Page 151 of Bound By Honor
“At their age,” said Juliana, “they find joy in the small things. Would that it will always be so.”
“I recall being fascinated by starfish and gulls and all the birds that lived on the cliffs at Dunseverick. Life was not so complicated then.”
“Much has happened since we were that young,” said Juliana. “I never expected to love a Macdonald. I do not regret it, for the years I had with Alexander were wonderful, and the Macdonalds have been good to me.”
Áine draped her arm over her sister-in-law’s shoulder in comfort. “I never expected to leave Ireland. Like you, I have no regrets. Angus is a good husband. And then there is you, Juliana. We are fortunate to have found a friend in each other.”
“Aye, we are. If it were not for you, since I have only sons, I would not know what it is to take a walk with little girls to enchant me.”
Áine squeezed Juliana’s shoulder. “Someday, you will have grandchildren. Surely some will be girls.” She knew Alex’s widow was often lonely, even when surrounded by people, for she still loved her husband, taken from her years ago. “Does it sadden you to know your father is dead?”
“Nay. He was never a warm father. How could he love me yet kill my husband and deprive him of the promised dowry?”
Finvola found an unusual rose-colored starfish and shouted for Mary to come see it. Two dark heads bent over the tide pool, examining the find. Fand, curious, came to sniff the creature. The wolfhound’s reaction reminded her of Finn, her first wolfhound, who she had loved dearly.
“I’m glad my girls have each other,” said Áine. “There may come a time when they will need to rely upon their shared strength.”
“They are very protective of young John,” said Juliana. “He will have his sisters to look out for him.”
Wildflowers were poking their heads up between the rocks, a sure sign that spring was not far off. “Angus is planning a trip to Ireland for the king next month. Why not sail with us? You can visit your sons as I visit Brian. And then we will sail from Ulster to Dumbarton to deliver the supplies.”
“I would like that,” said Juliana.
And so, the rest of the year passed with the lordship’s galleys supplying King Robert with food and weapons from Ireland but neither Angus nor his chiefs being called to battle. Duncan’s letters brought news of the king raiding into England, returning with great spoils of cattle and tribute that was exacted when he refrained from slaying men or burning houses.
Dunyvaig Castle, Isle of Islay, early May, 1313
IN MAY OF THE next year, spring bloomed on the Isle, albeit under cloudy skies. Angus stood in front of the castle, the wind driving his hair from his face as he watched three of his galleys sail into Lagavulin Bay. His brother had taken them to Dumbarton with supplies for the king. Angus strode to meet the ships on the beach only to discover when John jumped to the sand, he was not alone.
“Look who insisted I bring him back with me,” said John.
“Greetings!” said Angus’ golden-haired cousin.
“Duncan!” Angus exclaimed, thrilled to see him. Embracing Duncan, Angus stood back, taking a good look at the man he’d not seen for several years. Like Angus, he was just into his fourth decade. The golden hair was still golden and his green eyes were the same. Only the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes, brought on by years in the sun, had increased. Still, there was something else that was different about his cousin this time. “I sense a change in you. Is it from following the king about these past years?”
“It might be, for though I have been too long away from the sea, I have acquired new skills. King Robert crosses the border to raid English towns, sometimes for cattle, sometimes for tribute to fill his coffers. Of course, I go along.” He laughed. “Someone has to account for all that booty.”
“Have you come for a visit because you miss us? Or have you taken a wife mayhap? John is to wed a Campbell lass this summer.”
“Aye,” said Duncan with a glance toward John. “He told me as we sailed. A lucky man. As to your questions, Angus, I miss you all, but I’ve no wife yet. Though I’ve my eye on a few of the lasses whose fathers bring them to court. I came to deliver news and a request from the king. He obliged me as I have been away a long time.”
“Aye, you have. Áine will be glad to see you. Come, let us get out of the wind. In the hall, I can better play host.” The three of them walked toward the promontory. Angus said, “I wrote you about my new son, John, but you have yet to see him.”
Duncan gazed toward the castle with the Galley of the Isles pennon fluttering above the battlements. “I have sorely missed this isle—and your friendship, Angus. You are more my family than my own.”
Angus set his hand on Duncan’s shoulder. “You have always seemed like a brother to me. My home is yours.”
They dined in the great hall that evening. Duncan’s homecoming was celebrated by all. Angus allowed the children to join them, which delighted Duncan. “Where is your eldest, Alexander?” he asked.
“Fostering in Ireland,” said Áine.
John’s nurse led their youngest son, now three, into the hall to meet his cousin.
“Like Alexander at that age, a handsome lad,” observed Duncan, “and watched over, I see, by your beautiful daughters. I imagine the offers for their hands are already piling up.”
“Aye,” said Angus. “I am beating them off.”
Áine laughed. “Angus is quite determined to select only the best for his girls, which means they may marry very late.”
