Page 32 of Summer Warrior

Somerled sat down and leaned forward, anxious to hear more.

“Arran, as you likely know,” began Fitz Alan, “is largely unproductive.”

It was not the isle’s productivity that occupied Somerled’s thinking but, not wishing to appear disagreeable, he said nothing.

“Since Arran and Bute are of no particular interest to my steward,” interjected the king, “but doubtless of some importance to you, I propose to make them a gift to you. We have done little to aid the Gaels there in the face of Norse raids, save for recent attempts to send the pirates fleeing.”

A feeling of excitement built in Somerled’s chest. He had not expected so great a boon. “Arran and Bute are part of my heritage, the ancient Dalriada. Guarded by my longships and galleys, they will provide no haven for the Norse, nor will they pose a threat to Argyll or to Scotland.”

“Then ’tis done,” said David. “I will have the charter drawn up. To your request, I will send you back to your isles with two of my French stonemasons. They use the idle days of winter to lay their designs and cut the stones, so the timing is right. By spring, you will be ready to build.”

Somerled was pleased. “You have assisted me greatly, Your Grace.”

David sat back in his chair and fixed Somerled with a pointed look. “And what will you do for the Scots and their king in return?”

He did not have to think long before replying. “You will have Somerled, Lord of Argyll, Kintyre and Lorne as a friend, which is no mean thing.”

The king nodded. “Would you swear fealty to me as your overlord?”

Somerled shook his head. “Homage and respect I freely give you, for it is well deserved. Fealty, nay. As you have said, I am a king. Thus, I am bound to other kings only by my bond of friendship and my word of honor. Instead, I would propose an alliance. Should you have need of my thousands of warriors and my hundred galleys and longships, we would come at your call. And should I have need, you would do the same for me.”

The king leaned forward, his forearm on the table. “If what I am told is truth, you are a leader loved by your people, even the Irish, and honest and fair to all. Believing this, I can accept your word and will hold you to it.” The king narrowed his eyes on Somerled. “It did give me pause when I heard you ripped out the pirates’ hearts in Morvern.”

Somerled looked down. “A necessity in the beginning.” Raising his gaze to meet the king’s, he said, “I had but few warriors then and winning that battle was crucial. I have since killed many a Norse pirate, but I’ve not again repeated that display.”

David laughed, shooting a glance at Fitz Alan. “For a time, I thought you as savage as the Norse pirates you chased from our shores but then I heard more. And what I heard, I liked. Moreover, I do not hold it against you for not offering an oath of fealty to me for lands you consider yours. In truth, I am busy in England and cannot be concerned with Argyll and the Isles. Too, when I became King of Scots, I denied King Henry his demand for my oath of fealty. My people would not have understood. But I gave him my word to support the claim of his daughter, my niece, the Empress Maud to the English crown. And I do to this day.”

His jaw set in firm determination, Somerled offered his hand to David. “You have my word, Your Grace, as long as we both live.”

The king accepted Somerled’s hand and then poured wine for the three of them.

Somerled quaffed the wine and spoke again. “There is another matter I would discuss with you if you are willing.”

The king looked up, his dark brows arched. “Yes?”

“’Tis my brother-in-law, Malcolm MacHeth.”

“A troublesome oaf,” put in Fitz Alan, frowning.

“Aye, probably,” replied Somerled, “but for the sake of his wife, who is my sister, and my nephew, I must inquire of his welfare.”

“He remains my prisoner,” said David, “yet he is treated as a guest at my castle at Roxburgh. Your sister and nephew may join him if they choose. You do understand why I cannot free the rebel from the house of Moray?”

“I do and I thank you for your leniency.” Somerled well knew another, less merciful king, would have taken Malcolm’s life for he had rebelled more than once in pursuit of his lands and title. As David’s guest, Malcolm would be treated well. Somerled would assure his sister she had no cause to worry.

Satisfied he could do no more, Somerled lifted his drink in toast and three goblets came together.

His business done, Somerled set down his wine and rose. Bowing, he thanked the king and inclined his head to Fitz Alan before taking his leave.

SOMERLED CELEBRATED that night, first with his men, and then in the king’s hall with Angus, Domnall, Maurice and Liadan. All were delighted they had added Arran and Bute to the isles over which he reigned and lifted many cups of ale in toast.

“With Arran so close to Kintyre, Ruairi and those at Dunaverty will sleep more soundly,” said Domnall.

“Aye,” agreed Somerled, “and so will I.”

“What did you give to gain so much?” asked his brother, his expression skeptical.

“Only my word that my ships and my warriors would come should King David have need of us.” When his companions looked at him with questioning eyes, he said, “I could not have done less. ’Tis an alliance we sought.”