Sisters of The Bruce 1292-1314 (Abridged Version )

Sisters of The Bruce Chapter 1.2

For a century or more, Scotland's relationship with England had been amicable with intermarriage between the royal families an accepted practice. But Wales now bore the imprint of the oppressor's heel upon its back and it was clear to some King Edward was set upon absorbing Scotland into his kingdom either by law or conquest.

When Alexander died, Scotland lost a fine king. In time, his heir, the little Maid of Norway – child of his daughter and her husband, Eric of Norway – followed him to his grave. Who would lead Scotland?

One who could see beyond futile despair was Robert Bruce, Lord of Annandale. As a competitor for Scotland's empty crown, he brought a great deal to the table: his lands, of course, but also his skills and unique abilities. His capacity to see the world from a broad perspective allowed him to reach beyond the fine mesh of details which often stymied the progress of others. With his Crusader past, immense wealth and powerful oratory, this remarkable man could accomplish much in the political arena.

Thirteen claimants presented their cases. After lengthy deliberation, only two remained. Both shared close ancestry with King David I, but the Bruce hereditary claim proved less substantial than his opponent's and his assertion – that King Alexander named the Lord of Annandale as his successor in the absence of a royal heir – was dismissed.

As a primary adjudicator by Scotland's invitation, England's astute monarch was well-placed to stymie the advancement of the powerful Bruce family. And when Edward chose John Balliol as the new King of Scots, the latter's supporters and Comyn kinfolk – enemies of the Bruce family – knew only relief and gratitude.

Who was this great ruler, Edward of England?

Longshanks they called him, and his presence cast a pall across the north. Bold as a hollow-bellied lion, he could scent weakness and the thrill of pursuit sent fiery blood coursing through his veins. Could King John withstand such an opponent? Robert Bruce knew it was only a matter of time before the fragile crust of peace crumbled and Scotland became a bloody quagmire.

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Undeterred, the Lord of Annandale forged ahead to bring the plan, which lay at the core of the Bruce family's long-held aspirations, to fruition. For his oldest grandson, he held a vision for the future – and determined the lad's father would have to make of it what he would.

Anger niggled at the earl's composure. Once more, he was found wanting by his father, the old Competitor, and the public shame amongst their friends and supporters at being passed over for the potential role of king was irksome in the extreme. As proud as Robert Bruce was of his young son, there was guilt there too, for he resented his many talents. Must he forever walk in his shadow? The solution came to him one dark and fretful night. If he could not be a king, then a king-maker he must be.

So it was that three generations of the Bruce family gathered in a shadowed chamber after negotiating a fragile alliance of sorts. Before the hissing flames of the fire, they stood, united at last in a common goal. All shared the Bruce family name of Robert though each was quite different in nature, purpose and ability. Given their noble past, none doubted it was their just right to acquire the crown but force alone would not win this prize. Careful timing and the strategic use of their resources might just tip the scales in their favour.

Over time, the Competitor passed his lands and title as Lord of Annandale to his son, Robert. The latter had obtained the earldom of Carrick by marriage and now with Marjorie's death, he passed this title to their son. The old man then relinquished his claim upon the crown in favour of his eighteen-year-old grandson, Robert. Elation shone across the young man's face to have been offered such an opportunity though it was tempered by a healthy dose of awe, for this quest now rested upon his shoulders alone. Indeed, Lady Marjorie would have been pleased tonight to see her eldest son, the new Earl of Carrick, so honoured. Firelight flickered across hopeful faces as they raised their goblets to Scotland and its crown.

It is as well that foresight is denied mere mortals. Had they known the terrible price they would have to pay to achieve their goal, their steps may have faltered and turned from such a perilous path; their actions would ultimately fracture their beloved family and the country they so revered.