Page 39 of The Scouts

The food—hearty and comforting as expected in the Highlands—left no one wanting, my cousin included. Just as my father poured everyone a cup of strong, clove-flavoured spirit to aid digestion, one of his men brought in the post.

By coincidence, Verhan and I both received a scroll each. But while his came from the capital, mine bore the red seal of the Imperial Courier Service.

My heart raced as I opened the container. Apart from a tiny note, it contained a shiny paper cone stuffed with some three-dozen crimson, diamond-shaped treats. The confectionary and the packaging both looked foreign.

A grin stretched my cheeks. Firstly, because I’d guessed right—Lochan had indeed been sent to the Empire. But also, because even though he would often tease me about liking my sweets, he sure enjoyed indulging my weakness all the same.

After staring at the goods and brushing the wrapper with my fingers like a nutter, I went around the room to offer everyone a piece. Only then did I pop one into my mouth.

Upon cracking the outer shell, I felt its creamy centre spill onto my tongue. At first, rich and earthy flavours of roasted grains dominated my taste buds, but then a zesty, fruity finish took over. I found such layering incredibly delicious. Judging by the expressions of others, they shared my delight.

Half-listening to an excited Verhan reading aloud long passages about Asirhwÿn from Hernan’s letter to his mother, I chose a chair in the empty corner. I plopped myself down to read the parchment.

Lochan had said he would write to me, but I hadn’t allowed myself to expect it. I turned his first letter over in my hand a couple of times, partly intrigued, partly nervous. Finally, I unrolled it.

The runes were drawn sharply and with the precision of a person who’d spent time studying calligraphy. For a moment, I merely gaped at the single sentence that managed to steal my breath.

I can’t sleep without you.

I could almost hear the husky timbre of Lochan’s voice seeping into my ear. I could envisage him giving me a sultry look, his thick lashes lowered. The longing for him to be near hit me with such might it tightened my chest, shivers rippling down my back. I wished I could feel his solid weight melt into me, letting me—

“Ain’t that a sappy face you’re making there.” Verhan popped up next to me out of nowhere. “Did he say he missed you and confessed his undying love, then?”

“Aye,” I said, unconsciously pressing the scroll to my heart. “He did, actually.”

Not so much in words but in meaning.

“Good. So he should.” Genuine warmth replaced mockery in Verhan’s voice. “It was obvious from the start, if you care for the opinion of an intelligent observer.”

“I do. But where would I find one?”

Verhan made his right hand into a tight fist, jerked his arm up and slapped his bicep with his left palm, inviting me to go and fuck myself. He then leant forward to nick a sweet from the paper cone laying in front of me. “Weally good, feese,” he mumbled, half-chew.

I felt the weight of my mother’s watchful gaze on me, and l locked my eyes with hers.

“You look happy, son. He must be special. I can’t wait to meet him,” she signed.

“You’ll like him,” I signed back.

For the first time, it’d occurred to me that indeed, Lochan would likely get on well with my mother. They both had that same quiet way and determined focus about them—keen observation skills. And a dry sense of humour.

I can’t sleep without you.

My head felt a little floaty.

I deposited the letter and the rest of the sweets inside my pockets before Verhan managed to stuff them all.

“You’re right, mu’hrōnye,” my father said in response to something my mother signed when I wasn’t paying attention. “Lads, we might want to think about turning in for the night. It’s an early start for us tomorrow.”

“What time are we leaving, Uncle H’agan?” Verhan yawned, stretching his long arms above his head.

“A couple of hours to sun-up. I want to reach Medeyrah at first light.”

“Good,” I said. “The roads will be crowded like hell after that.”

“Aye. It’s best to conclude our business before the fair gets busy. Once that is done, you boys can enjoy the attractions.”

“Ha! Had I known I would be ordered here ahead of time, I would’ve entered the dressage competition. To show the folks how it’s done in the capital.” Verhan winked. “Sadly, my greatness won’t be cherished by posterity.”