Page 101 of Bound By Honor
“Yet the lordship serves the English king?”
“For now, aye, because our enemies are arrayed on the other side and Scotland has no true king.”
After that, they sailed to Dunyvaig on the other side of the isle in order to bring Juliana home to her sons and gather a fleet to sail to Ireland.
Duncan, John and Dermot remained with Angus and agreed to sail with him and Áine to Ulster. “You can help me in our task,” he told the three men. “We must sail a fleet of galleys with room for a thousand men who we will then transport to the Isles where they will make their homes.”
They agreed with eager nods. “It may take more than one trip to get them all,” said John.
“Aye,” agreed Angus. “We will see how many Lord Cumee is able to gather.”
Dermot said, “I know the men and can help make sure the right ones go to the places assigned by the chiefs.”
“I have an additional request of you, Dermot. When I left young Brian behind, I promised he would have a horse fit for a king. Can I take you first to Dunluce to procure such a horse and ask you to ride it to Dunseverick?”
“Of course,” said Dermot. “But the horse must be chosen with his age in mind. He is but nine years.”
“Aye, no stallion,” said Angus, bemused. “I recall seeing a beautiful young dapple-gray mare when I was once at Dunluce. She is young but trained and spirited. I remember her because she is named Enbarr. The stable boy said it is the name of the horse belonging to Lir, the mythical sea god Brian’s wolfhound is named for. If the earl is willing to sell her, that would be my choice. And young Brian will have a horse to match his hound.”
Dermot nodded, smiling. “I like that idea and think Brian will, too. I would be pleased to do that for my nephew and for you, brother-in-law. As long as I am there, I can bring any news from the Red Earl.”
The next day, Angus, Áine and his companions sailed from Lagavulin Bay with twenty-five galleys bound for the northern coast of Ulster. Angus let Dermot off at the rocky shore of Dunluce and then sailed on to Dunseverick, beaching the galleys at White Fields Bay east of the castle. They arrived at Dunseverick just as the sun reached its zenith. Lord Cumee had sent horses to the beach so Angus and his companions could ride to the castle.
In the bailey, Lord Cumee welcomed them and embraced his daughter. “So, you’re a married woman now.”
“Yes, Father, and a happy one.”
Lord Cumee gave Angus an approving glance. “We’ve a celebration planned for you. I will call the chiefs to attend this eve. Your crews will have food to sustain them. Meantime, tomorrow I would show you Áine’s dowry.”
“I trust I will need all the galleys I have brought,” said Angus.
Lord Cumee chuckled as he began to walk to the castle door. “I watched as you sailed by Dunseverick. I think you will need more!”
Inside the great hall, Angus, Áine, John and Duncan were offered ale and a midday meal of fish, bread and fruit.
Brian, set free from his tutor, ran into the hall, his red hair askew. His freckles prominent and his dark blue eyes like the waters of the Atlantic, he exclaimed, “Mother!” as he ran to kiss Áine. Then, seeing Angus, he said, “Lord Angus. Are you my father yet?”
Angus laughed. “Aye, Young Prince. Your mother is my wife. Come sit with us and eat.”
Brian climbed onto the bench. “Grandfather said you would have a surprise for me since I had to stay home.”
“I do,” said Angus. Glancing at Lord Cumee, he added, “It will come later today with your Uncle Dermot.”
Lord Cumee shook his head. “He has pestered me every day you were gone, asking when you would return and when his surprise would arrive.”
Brian looked down at the plate set before him. “I suppose I can wait.”
“I am proud of you,” Angus said to the boy. Then, with his eyes fixed on his bride, he said, “Good things come to those who are willing to wait.”
ÁINE WAS GLAD to be home yet Dunseverick—and Ulster for that matter—no longer felt like her home, only that of her family. Her home was now in the Isles, at Dunaverty or Dunyvaig or any other of Angus’ many castles. Barring the effects of war, that meant a lot of sailing, at least until the babes started arriving. She would have Brian with her but her father and brother would remain in Ireland. The thought made her wistful as she gazed out the window in the bedchamber she now shared with Angus. The sun was low in the sky but had not yet set. June was the month of long days.
“I have much to do to make Dunaverty, your choice of residence, a home,” she told Angus as they dressed for the dinner that was to be a celebration of their wedding.
“Since my mother died, except for what Juliana has done at Dunyvaig, we have not added to the furnishings of any castles,” said Angus. “My sisters are older and married so you will have a free hand. Mayhap you might enlist Juliana’s help. It would give her a purpose beyond her sons, who have nursemaids, and make her feel useful to us.”
“Oh, that is a splendid thought. I will. It would be good to have her advice.” Áine had released Nessa for the evening, so she turned her back to Angus for him to tighten her laces. “Shall we begin with Dunaverty?”
“Aye, but first I must distribute your dowry to the Isles and see to their military training if needed. Why not come with me as I do? It would give you a chance to see more of our lands and with many galleys and many men, you would be safe.” He pulled the laces tight, tied them off, and kissed the back of her neck.
