by Kara Griffin
At least that was the hope of the men. Their wishes wouldn’t be granted for the aura of war permeated the air. Brodin sensed it and surmised a forthcoming battle was imminent. Most kept to themselves or to their small groups. He spotted the Buchanans off in the distance. As much as he wanted to know how Dallis fared, he decided against speaking to the brash men.
James returned from meeting with the king, his manner most jubilant. Although, their surly comrade always rejoiced when he got to swing his sword. His smile widened. Who knew James had teeth. “Come, sit with me and I shall tell you what I’ve learned.”
Brodin sat next to James and his comrades took up space nearby. James’ followers crowded closely and encircled them. Fortunately, James was privy to the king’s information. Only a handful of high ranking soldiers or commanders were given the opportunity to meet with the king and received the battle orders.
Brodin’s impatience wore. “What does Robert say?”
“We’re to assemble for the king’s speech and prayers. Best prepare yourselves for war for that is where we’re headed. The English reinforcements arrived. They come with tens of thousands of infantry. We’re outnumbered at least two to one, if not more.”
Graeme whistled. “We’ll be defeated.”
James shook his head. “Not necessarily. Although they have more men, we have valor on our side. Our men will fight with honor and with their hearts for our king.”
Heath chortled. “Well, now that is something. We’ve heard many abandoned the English king and it’s likely more than a few of his lords and their armies refused his call to arms.”
James grinned. “Och but ye see that was Robert’s plan. In March he declared that anyone who wished to hold their lands in Scotland must swear fealty to him by this November. Those that do not, can no longer hold English land as well as Scottish lands. They must choose who holds their loyalty be it Scots or English. I fear those who don’t make the pledge will be outcasts and subjected to King Edward’s rule.”
Graeme nodded. “I ken a few lords who will likely be left out of negotiations if this war is victorious. Let us hope we at least make a showing and not be desecrated.”
Brodin heard a commotion nearby and his gaze settled on the king. “Here’s Robert now to address us.”
They ambled toward the mass near Robert and waited. The king held up his hand. Silence abounded. Robert waited and said not a word until all in attendance’s eyes focused on him.
“Scots who have with Wallace bled, Scots whom I’ve often led … welcome to your glory bed or to glorious victory. Now is the day, now is the hour. See the front of battle lore? See approach proud Edward’s power … EDWARD! Chains and slavery! What will be a traitor-knave? What can fill a coward’s grave? Traitor, coward, turn and flee! What for Scotland’s King and Law, freedom’s forward strongly draws. Freeman stand or freeman fall, Caledonian! Fight with me. By oppression’s woes and pains … by your sons in servile chains, we will drain our dearest veins! But they shall be free! Lay the proud usurps low. Tyrants fall in every foe. Liberty is in every blow. Forward. Let us do or die!”
A loud clamor arose signaling Robert had the heart and will of all of Scotland.
Brodin wanted to smile at the king’s fervent speech but withheld doing so. The clergy arrived and fanned out amongst the men to give prayer, peace, and for many last rites. An abbot approached and signaled to James and his followers.
Brodin stepped forward. “Come, let us begin the day with a wee bit of piety.”
All knelt and listened to the prayers. He was in awe of the stillness of the entire army. Men lowered their heads, placed their hands over their hearts, and chanted their allegiance to God and country. If he lived through the battle, it would be a moment he’d never forget.
At the end of mass, Robert shouted that anyone who had not the stomach for a fight should leave. Various battle cries ensued and assured their king all were indeed ready for a fight. Leaders began assembly of their men and sent forth the camp followers to await at the rear of the encampment at Saint Gillies’ Hill.
Battalions formed for battle at the front of the fords near the waters the English needed to cross. Thomas Randolph Earl of Moray, a leader of the Bruce’s forces, didn’t notice the Englishmen who rode nearby on their way back to the castle. Scouts rushed forth to recount the enemy riding close to their regiments. Robert gave Randolph a harsh reprimand in front of commanders and footmen alike and commanded him to see to the matter. Randolph rushed with his footmen down the path to block the English from passing.
Brodin and his comrades stayed with James and his band, watching the first sign of battle progress. A savage fight took place with the English’s horsemen faced with spear points hastily formed by Randolph’s battalion. James whistled to his men and they ran down the path to give aid, but there was no need since it appeared the English broke ranks. Many ran toward the castle’s closed gate or to the English’s encampment. Fortunately for Randolph, the emissary was cut off from reaching its destination.
Brodin pulled his sword free just in case it was needed. Some Scots were killed in the fray and other’s injured and returned, carried by those who took part. He took in a deep breath, noting the many English soldiers running to attack his brethren in the forest beyond. As he marched forward, Brodin regarded the Earl of Hereford and his men, heavily armored infantry. The Earl’s nephew, Henry Bohun advanced and rode straight toward Robert. The Bruce rode hard to meet him, his sword at the ready.
“What the hell is the king thinking? Bohun is fully steel-clad. His horse will trample over the king’s palfrey and strike him down.” Brodin shouted his assertion and pointed to the fray.
Graeme yelled, “See to the king.” He turned and peered at him. “Robert has but a sword and an ax. Damnation, the Bohun’s lance is targeting him. Someone get Robert out of there.”
Brodin shouted to James’ men. But none reached their king in time. Bohun’s lance hit the dirt and Robert avoided its point. As Bohun bounded past their king, Robert struck a deadly blow on his helmet with his ax. Bohun fell and was struck true.
None would lecture their king on his foolish venture, except for his brother Edward Bruce whose shouting could be heard afar. They returned to their encampment and took what rest they could. Night crept forward. A silence reverberated through the mass of men. Most sat in quiet groups discussing the king’s gallantry or the morrow’s fight. But Brodin and his comrades didn’t feel the same passion for Robert put himself in great peril.
As much as he wanted to sleep, Brodin couldn’t. He lay back and closed his eyes and listened to the night sounds, knowing the morrow’s fighting would be bloodier and more challenging.
For as far as he could see, men marched toward the base camp to listen to the day’s tactics and combat plans. Brodin stretched and greeted the day with a grumble. He snatched a cup of warm mead from Heath and drank it down.
“Good morn to you, too,” Heath said, and laughed. “Ye be a bit cross this morn. Too bad for the English.”
“As much as I want to run down that hill, I ken many lives will be lost this day. There’s no preventing it. If anything happens to me …”
Graeme shoved him as he came to stand near. “None of you will die this day. We haven’t lived through the past ten years in exile with the threat of being executed for nothing. Nay, we will fight … we will survive.”
Brodin bellowed a laugh. “Is that a command?”
“Ye bet your damned arse it is.” Graeme smiled to lend a small bit of lightness to his challenge.
Heath handed him the container of soot. “Let us prepare. Might as well frighten our foes whilst we’re at it.”
Brodin reapplied the mixture and handed the container to Liam. James approached and snatched it from Liam.
“I might as well appear as frightening since the English deem me a barbarian.”
Laughter ensued. Brodin tipped the container, filling James’ hand. “Best apply a good amount, James, for you�
��ll appear as the very devil.”
James smeared his face and grinned, his white teeth glowing from the contrast of his skin. “Och I have news. I just left Robert and the commanders. There be four battalions. One led by me, Randolph has another, Robert and his brother Edward two more. Robert will lead the men from Carrick and the lands to the west of the Highlands. Randolph the men from Ross, Edward leads the men from Buchan, Mar, Angus, and Galloway. All those from the border region will follow me. There’s a small force of men that will follow Sir Keith, the Marshall.”
Graeme set a hand on James’ shoulder. “We will prevail.”
James nodded. “Aye for many clans and their chieftains march with us. As far as I ken the only clans that fight for the English are the wagtail MacDougalls and the churlish MacNabs. There’s a few other minor clans that don’t have enough men to amount to as well.”
Brodin raised a brow at that. “Sir Percy is mine. I will bloody the field with him before this day is through.”
Liam raised both his hands. “Och, if the coward has the gall to join his king in the fight, aye he’s yours. I’ll be sure to point him out to you if I spot him.”
James said, “I expected the MacDougalls would fight with the English King. He’s always had them beneath his tunic kissing his soft arse.” His jest received a round of chuckles. “Listen all. Alexander Seton deserted the English and found his way to the Bruce. He told Robert that Edward’s army is vast. Seton encouraged Robert to be the first to attack. The English lack the will the fight for their hearts are not in it. They are low in fortitude and wish not to fight for their king. They believe we will surrender. Aye in fact during our early morning prayers, they mistook it for our yield.”
Brodin led the way to the battle prayer service, which once again began with hope for victory and ended with God’s highest esteem for those that will go and join their Lord. He damned well wasn’t going to be one. As he readied for the fight, he picked up a stone and used it to sharpen his sword’s blade. In the thick of men, they waited for the command to advance.
James addressed his band of men, “Our task is easy, men, we’re to keep the offensive and push the English king’s forces to the steep side of Bannockburn. They’ll find it difficult to cross the waterway. Let us to it.”
Brodin followed behind James with his comrades. They reached the winding waterway and advanced on their adversaries. Their band of fighters penned the heavily armored foes betwixt their sharp spikes and the stream. The English broke formation and ran to and fro. Chaos ensued and the English ran amongst the fields, running back to the protection of the woods and their mass of men. It did no good. Brodin charged, along with his brethren to attack any foe they came across.
James commanded them to clear the burn where a mass of horsemen crowded into a column of men. Brodin slashed his way through a handful of men and reached the edge of the stream. In the sparse moments of reprieve, he sought Percy but didn’t spot him amongst the English. To his dejection, he realized the blighter didn’t show. The dugouts covered with branches effectively aided in their slaughter and many perished in the pits or by falling into the stream. The English’s heavy armor aided them in more ways than one. They had the hierarchy of the English in full retreat and almost apprehended the Earl of Gloucester. He was rescued by his retainers before James’ barbarians could get to him. He would’ve been a fine war prize and one that Robert would’ve appreciated.
The battalions’ method of striking unawares became effective and a short few hours later, they’d heard King Edward fled the field. His countrymen chased the king until he reached Dunbar.
Shouts came of victory. Brodin used his blood-soaked sleeve to wipe his face. He searched amongst the men, those that stood, and sought his comrades. One by one they rejoined James at their base on the rise of the hill leading to the stream.
Graeme grinned and pounded each of their backs. “I told ye none of us would die this day. I’m damned pleased you all listened.”
Heath grinned. “At least we might see another moonrise.”
“Aye, before the king calls us forth,” Liam added.
“We might as well not wash since we’ll likely be bloodied anyway,” Brodin said with a smirk.
“We claim victory this day. It is a good sign.” Graeme shoved him aside. “But och no sense in washing.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
If she lived through this journey, it would be miraculous. Few risked their lives and traveled at night. Her childhood was filled with nights when the family would gather around the hearth fires and eerie tales were told of scary creatures in the woods. Only the most fearless ventured out into the night.
Dallis had somewhat of a fear of the dark. As much as she tried to hide it from her gran, she clasped her hand too tightly. Fortunately, the moon offered a bit of light and they made their way to a nearby village before the darkest part of night crept onward. She traveled for days on foot with a satchel of her belongings. It only took a day to realize she no longer wished to stay on Buchanan land. She wanted to be with her friends who would be her only solace at losing Brodin.
Cameron land couldn’t be too far off now. Shadows lent a gloom amongst the high pines. The creepy woods lay on each side of the road. A scent of fire permeated the night. Smoke wafted through the air and she spied a few campfires afar in the woods. Approaching the travelers would be dangerous for she wouldn’t chance their kindness. It was best to keep walking.
Exhausted from their lengthy sojourn, Dallis agreed to stop and rest at the village. There, they got a meal and awaited the night to fade. Neither she nor Gran spoke while they ate the stale bread or drank the watered-down mead. Dallis needed information and searched among the patrons for someone approachable, but many of the partakers were deep in their cups.
An elderly man sat nearby. He seemed alone.
She leaned forward and tapped his arm. “Sir, can you tell me if I’m near Cameron land?”
He bellowed and hooted and tossed his cup at her. Dallis ducked and thwarted the attack. She leaned to the side and glared at him. The man shouted an expletive and called for another cup of ale. He glared at her and grumbled under his breath about being left alone.
“I suppose not.” She smiled at her gran and realized they should be on their way. Darkness still prevailed, but the tavern wasn’t where she should spend a lot of time. Especially given her experience at Rohan’s tavern. She’d witnessed several fights, and luckily, Rohan whisked her safely away before she was caused any bodily harm. She had no one to protect her and wouldn’t chance drawing attention.
“Mistress, psst,” a man called from the table next to hers. “I can help you find Cameron land for a wee kiss.” He pursed his lips and made kissing sounds.
Appalled at the patron’s behavior, Dallis stood and wanted to get out of the godawful place.
A tall lad appeared and stood next to her. “That’s not all ye be wanting. She’ll not kiss the likes of your ugly face. Be off before I have the sheriff come and take you to the jail.” He bowed to her. “Mistress, the name’s Guthrie Cameron, at your service. I’m on my way to the Cameron holding. I can show you the way. Who are you visiting, Lady Cameron?”
“Ah, Kerrigan? She wed—”
“The Laird, Graeme. Aye, I ken. Come it isn’t too far, my lady. Half a day’s walk at best. You have nothing to fear of me. My laird would have my arse if I ever disrespected a woman.”
She followed him outside and helped her gran by taking her satchel. “May I ask … Has Laird Cameron returned home?”
“Can’t say, my lady, for I’ve been about gaining news for my lady. Lady Cameron, she’s a fine mistress. We’re all well pleased with his lairdship’s lady wife.”
Dallis motioned to her gran to follow and they walked toward a wide lane flanked by high pines on each side of the road. The sky pitched but to a lighter degree, almost gray. Soon morning would show itself. That itself lightened her spirits.
Two hours later, the sun shone
and brightened the shadowy forest. She’d be overjoyed to reach Kerrigan. She wasn’t sure if Gran could travel much further, and for another reason, she too was exhausted. Their journey took much longer than she thought it would.
“The holding is on the other side of the loch, my lady, not far now. Come we’ll get there soon.” Guthrie ambled on.
Dallis blew the tendrils of her hair out of her face and trudged forward. Their steps quickened now that they were getting closer. The fortification came into view. Guthrie led them through the gatehouse and on to the main keep. He left her in the courtyard at the steps.
“Lady Cameron resides here.”
“My thanks, Guthrie, for your aid.”
He bowed and sauntered off.
Dallis linked arms with her gran and took the steps. Inside the large stone building, the great hall greeted them. The confines were warm and welcoming. William was the first to see her and ran at her, affectionately wrapping his arms around her skirts.
She patted the youngster’s head. “It’s good to see you too, William. Is your momma about?”
He shouted and ran to the steps of the upper solar.
“What in God’s good grace has you shouting?” Kerrigan stopped upon seeing her.
Dallis rushed forth and hugged her dear friend as soon as she reached the landing.
“I’m surprised to see you. What brings you here?”
“Gran missed Annag and insisted we come. I hope it’s no trouble.” She wrapped her arm around her waist. “We’ve come hoping you’ve received news.”
“Do you jest? Of course, it’s no trouble. William, take Lady Buchanan to the kitchens … to Annag.” Kerrigan waved them onward.
“Aye, Mother.” William took her gran’s hand and smiled.
“And no sweets. We have yet to eat our morning fare.”
“Come, sit. You look tired. It must’ve been a long journey.” Kerrigan took the closest seat at the table and bid her to do the same.
“I am exhausted. We walked all the way here.”