Page 149 of Bound By Honor
Angus had learned of Dermot’s marriage and the birth of a son and daughter through his letters, but he and Áine had yet to meet them. Dermot’s wife was one of the granddaughters of the King of Fermanagh, a lovely redhead named Flora with clear blue eyes. Both children had the O’Cahan dark hair.
“Come into the hall and share some wine with us,” said Dermot. “I can see Brian has grown, but you must tell us of Alexander, your daughters and your new son.”
Áine chuckled, her dark eyes sparkling with mirth. “My brother is already arranging a match for our Mary.”
“I warn you,” said Angus as they entered the hall, “our youngest girl is the stubborn one.”
They had only a few hours to spend with Dermot, but it was a sweet time of reunion. As Angus expected, the war in Scotland came up early in their discussion.
“The Earl of Ulster was supposed to negotiate a truce between King Edward and Robert Bruce,” said Dermot. “The earl is most willing but the truce has yet to materialize due to Edward’s continuing problems with his nobles, all centered around his favorite, Piers Gaveston, who he made the Earl of Cornwall, and to whom he pays undue attention. Some say they are lovers. At the king’s recent parliament at Westminster, the barons were more concerned with Gaveston than Robert Bruce. A sentence of perpetual exile was pronounced by the barons on the detested favorite, and the Archbishop of Canterbury threatened all who should receive or support him with excommunication.”
“That does not bode well for Cornwall’s future,” said Angus.
“Will you be making other trips to Ulster for provisions?” Dermot asked.
He nodded. “At least until the English king learns of our source of supply. I trust our family ties to the Red Earl will allow my ships to anchor here for that purpose. If that is the case, we should be able to call upon you more often.”
“You would be most welcome,” said Dermot.
As they sailed to Scotland to deliver their cargo, Angus told Áine, “We are past time arranging a fostering for Alexander. Mayhap we should think about Dermot. It would give Alexander a tie to your birthplace. Dermot commands many warriors now, galloglass among them. He has also added lands to the O’Cahan holdings.”
“The thought appeals,” said Áine. “My brother would treat his nephew well. I will send Dermot a letter when we get home and see what he thinks.”
As it turned out, Dermot was most receptive to his nephew’s fostering at Dunseverick, and Alexander, influenced by his half-brother, Brian, was pleased with the idea. Before the summer was over, Angus made arrangements for Alexander to sail to Dunseverick.
Just over a year later, in September of 1311, King Edward led his army north into Scotland. A month after that, a letter arrived from Duncan.
To Angus, Lord of the Isles, from his cousin, Duncan,
King Edward finally managed to appease his barons. He has led an army across the border, marching from Berwick through Roxburgh and Jedburgh to Biggar in the Lowlands. There, King Edward waits. Our spies tell us he thinks King Robert will come out to meet the challenge on the open field. He can wait forever.
The Lowlands are deserted, for we are behind the Highland line and have removed all sustenance in King Edward’s path.
King Robert, merciful and wanting to avoid spilling Christian blood, wrote Edward a letter seeking to meet face to face. No warm reply was received. Hence, the king has sent Sir James Douglas with foot soldiers to harass the English troops as they head west.
Sir James, to no one’s surprise, relished the task.
The king sends you his congratulations on the birth of your new son. His orders, by separate message, are enclosed herein. My prayers are with you as you confront the enemy.
A separate parchment, folded and impressed with the king’s seal, gave Angus a new task.
To Angus, Lord of the Isles, from Robert, King of Scots by the grace of God,
My attempts at peace with King Edward have failed, for I insisted any such discussions must recognize Scotland’s independence, which he is loath to do. Thus, I must tell you that our old enemy, John MacDougall, has been named Edward’s Admiral of the Western Seas. (Did you once have that title?)
As Edward marches his hungry troops west, toward the coast and the Clyde, I cannot but think he expects MacDougall to meet him at Dumbarton with ships carrying provisions. I ask you to intervene to prevent MacDougall from succeeding.
Sir John Menteith, who was Constable of Dumbarton Castle when he served Longshanks, believes the English may be headed there. It was in English hands but, as we have taken the castle, it can afford them no shelter.
Control of the western seas is yours, Angus, and since you are ever faithful, I know you will not disappoint me.
Angus immediately raised a fleet of twenty-five ships, sufficient for the purpose, for he knew well the Firth of Clyde. Each galley carried galloglass, archers and trained warriors, fully armed.
He kissed Áine goodbye on the shore. “Have no fear, my love. We fight with my men, in my ships and on my seas.”
With the Galley of the Isles pennon flying from the mast, Angus and his brother sailed the fleet east from Lagavulin Bay around the southern end of Kintyre and past Arran to the Firth of Clyde. The rain was light as the golden days of early autumn lingered.
Where the Firth met the River Clyde, at a narrow point, Angus set up a blockade, his ships stretching across the waters that led to Dumbarton.
