"It is either a place of fools, or terrified men," Bradan said.
"We should go!" Alva continued to pull at Melcorka"s sleeve, but it is the way of adults to ignore the wishes of children.
"Begone with you!" the guard roared. "There is nothing for you here!"
"This is not the Alba I know," Bradan said softly. "Fellow!" he shouted. "Is all honour and decency missing from this place? I have travelled Alba from Caithness to Dunedin, and Alcluith to Dunnottar and found only hospitality. Shall I tell the world that Broch nan-inch lacks friendship?"
"Tell them what you like, as long as you leave us in peace," the guard shouted. He raised his spear. "Now go, lest I spit you clean through and through."
Melcorka pushed Alva behind her. "That would not be a wise thing to do," she warned.
"Wait!"
