Celtic Blood

by James John Loftus

  Gormlaith came to regret her words when she had had time to think about them. She was not so harsh that she didn’t attempt justifying them by speculating on what enjoyment and improvement in status a commitment from Seward would bring her and the humiliation she would have felt if she had been overlooked. It would have reflected badly her family who had been so good to Seward. She convinced herself she had no choice. Gormlaith wavered in her feelings towards Seward. He had hurt her deeply by giving her friendship and by not seeking more, she despised him, she told herself, but as with Suana, such an effort was half hearted.

  As Gormlaith had her pressing concerns so did king Alexander in Edinburgh. Edinburgh, a large town overlooked by a massive stone castle, currently a hive of activity. The new king Alexander was mustering an army to travel into England. If it was an army, for what occurred here largely lacked warlike purpose, the mood pageant-like. Since the time of David, the first, kings of Scotland had paid fealty for two English baronies, Huntington and Northampton, which brought much needed gold into Scotland but was also a source of discontent. The Celtic Earls often felt, that as Scotland was an ancient kingdom, far older than England, it was belittling to their king, that he bow low before England’s king.

  However on this occasion they were in good spirits. The English had recently fought a civil war, king John had lost. At Runnymead a bill of rights would be presented to king John, which he must abide by or risk losing his kingdom. Alexander and most Normans had a vested interest in this for most held lands in England. It would also provide a good opportunity to gather intelligence. No less important, it offered the possibility of aligning with disaffected English. Naturally Alexander and his counsellors realised that by threatening invasion, gold and other concessions could be gained, a weak England always presented rich pickings.

  After gaining entry to the stronghold, Seward and Morgund were granted an audience with Richard De Soulis, the governor of Edinburgh castle. They were seated with at a table with the old man who looked like a wise and trustworthy fellow. To Morgund he looked like someone’s doting grandfather, which he was.

  De Soulis said, “Why do you want to see the king MacAedh? Your family and his, are enemies.

  “To find the kings protection, and to be his friend.” Suddenly a tear arose in Morgund’s eye. “To have MacCainstacairt punished for his attacks.”

  I say no good can come of it, I regret your father’s death, but MacCainstacairt is close to Alexander. He will not suffer.”

  Morgund pounded the table and stood aggressively, surprising them all. “What a poor king he is then to support a murderous monster like MacCainstacairt!”

  “You’re a fool boy,” De Soulis replied. “You will suffer as fools always do. Go back to Ross, go anywhere but leave this place for only ill awaits you here.”

  “I’ll not retire gracefully and have my lands usurped by Fearcher MacCainstacairt.”

  “Have it as you will. Sit, I will contact the king and have his direction your regard.”

  De Soulis felt saddened that Morgund would not relent, for he knew what sort of concession Alexander would afford him; a quick death, as opposed to a lingering one, was all. He left seeking the king. Two families at the crossroads; the MacAedhs, once claimants for the throne had lost ground, whilst the De Soulis’s prominent in Scottish affairs would go on to become Stewards of the royal household and later become kings of Scotland. Morgund represented the Celtic decline and the De Soulis the Norman ascendancy.

  Seward and Morgund waited patiently. After a time the door opened and a large man entered with a remarkable serpent-like face, accompanied by several men at arms. The interloper was William Comyn, the Earl of Buchan. His venomous eyes turned on Seward first. Seward almost expected him to flick out his tongue and bite. “Who are you?”

  “Seward. Called Gunn, as surname.”

  “It is unfortunate, Gunn, that you chose such a companion.”

  He stared long and hard at Seward. His eyes were without humanity and Seward felt relieved when he was finally released from the burden of his stare, for that stare was elsewhere now, on Morgund.

  “Does anyone know you are here?” Buchan asked Morgund.

  “No.”

  “Then you’ll follow your dear departed father to hell, Morgund MacAedh.”

  Seward and Morgund found themselves held by their arms, and on Buchan’s orders disarmed. It seemed their end was imminent until another melee ensued at the door. A new presence entered the room. It was Alan Durward, the Earl of Athol, the champion of the Celtic cause in Scotland and a brave and valiant man.

  Buchan turned to him, “I am master here.”

  Athol smiled and his look said, “I acknowledge no master and certainly not you Buchan. I heard you boys, had guests,” he said to Seward and Morgund.

  Comyn replied through gritted teeth, “What does the good Earl of Athol wish?”

  “As the premier Celtic Earl of Scotland I hold Celtic interests dear so I am making it my business to see no harm comes to this boy who is of noble Celtic stock.”

  “So, you are supporting a rebel family? Jackals who would tear out our young king’s heart if they could?”

  “A jackal.” Athol paused to let the ridiculousness of the statement sink in. After all Morgund was a slight boy, unthreatening in looks. “This boy has committed no crime, nor had his father before him, a man of good standing,” Athol said.

  Buchan: “Good standing amongst Celtic curs only.”

  Athol: “Say that and you proclaim loudly your ignorance. A cur, is what you are!”

  Buchan: “Once Athol, I’d have killed you for that.”

  Athol: “Killed me?”

  Buchan: “Yes.”

  Athol: “Shhh. I believe you, now go back and have sup with the king.”

  Buchan: “He is the son of a traitor!”

  Athol: “Kenneth MacAedh was my friend, and is dead, so speak no ill of him. A sad passing.”

  “Sadly distressed I am at the death of one who ever sought ill to our lawful king,” Buchan said.

  “That is not so,” Athol corrected Buchan, “Any treason by a MacAedh was long ago.”

  “Leave this in my hands, Athol, “ Buchan’s voice was threatening and accommodating, somewhat conspiratorial. “I will ensure his safety.”

  Then his face took on a new shape, and Morgund was amazed that this serpent like face could become so servile. Athol, looking at the boys, whispered, “At least snakes made no pretence of harmlessness.”

  “I am the declared kings agent and by that license I may not be disagreed with, Athol.”

  “Infamy remains infamy, no matter at whose hand.”

  “Do not correct me like child. The king shall hear forthwith.”

  “Aye, tell the king, and I hope you remember the king is not yourself, and remember that the king must act by lawful right.”

  Buchan insisted. “I must have my way.” He shook his fist, his face cherry red. “If you do this I will have my revenge.” Finally he looked into Athol’s eyes and said. “A great mistake you make Athol. I see your fall, for nothing is surer, when you cause offence to me thus.”

  Athol mocked Buchan. “Explain why he was accosted in this way.” Whilst he said this, his teeth were on display, twisting the knife. “Was murder intended?”

  “I do not owe an explanation, and how dare you ask me for one. I’m not to be gamed with. Do you know who I am?” Buchan addressed his men. “Ready yourself men, we may yet have to use force.”

  “Children aren’t wise enough to curb cruel ways. Are you Buchan?” Athol smiled charmingly.

  Buchan exploded. “Forget your display of insolence. Be good Athol, and yet show some sense. I am the right-hand of the king.”

  “No, the boy is mine … Go now,” Athol said.

  “Do you dare challenge me Athol?”

  “Your men at least have sense.” Buchan’s men had shuffled towards the door, overpowered by Athol’s personality. He was a renowned swordsm
an, and he had friends who would avenge him. Many of them wouldn’t risk their lives on Buchan’s account.

  “You are out of your depth, Buchan.” Athol, tired of waiting, tired of the pregnant stillness said, “Still here? Buchan? Go!

  “A command, from you? Who besides the King commands?”

  Athol raised eyebrows. “Start moving or I’ll cut your head off.”

  Buchan knew it was no empty threat. “So be it, he is in your care.”

  These two had history and this was but the latest in the series. Buchan silently gazed at Athol as he retired. Athol held his glare, overpowering Buchan with his own. The swords of Seward and Morgund were tossed to the floor.

  Buchan was furious at having his actions blocked. “Doubt not,” he said from outside the door, “I will end this dangerous collusion. I go to see the king, Athol. The king. His Grace.” Turning to his men he said, “The fool does not know what he does this Celtic Earl. It will not be pleasant when I tell His Grace how he has acted towards me.”

  Athol laughed and shouted. “Do what you will Buchan, but take your ill wind, with you and quickly. The stench of you is not to be born.” Buchan who had re-entered the room, stood glaring at Athol. Athol met his gaze, and spat out, “Spare me dealing with such a knave, at least, until tomorrow.”

  These last words were too much for Buchan who stormed out. He would never tire of hating Athol now. Athol knew and didn’t care. He was a match for any Norman and would prove it whenever and wherever, as he often told anyone who would listen.

  Buchan noisily retreated down the passageway dispensing abuse upon his men. Athol, went to the door. Remaining in sight of the boys, and by conjuring out his tongue and poking it out in Buchan’s direction, he lightened the atmosphere and brought a smile to the two young faces. The first such expression to adorn their faces so far that day. Morgund asked how Athol had learned of them. He told them William MacRuari having recently enlisted in his service saw them in the castle grounds and informed him.

  Morgund, remembering hearing Dolfin say that the new king Alexander was behind his father’s death, hoped that this evil rumour wasn’t true. If it was, perhaps bad counsel had led the king to believe ill of his family. Athol had no knowledge of it. Morgund told Athol that the King must learn that the name MacAedh could be associated with loyalty and trust. Athol warned Morgund that Alexander was slippery. Morgund didn’t want to believe it. He would reserve judgement, he decided.

  Unfortunately Morgund did not know that Alexander reckoning the MacAedhs were a threat had decided to kill Morgund and end the worry. However King Alexander did not want it known generally he was, responsible for Morgund’s demise, this was at odds with benevolent rule, it was better to appear gracious and arrange Morgund’s death to look natural, thereafter to appear suitably remorseful, which hopefully would ensure that no blame for the death would be laid upon him. Alexander did appear good hearted to those who knew him not. Weeks slipped by, and Morgund, who had, by then, spent some time in the castle and its environs, should have taken more notice of the obvious.

  On the trip south the king fell into the regular habit of calling to Morgund to ride with him, and was so sympathetic that he made Morgund feel guilty that he had held such a measure of distrust of him earlier. Others had filled his ears with distasteful lies, Athol amongst them. Morgund did not for an instant suspect, how sly Alexander was.

  On this journey were men from all over Scotland, highlanders and lowlanders. The highlanders, sharing a common language and culture preferred their own kind. Those of lowland stock eyed them with suspicion, with barely concealed hostility. Scotland was the oldest kingdom in Europe. Celtic since the first High King, Kenneth MacAlpine had united the country in 840. The Celts from Ireland came as conquerors into central and western Scotland. In other areas Angles and Saxons lived side by side with scatterings of Cimbric Celts, kindred in race and language to the Welsh. Other parts of the south being mostly Norse or German. After Kenneth MacAlpine’s conquest, the Celts, those whose language was understood in Ireland, until recently, the most dominant of all. Now, by the growth of English power in the south, this cultural dominance was fading.

  The Norseman brought fire and sword to the north, and words. Marrying Celtic wives had brought a Celtic revival. As women raised the children, Gaelic was the natural tongue of them until they were older. So these half-Celts seemed no different to their fully Celtic ancestors, apart from a greater fairness, a tendency from red hair to blonde after a generation or two. They admired their Norse fathers but those stories, told by their mothers made them Celts. Additionally, the Norseman allowed many of the original inhabitants to remain, thence, accepting fealty from them therefore the population retained a male Celtic influence. The Celts farmed and worked, the raiders didn’t desire to.

  To illustrate how Norse became Celts. A Norse family with many red headed sons became known by the Gaels that lived near them as Mong Ruadhs, being in Gaelic ‘Red sons,’ who in time became a clan, the Munroes. So a Norse family became Celtic, this, a notable example, of an almost commonality.

  Whilst, the north retained its Celtic culture, the south did not. The first to turn away from Celtic ways were the conquerors of MacBeth, Malcolm Canmore, and MacDuff, the Earl of Fife. MacDuff slaying MacBeth therefore earning the hereditary right to crown the kings of Scotland. Both Canmore and MacDuff lived in a Celtic speaking kingdom one hundred and fifty years before the current King, Alexander the Second. Morgund was a descendant of King Malcolm Canmore’s son, Aedh. King Alexander was the grandson of king David, also, son of Canmore.

  Margaret, the wife of Canmore, was the catalyst for change. The granddaughter of Edmund Ironside King of England, she intended to marry the king of Hungary to avoid becoming the bride of William the Norman, king of England, and conqueror of her own Anglo Saxon race. Captured by Scottish raiders before her departure she was forced into marriage with Malcolm Canmore. To accommodate her, English became the Scottish court’s language. Already many had its use. Anglo Saxons were a numerous minority in the south. Just as Gaelic began to overtake English amongst lowlanders, a new factor swung this process again. The battle to determine which tongue would dominate, was fluctuating to and fro.

  Margaret came reinvigorating English, extending its range, and by welcoming English fugitives to Scotland, of which, there were many after the Norman invasion, added to the vitality of the language. Malcolm made Scottish nobles of the now landless English nobility. Servants must know their masters tongue, they seek to emulate them, so it was in Scotland. It was enough to kill Gaelic in the Scottish lowlands. The country from then on was divided between highland or lowland, each speaking a different language.

  The nation over the highland line was thoroughly disaffected with Margaret and her English. The succession to the Scots throne through the century had become muddied by frequent insurrections. Different families ruled and some thought still to, seeing no clear rightful king. Canmore needed something to place him above his rivals and none better than the daughter of the royal house of England. Malcolm also had other concerns, for William the Conqueror was determined to conquer Scotland.

  Margaret’s children had a better claim to the English crown than William did. Malcolm placated the Norman king, seemingly subservient, promising to surrender, his heirs claims to the English kingship. An undertaking was never formally made, they were empty promises only. Eventually William would demand real action and when he did Scotland would have war with England. Malcolm charmed William for a reason. He needed time to deal with his own succession dilemma. His children might pay for any failure on his part to eradicate the highland alternative royal house, the MacAedhs.

  Edmund Ironeside’s line, the Anglo Saxon, lived on in Margaret’s progeny who later ascended the English throne anew, via James the Sixth of Scotland and the First of England. As an interesting aside, this episode with Margaret, and her entry into Scotland, brought to Scotland two new families, the Leslies and Drummonds. Margaret h
ad in her party, as escort a Hungarian with a name shortened and simplified by the Scots to Leslie. After her capture he refused to leave her side. Once given lands in Scotland he became a good Scot. Leslie, had a servant named Drummond, as near as the Scots could make it out. Although he didn’t succeed to lands his descendants gained the trust of successive monarchs and became Hereditary Foresters who shot to fame under Robert the Bruce, rewarded for supporting him. Given lands taken from those who were on the losing side in the civil war, in the 1290’s.

  In time the Drummonds became Dukes and outstripped the Leslies, who, when, they entered Scotland, they had served. As the two Hungarians came to terms with their new country, the Celts, were aghast at what was happening, with foreigners with outlandish ways taking land.

  Thus, those, of the old race with the tendency to look back to the glorious past, sought champions, Lulach, MacBeth’s stepson, and a descendant of Lulach among them. Many others took up the mantle before being hunted down. The MacAedhs as descendants of Malcolm Canmore’s third son Aedh, were an important family and heavily involved.

  The two sons of Aedh took upon themselves the name MacAedh to draw attention to their illustrious descent, surnames uncommon in Scotland then, making the reason for adopting one all the more striking. The whole problem of succession and the threat posed by the MacAedh’s had arisen with their famous ancestor the son of Malcolm Canmore, Aedh. Aedh who became a priest when his wife died had no interest in worldly concerns from then on. When Malcolm, his elder brother, died, Aedh, next in line to be king was offered the crown. By now a priest for some years, he refused the crown, deciding his greater duty to be to God.

  By all accounts he would of made a most unsuitable king. His younger brother David, accepted. Thus, David ruled. Canmore’s wife Margaret the namesake of the Margretson line.

  When the sons of Aedh attained manhood they were eager to retrieve their birthright there was already a king who had no intention of surrendering his crown. As the Celts saw it, a MacAedh should be king. At the very least, any noble highlander would be a better king than what the south provided. The young MacAedh was granted the Earldom of Ross, in northern sphere, where he and his brother were cast into a cauldron of rebellion. Agitators were drawn to them like winged suicides to a burning wick and being young, no option did they have but to become impassioned. It would have been better to have surrounded them with loyal adherents in the south and have watched them. Ironic, that Aedh with his Celtic name was so taken with his mother’s faith to seek Catholicism. The native Celtic Church, was then, the more popular. He eventually became a monk in that Catholic church. Yet his issue would be champions of ancient ways, and a shame that at least one stout strategist could not have won them a decisive battle.