from the hilt and dropped next to Saidh. She took out four pastries, cheese, bread and some fruit. Saidh cheered as Iona pulled out the cider, "should have invited Maurine" Saidh had spent much of her trip talking about her friend. Iona hoped that she could meet them one day.

"I haven't seen her in so long, though she is so busy with Carmichael" Saidh said.

"You should write her, invite her to the birth" Iona said

"I will be here too" Saidh said, putting cheese in her mouth. Both of them had sat with their swords, they had planned to train together. Saidh knew that her brother wouldn't let his pregnant wife train with a sword. Iona saw that Saidh was looking at her scars. She waited to see if Saidh was going to ask her about them, but she never asked. Then realised that Aulay probably told her about them.

"You know I never thought Aulay would ever get married." Saidh said

"That is what he said too" Iona said

"He was also the sensible one. Never chasing maids or wrenchs, then again, he is the eldest. You have a brother?" Saidh asked.

"Aye, Kieran. He is married, no children yet" Iona said, "How did you survive the keep with all your brothers. There are two missing and it is still a struggle"

"A good kick in the groin usually sorts them out" Saidh said. Iona laughted loudly with food in her mouth. "So, tell me about the things that have happened in the village?"

Iona told Saidh last time that she wanted to set up a market day for the merchants that visited the keep. That it would be good for the village and even grow the crofters business. Saidh then told Iona about Mcdonald. Iona and Saidh shared idea for teaching of the pages, as well as patterns for gowns. Saidh was very impressed about the plaids that all the men were wearing. Thinking that she should do something like that for Mcdonald. They were there for a long time before they both were so full they laid down.

They both shot up when they were a rushing in the bushes, then a twig snap. They drew their swords, they had both forgotten about their swords. They had eaten too much and wanted to nap. They start still for a moment because Saidh said "Time to go"

Agreeing with the statement Iona moved over to her horse. She grabbed onto Dixon's reigns and pulled him so she could get on. She her a whooshing behind her, she turned to the water she an arrow floating on it. She was glad that Dixon didn't startle easily. She got on her horse turning him towards the castle. She was about to instruct Dixon to run when she said Saidh looking into the forest