Logan’s Time

“Today we celebrate Logan’s birthday. ‘Celebrate’ is the important word here. This community has suffered great losses in recent years, but still we are blessed. In an ever-changing world, our corner of Scotland is happy and secure. While other landowners in the Highlands are evicting tenants and converting to sheep herding, we are growing and prospering. I believe—I hope—this will continue. “We have special news which affects all of us today. Logan will be leaving soon to study at Saint Martin’s College in Chester, near Liverpool. A new school, Saint Martin’s is small, but specializes in modern business management and agriculture. While there, he’ll learn how we can preserve our longstanding traditional values yet still be part of the growing national and international business community. He’ll be scarce for a while, but I know when he completes his schooling and returns home, Muileach will be a better place for all of us. So …” Beaming, he looked around and, rubbing his hands together, said, “Who’s ready for some games?” Peadair’s grin grew when the crowd clapped and cheered. He called out, “Let’s go!” and led those who would compete, and those who would cheer them on out through the gate to where the competitions would take place. Unaccustomed to the accolades, Logan’s emotions were a jumble. The attention was embarrassing, yet, at the same time, thrilling. His excitement had kept him awake well into the night for the past several weeks. It was humbling to think, one day, he’d be responsible for the lives of these people; yet knowing he could make their lives better was empowering. He looked forward to a future with new friends, and maybe new loves, in people he hadn’t met yet, and, were it not for the schooling, may never have had the chance to meet. Thinking of traveling to England was exciting. Still, he already missed his family and friends here. Logan wandered as he mingled, both out on the games field where the men played, and in the bailey, among everyone else, knowing he’d miss them all. Will I find new friends among strangers? I can only hope. “Penny for yer thoughts.” Seanna, as usual, appeared from nowhere, looped her arm in his, and walked alongside. “Och. Ye’ve not enough pennies. My head may explode with all the thoughts filling it.” “I can imagine.” Seanna laid her head on Logan’s shoulder as they strolled. “I can distract ye a bit, if ye’d like. We can slip away, somewhere. Moy Castle’s not far. Most folks are too afraid of the ghosts there to follow us. Or, maybe a tower.” Thinking of the last five years, during which he and Seanna had been occasional lovers, he laughed. “Nay. ’Tis a gathering in my honor. I can’t leave. I’d be missed.” He looked at her with a mischievous grin. “And, we’d be caught, for sure.” Seanna pouted. “I’ll not take no for an answer, ye know. When will ye leave?” “Late next week. Classes start in early September.” “Good. Then there’s time for us between now and then.” “Perhaps.” Seanna was dear to him, but there was too much going on in his life now for a dalliance with her, however brief. “Oh, look. There’s yer little brother,” Seanna purred, tossing her hair over her shoulder. “Perhaps he and I should get better acquainted? He’s not my type, but since ye’ll be gone …” She left the rest unsaid. Logan grinned. “He’s a bit young for ye.” “Och, I’m not so long in the tooth.” Seanna laughed, gave Logan a playful shove, and set off in Daniel’s direction. For a time, Logan had considered taking Seanna with him, but abandoned the idea. He’d be venturing into a different world. Would Seanna, a woman not his wife, be welcome there? Besides, he needed to concentrate on his studies. “Logan.” Teasag’s voice cut through his thoughts. He spun around. The old lady had found a shady spot under a tree near the big barn where she was almost invisible. He changed direction. “Teasag. I haven’t seen ye in months.” “Aye. I was visiting my daughter, Kait, and her family on Iona.” She had a faraway look. “Where has the time gone? It seems like only yesterday, my Kait was a bairn. Now she’s seanamhair to ten bairns.” “Aye, Teasag, time does have a way of passing, whether ye notice or not. It’s hard to believe Seanamhair and Seanair have been gone these past years.” “’Tis true,” the old lady said, her tone melancholy. “They are missed. I remember when they were young … so long ago. Everyone knew do Seanair would be a great duke. Ye’re a lot like him, ye know.” “So I’ve been told. I know I look like him.” “Aye, but it’s more than your appearance. It’s a certain quality, not something a man can learn. Ye’ve got it, most don’t. I know not how else to explain it.” “Och. ’Tis kind of ye to say.” Teasag was a wise old lady, the oldest resident of Muileach. No one knew for sure how old, not even the lady herself, but she was unchallenged for the honor. “Get on with ye now. I know there are others who’ll be wantin’ to wish ye well.” She wagged a crooked forefinger at him. “Remember, I’ll be watchin’ ye.” “Och, ye watch everyone.” Logan laughed. “Be well, Teasag.” By late afternoon, he’d talked with everyone at least once. His stomach rumbled. The mid-day meal was hours ago. He was tired, hungry, and parched. As if he’d read his mind, Peadair called him from a table set up at the foot of the keep’s steps. “Logan. Come and eat something. Ye must be famished.” Those gathered at the table called to him, laughing and waving for him to hurry. He grinned. This was the annual birthday challenge to best his record. He waved and ran toward the crowd at the table.