Page 70 of Bound By Honor
Angus was considering a response when Roger returned with a large squirming mass of gray fur in his arms. The pup had ears that flopped down, big dark eyes and white on his paws and chest. A crimson collar circled his neck with gold studs marching across the wide band and a gold ring in the middle.
“A handsome fellow,” said John.
Placing the pup into Angus’ arms, Roger said, “He is a friendly one and smart, quick to learn.”
“He must weigh three stone already!” said Angus, feeling the weight of the squirming young hound as he tried not to drop him. The pup reached his head up to sniff Angus’ short beard, then swiped his pink tongue over Angus’ nose, making him laugh.
“He likes you,” said John.
“I will get his leash,” said Roger.
“Does he have a name?” asked Angus, admiring the hound’s expressive eyes.
Taking the leather leash from a peg, Roger handed it to Angus. “He is Lir, after the Irish god of the sea.”
Angus chuckled. “Ah, then it was meant to be.”
John stared openmouthed and Duncan rolled his eyes.
Rob laughed. “You could not want for a better reminder of the gift giver.”
Ignoring his companions, Angus set the pup on the ground and attached the leash to the golden ring on his collar “Come, Lir, let us go speak to the steward.”
Angus was in the process of sealing the bargain with the steward in the great hall when the castle door opened and Earl Richard and his guard strode inside. Thinner from his imprisonment and his red hair grown longer, the earl bore the marks of his long ride from the south. Dust and mud were splashed liberally onto his hosen and tunic. He did not wear the gilded belt of an earl this time. Instead, a plain leather belt held his sword.
“Earl Richard!” said Sir Thomas. “We have been anxiously awaiting news. To have you here is an answer to our prayers. Welcome back! Is your cousin with you?”
The earl removed his gloves. “William Liath will remain in Connaught for a sennight helping to set all to rights, then he will join me.”
A servant brought a tray with cups of ale. Earl Richard took one and directed his attention to Angus and his companions. “Welcome to you, Lord Angus and Earl Robert, and to your companions.” The earl shifted his gaze to the wolfhound pup sitting on the rushes at Angus’ feet. “Is this one of mine?”
“Aye, my lord,” said Angus. “Born while you were away, but not the one your hound master is saving for you. This is another meant for the son of Lady Áine O’Cahan, if you agree. Her wolfhound, Finn, died while you were gone.”
The earl managed a smile. “I do agree and let the pup be my gift to you for all you have done for our cause keeping the Fitzgerald allies busy in Tirconnell and Tirowen. I want to hear about all what has transpired but, first, I must attend my bath. I stink of the road.”
His steward stepped up. “All is ready for you, my lord. And the servants are attending your guard.”
Angus and his companions stayed long enough to tell the earl all he wanted to know. Once the report was made, Earl Richard recounted the tale of his confinement in a dismal dungeon with little food. “’Twill not soon be forgotten.”
“What now, my lord?” asked Angus.
“The king is sending John Wogan to Ireland. He is Edward’s justice itinerant and an experienced resolver of disputes. He will be charged with working out a settlement between the Fitzgeralds and us.”
“I imagine that will take some time,” said Sir Thomas.
“Wogan is good but such resolutions are never quickly accomplished. Too, I expect the king will summon fitz Thomas to London to explain himself.”
Angus exchanged a glance with Rob, recalling his friend’s description of Edward’s court and how the king could melt a man’s heart with fear. Then, facing Earl Richard, he asked, “Is there more we can accomplish now?”
“No. You have done all I have asked. I thank the Macdonalds and you, Earl Robert, for coming to my call. I am gratified our alliance formed long ago still stands.”
“Aye, it does,” said Angus, thinking of the Turnberry pact he had witnessed while his father still lived. “With your permission, we would take our leave.”
“By all means.” Then, with a chuckle, he said, “Do not forget to take with you the pup asleep at your feet.” Angus looked down to see the pup had fallen asleep with his muzzle next to Angus’ toe.
Angus was in good spirits as they departed for Dunseverick. Lir rode on his lap, swathed in a blanket. John offered to take Lir up on his saddle but Angus declined. “I want him to get used to my scent.”
Dunseverick Castle, north coast of Ulster, March 1295
