Sisters of The Bruce 1292-1314 (Abridged Version )

Sisters of The Bruce Chapter 4.4

Norway

Bergen

November 1294

My dear Kirsty,

Two weeks have passed and my parchment still rests within my kist. When the weather turned foul, the captain delayed his departure. The sky, bruised and black, shed a torrent of rain. The harbour was a heaving mess of masts: vessels, tossed on waves so high sometimes it seemed they would vault over the rock walls. Peace reigns at last.

On the morrow, Fearghas expects to leave so I must share my unrest with you in a brief dispatch – just for yourself and Mary mind. Now, we reside in the royal apartments atop the tower and Aiofe spends her time staring from the windows. Silly dolt tells me she keeps watch lest the sea monster writhes over the sea wall and slithers, one can only guess, up the stairwell to tap on our door with a slimy tentacle. As if I am not taxed enough by my predicament, my patience wears thin and I have sent her to the harbour for some hairpins of which I have no need.

I am not yet with babe though am asked on a regular basis by my husband. He tells me his councillors have requested he make a greater effort. A son is required. I fear this will become a sore trial if I am not with child soon. My womb has bled so heavily on occasions Thora asked the midwife to check my body. This is far better than enduring the ministrations of the burly court doctor and his grimy, kneading paws. The king tells me he prays to Frey, god of fertility, and for me to do the same but to Freya, his twin sister, goddess of love and sex.

This does not sit well with me. I go to the Kristkirke and pray to St Sunniva whom the bishop assures will offer guidance. Her story is most curious. Having escaped from danger in lands to the west, she sailed across and made landfall on an island near here. When warriors appeared, she hid with her retainers in a cave and prayed the rocks at the cave's entrance would crash down which they did, saving her initially. Much later, a strange luminosity was sighted over the island. The king and local clerics went to investigate. Upon opening the cave, they found her body perfectly preserved. She was bought to Bergen, canonised by the Pope and here she rests.

Being a countrywoman, I hoped she might aid me. I implored her for help. My knees are red and swollen from kneeling so long in the cold cathedral and my back aches. Gundred whispered she knew a volva, a seer who lives on the other side of the hills. She has amulets for just such things. Did I wish her to go there for me? If only Mother were here, she would know what ails me.

Isa