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halted them with a gesture as he strolled towards the tired guard.
    “I see ye have found me, Fergus.”
    “Aye, Sire. Are ye well?”
    “Thanks ta this family...aye. I must reward them once I return ta the castle.” Arching his brow, he queried,”Do ye ken where my cousin might be?”
    “I heard that he was at the Sutherland’s rejecting another bride.”
    William chuckled. “Good! Send a runner ta fetch him! I would speak ta him on an urgent matter when I return home.”
    “Aye, your majesty, twill be done.”

Chapter Two
    "Maither! Maither! My man is gone!" wailed Mary in her ear as she opened her eyes groggily .
    "What are ye blabbering about, Mary?"
    "My snow man is gone! Did ye nae hear me?" she cried even louder.
    Stretching, she made her way down to the main floor and looked about. Sure enough, Sir William had left. It was just as well. He was not hurt badly and the skies had cleared. He would do well.
    The snows began in earnest a few days later and continued for a week thereafter. Meg was beginning to worry as it became harder each day just to reach the stable and tend to h er mare and chickens. If only the wind would stop blowi ng. Even that would be helpful. She eyed her dwindling peat stacked in the corner. If they ran out of that then they would freeze. There was no way to gather more in this weather. With a heavy heart she returned to the task of kneading her dough.
    "Michael, I wish ta play outside in the snow. Mayhap we can find my snow man again!"
    He shook his head. "Nay, Mary. The snow is too deep." He gave her his best authoritative look. He was three years her senior, after all. "We will have ta wait until the sun comes out. Play with your doll til sup is ready while I see ta my chores."
    Her lip stuck out in a pout for a brief moment. "Do ye think that he is well?"
    He glanced up from his work in irritation. "Silly bairn. Of course he is well...he is a knight, after all! He can look after himself."
    Mary was silent for a few moments as she considered his words. Shaking her head, she replied, "He did nae do a verra good job of it when we found him."
    Meg chuckled as she listened to their conversation. Sometimes her youngest was wise beyond her years. She felt blessed to have these children in spite of the treatment she received from their father. He had been a harsh man...even in his reactions to his bairns. They were happier now without him around.
    "Come children and wash for sup. It grows late."

    The sun rose with the dawn scattering the storm clouds away toward the horizon. Michael had managed to clear a path to the stable and opened up a space so Mary co uld venture outdoors, as well. She entertained herself by twirl ing about repeatedly until she grew dizzy , then laughed at herself as she fell, unharmed in the snow bank. Her brother smiled while gathering eggs as he listened to her antics. It was only twenty minutes later that he noticed that she had grown quiet. He wondered if she had become chilled and returned to the fire but did not think it likely. Nearing the stable door, he heard voices speaking to her...men's voices. Alarmed, he peered around the door to see his sister conversing with a merchant and his helper.
    Spotting her brother, she squealed, "Look Michael! I have found two snow men this time! Is it nae grand?"
    The men turned toward him. The merchant smiled in greeting. "Young master! I am Angus MacInnes and this be Connor MacGee, my aide. I wish ta ken if I may impose on ye ? My pack horse has turned lame and I need ta get my wares ta market. Would ye have a horse that I may borrow? I would pay ye well."
    Michael studied the man. He looked to be around forty and a bit portly. He grinned as he thought "Tis a wonder his own steed still stands". His aide was another story. He was young...maybe thirty, with a strong build and broad shoulders. Some would call him handsome, he supposed.
    "Ye will need ta ask my maither. Tis nae my decision ta make. Please come inside and warm