Page 102 of The Refuge

Chapter 18

The tower door suddenly opened and Steinar turned, recognizing the man who stepped inside as one who had ridden with Maerleswein. Steinar strode toward the messenger and accepted the parchment he thrust at him. Finally, news from Lothian of the Conqueror’s movements.

He meant to carry it to Malcolm where he ate with the queen on the dais, but the king shouted, “Read it!”

Steinar glanced toward Catrìona where she sat eating with the other ladies before opening the sealed parchment. Scanning its contents, he raised his voice so all in the hall could hear. “The Normans have crossed back into Northumbria. All is well in Lothian.”

The hall erupted in loud exclamations of joy.

With a glance at his queen, Malcolm stood and waited for the din to die down. When he had the attention of everyone, the king said, “There has been enough sadness. And enough of the Normans’ threat hanging over us. ’Tis time for happy entertaining of our guests from Orkney and Wales and for some rewards I have been planning. This I will do tomorrow night and we will celebrate, but lift now your goblets and drink with me!”

All rose from their seats and downed a drink of wine and loud cheers went up as the tension hanging over them for so long dissipated.

His gut clenching, Steinar went to where Catrìona sat with the ladies. “Tomorrow, the king will determine your fate, I think.”

She looked up, her expression confident. “Nay, ’tis only God who will determine my future, as He will yours.”

Steinar bowed and walked away, admiring Catrìona’s faith yet despairing for what he believed the king’s decision would be. If a battle would win her hand, he would gladly fight for her, but how could he defy the king to whom he was sworn?

* * *

The next evening the hall was crowded with their many visitors as well as those eager to hear of the king’s rewards for those he favored. The moment it was explained to Steinar what the seating on the dais would be he understood the king’s decision had not altered its course.

Colbán was to have Catrìona and, as it was explained to Steinar, he was to be given Audra of Fife. Much as he admired Duff’s daughter, his heart sank at the wrong of it. He loved Catrìona and wanted only her. In his heart he had long known there would never be another like his high-spirited tree nymph.

The king’s captain escorted Catrìona to the dais to take her place between Colbán and the Mormaer of Atholl, her uncle, who sat next to the king. From the anxious looks she gave her cousin, Steinar understood the auburn-haired beauty had not been privy to the king’s decision to give her to his captain. She must know she could not say nay to the man the king chose. A queen’s lady went where the king commanded.

Steinar helped Audra to take her place on the dais between him and Duff, who sat next to the queen. Audra had the look of a startled doe, understanding slowly dawning as she darted glances from Steinar to her father, who sat in stony silence, his bushy brows framing his steady eyes as he gazed into the hall.

Colbán had barely taken his seat before he propelled himself up by his good arm and strode to where the king sat sipping his wine. The captain bent to whisper in the king’s ear. The king’s brows drew together, as he listened intently. After a few moments, he beckoned Duff to him from where he sat on the other side of the queen.

The three conversed in whispers, oblivious to the interested stares of those in the hall. Food was served and savory smells rose in the air from the elaborate feast of swan, partridge and roast boar, but no one ate. All waited upon the king.

When the three at the dais finished their conversation, the king nodded to Colbán. Duff raised his bushy brows and shrugged. Colbán and Duff went back to their seats and the king leaned into the queen, saying something only she could hear. Then Malcolm shifted in his chair toward Matad and whispered yet again; this time the conversation took a longer span of time.

By now, the entire hall was quiet and staring at the dais, watching the bizarre series of whispers, curious to know what was afoot.

When the king and Matad finished their whispers, Malcolm shot to his feet, goblet in hand. “Tonight we have much to celebrate!”

Steinar cringed, his stomach rolling as he awaited the announcement ending his dreams of happiness. On the other side of the dais, Catrìona looked about to cry. But oddly, the queen was smiling.

“First,” said the king, “I have two warriors to reward with lands and a title.”

“Rise, Colbán of Moray!”

The king’s captain stood, straight and tall, his long hair confined by a leather strip at his crown and his red beard neatly trimmed for the occasion.

“Colbán, ever-faithful captain of my guard, you have served me long and well. Hereafter, you shall be Mormaer of Strivelyn, with all those lands surrounding, close enough to Dunfermline should I need you to come quickly. You are charged with building a large fortress to garrison some of my men. There I intend to visit often.”

A loud cheer went up and the captain bowed. “You are most generous, My Lord.”

Colbán returned to his seat and the king turned to face Steinar.

“Rise Steinar of Talisand!”

Like the captain before him, Steinar stood and faced the king. “For the English thegn’s son who became a rebel and defied the Norman tyrant, then became my trusted scribe and saved the life of his king, you shall hereafter be the Mormaer of Levenach and shall have lands in the Vale of Leven. You are charged with building a hillfort and guarding Scotland’s western border. Your new ship should help in these efforts.”

Steinar bowed and gave the words of assent and thanks, as he must, even as Catrìona gasped. It must have come as a shock to her to learn he would have her father’s lands and a ship besides. It broke his heart to think she would not be with him when he claimed them.