that someone to wonder, after I’d got inside, what had become of the dour chap who was with me would be a
nuisance. But if they refuse to let you in and you camp nearby, they’ll just think you’re waiting for me. They won’t molest
you even if you make friends with the lads tending the minstrels’ beasts.”
“But won’t the English be keepin’ their eyes on me?”
“What if they do?” Hugh said. “They’ll seek signs to suggest that we might represent a military threat. I don’t mean to give
them cause for such worry, nor will you. I do want you to learn what you can, however.”
“I’m thinkin’ we should ’ave waited patiently ’ere for them minstrels to come out again,” Lucas muttered.
“But I want to talk to her ladyship without stirring a lot of curiosity. That is much more likely to happen if I can meet
her quietly inside than if I have to persuade the minstrels that I have any right to speak to her as they travel. Moreover,
we’ve no idea where they mean to go next from here.”
“They’ll be a-goin’ to Dumfries.”
“Aye, in time,” Hugh agreed. “But we don’t know how soon or where they might go in the meantime. Sithee, I’m just being cautious—as
you suggested.”
“Och, aye, ye’re right cautious, ye are,” Lucas said with a snort.
“Hush,” Hugh said. “They’re near enough now to hear you.”
Lucas fell obediently silent as the boat beached nearby.
The three men in it were well armed. Two drew swords as they stepped ashore but stayed by the boat. The third strode forward,
content to keep a hand on his sword hilt as he said, “What be ye a-wanting here, ye two?”
Doffing his plumed cap with a flourish as he swept a deep bow that made the purple cape billow, Hugh said, “I am told that
your imprisonment in this great castle marches slowly. I’ve come to provide music and laughter for your entertainment.”
The man shrugged. “We’ve nae need o’ ye, though. We’ve a whole company o’ minstrels inside—fools, jugglers, gleewomen—all
sorts.”
Hugh straightened and looked down his nose at the man. “Good sakes, am I not aware of this company? In sooth, I come to join
them, having been detained in Annan town to sing for Lord Dunwythie because of my great talent. ’Twas he who sent me after
them, knowing me to be the finest troubadour in all Scotland.”
“Aye, well, ye’re a pensie, pompous prink withal, and right full o’ yourself.”
Hugh dismissed the comment with an airy gesture. “I have performed in many countries,” he said. “Soon I will perform for the
King of Scots on the anniversary of his ascension to the throne. But, in kindness, I deign to perform here at Lochmaben for
you English. And I tell you, sirrah, your commander will be gey wroth with you if you cause him to miss hearing the fine songs
and epic tales of the great Hugo.”
Replacing his plumed cap, Hugh waited, hoping he had said enough and not too much. It was years since he had last pretended
to be other than himself. He took care to avoid Lucas’s gloomy gaze.
“Ye say ye be with them others inside?” the English leader said.
“Not to say
with
them,” Hugh said. “I come to join them. The so powerful Lord Dunwythie said I should do so, because they go on from here
to Dumfries and then to the fine new castle of the Lord of Galloway, who is shortly to honor the King of Scots.” He spread
his hands. “And so, did the matter arrange itself.”
“Mayhap it did,” the soldier said. “What of this man? Does he sing?”
Hugh winced. “Nay, he possesses an eldritch voice. He is only my servant.”
“Then he must remain here,” the soldier said. “Ye’ll come with us in the boat and wait in the forecourt whilst I speak with
our commander.”
“Then I shall need to take one of those baskets,” Hugh said with a sigh. “The one with my lute, Bouchard.”
Lucas gave him a look that told him he recalled from a previous
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