“Furthermore, knowing that, some of ye may realize I was once a stable boy here until I left with Lady Katherine.”
The murmurs and exclamations of surprise grew louder.
“Have you come to take back what is yours, Lady Katherine?” the question was not asked with malice, rather the old man seemed excited by the prospect.
Katherine laughed. “Nay, Hamish, Cotharach it is not mine and I am very happy at my new home. I understand my Uncle Ambrose is currently in the midst of some financial distress and we may be able to help him.”
A huge cheer went up in the hall.
When it had quieted some, Katherine added, “And we’ve come to see our son, Tomas, married.”
Another huge cheer erupted.
Katherine looked with fondness at her son where he sat smiling, holding Vida’s hand.
“They look as if they’ll be very happy,” said Katherine.
The response to that statement was deafening. Vida dropped her head slightly, blushing, but looked exceedingly happy and that gave Katherine great joy.
During the meal, the men who Niall had sent to scout the forest arrived and were shown into the hall. They wore grim expressions and spoke quietly to Niall.
Niall, in turn, shared what he’d learned. “Tomas, son, we discovered something as we rode onto Ruthven land this evening that I must discuss with you.”
Katherine was pleased to see that Vida scowled at that and even more pleased with Tomas’s response.
“Da, Vida is Lady Ruthven and if something threatens her clan, she has the right to hear about it.”
Niall cast Katherine a sidelong glance. “Aye, well it’s rather clear then that she’s related to your mother. But, as ye’ve surmised we discovered something that concerns me. We saw signs of men encamped in the forest at the northern border of Ruthven land.”
“That would be Stewart territory,” said Vida.
“Aye. But I sent a couple of men to learn what they could. They tell me there were at least fifteen men and a Lindsay banner was spotted.”
Vida nodded. “Stewarts and Lindsays are allies.”
Tomas frowned. “It’s as I feared then. Lindsay is moving his men into place to either lay siege to Cotharach or make certain Vida doesn’t leave.”
“I suspect so,” agreed his father.
“I’ll send twice as many patrols out tonight. Better to know where they are, should we need to defend against them.”
Chapter 16
Perth, December 22, 1378
Ambrose Ruthven paced his small bedchamber furiously. The only accommodations that he’d been able to arrange were in a somewhat seedy tavern that had seen better days. He accepted them at the time assuming he would only be in Perth for a night or maybe two before the issue was resolved. After all, the sheriff had summoned him to appear immediately. But he had spent two nights there already and he still didn’t know when the sheriff would hear the case. Maybe today, maybe tomorrow. Ambrose had washed, dressed, and eaten something to break his fast. Now all he could do was wait.
As patience had never been one of his strengths, waiting was not something Ambrose did well.
Finally, by midmorning, word came that the sheriff was ready to hear the case. Ambrose’s temper by this time was foul. Gregor rode beside him and as they neared the court, he said, “Laird, I know this has been stressful for you. I know you are angry at having to wait so long. I don’t wish to make you angrier, but I feel I must say something.”
“Then say it,” growled Ambrose.
“You are going before the sheriff. I’m certain Laird Lindsay will come prepared with witnesses to your conversation. I fear you’re only going to have reason to grow angrier.”
Ambrose glanced sideways at him. “I’m not sure where you’re going with this, but you are making me angrier.”
“I’m sorry, Laird, I’m only trying to point out that if you go into court this upset and you lose your temper to an even greater degree, you will also lose any chance you have of the sheriff showing you the slightest bit of compassion. Please, Laird, for your sake, Lady Vida’s sake, and for the sake of the entire clan, you must try to calm down.”
Ambrose clenched his jaw and looked away. He knew Gregor was right. “I don’t know how,” he ground out.
“I think you need to imagine Vida is standing behind you.”
Ambrose sat there for a moment, shaking his head. “Aye, you’re right. If Vida were here, this would be easier. I’m probably too old to play pretend, but I’ll try.”
It still took ages before the sheriff was ready to hear the case. As they waited, some part of Ambrose clung to the hope that Lindsay really just wanted his money back and it hadn’t been about a betrothal to Vida. Then he saw the men who stood with Lindsay. Of course, his brother, the Laird, was there. Additionally, Laird Ogilvie, several of his sons, and Laird Rattray were with him. To his surprise so was Laird MacNab. Ambrose smiled when he realized Laird Gow wasn’t there. The reason was probably because Tomas had showed some leniency to Gow’s men after the raid. But Lindsey had enough other witnesses that it didn’t really matter.
The Lord Sheriff called the assembly to order. “Gentleman, we are here today to discuss a case of indebtedness. Laird Ruthven, a complaint has been filed against you by Laird Lindsay on behalf of his brother, Naughton. He alleges last August during a game of chance you borrowed a considerable amount of gold from Naughton.”
“Aye, that is correct,” agreed Ambrose.
“He further alleges that you guaranteed said loan on a shipment of goods expected from Genoa.”
“Aye, that is also correct.”
“Has this shipment of goods arrived?”
“No, it has not. But the loan in question doesn’t come due until the last date of December.”
The sheriff addressed Laird Lindsay. “Is this true?”
“I will allow my brother Naughton to address this question.”
“Sir Naughton, is this true?”
“Aye, it is true, however, I have reason to believe Laird Ruthven’s shipment from Genoa will not arrive. Other ships bound for Genoa, that left port well after Laird Ruthven’s ship did, have long since returned. And the captains of those vessels report that Ruthven’s vessel, the Mermaid Queen, never arrived in Genoa.”
“But Laird Ruthven may be able to make good on the debt without the income from that vessel. If you agreed to allow him until Hogmanay to pay the debt, he has not yet defaulted.”
“That is true,” agreed Naughton. “However, Laird Ruthven and I had a verbal agreement, witnessed by all of these men who were present that night,” he motioned to Lairds Ogilvie, Rattray, and MacNab, “that should he not be able to pay his debt, he would give me his daughter’s hand in marriage.”
“I did not agree to that. My Lord Sheriff, Naughton made a jest about my daughter’s hand, but I did not agree to it.”
“Were these other men present as Sir Naughton says they were?”
“Yes, but I thought it a jest. I would never have wagered my daughter’s hand.”
The sheriff frowned. “Gentleman, you were all present the night in question?”
All of the other men confirmed this.
“And do you believe, as Sir Naughton does, that Davida Ruthven’s hand was part of the bargain or was it a jest?”
Ambrose was not surprised that they all agreed with Lindsay.
The sheriff nodded. “In the absence of a written agreement, I can only make a determination based on witness testimony. Laird Ruthven, while you may have interpreted Sir Naughton’s comment as a jest, I find in his favor that should you be unable to pay your debt, a betrothal to your daughter will be given in lieu of payment. But in so doing, all parties have already agreed the loan has not come due yet.”
Naughton gave a slight bow of his head. “That is true, my lord sheriff, but I have recently learned banns have been posted announcing Davida’s pending marriage to someone else. I suspect Laird Ruthven is unable to pay what
he owes and he is trying to circumvent our agreement by this hastily arranged wedding.”
Ambrose couldn’t hold his tongue. “There is nothing hasty about it. After all, everything is being done in the open. As you said, the banns were posted.”
The sheriff shook his head slowly. “Perhaps, but the timing is suspicious. To whom is she betrothed and for how long?”
“She is betrothed to the commander of my men, Sir Tomas MacHenry. They have known each other for a while now and are very much in love.”
Laird Lindsay barked a laugh. “Are you trying to tell us you are marrying your daughter to one of your men? And this isn’t a convenient way to avoid making good on your debt?”
Ambrose shook his head in angry frustration. “As it happens, the young man is one of the finest warriors I have ever encountered. He is a natural-born leader and a better man to one day hold the title of Laird of Clan Ruthven than any I’ve ever known.” He took some satisfaction in Naughton’s affront. “Furthermore, anyone who knows me knows how precious Vida is to me. If I can make her happy and secure skilled leadership for my clan, I will do that.”
“But you can’t do that. She is betrothed to me until you pay the debt,” roared Naughton.
The sheriff arched an eyebrow. “Hold your tongue, Sir Naughton. This is my court.”
The fact that the sheriff wasn’t immediately falling to the whim of the Lindsays encouraged Ambrose a little.
The sheriff addressed him. “Laird Ruthven, I accept that your motives for the wedding seem reasonable. However, the timing still remains suspicious. But this can all be solved rather simply. Do you, or do you not, have the funds required to pay off the loan?”
Ambrose waffled. “I still have over a week to pay my debt.”
“That is not what I asked. Do you have the funds, at this time, to pay off the loan?”
“My lord sheriff, even if I do not have the golds at present, that doesn’t mean I won’t have it in a week’s time.”
“Laird Ruthven, my patience is wearing thin, you will answer the question I asked.”
Ambrose heaved a sigh. “I have nearly all the gold necessary to make good on this loan.”
A triumphant smile spread across Naughtons face. “Nearly isn’t all.”
“Sir Naughton, I will not warn you again,” said the sheriff. Then he addressed Ambrose. “Are you expecting funds from some source before the end of next week?”
Ambrose shook his head. He didn’t want to give too much away. He certainly didn’t want the Lindsays to be watching the northern road for Highlanders bearing gifts. “There is a chance my other ship might arrive…or something else might happen.”
“How much are you lacking?”
“I have enough to pay eighty to ninety percent of what I owe. And should I not have the money by the end of December, I would happily renegotiate the remaining amount and pay additional interest if Laird Lindsay is willing.”
The sheriff turned towards Laird Lindsay. “Are you willing to renegotiate? After all, it is a significantly smaller amount.”
Laird Lindsay puffed out his chest. “No, I certainly am not. I am owed what I am owed. Laird Ruthven has had more than enough time to ensure he could pay off his debt. I am under no obligation to extend him further credit. He will pay what he owes, or he will agree to a betrothal between his daughter and my brother.”
The sheriff sat quietly for a few moments clearly deliberating on what he had heard. He gazed around the room as if taking the measure of every man present. “Gentlemen, there’s a great deal at stake here. I would be remiss if I made a judgment too hastily. I would like to take some time to think on this further, so we will to reconvene tomorrow and I will render my decision at that time. Until then, Laird Ruthven, I find that your daughter is not free to marry. And, in the intervening hours, I strongly urge you to find someone willing to loan you the shortfall.”
“Yes, my Lord Sheriff.” But if Ambrose were honest with himself, he believed there was very little hope of that. Regardless of what Tomas believed, there was absolutely no reason why his parents would loan money to a man they didn’t know. He had only one option now. He would send a messenger back to Cotharach and instruct Tomas that if his parents hadn’t arrived, he should escape with Vida to the Highlands.
Chapter 17
Cotharach, December 22, 1378
It had been two days since Vida’s father had left for Perth. In the surprise and bustle of the MacIans’ arrival yesterday, she had been busy and hadn’t stopped to worry about what might be happening with him. Meeting her cousin Katherine had been wonderful. Learning from their patrols that Lindsay men were encamped on Rattray land to the southeast and MacNab land to the west had her nearly sick with worry. But foremost in her thoughts today was her father. When he left on Monday, she figured there might be a chance he’d return yesterday but barring that, she expected him today at the very latest. When one of his men-at-arms arrived alone in the afternoon, her heart fell. The man had requested to speak to Tomas privately.
Tomas had taken her hand and said, “This concerns Vida more than anyone. She’ll hear this message with me.”
“But, Sir Tomas, the laird—”
“—left me in charge. Vida will stay to hear this.”
It had actually been a relief to hear the Lord Sheriff had delayed the case, but the fact that he accepted Lindsay’s claim about the betrothal was distressing. Clearly, her father didn’t believe Tomas’s parents would arrive to help. Thus, fearing the case wouldn’t end well, he’d sent instructions for Tomas to flee with her.
“Vida, my love,” said Tomas, “don’t worry so. As I knew they would, my parents brought enough gold to help with the debt. This will all be resolved tomorrow.”
Even now, Tomas, a number of Ruthven men, and the even more MacIan men were preparing to leave at first light. They would be transporting the full amount of gold needed to pay the debt. They couldn’t risk encountering thieves by traveling after dark or with anything less than a large force of skilled warriors.
“But, Tomas, you’ll have to pass through Rattray land where the Lindsays are encamped in order to reach Perth.”
Tomas assured her all would be well. “We’ll be traveling with a large force of well-trained men.”
Still, Vida couldn’t help but worry and she said as much to Katherine at the evening meal.
Katherine smiled warmly. “I know ye’re worried. Ye can’t help but be. Still, I can assure ye, the MacIan men are among the best warriors in the Highlands. They will be able to handle anything that arises.”
“That’s good to hear. And if Tomas, Ethan, and Drew are any indication, I have to believe you.”
Katherine patted her hand. “But believing me and letting it ease yer mind are two different things.”
Vida nodded. “I’m also worried about Cotharach’s protection. Our men at arms have vastly improved since Tomas arrived, but I’m concerned.”
“What worries ye?” asked Laird MacIan.
She frowned. “Well…I guess…I like playing chess. And sometimes, one must draw one’s opponent’s attention away from one’s own plans. It has become clear that Naughton has his eye on gaining Cotharach and Clan Ruthven for his own. But he can’t be assured that Papa won’t be able to pay the debt or that someone won’t come through with another loan, just as ye have. So, if he really wanted Cotharach, drawing Papa away and then attacking from three sides would be one way of catching us off-guard.”
Both Tomas and Laird MacIan gave her admiring looks. Laird MacIan said, “Very well-spotted, Vida. You must be an excellent chess player.”
“Ruthless,” said Tomas with a laugh. “And ye’re right, Vida, it is a possibility.”
This didn’t exactly calm her fears.
“But, my love,” continued Tomas, “Da and I have discussed this. If ye approve, I’ll leave him in charge of the men here while I go to Perth. He is an experienced warrior and leader—no match for the handful of Lindsays encamped aro
und us. Cotharach will be in good hands.”
She nodded. “That makes me feel a bit better.”
Just then, one of the guardsmen who had been on duty at the gate entered the hall with a Trinitarian priest and a young boy of about twelve. He escorted them to the head table. “My lady, Sir Tomas, this Red Friar and the lad with him have a tale you must hear immediately.”
Vida nodded. “Certainly. Father, I’m Lady Vida Ruthven. This is my betrothed, Sir Tomas MacIan, and his parents Laird and Lady MacIan.”
“I’m very pleased to meet you all. I am Father Owen and this lad is Will.”
The boy was slender, had tanned skin, white-blonde hair, and deep blue eyes. He bowed and greeted them, “Pleased to meet you my ladies, Laird, Sir Tomas.”
Vida smiled. “Join us at the table and have some supper as you tell your story, Father.”
“Thank you, my lady. However, I can only tell a small piece of it. Most of it is Will’s to tell.” They were seated and the priest continued. “As you can see by my scapular,” he pointed to the red and blue cross on the outer garment of his habit, “I am a priest in the Order of the Most Holy Trinity. Our charism centers on redemption and mercy. From the very earliest day of our order, we have been devoted to the mystery of the Holy Trinity and the ransom of captives held by nonbelievers. Although rooted in the Crusades, most of our work now involves gaining freedom for the victims of piracy who have been sold into slavery.”
A chill passed through Vida. “Piracy?”
“Aye, my lady. And the story we bring you, concerns your father’s ship, the Mermaid Queen.”
“It was pirated?”
“Aye, my lady.”
Horrified, Vida’s hand flew to her mouth. “Oh, dear God.” She glanced around. Lady Katherine seemed equally upset. Tomas and his father wore grim expressions.
“But God is good. I and some of my brothers were in Tangier, working to gain the release of other captives, when we learned of a Scottish ship that had been sailed into port, and sold along with all of the crew members.”
“You were able to save them?” asked Tomas.
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