The Promise of Peace

by Carol Umberger

  Nola had smelled of sheep urine for weeks but refused to throw away perfectly good, if foul-smelling, shoes. No question he would miss her when he left.

  The hall filled with people, many whom he did not know, and some—Will Macpherson in particular—he wished he didn’t know.

  Nola had made Keifer promise to sit with her at the feast. A vaguely familiar lass walked up to him and tugged on his arm. “Come, let’s take our places. I’m famished.”

  Keifer looked again, wondering at the girl’s boldness. He recognized her voice at the same time she turned to him. “What did you do to your hair, Nola?”

  Nary a wisp had escaped from the wimple she wore.

  “Mother said I could dress up.” She spun about and stopped, squinting at him. “You didn’t recognize me, did you?”

  He laughed. “Not at first. You know, you will be beautiful someday, Nola.”

  She smacked his arm. “Of course I will. Da says so all the time. Come on, let’s take our seats.”

  When everyone was settled, Adam spoke. “With this meal we celebrate the birth of our Savior. We remember how our God sent his son to take on human form that we might at last see his face. We remember that God himself came to dwell on earth, much as he once dwelt with the nation of Israel in the desert. Praise be to Jesus Christ our Lord.”

  A loud “Amen” rose from those gathered, and the meal commenced.

  Will Macpherson had insisted on sitting across from them, and all through the meal he captured Nola’s attention. Nola seemed not to mind, but she was so easygoing she wouldn’t hurt the other boy’s feelings by telling him to be quiet. Keifer followed her lead. It was Christmas after all, time for goodwill toward man and boy.

  But Keifer would be glad to see the Macphersons leave Moy. And he faced the fact that Will would have Nola’s attention all to himself when Keifer left this spring.

  He didn’t like the idea one bit.

  SIX

  March 1321

  NOLA PLAYED WITH HER LITTLE BROTHER while their mother sat spinning before the fire on a chilly spring morning. As she piled wooden blocks on top of each other, she stifled the resentment she felt. Her younger brother Tom would leave in two days to foster with a family on the western edge of the glen.

  Her father hoped Tom would find a wife there and strengthen ties with the clans on that border. And Keifer would leave soon as well. Would she never find a way to leave the glen, even for a short while?

  “I don’t see why I can’t go to the school in Edinburgh. If I can’t travel, at least I could learn about the places I’ll never see.”

  “I’m sorry, Nola. We can’t afford to send you to Edinburgh for such lessons.”

  “But Keifer is going to go away and Tom too. ’Tisn’t fair.”

  “Even if your father could spend such money, he wouldn’t let you go south while England continues to threaten invasion. No, you will have to content yourself with drawing. Or find some other pursuit.”

  Nola had been waiting for just such an opportunity. “Well, then, I should like to take lessons on your harp.”

  Her mother smiled. Nola had already learned all her mother could teach her on the instrument.

  “Perhaps Suisan Macpherson would agree to teach you. She is quite good.”

  Nola held back a groan. She had been hoping her mother would suggest the harpist in Inverlochy. Nola desperately wanted to see some of the world outside of their glen in the highlands.

  She sighed. At least the Macpherson keep lay half an hour’s walk away. Maybe she would be allowed to spend the night. It wasn’t much of an adventure, but it would have to do.

  THAT NIGHT AS SHE BRUSHED OUT HER HAIR, Gwenyth said to Adam, “I’m afraid we may have decided wrong when we chose not to foster Nola.”

  Adam walked over and sat on the bench next to her. “Why do you say that?”

  “She rather neatly manipulated me into asking Suisan Macpherson for harp lessons today. I fear Moy isn’t big enough for Nola’s adventurous nature.”

  “Lessons sound harmless enough.”

  “Far less harmful than the convent school in Edinburgh she asked for.”

  Adam smiled and Gwenyth laid down her brush. “You smile, but she was serious.”

  Adam tilted his head and looked thoughtful. “Is it too late? To foster her?”

  “Perhaps not.” She picked the brush up again and brushed absentmindedly.

  “We kept her here because you didn’t want to part with her.”

  “I remember how fosterage with my cousins led to my betrothal to my cousin Edward.”

  “Fostering is arranged with the possibility of such alliances in mind, love.”

  “I know. But look what a near disaster that became for me.”

  He grinned. “I remember.” He leaned over and kissed her, and she forgot the past and the future for a few minutes. Adam pulled away and Gwenyth raised her eyebrows.

  Again that devilish grin. “Perhaps later.”

  She swatted his arm. “I told Nola I would plead her case to you about the lessons.”

  “It seems to me that these lessons may afford an excuse to approach William and Suisan about fostering Nola. She would be close by where you could see her often.”

  “You hold no grudge against Suisan, do you?”

  “I’d be a fool to do otherwise. Her refusal to marry me ensured I’d be a free man when you showed up on my doorstep. I like William. He is an honest man who has led his faction of the Macpherson clan to prosperity they didn’t enjoy under Leod’s leadership. And Suisan is a gentle soul, though I think she is too protective of young Will.”

  She considered that before speaking. “Perhaps that is natural for a hen with one chick.”

  “Ah. No doubt that is so.”

  Gwenyth stroked the brush through her hair. “Am I holding too tightly to Nola by not letting her go farther away? I’m sure Morrigan and Fergus would love to have her.”

  “Perhaps they would, but I’d prefer to keep her within the glen. After the upheaval when my father died, I want to create a sense of unity among the clans in the federation. I’m not going to send a child to foster if there is no benefit to the clan. Certainly not just to satisfy her wanderlust. And our connection with Morrigan and Fergus is already sealed.”

  She laid down her brush and faced Adam. “You would like to foster her with William and Suisan to encourage a match between Nola and Will, wouldn’t you?”

  “Aye. Such a marriage would strengthen the federation.”

  “But what of my suspicions about her feelings for Keifer?”

  “I’m not against a match between Nola and Keifer, Gwenyth. But at least spending time with the Macpherson boy might open her eyes to the fact there are other men she might like.”

  “Aye. No harm in that. So, when will you talk to William? Their baby should be born soon. I had thought Nola and I would visit in the next day or so to see if Suisan needs anything.”

  “We’ll all go day after tomorrow and see this settled.” He took the brush from her hand. “Your hair shines like silk, wife. Come, let me muss it up again.”

  She smiled and went to him. And despite the passing of years and the birth of four children, Adam mussed his wife’s hair quite thoroughly.

  TWO DAYS LATER Adam and Gwenyth accompanied Nola to Inversie. A haggard William Macpherson greeted them at the door of the main hall.

  Fearing the worst, Gwenyth said, “William, have we come at a bad time, then?”

  He brushed his dark hair back with his fingers. “No, no. Come in. Suisan had the babe early this morning.”

  “How are they?”

  “Well enough. She has such a hard time birthing them, but all is well. Come, Gwenyth, Nola. I’m sure Suisan would be glad to show off our little lass.”

  Relieved to hear that Suisan and the baby were all right, Gwenyth followed William through the keep, Nola at her side. Suisan’s pale face and the crying of the child greeted them when they entered her chamber. A se
rvant came in with a tray, and Suisan handed the baby to Gwenyth to hold. To Gwenyth’s relief, Suisan ate well. Gwenyth peered into the little one’s face. “She’s a tiny thing, but she has a strong, lusty cry.” Gwenyth turned back to Suisan. “We came today to ask for harp lessons for Nola, once you have regained your strength.”

  “I would love to teach her. She plays well.”

  “Excellent. We thought perhaps Nola might pay for your time by helping with the babe.” Gwenyth didn’t want to bring up the issue of fosterage until Adam had a chance to discuss it with William first.

  “How do you feel about that, Nola?” Suisan asked.

  “I would very much like the lessons, my lady. And I could be very helpful.” Gwenyth wondered if Suisan sensed Nola’s lack of real enthusiasm. Nola enjoyed her little brothers but often begged off taking care of them. Perhaps if she fostered with Suisan, she could do other chores and leave the care of the babe to its mother.

  Gwenyth laid the now sleeping baby in her cradle and covered her. “We’ll let you rest, Suisan. I’ll make arrangements with William to send for Nola when you are ready.”

  When she and Nola rejoined the men in the main hall, Adam gave the briefest of nods. So, they had agreed. Now all that remained was to tell Nola.

  They rode home, talking about everything but what lay so heavily on Gwenyth’s heart. No matter that her daughter would be less than an hour’s walk away. She would miss her high spirits and willing hands with the work of running a castle.

  After the evening meal, Adam rose and asked them both to join him in the solar. He gestured to the bench. Gwenyth pushed aside the tapestry-covered pillows and sat down. Nola sat next to her, on the edge of the seat.

  Adam cleared his throat. Evidently he feared Nola’s reaction as much as Gwenyth herself did. “Nola, your mother and I have considered that you might be happier if you were to go away to foster with another family. I know you are older than most girls who leave home, but there is still time.”

  “I’m not unhappy, Da.”

  “Aye, you’re so happy that you would like to go to Edinburgh for harp lessons.”

  Nola grinned. “Well, I would like to see a bit of the world.

  Mother’s tales of Paris and seeing the world sound like great fun.”

  Gwenyth hoped to spare her daughter some of the pain that had accompanied her own journey. “You might travel thus with a husband one day.”

  Nola made a face. “I don’t think it likely I’ll marry such a man, do you? Especially if I never leave the glen to meet him.”

  Adam shook his head and smiled. “I’m afraid you’ll have to settle for a highlander, Nola. For better or worse.”

  Nola’s expression dimmed.

  Adam told Nola of the agreement he’d made with William Macpherson.

  She leaped to her feet. “Foster with the Macphersons? But you didn’t even ask me how I felt about it!”

  “Parents are not required to ask their children in such matters.

  Your mother and I believe this is best for you. You are wanting to escape the confines of Moy—here’s your chance.”

  Nola twisted her hands in her skirt material. “To live at Inversie!

  That wasn’t what I had in mind in the way of an adventure.”

  “Well, it will have to do for now. I’ll not send you out of the glen.”

  Hoping to soften the blow for her daughter, Gwenyth reminded Nola that Suisan truly needed her and that she was willing to provide Nola harp lessons.

  “The harp lessons will be welcome. But do not make plans for me to marry a highlander if the man is Will Macpherson.”

  “What’s wrong with Will?” Adam demanded. “Uniting our families and lands makes perfect sense.”

  “Maybe to you. But you won’t be the one tied to Will Macpherson the rest of your life!”

  “And I ask you again, what is wrong with the boy?”

  Gwenyth feared that the honest answer to this question was that he wasn’t Keifer.

  “I suppose nothing is wrong with him if you don’t mind a man who has no desire to leave the glen. He’s content to stay here.”

  Adam shook his head. “And what is wrong with that? Being at home in the glen is an attribute, something of which a man—or woman—can be proud.”

  Nola stared at Adam as if he had an extra head. “What’s wrong with wanting to travel?”

  Gwenyth hid her smile behind her hand. These two would never agree on this, she feared.

  “Besides, Will takes for granted that I will agree to a betrothal when we are of age. If I foster with them, he will be encouraged beyond bearing.”

  “Would such a betrothal be so awful?” Gwenyth asked.

  “It wouldn’t be if my heart didn’t belong elsewhere.”

  “I see.”

  Adam huffed out his breath. “There is no need to decide on your wedding plans tonight. I can accept that you don’t see Will as a potential husband, Nola. But I ask that you give him a chance.”

  Nola looked at her father. She straightened her spine and held her chin out in that stubborn way she’d done since the cradle. “And I will accept this fostering with grace if you will but grant me one boon.”

  Gwenyth felt her eyes grow larger. What would the girl demand?

  “What is that?” Adam asked, his expression wary.

  “Allow me to accompany you and Keifer when he leaves for training. ’Tis likely to be the only time in my life when I can leave this glen.”

  With an audible sigh of relief, Adam said, “Very well. You may go with us.”

  Nola spun on her heel and left the room.

  Adam looked at Gwenyth. “That went well, don’t you think?”

  AFTER THE SPRING THAW Adam and Nola accompanied Keifer on the journey to Homelea. Keifer could hardly wait to get there. The horses walked too slow, Nola talked too much, and Adam insisted on resting the horses too often.

  By the fifth day, Keifer had tired of even Nola’s company. They rode side by side with Adam in the lead.

  “. . . don’t you agree, Keifer?” Nola asked.

  “Agree?”

  “You weren’t listening.”

  “You talk all the time. How’s a man to know when you have something important to say?”

  “By listening, you great dolt.”

  Adam turned in the saddle. “Nola, that’s no way to speak to Keifer.”

  “He wasn’t paying any attention—’tis rude—”

  “Enough. Give us some peace, Nola.” Adam turned around.

  Nola stuck her tongue out at Keifer. Why he, a nearly grown man, must put up with a child of twelve, he didn’t know.

  In the absence of Nola’s chatter, he heard birds singing and the whisper of the breeze through the trees. But he couldn’t enjoy it when Nola was so obviously unhappy.

  Nola was no more a child than he was, if he would but admit it. She’d grown two inches in the past few months, and though he tried not to stare, he could not help but notice that the bodice on her tunic needed to be let out to accommodate . . . Keifer drew a deep breath and let it out. Aye, Nola was no longer a child. By the time he saw her next, she would be a woman in every way. He grinned at the thought.

  “What is so funny?” she demanded.

  “You.”

  “You think I’m a child, a pest. Well, I’m not.”

  “Not a pest or not a child?”

  He could see her struggling to be angry; saw her lose the battle when she smiled.

  “Truce?” she said.

  “Aye. But a few more minutes of quiet wouldn’t do me any harm.”

  She laughed, and all was right with Keifer’s world.

  Later that day they passed the site of the great battle for Stirling Castle along the Bannockburn. Adam’s accounting of his part in the battle fed Keifer’s agitation.

  “Soon I’ll be a knight and can take part in such a battle.”

  “You don’t have to be a knight to fight in a war,” Nola reminded him.
/>   “True, but I must become a fighter second to none in order to protect my family and my clan.”

  “Time, hard work, and a lot of bruises stand between you and those golden spurs you covet,” Adam said.

  “If a thing is worth striving for, the labor is not a burden.” Of course it wouldn’t be easy; Keifer never thought it would be. Why must Nola’s father always look at the dark side of things? Keifer refused to allow the man’s pessimism to dim the glory of his quest.

  Two days later they rode southeast from Edinburgh, and Homelea became visible atop a riverside cliff. As they approached, Keifer could barely contain his excitement. His dream was about to come true.

  Black Bryan Mackintosh was renowned for his skill with the claymore and his ability to fight from horseback. Keifer would be among an elite few chosen to train with the man.

  “Have you been here before, Da?” Nola asked.

  “Aye. I accompanied Sir Bryan when he first took possession of the place. ’Twas not much more than a fortified manor home at the time. I’m anxious to see the new fortifications Bryan talked about.”

  They rode across open land where sheep grazed outside of Homelea village. An abbey’s spire could be seen above the trees to the east.

  The smell of fresh-cut hay wafted on the breeze, and small stone cottages dotted the countryside.

  They passed over a causeway and entered Homelea’s gate. “These walls are new,” Adam said.

  “They look impenetrable,” Keifer said.

  “Aye. No one will breach them without heavy siege engines.”

  They crossed an open area that led to a second set of walls, far less impressive than the first. A wooden bridge guided them into a large bailey. The taller, fortified ramparts surrounded the bailey of a fortified manor home.

  The bailey teemed with people and livestock at midday. Chickens clucked and raced out of the path of the horses while dogs barked a cautious welcome. Someone ran to the keep, no doubt to announce the visitors.

  It reminded Keifer of Dunstruan, and he smiled at the memory.

  His family was less than a hundred miles away. Surely he would see them before he’d completed his training.

  Keifer dismounted and went to help Nola down from her horse.