“I am your most humble servant and have waited a very long time to converse with you regarding King Håkonsson and the threat to our shores.”More moons than could be counted.
“Before we commence,” the king demanded, seated in the center, his advisors flanking him on both sides, “Sir James, you keep your post alongside Sir Sean,outsidethe chamber threshold.” Good, the king had granted her request given when the knight had left to find Aonghus.
Sir James’s face appeared as if he were the one now trying to restrain flatulence. “My lord king, I would ask we remain,” he said, disdainfully.
Her eyes veered back and forth between them. Oh my, King Alexander might have her loyalty and earnest respect, but by his battle tactics younevercrossed him. A violent example caused a shiver in her soul at the memory – when the King of Scots had ordered the siege on the isles after initial negotiations had failed with King Håkonsson.
“Sir James” – the king’s face turned a dark crimson – “you ask, but the edge to your tone seems to question my judgement at hand.”
Sir James began a tiny shuffle in retreat toward the shut door; he looked like he was walking on a lit hearth and not the floorboards. “Pardon, my lord king. I shall be directly outside.”He gave a rough look at Aonghus. “If you should require assistance with these traitors, summon me.”
Sir James then took some wrath out upon his minion. “Sir Sean, step lightly, now!”
When the door sealed, her full attention returned toward the king and lords present. She and Aonghus, still bound, stood before the king.Time is now – don’t mess this up!
“Keirah MacThistlen, you have made a grand impression before a hall of commanding Scots, a feat not easily taken,” the king proclaimed. “I have been told you were prevalent in King Håkonsson’s court and care for a great amount of time. Only a fool would trust such a traitor directly, but it seems I may be such a monarch after the display made in the hall. Tell me what you wish to speak upon.”
A sizzle by the torch darkening the granite from its flames lent an eerie air to her words. “The fates have shown me a path yet to come,” she began; somehow, she felt Aonghus’s gaze on her when she took one step forward. “A storm, my lord king Alexander.”
“Storm?” The king settled his hands upon his knees, leaning forward with a heavy interest.
“Aye.” She raised her hands in dramatic fashion. “A relentless storm unlike any seen before will crash these shores –ourshores,notKing Håkonsson’s,” she added, her voice vehement. “The rage in wind and waves and lightning will crush his immense fleet belonging to one hundred and twenty ships into a tinder of sticks to be picked at my lord king’s pleasure.”
At the captured looks on her, she continued, “Time will be your greatest ally in the battle yet to come.” Sweeping her palm at him, she advised, “Your instincts are keen, my lord king; in this very chamber we now find ourselves in, you gave yourstrategy before your advisors. There were those who questioned the tactic.” The gazes popped wide at her unveiling a fact only known by those present in the larger private assembly that had taken place a fortnight past. “Do not question but embrace. Hold King Håkonsson at length. Stall him in any and all means possible. The nature belonging to our Scotland, she will see to your favor and victory.”
A long silence settled over the room.
The king leaned back to smooth his hands over his beard in thought before he demanded, “Tell me of your gift regarding the element in being a fate-seer.”Absolutely!
***
Keirah explained her instinct in senses and how it came to be possible, showing him her signet ring, and the path to Lord Kollungr’s abduction then Aonghus’s initial rescue; once done, she held quiet. Alexander was so different than Håkonsson. The Northmen’s ruler’s air of superiority was cresting to the highest after having expanded his kingdom to include newly acquired Iceland and Greenland into Norwegian territories, opening the door to the largest amount of conquered lands. However, Alexander was young, thirsty for power, and beginning his reign, but his father had taught him the art of patience. Brilliant! The circumstances they were about to endeavor upon that patience would be paramount for all lying ahead.
After biding his time to consider everything she had conveyed, Alexander finally met her gaze. He looked…um, commanding, excellent!
“Keirah, what you have spoken this day, you haveonlypresented to me?” the king questioned.
Her chin rose high. “You are thefirstto hear these words upon the tempest, aye.”
The king’s eyes drew keenly on all those surrounding to order, “Only those present shall know. A word of this doesnotleave this chamber; any who fail at this endeavor” – his expression turned dark – “will feel my full wrath.”
A chorus of male ‘Ayes’ echoed the stone walls.
“My lord king,” she said, her eyes finding Aonghus, “may I speak plainly a moment more?”
“You may.”
Time to shine some light on the rough-cut gem of a Scotsman.“There is another certain matter regarding the mercenary present, Aonghus MacCade.” She took a step forward. “I mentioned he pulled me from the Northmen’s grasp that eve in the forest, but there is more I wish to shine a most ardent light upon. He chanced his life for mine, more than once, upon our dangerous journey to ensure I was able to stand here before you and deliver this knowledge for all to come. Through his staunch efforts I was cared for at each turn, as his loyalty to you is beyond reproach. I have been in a king’s court for many years – granted ’twas King Håkonsson, however, I have seen the difference such loyalty may offer in battles or tactics. MacCade is a quality rarely seen.” She unleashed a firm inward nod.
King Alexander gave a hard stare at MacCade, who seemed to force his gaze from only wanting to look upon her after the vocal display back toward the king. “I have watched you a long time, MacCade,” the king began. Her mercenary’s eyes widened. “You have taken each task Sir James has thrown to you like scraps to a hound but have seen them all completed – flawlessly. Including Sturan MacNaller being clapped in irons.” Alexander stood, then circled the solar in a prowess of power only afforded a king. “Sturan MacNaller has been a sore topic regarding many a discussion in this very chamber.” KingAlexander looked at his advisors, who gave a pair of ‘ayes’ in agreement to the topic. “Other knights in my charge have failed at such a feat, yet you have seen to his capture upon the quest placed in your hands at the very first try. Building upon this and other past victories, a decision has been made regarding your future. MacCade, you will nae longer be at a post belonging to mercenary. Kneel before your lord king, Aonghus MacCade.”
King Alexander pulled his sword with a scrape of leather scabbard, but it was his expressionless face alongside the sword pointed right at her lad’s stomach, almost calling to mind of being ready to impale him, which caused a nervous twitch in her fingers. Oh hell! Her breath caught.
The sword cut the rope bindings perfectly, then lifted to graze Aonghus’s broad shoulder with the blade’s flat side. She inhaled –thank all!“I do hereby dub thee, Aonghus MacCade, a knight unto the Scottish realm; henceforth, you shall be known as Sir Aonghus to all. Your oath shall be taken. I shall call upon you and you shall answer the summons without question or hesitation. Arise thee, Sir Aonghus.”As it should be!She gave an inward smile.
Her stoic lad stood humbly towering over them all; her eyes blinked several times, clearing the watery blur. Gracious, it was an unprecedented ceremony; normally it was seen to by the clergy. Aonghus bowed once more to the king before his eyes captured hers. Was it a look she would remember when every other one faded? Forever-ever!
Her attention was stolen back toward Alexander when he retook his throne with his next thoughts airing into words, “I would care for you to speak once more upon this prophecy regarding your clan.”
