Chapter 9 chapter eight

They approached the summit at sunset.The sleeping Alex has switched from Lian's lap to Bodie's arms.Not long after, Liane heard a thunderous sound and felt the ground start shaking.Stee, Erlen, Liam, and Lauber all leaned in to surround her. Protect Alex and your lord.she ordered. Ma'am, we are now in Mai's territory and there will be no danger.Steve explained. Then why did you four surround me? Lauber grinned.We just want to let the Maishi people know. Know what, Lauber? He's not going to explain.Max's soldiers walked through the woods and surrounded them.The loud noise frightened Lian's horse, and before she could move, Lian had grabbed the reins and forced the horse to bow its head.They were surrounded by more than forty sullen soldiers.One of the soldiers came out to talk to Bodie, and the soldier looked familiar.

She asked Lian: Is that soldier angry with your lord? no ma'am.His name is Wayne, and his brow is always furrowed. Wayne is the captain of Maien's guard, and he is also Boddy's brother.Steve told her. No wonder she felt familiar.Now she could see that the brothers had the same hair color, the same eyes, even the same way of frowning. Steve and Lian rode close to her left and right. Wayne wants to know who you are.Lauber whispered behind her back. She saw Birdie shrug, as if he couldn't remember who she was.As it should be, she thought.She really meant nothing to him, but a means to an end.She and Birdy once had a common goal: to return an innocent child to his family.Now that they have set foot on Mai's territory, their responsibilities will soon come to an end.Alex is about to be reunited with his family, Boddy will undoubtedly return to Bruce's territory, and she will start looking for her sister.But why does she feel so alone?She didn't need Birdy or any man, except her uncle.Uncle Morken is her relative, and if the task can be successfully completed, she will return to him.

But she would never forget Birdie or that kiss that meant nothing to him but meant something to her. Wayne frowned at her, obviously displeased.She heard him say the word England, and she thought that he was angry and brought an outsider to Maggie's territory.Birdie said a few words quickly with a grim expression, but Liane didn't understand a word.But his words seemed to calm his brother, for Wayne gave a reluctant nod.Bodie lifted the blanket from Alex's face, and Wayne let out a cry of surprise.Alex was woken up, he sat up straight, and smiled at the Max soldiers who came forward.

All the soldiers started yelling.Alex waved happily to his father's soldiers, then turned to Liane in Birdie's arms.Alex's joyful expression was something she would never forget.Her happy expression made Boddy take his breath away.When she smiled at him, she made him feel invincible.How could a woman have had such an impact on him, changed his world so completely in just a few days? Ian was coming back from the playground.Wayne said. You'd better prepare him a little bit first.Boddy said.It must have been a shock to him that his son had come back from the dead. It should be said that I was surprised and delighted.Wayne laughed and rode away.

Mai's soldiers tried to get close to Lian, and Bruin's soldiers immediately flew into a rage.The two sides were yelling at each other, pushing each other, and if Birdy hadn't stopped in time, Lian was sure they would really fight. Boddy led the team up the last steep slope, which was lined with farmhouses of all shapes and sizes.As they rode by, the villagers ran out of their houses and followed them.The expressions of the villagers all seemed to see a miracle happen, and some even crossed their chests and bowed their heads in prayer.Maijia is located on the plateau at the top of the slope.The gray stone building looks gloomy, and black cloth is hung on the closed windows and doors.

After Buddy dismounted, he put down Alex in his arms, and Lauber helped Lian dismount.Alex ran to grab Liane's hand and dragged her up the doorstep.The crowd swarmed up silently.Birdie took Liane's other hand and shook it firmly when he noticed that she was not used to being stared at by so many curious strangers.He stopped in front of the door, reached out and tore off the black cloth.The crowd roared with deafening cheers.He opened the door for her and Alex to enter, and Alex rushed to the right for the stairs leading to the second floor. In the hall to the left of the entrance, there was a woman sitting at a long table with her head down sewing, she seemed indifferent to the noise outside the door.Liane couldn't see the woman's face, but she was sure that she was Alex's mother.Lian heard Lord Mai's voice first, and then saw his people.

What's going on with all this noise?Mai En, who entered the hall from the atrium, asked when he saw Birdie. Alex turned and ran down the stairs at his father's voice.He rushed into the hall, arms outstretched. Mom, Dad, I'm back. Ian staggered back, shaking his head in disbelief, tears welling up in his eyes.Alex?He whispered hoarsely, then yelled: Alex! McJulie jumped up with a scream, and the sewing basket rolled to the floor.She put her hand to her chest, took a wobbly step towards her son, and passed out.Unfortunately, Birdie was too far away to catch her before she fell to the ground, and her husband, still recovering from the shock, could only watch her fall.

Alex threw himself on his father's leg, nearly knocking him over.Ian squatted down, lowered his head and closed his eyes, and hugged his son into his arms.Alex rested his head on his father's shoulder and looked at his mother worriedly.Dad, shouldn't you pick up Mom? Ian stood up, but still couldn't bear to let go of his son, so he ordered Birdy to find a way.Boddy picked up the pale Julie from the ground and shook her for a long time before waking her up.She opened her eyes and found herself in Birdie's arms.Why are you Mom, you're awake. Bodie slowly put Julie on her feet, but still supported her waist to prevent her from passing out again.She was sobbing suddenly and uncontrollably.Ian stretched out his hand and pulled her into his arms, while Alex watched worriedly.

You shouldn't cry, mother.I am not dead, I am back.Dad, tell her not to cry. Ian laughed and said: She was crying with joy, just wait a while. Julie stroked Alex's face with trembling hands.i pray god bless Bodie backed away quietly, wanting to leave the Mai family alone for a few minutes, and also wanted to find Lian.He thought she had entered the hall, but only now realized she hadn't.He found her downcast on a bench near the landing.What are you doinghe asked with a frown. Give the Mai family a few minutes of privacy and let them have a good reunion. Birdy sat down beside her, took her hand, and pulled up her sleeve.You must remove the bandages before going to bed tonight.

OKHe didn't let her go, and she didn't pull her hand back.Body?She stared at him for a long time before speaking again.I want to thank you for your help.Alex would never be able to reunite with his parents without you. He disagrees.Even without my help, you'll still find a way. Ian called to him, but Liane held his hand tightly, and he looked at her again.What's up? Are you heading home after you talk to Alex's parents? He pulled her up together.He lowered his head, she raised her head, and the distance between their faces was only a few inches.Fucking hell, he suddenly wanted to give her a long, passionate kiss.Why do you ask about this?

His harsh tone made her back away, staring down at her hands.You are a lord and must have much to do. That's right.He said. She couldn't hide her disappointment.Of course you have to go home, I just thought she shrugged.I thought you might want to see your good friend Shinresi again. He lifted her chin with his thumb.I'll see him before I leave Maxlands.He should be here soon.I sent Di Liang to warn him, remember?He will want to talk to you as soon as possible. But aren't you heading home after that?she asked. As I said, I have a lot to do. She cried in frustration: Why can't you answer me simply? Then why can't you just ask what you want to ask me? You are infuriating. My patience is not good either.He said.Ian then yelled Birdy's name.Birdie took Liane's arm and led her into the hall.Come on, Ian will want to meet you. Mom, that's Leanne.While screaming, Alex ran over and grabbed Lian's hand, and began to drag her inside.don't be afraid of daddy.Most girls are afraid, but you may not, because you are different from most girls. She was not as confident as Alex thought, because Maien, who was tall and burly, with sharp gray eyes and thick eyebrows, looked very dignified.McJulie's smile softened her husband's intimidating attitude.She is a beautiful woman, but the most beautiful thing is her purple eyes.She was petite in stature, but had the regal demeanor of a queen.In desperate need of a bath and clean clothes, Lian thought she must look like a peasant woman doing rough work. As soon as Bodie finished introducing, Julie rushed forward to hold Lian's hand, and said in a trembling voice: You found our son and brought him back to us.I don't know how we can repay your kindness. Liane cast a quick glance at Boddy.The Mai family obviously thought that Alex was lost. Come and sit down.Julie continued.After a long journey, you must be thirsty and tired.Alex told me you came all the way from England.She led Liane to the chair at the end of the long table. Yes, I come here from England. I am also English.Julie told her. No, Julie, you used to be from England, but now you are from McGregor.Ian corrected.Sit down, Boddy, and pour yourself a glass of wine.I want to know what happened before I open the door to meet relatives and friends.Alex, come and sit next to me.He ordered lovingly. Alex walked around the table and dragged out the stool beside his father.Liane noticed that Ian was shaking as he put his hands on his son's shoulders.Alex looked up and smiled at his father, but was picked up as soon as he sat down.Ian reminded his son that he had to wait for the ladies to be seated first. Wayne enters the hall and bows to Ian and Julie.Shinresi has just crossed the border and will be arriving shortly. Has he heard of our good fortune?asked Ian. I sent Di Liang to find him.Birdie explained, then turned to his brother.Leanne, come meet my brother.Wayne, this is Miss Leanne. Wayne bowed.Miss Leanne, are you from England?he asked with a frown. Yes, I am English.This is a fact that I cannot and will not change.Are you displeased by it? To her surprise Wayne smiled.That depends on my brother, miss.Then he turned to Boddy and said: Will you visit your sister-in-law and nephew before you leave?They will be disappointed if you don't come. Of course I will go to see them. Bring them here, Wayne.Ian ordered.We're going to have a great time celebrating tonight. Wayne, do you know if Lacey's brother Michael is here with Lacey?Liane asked. Not sure, but we'll know soon.Wayne bowed and resigned. Julie poured water for the guests herself, but her hands shook so much that she poured most of the water onto the table.Ian pressed his wife's hand and gently suggested that she sit down.She moved the chair beside her husband and sat down, leaning on him.Ian poured water for Liane, but Lianne noticed how dirty her hands were when she reached for the glass and hurriedly hid her hands under the table. Ian put his arms around his wife's shoulders, but focused on Liane's face.Start at the beginning and tell me when and how you found my son.He patted Alex.It is a miracle that a five-year-old child survived the waterfall. Alex is only five years old?Liane asked. But I'm almost seven years old. Your brother Gehan is only seven years old.Ian reminded him. But I'm also almost seven years old.Alex hopped off the stool and ran to Liane, climbed into her lap without even asking, and wrapped her arms around him, grinning at her. You and Alex became good friends.Julie said with a smile. Leanne, I'll have my mom and brother with me when I go to bed tonight, and maybe I won't have any more nightmares.You also need someone to sleep with you so you don't get scared.Maybe you can ask Uncle Birdy to sleep with you like he did the other day.Alex said. Liane covered his mouth, feeling her cheeks burn.She knew Boddy was looking at her, but she didn't dare look at him. Julie smiled and said: Alex, you embarrass Lianne. Ian took turns looking at Lian and Bodie.Father Lai returns with a young Father Shi.He said. Why are you telling me this?Boddy asked. I just let you know there are two priests available right now.Ian glanced at Lian pointedly. I didn't sleep with Boddy.she blurted out.I don't need a priest.She glared at Burdy.He could have cleared up the misunderstanding in a few words, but he had no intention of doing so. He winked at her.I never knew people's faces could turn red like this. explain.she ordered. explain what?He was playing dumb on purpose. She turned to Julie.We're camping out in the wild things aren't what they sound like I said fell asleep and when I wake up they're all there them?asked Ian. his soldiers. You slept with one of his soldiers? She didn't know that Ian was teasing her.It is not that we sleep and only sleep, my lord. Stop teasing her.Julie ordered.Don't you see how sad this is for her?Liane didn't understand Highlander humor.Then she changed the subject and said: Why is your arm wrapped in bandages? Suddenly Alex jumped off Liane's lap and called out, "Daddy, we have to go for a walk." Now?But I want to talk to Birdie and Leanne, I'd love to know how they found you. But you know I get mad after what I do.We must go for a walk so I can reflect. come here son.Ian ordered. Alex walked over slowly with his head down, and as soon as Ian put his hands on his shoulders, he burst into tears.I'm really terrified, Daddy, it's my fault I cut Leanne, but I'm terrified.I don't like England, I want to go home. He said England?Ian looked at Lian and asked. Yes, Lord.Liane began to explain.Alex did not fall into the waterfall.He was captured during a celebration and imprisoned in a castle in England.That's where I met him. Who was it that took him?He jumped up and glared at Leanne, as if he had already decided that she was fully responsible. Liane was really a little scared in that moment.That was a misunderstanding.The people who took Alex were originally going to kidnap Lacey's younger brother Michael, but they caught the wrong person. Damn Ian roared. You are not allowed to yell at Leanne.Birdy, who had been silent all this time, said angrily.She is as innocent a victim as your son.Sit down, Ian.I know you're anxious, but I don't allow you to make her angry. Julie didn't know who was more surprised by Boddy's tantrum.Ian was dumbfounded, Lian looked in disbelief. Ian came back to his senses, leaned forward and approached Bodie furiously.How dare you order me? Not to be outdone, Boddy leaned forward and approached Ian.yes Lian hurried to smooth things over.Yelling at me doesn't make me angry. But it would piss me off, Leanne. Liane wondered if Bodie had noticed that he was yelling at her too, and she turned to Julie for help with her eyes. Sit down, Ian, and let Liane finish.Julie suggested. Dad, don't yell at Leanne.Alex ran to Liane and climbed into her lap.She never yelled at me. Ian pulled out a chair and sat down, staring at Lian for a few seconds.let's start. It's a long story, lord, Lacey should be here soon, if you'll wait Ian shook his head sullenly. Dad, do you know what?We've escaped twice and Alex begins to recount his adventures on the cliff and what happened after he was captured back to the castle.Finally he pulls out the ring Liane gave him, which the boss reluctantly gives back to her. Julie pressed her husband's hand lightly.You understand that if it wasn't for Liane, our son would have died, right? I see Instead of yelling at her like blaming her, you should thank her.I'm going to get down on my knees and thank God that Alex met her, that she's his guardian angel. Lian shook her head in shame.Julie stood up from her chair while wiping the corners of her eyes with a handkerchief. Lian, Ian spoke hesitantly.Thank you for protecting my son, I don't mean to blame you.If I gave you that impression, then I apologize.Although it is not easy, I am willing to listen to you explain what happened after Lacey arrives. Julie smiled contentedly.I believe this is the first time I've heard you apologize to anyone.Since you are in a good mood at the moment, may I suggest that you and Lacey wait until the celebration is over before listening to Liane's explanation.All the friends and family will be here soon, and Liane will want to freshen up now.Without waiting for her husband's consent, Julie turned to Liane and asked: Do you want to take a hot bath? really want. I'll find you some clean clothes.Julie said.Max's cloak can keep you warm.It's warm during the day, but cools down at night. Hearing that Leanne was going to be wearing a Bryant's cape made Birdy uncomfortable, and he said without hesitation: She has to wear a Bryan's cloak tonight. Ian leaned back in the chair with his arms folded.Why do you want her to wear a Bruce cape?you want to claim Bodie interrupted him.My soldiers will not be happy.They would surely rebel if they saw her wearing a Max cloak.They take a liking to her and become protective and possessive of her.She will have to wear our cloak all the time she's in the highlands, and I won't tolerate the insults of a Bradson soldier. Ian grinned.Are you worried that your soldiers will be unhappy?Did I hear you wrong?God!They are fighters, not women. He was going to say women, but when he saw Julie glaring at him, he changed his words and said, "Children." Julie smiled, she knew that Ian was trying to be smooth and accommodating for her.She started toward the stairs, but Liane stopped halfway and turned to Boddy. Boddy, you promised your brother Wayne that you would visit his wife and children. I remember what I promised. Will you still be here when I come back? Annoyed that she still didn't dare to speak directly, he replied angrily: Yes. She nodded and caught up with Julie.She was relieved when Birdie said he would stay longer, but then she was angry at herself for wanting to depend on him.She couldn't ask for anything more from him. After Liane showered and washed her hair, Julie brought a light yellow dress.The chest of the dress was too tight and exposed, but Julie thought it was still appropriate.Birdie sent a Buchner cloak.Julie taught her how to wear a plaid cape and chatted with her. Not long after, there was a knock on the door, but before Julie could answer the door, Alex had already run into the room.He stopped abruptly when he saw Leanne.She stood up and smiled at him.What's the matter, Alex? You look so beautiful.He blurted it out. Julie nodded in agreement.Liane's long hair was curly and loose on her slender shoulders after drying, bringing out her beautiful features.Liane's beauty is sure to cause a stir tonight, Julie predicts. Mom, Dad told you to go downstairs immediately.He said everyone was here and they were going to eat.Leanne, you have to go downstairs too.Uncle Birdie said it. Liane offered to remove the wet bandage, and Julie wanted to help, but she insisted that she go first.