Page 103 of The Refuge

Loud praise sounded around the hall, for the king’s pronouncements were popular among all those gathered. Goblets were raised and wine quaffed.

The king raised his hand and the hall quieted. “There is more, good people of Alba. Audra of Fife, please rise.” Audra, dutiful and looking as if she feared the worst, slowly rose, her eyes fixed on Malcolm as he walked to where she stood next to her father. The king took her hand and escorted her to the other side of the dais where Colbán sat. The king’s captain rose and accepted her hand. “Today these two are betrothed,” announced the king.

Loud cheers erupted.

Steinar sat, confused and amazed. Colbán is to have Audra? But that means…

Tears streamed down Audra’s face as Colbán bowed over her hand. “My lady, I hope this pleases you, as it does me.”

“Oh, aye, my lord, it does,” she said, joy evident on her face.

Sitting beside Steinar, Duff smiled.

A few bawdy jests sounded from the men before the king quieted them with a loud “Hist!” When the hall was silent, Malcolm said, “That leaves me with the prize long sought by my former scribe, now Mormaer of Levenach. Catrìona of the Vale of Leven, your uncle, the Mormaer of Atholl, has agreed with my decision to betroth you to Steinar.” Without waiting to hear Catrìona’s choked reply, the king raised his goblet and loudly proclaimed, “So be it!”

Everyone in the hall raised their goblets and quaffed their red wine before slamming their goblets down on the tables and shouting the king’s words. “So be it!”

Steinar leapt to his feet, ran to the other end of the dais and pulled a startled Catrìona into his arms, kissing her soundly in front of all. “My love,” he said to her tear-streaked face. “It was always you and only you that I wanted. Will you happily be my bride?”

“Aye,” she said. “Oh, aye.”

“Heirs by next summer!” someone shouted from the rear of the hall and the chant was picked up and carried around the room.

On the dais, all three ladies blushed scarlet, even the queen.

* * *

That night was a blur for Catrìona as her wedding and that of Audra’s were added to Fia’s and the three of them spoke excitedly of their future. She had slept little for the joy that filled her heart at being betrothed to the man she loved. And with lands in the vale! She had not anticipated all the blessings that were now hers. But she was not slow to thank God for all He had done.

That morning, many prayers of thanks were spoken. And after, Margaret, beaming with happiness, said, “I could not have asked God for more than to see the three of you happily wed.” Then looking at Isobel and Elspeth, the queen added, “Now I must pray for husbands for you two and the ladies who will join you in the future.”

In the hall, Catrìona broke her fast with Steinar. Before she could tell Giric, he came running in shouting, “I heard ye will wed the scribe!”

“Aye, ’tis true,” she said, glancing at Steinar who wore a broad grin.

Giric joined them to eat. After the meal, they went about their separate tasks for there was much to do before the weddings that were to take place the next day.

Catrìona and Fia worked to embellish the gowns they would wear and Audra, who now occupied her chamber alone, came to join them.

That afternoon, servants bustled about calling for more tables and benches, village women flowed into the hall carrying baskets of flowers, and wonderful smells wafted from the kitchen to the second story, making Catrìona’s mouth water.

Early in the afternoon, Steinar knocked at her chamber door and suggested a walk to the village to see Giric.

“Giric was excited about our marrying,” she said as she walked with Steinar down the stairs to the hall. “Have you spoken again with him?”

“Aye,” he said throwing her a look that told her he would say more.

“And?” she asked, raising her brows.

He opened the door of the tower and let her pass through. “He worries for our leaving.” She walked a little ahead of him. He caught up to say, “I wanted to ask you before I talked with the lad.” From the corner of her eye she saw him snatch a glance at her as if checking her mood. “I would like to take the boy with us to the vale and, if you are willing, raise him as our own.”

A smile broke out on her face and, unbidden, tears filled her eyes. “Nothing would please me more than to have Giric with us and I think he will not want to be parted from you.” She hoped one day God would give them children of their own but to have Giric as their child now was a great boon.

He stopped in the path and turned to face her, ignoring the looks of those passing by. Taking both of her hands in his, he said, “We are of one mind, little cat. ’Tis a good sign of the days to come, is it not?”

She kissed him on the cheek, a light peck. “A good sign, yea.” Then, thinking of the name he had called her, she said, “You called me ‘little cat’.”

“Aye, ’tis how I think of you. ’Tis an affectionate term. Should I call you something else?”