Page 40 of Summer Warrior
The boy grinned. “Really?” He looked around. “Where is it?”
“Have no worry, Maurice will bring both your sister’s riband and your sword from the ship.”
That said, Somerled was forgotten as the children ran toward his longship.
The masons were introduced to Ruairi, who invited all into his home. Over a midday meal of trout and salmon, Somerled shared all that had happened. Everyone had something to say.
“I liked David,” Somerled interposed between the comments of the others, “and I believe we shall do well together.” To Somerled, this had been the great success of the voyage to Irvine. He now had the respect of two kings, David and Olaf. He had only to secure his bride.
“You gained much,” said Ruairi’s wife, Aileas, her light brown hair confined to one plait. “Two of King David’s fine masons and two isles!”
The Master Mason, d’Harcourt, smiled. “As Lord Somerled has explained to me, there are many castles and much work for us.”
“Aye,” said Somerled, “there is. This afternoon, I’ll take our two guests to Dunaverty Rock to see what they think of it. And tomorrow, when I sail to Islay, I want the Master Mason to travel north to the places we have in mind for other castles.” Turning to d’Harcourt, he said, “What say you to your partner remaining behind to design the castle here and help cut the stone?”
“C’est acceptable, provided I have time to instruct Aubri in what is to be done.”
Somerled nodded his agreement. “We will make sure you have the time.” To Ruairi, he said, “Since you are a MacInnes, I thought you might be the one to take d’Harcourt to Morvern.”
Ruairi glanced at his wife. “Aye, I would like that if I can take my family.”
Aileas’ face brightened at the prospect. “It would be good to see my family in Morvern and the children their grandparents.”
The young ones looked from their parents to Somerled. “An adventure!” exclaimed Bran.
“Then ’tis done,” said Somerled with a chuckle. “Will you stay here for the winter, Angus, to oversee whatever work our masons require?”
“Aye, Brother. I’ll stay. A few months on land might be a welcome change.”
“Domnall,” Somerled addressed his cousin, “I’ve a mission for you as well. I want you to take one of the galleys and sail north to check on the settlements in Argyll, and to ask if any Norse have been pillaging their shores.”
His cousin shot a look at Liadan before replying. “As you wish.”
“You might consider spending Christmas in Morvern,” Somerled added. “And then join me on Islay in the spring.” Later, he would remind his cousin that Liadan’s brother, Diarmad, had taken his galley to Ardtornish in Morvern. Should the lass be amenable, Domnall could seek her brother’s approval to court her. He would also have to carry the story of the battle on Islay and the sad news that Diarmad’s brother, Brian, had been slain by the raiding Norse.
“Then you can look for me in early spring,” Domnall replied, his eyes on Liadan.
Somerled nodded. “Good. Maurice and Liadan will sail with me to Islay.” He had no intention of having her sail to Morvern with his cousin, however noble Domnall might be. He was still a man in love.
When the meal was finished, Somerled thanked Aileas and took the trail that led to the top of the great rock jutting into the sea, the two masons and their servant following in his wake.
“The foundation will be sure,” said d’Harcourt, “but getting the stones up here will take much effort. I will think on the design before we depart tomorrow.”
The next morning, Somerled sailed for Islay with two longships and seventy men. He had recruited all those willing to winter on Islay and construct the timber hall and lodge. A few were good carpenters, even galley builders.
Ruairi wanted another day to prepare to sail north with the stonemason.
Somerled’s instructions were that, when Ruairi finally sailed, he was to begin with Ardtornish. “Mayhap it will be a timber castle for now, built on the remains of the old hill fort, but a stone castle will follow. You and the Master Mason will be the judge.” The wind-swept point that overlooked the Sound of Mull was strategically important to Somerled’s plans. From there, he could control the sea lanes giving access to Morvern and Moidart as well as the main routes to the Hebrides. “And make sure the mason sees Ewan MacSuibhne’s castle in Knapdale. For certes, Ewan will want to meet d’Harcourt.”
“Are you certain you do not wish to take the mason to Ardtornish yourself?” asked Ruairi with a skeptical look.
“Nay, I must go to Islay. I want to see the timber hall and outbuildings standing by winter.” In truth, he wanted to do both but the timber castle on Islay could be completed long before the other castles. Should he win Ragnhild’s hand, he would need a place to bring his bride.
