Page 145 of Bound By Honor
Áine issued instructions to the servants to make sure the evening meal would accommodate the returning men. Then, taking up their cloaks, the two women hurried to the beach.
Once Angus finished speaking to his captains, Áine went to him. Nessa, who had gone with her, curtseyed to Angus before walking on to welcome her own husband.
Angus gave Áine an assessing gaze before taking her into his arms and kissing her. “Too long, Woman. I have been too long. You only grow more beautiful. This time, I do not intend to leave soon.”
“Then I am happy, for I have missed you. Your children miss you. Your chiefs who remained behind miss you.” They began to walk arm in arm toward the castle. “I was glad to receive your letter, to know you were well, but tell me, did we lose any men? And how goes King Robert’s war?”
“Your prayers have been answered, my love. Except for the wounded I sent ahead with John, all of the men have returned, including Brian, who will be along shortly. As for your other question, King Robert has done well. He needed to defeat his Scottish enemies and he has. Most importantly, the MacDougalls and the Comyns will trouble us no more, except for the Red Comyn’s son, John Comyn, and Alexander MacDougall’s son, John. Both escaped to serve the English.”
“That is a relief.”
“Besides all that,” added Angus, “the king has bestowed upon me a knighthood and more lands as the MacDougall and Comyn lands were forfeit.”
“I am so glad. The king’s gifts to you are well earned.” Suddenly, all was right with Áine’s world. Arriving at the castle door, opened for them by a guard, she said, “I have asked a meal be prepared for you and your men should they wish to join us.”
Angus looked back to the beach where Conall and Nessa were slowly making their way toward them. “I imagine Conall will dine with us since he now lives in the castle. The guards who remained behind and those who want to hear the news will also attend. But those who have just returned will be happy to spend the evening with their wives and families.”
Áine looked forward to the homecoming celebration but even more to their private time after. “Conall has a new son, Angus. A handsome babe named Cináed, born nine months after Conall left. Do you think he will be pleased?”
“Oh, aye. He will be bursting with pride.”
SINCE IT WAS LATE when Angus brought the fleet into Lagavulin Bay and the days were shorter now, he would have rather dined with Áine in their chamber, spending the evening with her. But his wife, mindful of those who waited for him below, suggested they have supper in the hall. It was well she did, for before he could even shed his surcoat and mail, Alexander and his young sisters were knocking on the chamber door.
“Father! Let us in!”
“They are excited to see you,” said Áine.
“Help me with this mail and a clean tunic.”
Áine pulled the mail from him and told the children to be patient.
“Will they recognize me, do you think?” asked Angus. Not for the first time, he wondered what they would look like now.
“Alexander certainly. Finvola and Mary might have to be reminded but then they are young at four and three. Your brother, their Uncle John, reminds them often of their great father.” Then with a smile, she handed him a blue tunic. “That would be you.”
Shaking his head at his wife’s humor, he said, “This tunic is new.” He fingered the embroidered silver threads. “The handiwork is fine.”
“With the time I had in the evenings, I embroidered the Celtic symbols. Now that you are home, mayhap we can spend our evenings together in the hope you will have another son.”
“A son…indeed, yes.” The thought pleased Angus. “In which case, Wife,” he said with a knowing smile, “I will not want to linger long at the table tonight.”
“Nor I, Husband.”
As soon as they opened the door, Alexander stepped in and their daughters bounded into Angus’ arms as he kneeled before them. “Rascals, both of you!” But he was pleased they did not shy away from him. Rising, he grasped Alexander’s hand. “You have grown!”
“Aye, Father. Soon, I will be as tall as you.”
Angus inwardly smiled. “Eventually.”
When they finally descended the stairs with their brood in hand and stepped into the great hall, it was to see a large crowd. Áine said, “News has spread of your return.”
The men were hungry for both food and tales from the battles. It seemed their wives did not want to be excluded, so the hall was merry that night. Conall strutted around with his new son in his arms, proudly announcing to all who would listen that the lad’s name was “Cináed”.
“You could not have given your husband a better gift,” Angus said to Nessa who stood with him and Áine, watching their guests. As Nessa went to join her husband, Angus turned to Áine. “Conall’s heart, once broken, is surely mended.”
“I think so. He looks happy to be home and happy to be with Nessa. In truth, she could not love him more.”
Angus looked at his beautiful Áine. “Like me. A contented man.”
