Highland Light

by Cherime MacFarlane

  The lad looked at Cadell.

  "'Tis the season when kings go to war.' David in the Book stayed in his palace. He sent his men to war. Staying behind did him no good. We have no choice in the matter. We could sit here and do nothing and eventually it would come to us."

  "Aye! That is the truth of ta matter. Ta enemy will advance until stopped. The Bruce kens it well. Longshanks is a greedy man. The whole of the land must be his an he will no be satisfied until it is."

  The lad sent to fetch The MacGrough warriors was coming up the hill. The others were leaving their cottages to make their way up the glen to the training field. Cadell rose, he stood watching as they came toward him. Gideon stood beside Cadell.

  "There are more leaders such as Longshanks than can be imagined. I can tell you the Turks are determined to take over all of Christendom. They will do so if allowed to. They are fierce fighters."

  Cadell turned his head and looked at his son in law.

  "Ye have fought them?"

  "Oh yes. Heavy cavalry has no chance against them. Their forces are very mobile. The bows their archers use can drive an arrow into a man easily. We have not heard the end of them. I only hope this is far enough away for us to not need to consider them a threat. God willing!"

  Gideon crossed himself. The other men straggled up to Cadell calling out greetings as they came. The lad who had carried the message to the others was sent to the armory to bring out the wooden swords for practice at the pell. The warriors who had just arrived paired off while the odd warrior attacked the pell. Gideon was paired off with Cadell as they spared with the wooden swords.

  Cadell wanted to access the lad's capabilities. Gideon's comments regarding the Turks had intrigued him. He and his clansmen had more often than not fought on foot. The idea of light cavalry he found interesting. Ailene would find the information about the Turkish bowmen of great interest. She was the best in the glen with a bow. She had been weaned on military tactics having sat in on the war councils Cadell held.

  Cadell felt the blows from the lad. Gideon might well put on an inch or two. Likely he would put on more muscle as he grew. The lad surely had a year or so of growth left to him. Yet the strength in his youthful frame was apparent.

  Gideon had Cadell sweating before they called a halt. Sir David had trained him well. Cadell had been worried about Gideon, afraid the youth might be too green to go into battle. Those fears were now put to rest. Practice swords were put away and axes brought out.

  Ailene had been watching her father and Gideon from the top floor of the keep as they practiced. 'God!' she loved watching him. Shirt off, his muscles slid under his skin smoothly. Black hair tied back in a short tail at the back of his neck, Gideon spared with her father. He was quick. As Ailene watched some of the worries she had regarding Gideon dissolved. For all his youth, Gideon knew what he was about. She knew her father was testing Gideon.

  She turned her attention back to her duties as the chatelaine of the MacGrough holding. All too soon both these men of hers would be gone. There were matters that needed to be attended to. Some of those things needed money to proceed. She made a list of things needing to be dealt with while the weather allowed it.

  It could not be long before their King called all to him. A stab of fear still clutched her. It was more for her father than her husband. Should a spell take him in the midst of battle, her father surely would be cut down.

  Ailene intended to speak with Gideon regarding Cadell's condition now that she was sure Gideon could hold his own. Gideon needed to be aware of the possibility of his back not being held by the MacGrough. He must know her father at times needed care.

  Anger toward all Sassenach, most particularly, Longshanks flooded her. He was a whores son! Hammer of the Scots indeed! She prayed The Bruce would turn the hammer on Longshanks. The Sassenach was a godless man who would surely rot in hell for the pain and misery he had caused. Ailene hated having her men go to war, yet it was impossible to sit by and do nothing. To not oppose the Sassenach was to allow a great evil to flood the land.

  She gathered their dirty clothing for washing. Ailene sat on the bed, the clothing held tightly in her arms. God alone knew how much blood would be required. How many of the men who left to join Bruce would return? All over this land women were asking the same question. Would their men return? Scotland had already given a great deal of Scottish blood to the cause of freedom. More misery and more time likely would be required to gain some measure of peace.

  Ailene had asked Edeen to have Idelle, the cook bring along two other women so they might wash bedding and air the keep. Now that spring had finally arrived, it was time to clean their home.

  She was tired of the musty smell of the hall. New rushes and a good scrubbing would keep her busy. She wanted her menfolk to have a few days of comfort before they left. Clean beds and clothing would be something they would be doing without for a long time.

  Edeen's young son, Dallas, had accompanied Edeen. Ailene put him to work as well. She set him to minding the fire under the big wash kettle. The kettle was outside well away from the kitchen door but close to the burn. The burn tumbled down the side of the rocky outcrop where the keep sat. Having the wash kettle close to the burn made it easier to heat the wash water.

  Ailene and Iseabal filled the big kettle with water. Dallas kept the fire Ailene had started beneath the big tub burning. The wash tub was located in a stone enclosure closed on three sides. It was set on top of a low wall, which allowed the water to be heated by a fire from the bottom. In winter it could be enclosed when necessary.

  They shaved soap into the hot water, stirring constantly so it would dissolve. Ailene's mother had brought the art of soap making to the MacGrough clan when she had married Cadell. She had acquired the recipe from Ailene's grandmother.

  Wherever it had come from, Ailene was happy to have it. Having the herb scented soap made the whole process so much easier. The prospect of beating the dirt out of all the bedding and clothing was daunting.

  Ailene would have much preferred being out on the practice field honing her archery skills. That would have to wait until a later date. For now there were many chores she put off when she and her father had traveled to the southwest coast. Some things would wait. There were other things, which refused to be put off any longer. Ailene attacked the laundry with a will. The sooner it was finished the less it would prey on her mind.

  By mid afternoon, the surrounding bushes were draped with all manner of clothing. The bedding had already dried and was back on the beds. Ailene had pressed Cait, Iver's wife and Fla, Dalziel's wife into service.

  The old rushes had been scraped out of the hall. Ailene had a use for the still hot wash water. She had Dallas carry buckets of the old wash water into the hall. She tossed the soapy water across the floor. With a wooden shovel kept for the purpose, she scraped the floor of the winter's leavings. Cait and Fla came behind her with rags, wiping down the stone floor behind her.

  When Gideon and her father would have entered the hall by the front door, she chased them to the kitchen.

  "Awa wa ye! Let be! The thing needs to dry afore ye can come back in here."

  Cadell took Gideon's shoulder.

  "Come along lad. It's best we behave."

  Gideon chuckled as he followed Cadell to the back of the house. Gideon dunked his sweat soaked head into the burn. The cold water felt good, so he splashed water over his torso as well. Cadell followed his example. Gideon took advantage of the moment to investigate the wash shed, the burn and the area where the house sat on the outcropping. He wondered if it might be possible to have a passage dug from the storeroom at the back of the kitchen, which would exit behind the wash shed. A trail cut into the side of the rocky out crop which led upward into the forest beyond would give some possibility of escape.

  Cadell listened to his idea then the two men went to look at the store room floor. The floor was of wood. Cadell explained to Gideon that the rock outcropping had been too rough to
level without a great deal of work. When Gideon asked if it might be possible to get people through the uneven areas, Cadell allowed that it might. They would need to tear up the storeroom floor in order to find out. They decided that was best left to Ailene as she would be the one in charge of construction.

  The two men decided to sit in the sun while they waited on Ailene to finish with the hall. Partially dozing, they were content to sun while the scents of cooking and cleaning wafted out the kitchen door.

  They had put in a good day of training and were looking forward to a good meal. Eating in a clean hall was an appealing prospect. Boyd and a second lad, Crayton, returned from the pond down stream with a cartload of rushes and reeds newly cut. Ailene had the greenery spread on the floor of the hall. The two youngsters then carried the fire wood back into the hall. The evening's firewood had been placed outside to remain dry. A fire was laid then Ailene went in search of the two men.

  She found Gideon and the MacGrough sitting in the sun against the side of the wash shed. Their eyes were closed, both men looked asleep. Ailene doubted they were sleeping. She enjoyed the sight of the two braw men, their trews slightly damp from splashing in the burn.

  Her father's still red hair was lightly salted with gray. His chest was still finely muscled, but bore scars here and there. Gideon was reclining a little distance away. He had his arms folded across his chest, his dark eyelashes lay on his olive tinted golden cheeks.

  Ailene thought both men might be a wee mite too comfortable, Gideon certainly. She quietly slipped over to the burn then dipped her hands in the water. Darting over to Gideon, she shook her fingers at him, splashing his bare chest with water. With a yelp, Gideon jumped upward, he spied the culprit immediately. Grabbing Ailene up in his arms he strode over to the burn. Cadell was laughing behind him and egging him on.

  "Aye, Gideon. Dunk the lass!"

  Ailene screeched then began to fight, trying to escape his arms. When that did not work, she wrapped her arms around his neck. She begged him to not put her into the cold water.

  "Please Gideon, dinna dunk me! Gideon, please!"

  Gideon held her out over the swift running cold burn. Ailene clung to him. He was smiling as he swung her outward.

  "Nay! Gideon! I beg ye, please!"

  Cadell was laughing as she pleaded. He had risen to watch the fun. Idelle, Edeen and the others who had been helping with the cleaning chores joined Cadell on the back steps. They were all howling with laughter as they watched.

  "What will you give me if I do not throw you into the stream? What will you offer me Ailene for that favor?"

  Gideon looked at her questioningly.

  "What would ye have husband?"

  Ailene smiled up at him. She took a chance and lifted one hand to his face. She ran a finger across his lips. Gideon took her finger in his teeth then shook it with a low growl. He released her finger with a smile.

  "I think your father would not like to see what I want from you right this minute."

  Ailene ran her fingers down the line of his throat. Knowing no one could see what she was doing, Ailene ran one finger over his exposed nipple with a grin.

  "Careful woman! I still might throw you into the water."

  Gideon could sense that those standing behind them knew something was happening they could not see. It had become far too quiet.

  "What will you give me Ailene?"

  She pulled down his head to whisper into his ear.

  "Everything! All! Anything you might wish Gideon."

  With a chuckle, Gideon backed away from the burn, he lowered her then bent his head.

  "We shall seal this bargain with a kiss, than later."

  He brushed her lips with his own. Ailene splayed her hand against his chest.

  "I will collect what is due me."

  Gideon lowered her to her feet. He took her into his arms with Ailene's arms caught between them. Gideon slowly kissed her. His lips were soft and gentle at first then she found she was wishing she could free her arms to hold him as tightly as he was holding her. He did not release her but deepened the kiss. Her mouth opened to him, she sighed as his tongue explored her mouth.

  When Gideon released her Ailene fell against him for a moment before she was able to right herself. Back straight, she walked toward the kitchen door with a smile on her face. Ailene pushed past everyone. All eyes followed her then turned to look at Gideon. He stood in the sunlight and watched her enter the house with a slight smile.

  It took the bystanders a moment to find other places to be and other things to do. The raw need of the two young people palpated through the sun warmed air. Cadell suddenly missed his wife with every portion of his being. Loneliness flooded him. Cadell had to take a deep breath to clear his head. 'These barins will be the death of me yet.' Cadell though as he went inside then made his way to his room. He was feeling his age and wished to sit and think for a while.

  Chapter 6

  In the evening Cadell, Ailene and Gideon sat in Cadell's chamber to discuss the improvements, which needed to be made to the keep. More than a new barmkin, a defensive wall, Gideon wanted a hidden means of escape from the house. They all understood that the fortified house could not withstand a concentrated assault by a large force. In that situation escape was preferable to anything else. The barmkin could shield the building of the escape tunnel. If they worked on both at the same time, it would be easier to conceal the entrance and exit of the tunnel. The exit needed to be in a place where the escapees would be concealed from invaders. They would need quick access to the forest and rocks to make good an escape.

  They plotted and planned. How high should the barmkin be? How far should the tunnel extend? Should it go under the wall or not? All were matters for discussion. Cadell did not feel there was any great chance the Sassenach would come this far back into the highlands.

  Gideon was not so sure. He felt any mop up efforts could indeed threaten MacGrough land if their king was to lose to the Sassench. Gideon was for having supplies hidden somewhere as well. A bit of money, clothing and blankets tucked somewhere safe. Escape was no good without the means of survival readily available.

  Cadell understood Gideon was motivated by experience. To date the lad's experience had taught him that an escape plan was a necessity. Gideon pointed out that as difficult as the weather and terrain in Scotland could be, weapons, basic foodstuffs, and warm clothing were essential to survival. Guaranteeing that a person would have time to assemble those items was impossible. Ailene suggested an escape pack could be kept in the storeroom near the tunnel entrance so it would be close at hand. The two men agreed and the matter was settled.

  Shortly, the men would be gone. Who would be leaving with Cadell and Gideon was the next matter to be discussed. Neill, Idelle's husband would be leaving with them. Gideon had carefully watched each of the warriors on the practice field.

  He and Cadell compared their observations. Neill was steady and dependable. Manius, Dalziel, Kai, Ross and Sim, all were seasoned warriors. They would be going with Cadell and Gideon. It was decided that Adair and Banner, both young men, would be accompanying the MacGrough contingent. This would be their introduction to war.

  Four seasoned men would be staying at home to protect the clan. They would be needed to help Ailene. It would do no good to support the king then return home to find their own keep and clan had been reduced to poverty.

  The fields and animals would provide the support needed to enable them to in turn support The Bruce. Each member of Clan MacGrough contributed to the war effort. Those not fighting with the king would be helping Ailene with all the chores necessary to maintain the clan during this difficult time.

  In the days, which followed Ainsley, took Crayton with him to hunt deer. Boyd and two younger lads went hunting for rabbits or fowl. When Ainsley returned with a deer Ailene dried a portion for the keep. Tavin put some of the game in the smoking shed. A portion was set aside to send along with Gideon and her father as well.

&nb
sp; As Gideon was not in the habit of eating meat more than a few times a week, she sent Dallas and his father out to place fish traps in the burn. There were several ponds down stream where she knew fish could be found. She did not send Dallas off alone, as he was too young to defend himself. His father, quite a bit older than his mother, went along with the lad. Parlan and Dallas brought home several fish each day. She had Parlan fillet the fish, which set to dry in the kitchen.

  She doubted her father and Gideon wished to carry too much in the way of supplies. She wished to give them something to tide them over should they need it. She knew what The Bruce and his men had suffered the previous year. The stories told by his men at the gathering they had attended had been appalling. The men had told of The Bruce's suffering privation and cold along with his men that winter. Ailene knew her father would not do so well in that circumstance. Gideon being younger he would likely fair better.

  Waulked plaids would be sent along with them. Thick and warm the woolen material would help keep them warm wherever they might find themselves. The women had waulked enough finished plaids to send one with each man. The plaids so treated had fibers more closely interlocked and shed moisture well. Ailene and the other women had used their feet and warm water to bind the fibers closely together. Then the plaids had been stretched on tenterhooks and left to dry.

  It was important to Ailene that The McGrough men were sent off with what was necessary. They must have the best available. All the clan worked long and hard at provisioning their warriors.

  No matter how tired she was at the end of the day, Ailene found a second wind when she and Gideon retired for the night. She knew it was the same for him. They soothed each other with gentle touches and made love.

  Lying in the flickering firelight, Ailene knew there was not much time left for her to talk to Gideon regarding her father's ailment. Before either of them drifted off to sleep, Ailene turned her head to whisper in his ear.

  "Gideon, I must speak with ye on an important matter."

  She watched his eyelids flutter for a moment as he strove to stay awake.