Page 36 of Summer Warrior

CHAPTER 10

“LORD SOMERLED,” whispered Liadan, coming to stand over the chess table abandoned by the earl, “I heard that scum’s words. Shall I kill him now?” Her gray eyes, together with her frown, gave the impression of an impending storm.

Amused, but realizing the lass was serious, he said, “Nay, Liadan. God willing, Rognvald will yet serve my purpose. Only consider how rude it would be for us to slay one of King David’s guests in his royal court.”

She dropped her gaze, contrite. “Aye, Lord.”

“But, if you wish to aid me, you can let my brother, cousin and Maurice know I would see them outside.”

Her face lit up, pleased to be given a task. “Gladly,” she said and turned to go.

Somerled rose. Wending his way through King David’s guests, he stepped outside, into darkness broken only by torches lighting the front of the castle. Clouds marched slowly across the night sky. Between them the full moon appeared with scattered stars. The temperature had dropped; the air was now like that on the open sea.

In the distance lay the harbor where lanterns would be glowing from the decks of beached longships, casting their light onto the waters of the River Irvine. Though the buildings in front of him prevented his witnessing the sight, he would soon be there, for he was intent on visiting his ship.

“You asked to see us,” said Angus, coming through the door of the timber castle, followed by Domnall, Maurice and Liadan.

“I did,” said Somerled. “I thought to visit the ship and speak to the men standing guard. Tomorrow morning, I will meet with the others. Unless you advise otherwise, we will sail mid-morning.”

“I expect the men not on the ship will be in the taverns enjoying their ale,” offered Angus.

“True,” said Somerled, “and I would not take them from their last night of pleasure. But let them know that they should be sober tomorrow morning and in their lodgings tonight. I don’t want us searching for them at dawn in some lass’ bed.”

Angus chuckled. “Aye, I will find them and deliver your message.”

“What did you learn from your game of chess?” asked Maurice.

“I confirmed the arrow that pierced my arm belonged to one of the earl’s men, so much so that my words drew a threat from Rognvald.”

“I liked him not at all,” said Liadan, who had been listening to them speak, “but Lord Somerled would not let me take the villain’s life.”

His cousin gave the girl a reproachful glance. “Just as well,” said Domnall, “or you might have lost yours.”

“Well then,” began Somerled, “Angus, you check the taverns.” Glancing at Liadan, he added, “I think ’tis best one of you escorts the lass back to her chamber ere you join me at the ship.”

The flickering light from the torches made clear the girl was unhappy at being left behind but she said nothing.

Domnall quickly volunteered. “I’ll do it.”

“Very well,” said Somerled, giving his cousin an assessing gaze. “Maurice and I will meet you at the ship.”

As he and Maurice began to walk down to the harbor, Somerled said, “It appears Domnall has developed a tendre for the lass.”

“Aye, he has.”

“Need I worry?” Somerled considered the girl like a younger sister, to be protected.

“There is no cause for concern,” said Maurice, his dark Irish looks blending with the night. “He treats the lass as a precious flower to be coddled. However, a wedding might be in her future if the lass is willing and her brother, Diarmad, consents.”

“She could do worse,” said Somerled. “Domnall is an honorable man.”

“And he fights like the devil,” added Maurice with a grin. “Recall he was the one who brought down Sweyn.”

“Aye, he did.” Then, changing the subject, Somerled said, “Before we sail, ’twould be good to procure all we need to aid our building on Islay. Timber we can cut but, unless the Islay smith has many on hand, we will need nails and tools.”

“I’ll see to it,” said Maurice.

“You will have the morning. And here are two more things to acquire,” he said, handing Maurice a paper on which he had written the items.