Valan exhaled a breath of air as Ailsa stepped out on the landing beside him. Their whole lives were turned upside down since he was named a captain yesterday and Valan barely had time to think. He glanced over at her with an encouraging smile and stepped forward to the portcullis entrance.
Two guards acknowledged Valan and his mother with a nod before letting them through the entry. Colorful tapestries hung along the interior and lined the wall to the courtyard. Woven into the fabric was the image of Kisimul, and birlinn ships lined up along the coast. They depicted the clan’s history—seamen and pirates of the western Hebrides. It was an impressive display of artistry and skill that paid homage to their past. He swallowed hard at the sight of them and continued on into the courtyard. Ailsa walked along the path next to him as servants wandered across the grounds, preparing for the ceremony.
A voice called out to them, saying, “Captain Valan! I wondered when ye’d arrive—much later than I’d expected.”
He turned and glanced up to find Laird MacNeil gazing down at him from the parapet. Ailsa curtsied instantly, casting her gaze toward the floor.
“Good day, my laird,” Valan addressed him. “I apologize fer making ye wait. There were a few things in the village that needed my attention before I came. I hope ye understand.”
The regal lord of their Scottish clan met his gaze and descended the narrow steps. His coat swished down across his knees as he came towards them, saying, “Yer tardiness is forgiven. However, I would plan on avoiding that mistake in the future. I trust ye’re ready fer this eve?”
He nodded. “Aye.”
“Good. The others should be arriving soon, and we’ll have the naming ceremony after.”
The laird’s eyes flickered to Ailsa standing next to him and he smiled before turning his attention back toward Valan.
“Now, of course, ye already ken the oath that ye’ll be taking is tae my daughter Claire. Allegiance tae Clan MacNeil comes before everything else—including the laird. She is the future of our clan, and it’s my intention tae leave her the strongest forces we can offer. That is why I require all the captains within the Barra tae swear fealty, so that when I’m gone her legacy is secure.”
“I understand.”
The man nodded, as he glanced pointedly around the courtyard. “I keep the walls closed off fer a reason. This castle has ne’er been successfully sieged. Why dae ye think that is?”
“I dinnae ken.”
A twinkle of amusement lit the old man’s eyes. “Well, tae start, the walls are thick enough tae withstand cannon fire, even if our ships cannot. Second,” he pointed to a narrow passageway on the side of the kitchens, where a well had been built into an internal wall. “Unlike the other castles built at sea, we have access tae fresh water. It flows from an underground stream running off the island. Our attackers can try tae starve us out, but they’ll run out of fresh water before we will—their boats are surrounded by salt.”
Valan nodded at the observation.
The laird set his jaw aggressively and took another step toward him. “Most importantly, however, is that I am careful who I let inside. We’re nae often receiving visitors up here in the Barra, but those who make it tae our borders are suggested nae tae linger. I value my privacy, and that of our clan. The more ye know about someone, the easier it is tae sniff out their weakness.”
A chill ran down Valan’s spine. Even though his words were kind, the way he said them came out like a warning.
“Take a few moments tae ponder on our history and reflect in the chapel if it pleases ye. I’ll have Gregor come collect ye when the hall is ready.”
“Aye, my laird.”
A short while later, ships began arriving from the village. The first vessel brought Graeme and Elspeth, along with the other captains. They all talked excitedly while stepping out onto the landing.
As soon as Valan spotted them, he made his way over to where they stood. “Thank ye fer coming. I ken it isn’t easy with Elspeth’s condition.”
Graeme nodded as he helped his wife safely to the entrance, looking over at him with cool, grey eyes. “Of course. We would nae miss it.”
Valan bobbed his head appreciatively, glad that his friend and mentor would be with him for the ceremony. Just then, Ailsa tugged at Valan’s sleeve and gestured for them to head back to the great hall. More villagers continued to arrive, followed by Kent and Alistair, along with other seamen that knew him well.
The walls were lined with sconces, crackling torches that illuminated the stone fortress. When they made it to the great hall, Valan took his mother to her seat and then joined the other captains at the front of the room. The hall was near overflowing and it filled him with emotion to see the outpouring of support. As he gazed out at the crowd, the weight and responsibility of what would soon be happening settled on him.
He glanced down at the silver ring on his finger—the captains crest—and it gave him courage.
Valan knew Laird MacNeil would not have chosen him if he didn’t honestly believe that Valan was capable of the task. Even if he truly hated him, as Valan suspected he did, the laird wouldn’t risk the loss of income.
While he took comfort in that knowledge, the remaining villagers took their seats. Beside him, the other three captains, Graeme, James, and Alexander, stood at the head of the hall on either side of the laird. Lady Claire sat next to him—like always—dressed in a pale blue gown that matched her eyes. Her dark tresses were plaited into a loose braid at the side of her neck and the clan tartan draped across her shoulders.
Laird MacNeil and his daughter stared out across the crowd and everyone began to hush. He stood up to address them, saying, “Good friends, clansmen of the Barra, we are gathered here fer a singular purpose. Tae swear in the newest captain of our legion, Valan MacNeil.”
The laird gestured for Valan to come nearer and placed his hand on the hilt of his blade. Valan could feel their eyes on him as he came to stand in front of the cushioned chairs.
Laird MacNeil raised an eyebrow and stared back at him expectantly. After an awkward pause, Valan knelt to the ground and rested his hand upon his knee.
This seemed to please him, and the laird continued, saying, “Valan, ye have proven yerself tae be a man of honor—one of great strength and moral fiber. Ye’ve also proven tae be a cunning seaman. The men love ye, and I can think of nae one better with a sword. Ye’ve worked hard and earned a place within our ranks. ’Tis my privilege tae bestow on ye the title of captain.”
Valan bowed his head as the laird reached out to place his hand on Valan’s forehead, anointing him with authority. The crowd applauded, and he could feel his cheeks grow flush.
The laird pulled back his hand and said, “’Tis customary fer the other captains tae welcome ye into their ranks by swearing loyalty and brotherhood between ye. Graeme has asked tae be the first tae speak.”
Valan swallowed the lump in his throat and turned to see his mentor approaching from the side. Laird MacNeil stepped back and watched as Graeme placed his hand on Valan’s shoulder, saying, “Valan, as a captain of the Barra, I vow tae be loyal and true tae my brothers-at-sea. We are bound together by salt and blood, and we fight and die as one.”
Graeme looked him in the eyes and nodded before stepping back into the line. It meant a great deal to him having the support of a man he held in such high esteem. He breathed out slowly through his nose to maintain composure and waited for the others to take their turn.
James and Alexander repeated the same rhythmic vow, placing a hand on Valan’s shoulder and looking him squarely in the eye. As the last man finished his oath and took his place along the wall, the laird stepped forward again, this time gesturing to his daughter. “Claire, if ye’d be so kind.”
Now, all eyes turned to the young beauty sitting next to him and waited for her response. Claire stood, and looked down at Valan with a smile. Her blue eyes seemed to pierce through him and reflect the importance of her words. “Sir, it is the will of my
lord father that each of his captains swear an oath of fealty—first, tae the clan, and then tae me. This is nae the custom of our neighbors on the mainland, but how we’ve chosen tae ensure the line of succession. ’Tis my fate tae one day lead our clan, and fer that tae occur, I require the loyalty and service of all those who dwell within our lands. In return, I vow tae serve our people tae the best of my ability. Captain Valan, if ye would repeat after me.”
He nodded stiffly.
“As a captain of the Barra, I promise tae serve and honor the people of Clan MacNeil. From the walls of Kisimul tae the wind-tossed sea, I will serve with dignity and honor.
I will uphold the traditions of a noble Scot, and fight alongside my crew whatever the cost.
I will nae fear the sea, or whatever it holds in store. As the men serve me with their sweat and blood, I protect them with my own.
My life, sword, and allegiance are bound tae the men of Clan MacNeil by salt and blood.”
As he listened to her speak, a wave of intense emotion struck him. They were not just words from a frivolous custom—they were real, and he felt it deep within his soul. He meant every word. Valan repeated the captain’s oath in an even tone, reciting exactly what Claire had spoken.
As he knelt before her, Valan saw a woman—not as the wee lass he grew up with—but as the true leader of the clan. She was not a child anymore, she was magnificent.
She took a steadying breath before continuing. “I pledge myself tae the Lady of Kisimul, Claire MacNeil, in life and death. Long may she reign.”
He repeated the phrase and stared back at her in wonder. “I pledge myself tae the Lady of Kisimul, Claire MacNeil, in life and death. Long may she reign.”
The crowd erupted in a cheer and he broke eye contact, glancing over to his mother. Laird MacNeil dismissed them with a few parting words and was escorted from the hall by his guard. With his departure, the crowd dispersed, and Ailsa came to embrace him. Her hands trembled as she held him, fighting back tears. “Well done, laddie. I’m so proud of ye.”
“As am I,” Graeme interjected from the side.
Valan and his mother turned to see Graeme and James, the other captain, grinning.
“Welcome tae the inner circle,” James told him with a laugh. “Come and get a drink with us. We’re in the mood tae celebrate.”
Valan glanced over to his mother uncertainly and Ailsa laughed. “What are ye looking at me fer? Ye dinnae need my permission. Go and make merry with yer lads. It’s been a long day, and ye deserve it.”
“Are ye sure?”
Ailsa placed her hand against his cheek. “Aye. I’ll row back tae the village with Kent and Alistair, they’ll see me tae the cottage.”
He nodded. “Very well. I suppose a drink is in order.”
Ailsa bid them farewell while Graeme and Alexander put their arms around Valan’s shoulders and led him from the great hall. The three of them carefully made their way out onto the landing with Elspeth and James following close behind.
She held out her hand to be helped with climbing on board the rowboat. With her growing belly, Valan imagined it would be more difficult to maintain her balance than before. Once the five of them were secure, the men rowed the boat across the bay. It only took a few minutes for them to reach the other side and arrive at the dock of the village.
Valan quickly jumped out and tied the boat along the dock while Graeme and Elspeth stepped ashore. Alexander and James clapped their hands on Valan’s shoulder and started off toward the tavern. When they were halfway through the village Alexander turned to him and asked, “So, how are ye feeling? I imagine ye’ve got some mixed emotions.”
He chuckled. “I’ll admit, the honor of becoming captain was completely unexpected. I’m nae really sure what happens now.”
“Ye tackle each challenge as it comes,” James informed him. “The laird is many things, but he’s nae a fool. He chose ye fer a reason. Ye’ll find that strength within yerself soon enough.”
The five of them wound through the streets of Castlebay until arriving at The Salty Wench. Aside from Kisimul, it was the largest building on the island. The rundown, two-story building had storm shutters nailed shut across every window and featured a wooden sign with a buxom woman holding a tankard of ale. It was a cornerstone of their community and many of the seamen would come to congregate there when they were home. The red-haired owner of the establishment, Bess, greeted them at the door and said, “Back already? I thought the old coot would keep the lot of ye well into the night.”
Graeme rolled his eyes and said, “Aunt Bess, we’ve talked about this…”
She sighed, placing her hand against her hips and gestured for them to come inside. “As ye wish, I’ll keep my opinions tae myself. I’m just glad ye’re home. Come get something tae eat—I’m sure ye must be starving.”
Valan nodded, following the others through the doorway. “Thank ye, Bess.”
Bess winked at him. “Of course, anything fer the young captain. Congratulations, Valan. I’m most delighted fer ye.”
As soon as they went inside, Bess and Elspeth wandered back onto the kitchens and the delicious smell of cooked meats and apples wafted out into the dining area. The large, central room was filled with tables and plenty of seating. On the back wall was a wide door that opened up into the kitchens and a narrow stairwell that gave access to the living quarters. It was a simple design, but provided everything the establishment needed.
Graeme led them all to a nearby table and Valan slid onto the bench across from him to enjoy an evening meal. James motioned to the bar wench while slapping his other hand down on the table. The girl came up to them with a tray of drinks and set them on the table, saying, “Welcome, lads. Can I get ye anything tae eat?”
“Aye, we’ll each have one of the sausage and leek pies,” Valan informed her with a smile.
She grinned at him seductively and said, “Coming right up,” before walking back into the kitchens.
Alexander scoffed. “Enjoy it while ye can, lad. One of these days ye’ll settle down and bonnie young lasses like her will nae be paying ye any mind.”
Valan barked a laugh and said, “I dinnae plan on marrying any time soon. Honestly, I cannae see myself marrying at all.”
“That’s right, Valan has taken a vow of bachelorhood,” Graeme told them with amusement.
James raised an eyebrow. “So, dae ye plan on living as a monk? Or…are ye nae attracted tae the ladies?”
Graeme snorted loudly, crossing his arms in front of his chest. “Quite the opposite. He’s informed me on many occasions that nae lass could ever be enough fer him.”
“Rubbish,” Alexander muttered. “All that proves is ye haven’t met her yet. Ye’re still young and have a lot tae learn. I’ll tell ye one thing, lad,… when ye dae find her it will strike ye hard as lighting.”
Valan chuckled. “Lighting, eh?”
“Aye.”
The lass came back with a tray of food and placed it on the table in front of them. “Valan, I understand ye’re a captain now. Is it true?”
He nodded, saying, “Aye. We had the naming ceremony this very eve.”
“Well, allow me tae extend my congratulations.”
“Thank ye.”
She reached over to pick up the tray and leaned in to expose a hint of her ample bosom. “Come by later, and I’ll show ye personally.”
When she walked away from them, both James and Alexander whistled. “Like I said, enjoy it while ye can.”
Valan snickered while picking up his tankard. “I intend tae. Now if we’re done talking about my sex life, could we discuss the topic at hand?”
“I thought that was the topic at hand,” Graeme teased.
Valan rolled his eyes and took a long drink from the tankard in his hand, saying, “How dae ye do it, Graeme? I’ve sailed with ye fer years and watched as ye accomplish seemingly impossible feats, while earning the respect and loyalty of yer crew. Ye make it look so easy, and yet I ken that i
s nae the case.”
Graeme, the dark-haired seaman, raised an eyebrow. “’Tis kind of ye tae say. Though it was rough in the beginning. I’ll admit I’ve been fortunate in the years since then.”
Casting his gaze toward the table, Valan sighed. “Dae ye have any advice?”
Alexander cleared his throat and interjected, saying, “The first thing ye need tae dae is find a quartermaster—someone ye can trust. That decision will either make or destroy yer legacy as captain, so choose wisely.”
Graeme and James both nodded in agreement.
“The most important thing about leading the men at sea is letting them ken that they can trust ye. Ye need tae have confidence in yerself, so they feel like they can trust ye. If ye start tae doubt yerself, that is when yer role as captain ends. Dinnae show them weakness. Any doubts ye have must be put aside and dealt with privately. When it comes tae the crew, be bold—dinnae question yerself, or let anyone else dae it fer that matter.”
Valan nodded thoughtfully.
“Oh, and one more thing…”
“What?”
“Dinnae ever cross the laird unless ye want tae see him fer the monster that he is.”
The three veteran captains nodded in agreement.
Valan tilted his chin in understanding and said, “I will nae forget.”
Two months later…
CHAPTER THREE
Castle Varrich, Sunderland
“I dinnae understand what’s happening,” Lady Bridget told her father. “Now we’re setting sail tomorrow? I thought we had a few more days before we left fer Castle Strome.”
She walked beside him through the courtyard, holding up her skirts. The news was sudden, and it raised a whole series of answered questions.
Laird MacKay chuckled as he placed a hand upon her shoulder. “’Twas nae an easy decision. Fionn and I had a long discussion about it yesterday, and we both think it’s fer the best. It’s complicated, dearie.”
Rescued by Valan (The Pirates of Barra: Highland Raiders) Page 2
