Page 78 of Bound By Honor
Gazing into her eyes, he said, “You have my heart, Áine. I cannot stay away.”
He reached for her hands and pressed a kiss to her fingers. With a wave to Dermot and Brian, he turned to go. A depression settled upon her. As before, she had wished him Godspeed but this time was different. This time, he was taking a part of her with him.
She rode back to Dunseverick with Dermot and Brian. They arrived in time to see the Lord of Kintyre’s ships pass in front of the castle, sailing west. She pressed her fingers to her lips, still feeling his mouth upon hers as if it were imprinted on her skin.
What if he did not return? She had to consider the possibility. He had told her of his desire to be a part of a free Scotland. He had told her he was going to war. She knew he would not always fight with the might of King Edward behind him, but rather, he would have to face that might. She had already lost one husband to the sword. Would a sword claim this man, too? Did she have a choice when her heart longed to be with Angus as it had never longed to be with another man?
She watched the galleys’ sails slip from sight like a dream fading at first light, leaving the memory of his kiss her only keepsake.
Dunaverty Castle, Kintyre Peninsula, May 1296
BY THE TIME ANGUS had safely deposited de Burgh’s Irish forces in England and returned to Dunaverty, it was April. Duncan and John had committed to stay with Angus to help keep the Isles in King Edward’s peace. Since then, at Alex’s bidding, Angus had taken a fleet of ships north on a few occasions to hold in check the MacDougalls and their allies, the Comyns and MacRuaris, all related by blood or marriage and committed to a common evil purpose.
The MacRuaris had continued to attack the Isles of Harris, Lewis and Skye. Angus believed it was no longer for pillage. Using war as an excuse, they now fought to add to their territory.
Hungry for news from the mainland, he was overjoyed to receive the messenger who arrived with a letter from Rob.
“Do not keep us in suspense,” said Duncan, as he and John watched him unfold the parchment.
“Aye, Brother,” said John, “what news of Scotland?”
Angus scanned the letter before responding. “Much has happened. King Edward’s army, gathered first at Newcastle, marched north toward the River Tweed. De Burgh’s Irish forces joined the king at Roxburgh. While that was happening, at the end of March, Balliol’s army, led by John Comyn, Earl of Buchan, besieged Carlisle Castle.”
“Aye, he would,” said John. “Comyn is the power behind Balliol.”
Angus said, “The Earl of Buchan’s cousin, John the Red Comyn, was among the magnates participating in the attack. Let me read you what Rob has written.”
It was not so much an attack on the English as an attack on the Bruces. We were able to successfully fight them off due, in part, to the fierce determination of the villagers and Carlisle’s women, who dropped boiling oil and stones from the ramparts. Lacking siege equipment, the Comyn forces hied off to Annandale, one of our holdings that King John gave to the Comyns. From there, they rampaged across the countryside, burning homes and massacring the people.
A few days later, on Good Friday, King Edward attacked Berwick after the town refused to surrender and the people taunted him from the city’s walls. That was unwise. We are told there was a great slaughter. Edward spared no one, slaying men, women and children. Blood ran in the streets for two days.
“I have seen battle, as have you,” said Duncan, “but I have never seen such a slaughter. Even bairns killed without mercy. I can only imagine the horror of it.”
“Aye, there has been savagery on both sides.” Then reading on, Angus said,
In a gesture that surely lacked substance, King John then sent a message of defiance to Edward, renouncing his homage and fealty he claimed was extorted from him. Incensed, Edward pursued the Scots north to Dunbar where he had a great victory and captured many nobles, knights and men-at-arms. You will be interested to know that the Comyns were among them. Cowardly King John did not deign to make an appearance. I daresay, he will not be king much longer.
Angus looked up from the letter. “I would like to believe with the Comyns in Edward’s gaol we will have less trouble here in the Isles but, alas, I fear otherwise. Edward will undoubtedly settle with them for their services. The MacRuaris, who remain at large, are no more than freebooters who will continue to raid. The MacDougalls, even should they swear fealty to Edward, will doubtless ignore their oath and continue to attack Macdonald lands to harass and destroy. Miscreants all of them.”
“King Edward does not trust them else he would not have given your brother, Alex, so great a role in the west,” said Duncan.
“Aye,” said Angus. “So, I had best see what Alex would have me do.”
Duncan shot a look at John and, receiving a nod, said, “We will go with you.”
Angus was about to put away the letter when he happened to glance down and saw there was a bit he had yet to read. “Rob has added a postscript.” Reading it to himself, he smiled. “You will want to hear this.”
I cannot end this without telling you of my joy with Isabella. Her father might have arranged our marriage but it is a love match for us. Wish us happy for Isabella believes she is with child, due at year’s end.
“This calls for a toast to Earl Robert and his bride,” said John.
Duncan flicked his golden hair out of his eyes and, with a hint of a smile, said, “Let us indulge in some of that mead I brought from Saddell we have yet to open.”
“Aye,” agreed Angus. “One drink before we sail to Islay.”
CHAPTER 15
Dunyvaig Castle, Isle of Islay, August 1296
