Page 147 of Bound By Honor
With the birds nesting, and Nessa again with child, it was not surprising Áine’s thoughts often turned to her desire to give Angus another son. Brian was grown and spent more time with the men. Alexander had turned nine and wanted to trail after Brian. Finvola and Mary were still watched by their nurses but they, too, were growing and sometimes joined Áine on her walks along the shore.
Reminders that time was passing.
Angus said nothing about another child, but she knew he was mindful of the need to produce a male child who could stand in Alexander’s stead if need be. The Macdonalds had been prolific since the time of Somerled. The chief of each generation had produced multiple sons. She did not want to disappoint Angus.
In the time Angus had been gone, she had assumed a greater role, not just at Dunyvaig, but with the chiefs and warriors who called upon John. They would ask her advice and sometimes brought their wives who also consulted her. The Irish who had come to the Isles as her dowry often sought her opinion on where to live, where their trades were most needed and even on the women to marry.
With Angus’ return, she had expected all that to change but it did not. Angus had much to do observing the waters between Islay and Skye and the English ships in the Irish Sea. He was happy to allow her a greater role than she’d had before. “The chiefs’ wives—even the chiefs—and your Irishmen trust you,” said Angus. “They want your advice. I see no reason to change that. After all, the king will eventually call me away again. I draw comfort from knowing my lady is respected and can stand in for me when needed.” And so, they became partners in many things giving Áine great joy.
She and Angus had just returned from their voyage to the northern isles and his new lands of Mull and Lochaber when a package containing papers and a letter arrived from Duncan. Alone in their chamber, Angus read the letter to her.
From Duncan of Kintyre to my dear cousin, Angus, Lord of the Isles,
You could not have known what an adventure you sent me upon, how the nobles flock to our rightful king, including the Earl of Ross, and how Alexander MacDougall, reluctant liegeman of Bruce, sat with dour countenance, listening to all. I thoroughly enjoyed myself.
The parliament commenced on the 16thof March, but even before I arrived, a letter came from King Philip of France, affirming the alliance between France and Scotland and Robert Bruce’s rightful claim to the Kingdom of Scotland. King Robert’s barons drafted the reply. All this was viewed as a good sign.
The earls attending the parliament—because I know you would want the list—included Ross, Lennox, Sutherland, Fife, Menteith, Mar, Buchan and Caithness. Of the king’s barons, these were present: Sir Edward Bruce, Lord of Galloway, James Stewart, the High Steward of Scotland, Hugh, son and heir of the Earl of Ross, Sir Gilbert Haye (who has been made High Constable of Scotland), Robert Keith, Marischal of Scotland, Sir James, Lord of Douglas, Sir Neil Campbell and his brother, Donald, Alexander Lindsay, Alexander Fraser, Sir Robert Boyd, and Sir Thomas Randolph, as the king’s nephew is now called. Notably, and continuing the king’s show of mercy, Sir John Menteith, the captor of Wallace, attended, having left England and sworn allegiance to King Robert.
William Lamberton, Bishop of St. Andrews, was enthusiastically welcomed to the assembly. Apparently, Lamberton was freed by King Edward to negotiate a truce with King Robert but Wishart remains a prisoner. King Robert, in his response, made clear he is the king of an independent kingdom, answerable only to God. (He told me he would not make Balliol’s mistake.) Thus, the truce talks ended but Lamberton stayed.
The king has me acting as scribe as well as warrior. At other times, I am but his messenger. In that regard, with this letter, I include the grants of the new lands from King Robert to you, as witnessed by Bishop Lamberton. The king tells me there will be more.
On the 17thof March, eight bishops, abbots, priors and clergy affixed their seals to a “Declaration of the Clergy” attesting to King Robert’s right, by his lineage and the grace of God, to be endowed with the Kingdom of Scotland and to be King of Scots.
After this, Alexander MacDougall left for England, presumably to join his son, John. You will be most interested to know that he took with him to England Andrew, Bishop of Argyll, formerly of Lismore Isle. Mayhap you know this if you have visited your men holding Lismore for you.
Angus, King Robert has asked me to stay with him, and I think there is merit in the request. If I do, I can remain your “eyes and ears” as you desired. With your permission, I will stay until you call me to you.
I am your man, Angus, and ever will be. May the good Lord have you in his keeping.
As an additional matter, Cousin, which you may share with your lady, I would tell you there are few women at King Robert’s court, but I remain alert should the opportunity present itself to take a comely wife.
Angus chuckled as he read the last line. “We did know of the Bishop of Argyll’s departure from Lismore, but the news of his travels with Alexander MacDougall to England is new. There is much in this letter that is helpful, Áine. What do you think of Duncan’s thought to stay with the king?”
“I think it well worth the galley that will be kept busy sailing between Islay and the coast of Scotland. You will not have to wonder what is going on, for Duncan will keep you apprised.”
“Aye. My cousin does seem to have a fondness for his new position as confidante to the king. I will miss him here, but he is of more value there.”
Áine smiled at her husband. “In time of war, a cheerful person is much appreciated.”
CHAPTER 26
Dunyvaig Castle, Isle of Islay
THE REST OF that year passed in relative peace for Angus and his family. King Edward did not march on Scotland which, according to Duncan, allowed King Robert time to travel across the country, accepting allegiances and solidifying his rule. As Duncan advised Angus in his letter,
While Edward did not invade Scotland himself, he did send separate forces, led by Sir John Segrave and Sir Robert Clifford. They arrived in the English towns of Berwick and Carlisle, intending to cross the border to engage with us. But, remembering their prior unsuccessful campaigns in Scotland and foreseeing a harsh winter, they agreed to a truce with King Robert and turned back.
“It seems Edward’s barons have little enthusiasm for his ventures into Scotland,” Angus told Áine.
“Doubtless they recognize he is not his father, and we can thank God for that, but his problems with his barons have little to do with us.”
“Aye. They like not his infatuation with Gaveston.”
Meantime, leaving John at Dunyvaig, Angus made frequent voyages with Áine, Brian and Alexander to his new lands and to call upon his chiefs. Some of Áine’s Irishmen wanted lands in Lochaber and Mull, and he was able to arrange places for them. Mull was a good isle for farmers, fishermen and keepers of cattle and the Macleans were gracious hosts.
At Glen Coe, he dispatched one of his trusted men to deliver word to Sorcha MacEanruig of his gift to her son, Iain. Angus had previously arranged for Alan, Bishop of the Isles, to witness the grant. Years before, he had told Sorcha he would provide for the lad, and he had kept his word.
