Page 37 of Summer Warrior

They arrived at the harbor and Somerled climbed aboard his ship. Immediately, he felt at home, even though the deck was not moving. Leaning against the gunwale, he crossed his arms and addressed the men he had left there as guards. “Our trip to Irvine has been successful. We sail tomorrow mid-morning. There will be time for you to patronize the shops in Irvine before then.” Trinkets, fabric and spices for their wives and lovers were in abundance here whereas they would not be available on Kintyre or many other places they would sail.

“Lord,” said one of his men, “did you make an alliance with King David?”

“Aye,” said Somerled, “we have his favor and his permission for our stone castles. He has granted us the services of two stonemasons, as well. They will sail with us. And I’ve a boon. He has granted me the Isles of Arran and Bute for chasing the Norse pirates from Scotland’s shores.”

A cheer went up from the half-dozen men sitting on their sea chests.

“Do the Norse still plague those isles?” asked one.

“Nay, they do not,” said Maurice. “David swept them free of the scoundrels a short while ago.”

“One less task for us,” said another.

“In exchange,” began Somerled, “I have pledged my honor that we will come should the King of Scots have need of us.”

The men nodded soberly.

“I could do no less.”

EARLY THE NEXT MORNING Somerled addressed his men in their lodgings. He describing all that had been achieved by his meeting with the King of Scots. He did not mention Rognvald attending King David’s court, nor the Orkney arrow that had wounded him, for he did not want his men seeking revenge ere they sailed.

“Once we are free of Scotland’s coast, my intention is to visit our new Isles of Arran and Bute and speak to the people there before returning to Kintyre. And then we will see to the building of our strongholds.”

The men nodded as he spoke, enthusiastically agreeing with his plans.

“Will we build castles of timber or stone?” asked one.

“Undoubtedly, some will be timber. But eventually, all save the one on Loch Findlugan will have castles of stone. King David has lent us two of his stonemasons. I intend to send one stonemason north from Kintyre to assess the sites where we will build. While he is away, the other mason will begin the castle on Dunaverty Rock. I will go to Islay to build the timber castle there. You can choose to come with me, go north with the other ships or spend the winter on Kintyre.”

More questions were asked but none expressed opposition to what Somerled proposed. He knew them to be loyal men who shared his vision for an independent kingdom.

After the meeting, he left Liadan with Domnall. Maurice went off to his errands and Angus promised to see to the final details before they sailed. Somerled strode back to the castle to bid farewell to the princess and collect the stonemasons. He had already paid his respects to King David.

In the hall, he spotted some of the ladies engaged in stitchery sitting next to the hearth where a fire steadily burned. Ragnhild was not among them.

“Good day to you, my ladies,” he said, striding toward them. “Might you know where I can find Princess Ragnhild?

“She is above stairs packing, my lord,” said Beatrice, de Morville’s wife. “I will send a servant to fetch her.”

The servant was dispatched and a short while later, the princess descended the stairs. She looked very much as she had the night before, her long red-gold hair in plaits, only her garment this morn was of rich brown wool. He tried to memorize every detail of her face for he knew from the ache in his heart he would not see her for some time.

“Princess, I come to bid you farewell. I sail within the hour for Arran and Bute, the isles King David has given me.”

“I did not know. Such a gift from the king is a godsend. You have my congratulations. And, after that, to where do you go?”

“To Islay to construct a timber castle and a chieftains’ lodge. I expect to dwell on that isle much of the time.” He hoped she understood that she could be a part of those plans if, God willing, her father relented. “It grieves me to say I do not know when I will see you again but I will send letters to you as I am able.”

“You can write?”

He smiled. He was not offended by her question. Many could not write, even the high-ranking, who might consider it a scribe’s task. “Aye and in more than one language.” Then with a chuckle, he added, “My teachers were Irish monks.”

“Oh,” she said. “I am glad of it. For any letters you send me, I will reply.”

He smiled, pleased to hear it.

“We return tomorrow to Man.” As she spoke, her voice faltered and her green eyes sparkled with unshed tears. “You will be much missed, my lord.” She offered her hand and he placed a kiss on her knuckles, her fragrance of roses forever imprinted in his mind.

He turned to go, for if he said more he might declare himself and he had no permission from Olaf to do so.