Scene 40

Courtyard, Great Hall of X Marks the Scot

We had gathered at the main entrance to the Great Hall to see off Grant and his men. Our newest Herald, Arlen, waited by the limousine to drive them to the airport. Grant’s airship would be waiting for him there.

“Come,” said Grant to his men. “We have been cooped up here with these people far too long.” He took off walking towards the limo.

Jaime addressed Mikey and Standard. “You two don’t have to go. Our organization can use people like you.”

Mikey shook his head. “Thank you,” he said, “but I can’t. I’ve made my vows and I have to stick by them.”

“And what about you, Mr. Standard?” Jaime asked, turning to the other man.

Mr. Standard looked to Mikey. Mikey saw the unspoken question in Standard’s eyes and nodded.

“If you’re sure it’s okay,” Standard answered, “I think I would like to stay.”

“Of course it’s okay,” Jaime told him. “We will never forget what you did for our children, what you did for my children.”

Mikey embraced Standard. Standard winced a bit from the burns he had on his back from the explosion, but didn’t say anything.

“Good luck,” said Mikey, when he released Standard. “These are good people. They’ll take care of you.”

I took Mikey’s hand and shook it. “Take care of yourself.”

He reached down to his belt and pulled something out. “Don’t worry about me,” he said. He unfolded what he had taken from his belt and I saw that it was his sporran mask. He pulled it over his head. “Big Mikey can take care of himself.” He said with a smile.

The big man turned away from us and walked to the limo, where he climbed inside with Grant.

Arlen closed the door behind them and went around to the driver’s seat. He started the car and drove through the gate.

I knew I would be facing Grant and his forces again. But I also knew that at least one of his group was a man of honor.