Page 51 of Bound By Honor
“My men will be most grateful, and I will be certain to thank her for her kindness.” From the number of servants and the amount of provisions, it seemed the O’Cahans knew how many ships were in his fleet and the number of Islesmen he had brought to Ulster.
At the entrance to the castle, Angus, John and Duncan were welcomed by the guard and, together with Angus’ guard, shown into the great hall where their satchels were taken from them.
“They will be in your chambers,” said the servant.
Once inside, Angus realized that Lord Cumee must have called for his chiefs to join him as there was a crowd of two score men standing about. They were richly attired in splendid tunics and jeweled belts. With them were well-dressed ladies Angus assumed were their wives.
Áine O’Cahan approached him. “Lord Macdonald, you and your two companions are welcome at the head table this eve. But before you take your seats, I would have you greet my brother, Dermot. I believe you have met him before. My father is with him and can make the rest of the introductions. As you can see, there are many chiefs here tonight so, before you begin so laborious a task as meeting all of them, I would offer you refreshment for your thirst.”
“Thank you, my lady, and please use our given names.”
She smiled as if amused. At her summons, a servant approached with a tray holding goblets of wine.
Angus released his galloglass into the hall with brief instructions and accepted the wine. “Thank you for your kindness to my men. Your gifts were much appreciated.”
“You are most welcome. We are fortunate to have had a good honey season though some of the honey and bread came from our chiefs’ kitchens. Did your men have enough food?”
“Aye, they are well fed.”
She acknowledged this with a smile and turned toward the fireplace, crossing the hall and passing through the midst of the gathered chiefs. Looking beyond her, Angus could see her father standing some distance away with her brother Dermot in front of the great hearth where a fire burned steadily.
Pausing, she gestured to a large wolfhound lying beside the hearth. The hound raised his head and fixed his copper-colored eyes on Angus and his companions.
“Finn is my wolfhound. He is old now but still takes seriously his duty to protect me and my son.”
Son? Not only married but with a son.Taken aback, Angus said, “I did not know you had a son, my lady.”
“There is no reason you should.”
Áine O’Cahan was a young woman so she must have been very young when she was wed. Before Angus could inquire as to the child’s age or her husband’s whereabouts, she turned and proceeded the short distance to where her father and brother stood. Light from the many candles set about the hall reflected in her long dark hair that fell to her waist, shimmering like waves at sea on a moonlit night. In her blue gown, she might have been an elfin princess, one of ethereal beauty. But she wore another man’s ring, so Angus turned his attention to her father.
As they reached Lord Cumee, Lady Áine bid Angus and his companions a good eve, saying she would see them at dinner.
“You have returned to us,” said Lord Cumee, greeting Angus. “I trust all is well?”
“It is, thank you.”
“You know my son, Dermot.”
“I do.” Angus held out his hand.
Dermot took it, smiling warmly. “We dined with Earl Richard at Dunluce four years ago. I am sorry for the loss of your father, Lord Angus.”
“He is greatly missed.” Angus then introduced Dermot to his brother and cousin. “I believe you and John are of an age.” It was true and both Dermot and John seemed delighted to realize it. They were of dissimilar heights, Dermot being slight and of medium height while John was nearly as tall as Angus.
“My chiefs are eager to meet you, Lord Angus,” said The O’Cahan. “Your family is well known to them. Some fought alongside your father in past times. I expect the young ones will want to fight alongside you.”
There were many chiefs to meet. Angus had just accomplished this when it was time to be seated for dinner. He was pleased with the arrangement that placed him between The O’Cahan and his daughter, though he considered it sweet torture to be so close to her.
Duncan sat on her other side. Dermot took the seat on his father’s right, as was proper for the heir in the absence of the lord’s wife, with John on Dermot’s right and O’Cahan’s constable next to John.
The dinner was a sumptuous feast of roast beef and herbed lamb with many side dishes of spiced vegetables. Bread and honey were placed on every table and, though some drank ale, at The O’Cahan’s table they drank wine.
Lord Cumee quickly engaged Angus in conversation so that Duncan entertained Lady Áine. For that advantage, Duncan would tease him later.
“Earl Richard will be glad you have come,” said Lord Cumee. “He is in need of men despite those we have sent him.”
“My brother tells me de Burgh’s people are being attacked all over Ireland,” replied Angus.
