Page 71 of Bound By Honor
ÁINE HAD JUST returned from a meeting of the chiefs’ wives where they put together baskets of food for those who were suffering from the famine when she heard a shout from the battlements. “Riders coming!”
She hurried to the inner bailey, expecting her father and Dermot who had ridden out to survey the nearby O’Cahan lands. Then, too, Lord Angus, who had ridden out shortly thereafter, might also be returning. Twilight would soon be upon them and she was anxious to have all safe inside.
Rory Maguire and her young son left their game of chess where Rory had been describing the rules of the game to Brian and followed her outside.
Leading the troop of mounted men was Angus Og Macdonald, riding one of her father’s finest horses, a dark chestnut with a glossy coat. He wore no mail and his hair fell to the shoulders of his deep blue surcoat. Asleep on his lap was a wolfhound pup that woke as Lord Angus pulled rein. Popping its head up, the pup looked around, giving all an inquisitive stare.
“Mama, Mama!” shouted Brian at her side. “Lord Angus has brought me a pup!”
The Lord of Kintyre beamed at her son. “I have indeed, Young Prince.”
“Here, let me help,” said Earl Robert as he dismounted and handed his reins to his squire. Reaching up, he took the pup from Lord Angus and set him on the ground.
“Give the lad the leash,” said Lord Angus, dismounting and handing his reins to a groom. “The pup is his.” Then to Áine, he said, “I hope you approve, my lady. The wolfhound is my gift to both of you.”
Brian handed her his toy galley and dropped to his knees, hugging his new puppy, who responded enthusiastically, licking his face. “He likes me!”
“Aye, he does,” said Lord Angus, watching the two of them.
“A fine gift,” said Rory Maguire, rather ruefully.
Áine smiled at Lord Angus. “We have been in sore need of a hound to fill our hearts, my lord. It is gracious of you to provide one. Did you find him at Dunluce?”
“Aye. He is one of Earl Richard’s pups, freely bestowed upon you at my request.”
“What shall we call him?” Brian asked.
“His name is Lir,” said Lord Angus.
A flicker of surprise flashed through Áine’s mind. “The great sea god of the Irish myths?”
“Aye, ’twas the name the keeper of the hounds gave him.”
“Most appropriate,” Áine said, looking at her young son, smitten with his new pet.
Lord Angus returned her a wry smile. “I thought so.”
She greeted the Earl of Carrick more formally, as she might have Earl Richard, briefly curtseying before him. Rory joined in welcoming Earl Robert back to Dunseverick.
Áine welcomed Lord Angus’ cousin and brother. Then to all of them, she said, “My father and Dermot should return shortly. You have time to refresh yourselves before supper.”
Brian and his new wolfhound bounded into the castle. Áine, hurrying to catch up, told her son to take him to the kitchens to be fed. That dealt with, she returned to her guests, who had just entered the hall. “Is there news of Earl Richard?”
“We have been wondering,” put in Rory Maguire.
“Aye,” said Lord Angus, accepting a cup of ale from a servant as they entered the hall. “He is free and has returned to Dunluce.”
“Wonderful! My father will be happy to hear it. And what of fitz Thomas?”
Earl Robert said, “King Edward intends to deal with him and is sending a man to mediate a settlement between him and Earl Richard.”
She wondered why they had not thought of that before. She supposed there was not time given the fitz Thomas attacks. Still, if a settlement approved by King Edward could avoid another war, it was worth trying.
“If you will excuse us, Lady Áine,” said Lord Angus, “we will change for the evening meal. We all smell of horse, mud and, for me, hound.” He smiled at Rory and turned to go.
While they were above stairs, Áine’s father and brother returned with a good report. “Our lands will survive the storms and the famine but food, save fish and waterfowl, will be meager for a time. There is very little grain.”
“The same is true in Fermanagh,” said Rory, “though we have fish from our rivers and loughs.”
