God helping me, yes. Even he. For the sake of this realm.
This, I say, is too much! Campbell put in, vehemently.
I say Your Grace will turn mercy into weakness. And as such, men will see it.
Not mercy, Neil. Nor yet weakness, I think. It is policy. God knows I find no mercy in my heart for William of Ross. But if I am to rid Scotland of the English invaders, I cannot afford a single enemy at home that I may win over or disarm, by word or deed. And Ross has thousands, who would take much beating, in the field.
Randolph spoke again, stiffly, formally-and sounding very honourable knight. I can do no less.
Did I hear a puppy bark? the Lord of the Isles snorted.
You heard a man with a notable conscience, my lord. An inconvenience which is not laid upon us all! Bruce kept his voice grave.
Well said, nephew. We shall see.
I fear there will soon be more traitors in Your Graces company than true men … Campbell was beginning, when the King interrupted, abruptly changing the subject.
My lord of the Isles-you would hear me tell Comyn that Lachlan MacRuarie approaches from the northwest, to threaten Rosss right flank. He does-but we know that he cannot be nearer than Kintail, and so near three days march. Scarce so near as I made him sound! I think we must… dissemble a little, tomorrow.
Despite all our noble words and conscience! If my nephew will overlook it, this once! The MacRuarie host is too far away for my purpose-but young Sir Ranald here has 400 men-and a MacRuarie banner! If you gave him some men of yours, say 600, to a fair showing, and sent him round this loch, to approach from the west, he might well be mistaken for his bastard uncle!
Ha!
How long would it take, think you, for your swift Highlandmen to get to the head of this Loch Ness, across the Oich River, into the hills to the north, and so up this far again?
It is sixteen miles and more to the fords at Bunoich. Six to Invermoriston on the north shore. Then up into the hills of Balmacaan, behind Mealfuarvonie, another eight-a hard eight. Thirty heather miles in all. In eight or nine hours, if need be, my people could be where you would have them.
I would not have believed that men could cover rough country at that pace-had I not already seen your Highlandmen doing as much! Goodthen we shall have them away forthwith, this night.
And see if young Sir Ranald commands men so well as he tells tales of it! You will lend him your hundreds, Angus?
You command this host, Sir King-not I. But… is this thrust for fighting? Or only to make your fair showing? For if there is to be battle over there, I shall want some of my own tried captains in command, and no stripling fireside knight!
They will fight only if they must. But send whom you will…
Next morning, after early rain, the great camp by the loch side was
astir with activity. Scores of boats, and as many rafts, were
assembled, manned and marshalled into flotillas, and embarkation and
disembarkation practised, with raft-towing exercises out as far as mid-loch. Bruce sighed with relief when the last of the rain lifted off the hilltops, and the first watery sunbeams lit up the Great Glen of Scotland, giving crystal-clear rainwashed visibility -for visibility was allimportant today. He sent trumpeters and horn blowers off to sundry eminences and viewpoints up and down the loch, to sound their calls and assemblies intermittently, and ordered all troops not engaged in the boat and beach-landing exercises to march and counter-march over a wide area of the shoreline, with all banners flying and pipes playing-but only in places where they would be seen and heard from across the mile-wide waters. Some of the Highland chieftains grumbled and snarled at this folly of play-acting; but the King was adamant. The air of excitement generated, however artificial, grew none the less.
Then in mid-forenoon, Gilbert Hay called to the King, and pointed almost due west, across the loch. High on the long purple ride that ran north-eastwards parallel with the shore, from the fine peak of Mealfuarvonie, a dark crest had appeared, almost like a forest of young trees grown suddenly there. But the flash of steel in the sun told a different story, and by straining the eyes it was just possible to distinguish the square black-and-white banner that rose above its approximate centre.
So, Angus, Bruce exclaimed, Your Islesmen have not failed us! Eight hours, no more. Show me any other fighting-men who could cover thirty roadless mountain miles in such time! What will my lord of Ross say to that, think you?
He will have heard, hours back, that they approach, for he is no fool and will have had his scouts well placed.
That alters nothing. So long as he does not know that they came from this side of the loch. Believes them Lachlan MacRuaries host.
It is good that we can see them so clearly, Hay pointed out.
For if we can see MacRuarie up there, a mile and more back from the loch, then we need not fear that Ross cannot see our busyness here.
As you say. How think you Comyn feels this morning?
They looked towards Urquhart Castle, where the blue-and-gold Comyn flag still could be seen fluttering above the keep.
I vow he bites his nails, and scans all that he can see from his topmost tower! If he has not already made his decision.
As the royal forces kept up there almost feverish activities, the leaders eyes kept turning ever more and more to the northeast.
Edward Bruce, the triumphant harrier of Buchan, had sent word that he would join his brother that morning, from Inverness a dozen miles away, and the Kings urgent orders were that he should advance along the north shore of Loch Ness until he made first contact with Rosss left flank outliers. At first light that morning another mounted courier had been sent hotfoot to Edward, who was meantime laying tentative siege to English-held Inverness Castle, as to the importance of the arrangement, and its timing They could see for miles towards the loch-foot at Dochfour, from the knoll directly behind the main camp. He should have been in sight before this. Could the hothead already have taken action against Ross, somewhere to the north, while he still had command of Bruces main army? By the Bunchrew or Moniack valleys, perhaps, thinking to take Ross in the rear? It was the sort of thing Edward might do… As time went on and the sun rose towards the meridian, the King grew agitated, pacing the turf of the knoll. He should not have relied on Edward in so ticklish an issue as this.
When at last a shout went up, the fingers pointed, it was not towards Dochfour and the foot of the loch that eyes turned, but along the wooded shore road on their own side of the water. Less than a mile away, towards Dores, there was a sizeable gap in trees, and there a mounted cavalcade could be seen, the red-and-gold Bruce banner at its head.
Gods curse on all witless headstrong dolts! the King cried.
Why am I plagued with such a brother! My orders were clear.
Clear enough for a babe. But not for Edward …!
As the mounted party drew near, appearing and disappearing amongst the woodland at a round canter, it could be seen that it was a gallant company indeed, all splendid armour, new-painted heraldic shields, silken surcoats, tossing plumes, flowing horse-trappings, waving pennons-and all superbly mounted. But it was not an army. There were not more than some fifty men, though most of them appeared to be of knightly rank.
The King eyed their brilliance from under down-drawn brows.
They came jingling up, Edward at their head, more magnificent than any had ever seen him. He wore black polished plate armour, engraved with gold, and even his chain-mail was threaded with gold wire; his black chased helmet bore scarlet and yellow ostrich plumes, his sword-belt and even his spurs were of gold. He raised a gauntleted hand in flourished salutation, as he pulled up a notable stallion richly caparisoned.
Well met, brother, he called heartily.
I greet you right royally!
Heres a good day for our cause. I hope, though, that I see y
ou well?
You look thin, Robert, thin. The King moistened his lips. He looked
by comparison shabby, in peat-stained clothing and rusty mail. He was always at his worst with this brother of his, and knew it. Nigel had been hotheaded too, and probably less able in some ways than Edward; but at him had not always felt the need to rail and contend.
I am well enough, he said evenly, dredging for patience.
I
scarce need ask how you are! I rejoice to see you so fine! But I had not looked to see you here, this morning!
I was so near, it were folly not to come. To bring you my good news in person. And to show you how we may best deal with this traitor Ross.
Bruce bit back hot words. He looked from his brother to the ranks of glittering chivalry at his back, not a man of which was not the picture of knightly pride and circumstance. He saw Sir Alexander Fraser and his brother Sir Simon, Sir Robert Fleming, Sir John Stirling, Sir William Wiseman, Sheriff of Elgin, Sir David Barclay and his brother Sir Walter, Sir John de Fenton and Sir William Hay, a kinsman of Gibbies. It was as good as a court Edward had to ride with him. It was very evident that these had been conducting a very different kind of war to his own, and a profitable one.
Where is my host, my lord? he asked, carefully.
My main army?
His brother waved from the saddle approximately northeasterly.
Back yonder. North of the river. Ten miles. Boyd has it…
North of the river? The River Ness? I said the loch. North of the loch, man!
What matters it? A mile or so more or less? So long as they are across the river. That Ross may not hold it against us. See you, brother-this notion you have of crossing the loch in boats is folly.
You will lose most of your men. Even though they are only Highlandmen!
Ross can defend the far shore with ease. Throw you back into the water. Have you counted the cost? I have a better plan, by far. Beyond Inverness to the north is a narrow plain, by the side of the firth. Off it open two valleys, the waters of Bunchrew and Moniack.
These lead into the mountains of The Aird, behind Rosss position. Up these, and we can take him in the rear. I told Boyd to halt my host at the place called Dochgarroch. By the river. From there I can send the foot up a small side valley, and so through the hills to the greater one of Bunchrew. The horse will have to take the longer way round, by the Dunain. When they see a smoke signal from me, on some hilltop here. Your Highlanders would best go round the head of the loch and make a sally from the west.
The King, who had been holding himself in with difficulty, spoke curtly.
My lord-do I understand that you have taken upon yourself to countermand my express orders? That you have told Sir Robert Boyd to take my host-mine, not yours, Edward-no further than this Dochgarroch? When I commanded that you bring it along the loch until you made contact with Rosss left flank?
At his brothers flinty sternness, the other lost a little of his fine assurance.
I told you-this way we can confound Ross. Save many lives…
Dizzard! Think you Ross does not know Bunchrew and Moniack Waters? In his own territory? Think you did not consider them? But … He cut his hand down sharply in a chopping motion. … Whether you thought or did not think, is of no consequence.
I commanded, and you disobeyed. How dare you, sir!
For long moments the two brothers stared into each others eyes, there before all. None thought to intervene.
Edward put as bold a face on it as he might.
I did what I believed for the best. For your cause … Sire.
In this kingdom none countermands the Kings commands -none, I say! You hear? All hear? Robert Bruces voice quivered, but only with his attempt to keep under control the hot ire that boiled up within him.
I heed and take advice from all. I let my mind be altered, in debate. I do not claim all wisdom. But my orders are royal commands. And any who choose to disobey them are guilty of treason. Treason! Do you hear? He paused, and swung his wrathful gaze on all who listened, before returning to his brother.
Any-be they the highest in the land or the lowest. Remember, all of you-if you value your heads!
There was a complete silence from all near by, broken only by the jingle of bits and bridles, and the stamping of hooves. From further afield a trumpet brayed to the surrounding hill, its echoes a bedlam.
As though accepting that as a sign, an assent, the King drew a long slow breath, and changed his tone.
This Dochgarrach? I know the place. It is too far to be seen from Castle Urquhart, is it not? Eight miles? Does any here know the castle well? It stands nigh, on a rock out into the loch. But not to view as far as Dochgarroch, I fear.
I know it, Sir King, Angus MacFarquherd Mackintosh, Captain of Clan Chattan, said from behind.
It is too far. Not to be There is higher land between.
Aye. That was almost a sigh.
Then, my lord of Carrick, you have destroyed my stratagem. I never
thought to throw mens lives away by attacking Ross across the loch,
in these boats. I am less fond than are you of killing. Even Ross and his thousands are my subjects-and a king does not slay his subjects unless he must What I may gain by any other means than the sword, I will. I let you loose on Buchan for a purpose, as example. Today, I had no intention of fighting. And my main host, visible there at the foot of the loch, was part of my design. You have brought it to naught.
Edward shook his head, helplessly.
I did not know. You did not tell me …
No-I did not tell you. I commanded you! The King turned roughly away.
Now I must think anew…
But, Robert-Sire! My news! You have not heard my news.
Hear me. Last night, the English in Inverness Castle asked for a truce. They are willing to surrender the castle, if we will spare them their lives, let them sail away. They have not failed to hear of my doings in Buchan, I swear! They sweat for their skins! They must be short of provision, to offer this. So I sent their messengers back, with their tails between their legs-like whipped curs should have! They will surrender without terms, I told them. And they will, you see. Any day. So that there will be only Banff Castle in all the North, held by Englishmen-for it can only be taken by sea.
Aberdeen has fallen. That Provost and his citizens have won into it how I know not. I have taken Fyvie, Elgin, Forres and Nairn from the English, and Kinedar, Slains, Rattray, Cairnbulg, Dundarg and Inverallochy from the Comyns. The Bishop of Moray now threatens Tarradale in the Black Isle. If we but take our courage in our hands and beat Ross now, all the North is yours! Do you not see it?
I see, brother, that there is a tide flowing our way, here in the North. And I rejoice in it. And give thanks for what you have achieved, with my host. But I also see, across this loch, some ten thousand, it may be, of fierce clansmen, ready to fight to the death.
On their own territory, where they fight best. And know best.
In mountains, where our -chivalry is at disadvantage. Here is no attacking small bands, castles, villages and townships. This is battle, on a great scale. It may be that in time we should beat them. At much cost, which I can ill afford. And MacDougall of Lorn remains in the West, undefeated. I do not fight battles until I have tried other methods.
Edward began to speak, but the King held up his hand.
You talk of courage. I have never doubted yours, brother.
Perhaps you have more of the quality than have I! It is your wits, your judgement, I doubt. Even in this of Inverness Castle. I say the English offer of surrender must be accepted. On terms. Ross will hear of it, and be the less assured. The sight of the Englishry marching of their own will out of Inverness and sailing south will do my cause more good than any prolonged siegery. Then we shall pull down the castle, like all the others, that it never again be held agains
t me. I hope that you razed all these other yielded strengths as I ordered?
As the other cleared his throat and sought for a judicious answer, someone else spoke.
Sire-you have said wisely, generously. Like a true king. In all this. And none can doubt your courage.
Ah, nephew-I thank you! Bruce turned to bow, in only lightly disguised mockery.
Our traitorous kinsman still with you, I see! Edward said, thankful to change the subject.
Randolph ignored him.
More than castles may yield, Sire-when the time is come. Will Your Grace now accept me as your leal man? Your subject. Receive my hand and sword, as your true knight? That was awkwardly, jerkily said, from stiff lips.
I
submit meas I promised.
The King eyed the young mans tensely handsome features, and then, as the significance of those last words dawned upon him, swung on his heel to stare elsewhere, much farther away.
There, across the water, Urquhart Castle glowed warm red brown in the sun, against the blue loch and the purpling hills. And clear to see above its lofty keep floated a different banner now to the blue-and-gold of Comyn -the Lion Rampant of Scotland.
God be praised! Bruce breathed.
So it served. After all.
In the exclamations and chatter that followed, Gilbert Hay touched the Kings elbow, and pointed farther away still, towards the loch-foot. He did not speak.
It was sun on steel again, glinting and flashing though far away, the tiny gleams reflecting over a wide area.
Ha-by the Rude! So there we have it! the King cried.
Praises be! Comyn saw that sooner than did we. Robert Boyd knows his duty, if others do not! My true veteran warrior!
Brother-see you there. Sir Robert Boyd knows whose host he leads. He did not halt at your Dochgarroch, but brought them on right to the loch. As I commanded you. Mark it well. As Sir Alexander Comyn, in Urquhart, marked it. And has signified his capitulation to me by that Lion Standard. For this I planned. Here is more burden on the Earl of Ross than any blood-soaked attack.
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