Page 57 of Bound By Honor
“Agreed,” said Angus, “with the exception of the young O’Cahan chiefs still at Dunseverick. I am told they would sail with me.”
Earl Richard nodded. “Fine. Any who do are yours to command.”
“If Earl Robert wishes to ride to Dunseverick with me,” offered Angus, “we can sail to Tirconnell from there tomorrow.”
“A ship to Tirconnell would be welcome,” said Rob.
Earl Richard nodded. “The sooner the better.” And to Angus, he said, “There are a few good places to beach your ships near Turlough’s base at Kilmacrenan in the northeast. I do not know how many men the O’Donnell allies of fitz Thomas have in Tirconnell,” said de Burgh. Turlough will know, of course. If need be, support can be found with Brian O’Neill to the east in Tirowen.”
“Let us hope it does not come to that,” said Angus.
“We can all agree with that,” said Earl Richard. Looking around the table, he added, “We have our assignments. What about the arrangements for supply wagons, weapons, grooms to tend the horses?”
“They are well in hand,” said his brother, Theobald, “as well as siege equipment for The O’Connor.”
Richard de Burgh nodded. “My castle at Shrule in Connaught can serve as a place to send me messages. It stands strong against our enemies.”
That night at dinner, the men were joined by Lady Margaret, the Red Earl’s fair countess, whom Angus had met the first time he visited Dunluce. In what the earl allowed as being an exception to his usual rules for his children, the de Burghs’ three eldest children were allowed to join them.
All were daughters: Aveline at fourteen had her father’s red hair; Eleanor at twelve was fair like her mother but tending to plumpness, a favorable trait for a wife. And then there was Elizabeth with her long golden hair and her large green eyes that reminded Angus of Ireland’s hills. A very pretty child, obviously aware of her charm even at ten years of age. She fluttered her eye lashes outrageously at Angus’ younger brother, John, who found it most amusing. “I think the lass likes me.”
“That one will leave a trail of broken hearts,” Angus told his brother.
“A small fish,” put in Rob. “You had best throw her back into the sea until she is grown.”
That produced a laugh from all who heard it, save Lady Margaret, who cautioned, “I warn you, Elizabeth is made of stern stuff. She will make a strong wife one day for a great lord.”
The men, suddenly quiet, gave the young girl another look. Angus wondered what Lady Áine looked like at that age. Even then, her beauty and kind heart must have been evident.
After dinner, Angus and Rob settled down to their chess game. Angus’ mind drifted to the fighting to come. “If we ride to Dunseverick at first light, we can sail from there to Tirconnell tomorrow. The earl tells me if we beach the ships on the banks of the River Foyle in Derry, we will be close to Tirconnell yet still on the Red Earl’s lands.”
“Earl Richard knows well those lands,” said Rob. “However, he mentioned to me that there is a long beach west of Derry on Tirconnell soil. It would mean less walking for us.”
Angus considered only for a moment before replying. “I expect my nephew, Turlough, will be at Kilmacrenan in the north of Tirconnell, so the long beach you speak of west of Derry would do well.”
ÁINE WAS IN the inner bailey to meet the Macdonalds when they arrived early the next morning. Another man she did not recognize had joined them. A knight by all appearances. His mail was finely woven and polished, and he was accompanied by a fair-haired squire.
Almost as tall as Lord Angus, the knight was introduced to her as Sir Robert, Earl of Carrick. He spoke to her in Gaelic, which was not surprising as Carrick was known to be Gaelic in large part, but she suspected he spoke several other languages, as did she. He wore the gilded belt of an earl and his manners were more like de Burgh’s, telling her the knight might be a Scot but he was also Norman.
“My lady,” the auburn-haired earl said, bowing over her hand.
Sensing haste from the expression on Lord Angus’ face, she asked him, “Do you sail soon, my lord?”
“Aye, to Tirconnell.”
She looked up at Lord Angus. “Then ’tis well I have ordered the servants to load a cart of provisions for you. They will accompany you to White Fields Beach and bring back the cart and the horses.” Áine had been working since Angus Og’s departure for Dunluce to make sure all would be ready. Though his men had brought game, rabbits and fish to the castle, they would need other provisions she could supply. “I have also included oiled cloths for the rain you will surely encounter and an oiled cloak for you, Lord Angus.” Gazing up at the sky of gray clouds, she added, “It is not raining now but the day is still young.”
“Ah, yes, Ulster’s rain,” said Lord Angus, meeting her gaze. “Worse than Scotland’s, I believe. Your foresight and kindness are welcome, my lady. I will wear the cloak and think of you.”
Áine wanted to say more but contented herself with helping him as she could. “The young chiefs, who want to go with you, are waiting with your men. My brother wanted desperately to go as well but Father forbade him. Dermot is the only heir, so my father holds him close.”
“Understood,” said Lord Angus. “As I recall from my first meeting with him, your brother is also a scholar.”
She smiled, for she was proud of her younger brother. “A good one.”
Brian ran up to her just then and, from behind her skirts, peeked out at the men, his dark blue eyes wide as he took in the four tall men armed for battle.
“Is this handsome lad your son?” Lord Angus inquired.
