Page 141 of Bound By Honor
“You will have to school young Thomas,” said Douglas. “He was a willing captive of the English and has accepted all their lies.”
“Some time in close confinement during which we feed him the truth will change his mind,” said the king, and gave the order to see it done.
“There is good news, my king,” said Douglas. “Bishop Lamberton has been released and is on his way to Scotland. He had to swear fealty to the English king and pay a large sum but, being forced, I doubt it will prevent him from again serving as your good bishop.”
Encouraging news also reached them from Aberdeen where citizens of the town loyal to King Robert stormed the castle and put the English garrison to the sword. A key port for trade with the Continent, gaining Aberdeen meant much to the kingdom’s economic strength.
“Now we must secure the western seaboard,” said King Robert, “which means it is time to deal with the MacDougalls.”
Before they left the north, the king’s brother, Sir Edward, passed through with news that he had plundered the lands of Buchan. “The earl and Sir John Mowbray have fled Scotland. What would you have me do next?”
Without hesitation, the king said, “I hear the MacDoualls in Galloway are regaining strength. I would see Dungal MacDouall gone and Galloway ours.”
The king and his brother exchanged a knowing look before Sir Edward said, “Consider it done.” Angus saw in their eyes the memory of their brothers, Alexander and Thomas, who had been captured by the MacDoualls and turned over to the old King Edward for grisly deaths. “And where are you bound now that you are yourself again?” Edward asked the king.
“To Argyll. We will retrace our steps down the Great Glen and at Inverlochy, join with Angus’ fleet of galleys to deal with the MacDougalls.” Glancing at Angus, the king added, “We have both lost much at their hands.”
“You should know,” said Douglas, “that John of Lorne has been appointed Sheriff of Argyll and the Hebrides by King Edward.”
Angus snorted. “An insult to the Hebrides and the Lordship of the Isles,” said Angus. “But no matter.” He faced the king. “I seem to recall the truces you gave both John MacDougall of Lorne and the Earl of Ross have expired.”
The king smiled. “My thought exactly.”
CHAPTER 25
Argyll, Scotland, August 1308
THE WARM DAYS of late summer were upon them as Angus sailed his fleet down the waters of Loch Linnhe. To conserve his strength for the battles ahead, at Angus’ urging, King Robert agreed to sail with him.
From the stern, Angus watched his friend standing in the prow talking with Sir Neil Campbell, whose lands around Loch Awe were near their destination, the place their scouts had told them the MacDougall forces were gathered.
Rob was no longer the man the MacDougalls had ambushed at Dal Righ two years before, a knight untrained in Highland warfare. Newly crowned, he had been hunted as an outlaw. Since then, he had become wise to the ways of fighting using stealth and the land itself. A battle-hardened warrior known for his courage and clever tactics, King Robert was respected in Scotland and feared by the English garrisons.
Now, he fought like a Highlander, on foot and striking fast only to retreat into the woods. In addition to his sword and dagger, the king carried an axe he used to great effect, not a long-shafted sparth axe like the one Angus wielded, but nonetheless efficient at cutting down enemies.
James Douglas and Sir Gilbert Haye had agreed to lead the king’s army over land, following a path parallel to Loch Linnhe. Angus did not envy them the midges that swarmed at this time of year. Too soon, he would again experience that brand of torture himself.
In his idle moments, he thought of his wife and his isles. He wanted to be with Áine but he could not leave the king at such a time. He could, however, send his brother home to see that all was well and to assure her he lived along with her son.
Transferring the wounded to one galley, Angus sent John to Islay. “Give this letter to my lady and see that the wounded are cared for. I put you in charge of Dunyvaig and my family in my absence. If the chiefs have questions, and they may for my long absence, you can provide them answers. Encourage them with the news the king has nearly secured Scotland.”
John tucked the letter into his tunic. “I will do as you ask. Doubtless, Lady Áine will ask me when she might see you. What would you have me say?”
“In truth, I do not know. We must deal with the MacDougalls and then the Earl of Ross. The king needs all of Scotland with him before he faces the English. And since Alexander MacDougall murdered our brother, this hunt is personal to our family and to the lordship.”
John nodded. “Your lady will understand.”
“Aye, she will. In any event, I hope to be home for Christmas.”
“I will tell her. Take care, Angus.” They embraced and John departed.
Earlier, Duncan had gone with Sir Edward to Galloway, taking with him Brian and some of Angus’ galloglass, saying he would join them later. With Angus were the chiefs and most of the men who had come with them—all still alive, praise God. Christina MacRuairi, a woman of boundless energy, continued to lead her men with great success.
Angus beached the ships on the banks of Loch Linnhe, watched over by his men on Lismore, and headed inland with the king. As they approached MacDougall territory, King Robert sent James Douglas ahead with scouts to view the land. “Bring me back your thoughts on what they are planning.”
A day later, late in the afternoon, Douglas appeared, covered in dust and mud. The day had been hot but as the afternoon descended, the air began to cool and midges swarmed beneath the trees. Offered a drink of ale, Douglas batted away the midges and accepted it gratefully. Taking a large swallow, he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “They think to take us again as they did at Dal Righ, my lord.”
“I trust we are wiser now,” said King Robert.
