Sisters of The Bruce 1292-1314 (Abridged Version )

Sisters of The Bruce Chapter 6.1&2

                                                                                                   I

Scotland

Kildrummy Castle

February 1296

Isa, dear heart,

I have delayed writing – such is our news - and had best begin at the beginning. A few weeks before New Year after a long night and day of birth pangs, Isabella gave birth too early. Despite being bruised and battered, the babe continues to thrive. Rob called her Marjorie – a name we all cherish. Some time later, Isabella faded from our lives; her blood staining the bed linen and running onto the chamber floor. Our brother was as pale as the snow-covered ground in which we buried Isabella. Entrusting Marjorie to our care, Rob left after the funeral. Fate has dealt him a heavy blow.

Yuletide was a silent, gloomy affair. At its end, our relief was palpable. A wet nurse sees to Marjorie's needs. Strangely, our lives are uplifted by her precious birth. Mathilda plays with her, and Margaret tries to carry her with swaddling, dragging and catching on the rushes from cradle to bed. Mary inspects her daily as she would lamb or calf and assures us of her fine condition. The poor bairn puts up with my attempts at the old Gaelic lullabies. She ceases her wails and focuses dark eyes upon me, intent upon the strange warble issuing from my lips.

To escape the grieving household, Isabella's father left for the Scottish parliament where the treaty with France was ratified. Dire times lay ahead. Some of the Scots raided across the border to Wark Castle - an unsuccessful surprise attack. Others moved south, burning, pillaging on their way to capture Carlisle Castle. Without siege engines, it was an impossible task. You may have heard Father and Robert commanded the garrison. Believe me when I say they had no choice. The Comyns would have every Bruce dead or in exile. Thus for a while, we fight for the English king if only to survive.

After only a day or two, the Scots' earls retired. Full of bile, King Edward moved his armies north. On 30 March, Berwick, that most industrious Scottish border town of traders, merchants and artisans, was placed under siege. Edward's army poured over the defences - a paltry ditch and palisade. Some eight thousand citizens – men, women and children – were killed; bodies left to rot in the streets or thrown into the sea. Flemish traders barricaded themselves into their headquarters. When soldiers set the Red Hall ablaze, those within perished.

The garrison commander parleyed for an honourable surrender but, when the castle's gates were opened, most were put to the sword. Sir William Douglas is lucky to be alive after the tirade he launched upon his captors. Berwick's fate caused many a heart to harden against Edward. King John's army crossed to Dunbar Castle where the earl's wife hoaxed guards into opening the gates to the Scots, whilst her lord husband was away supporting the English.

In April, Father was summoned to attend King Edward at Salisbury to swear fealty and gather his troops; Scots once more fighting Scots – it will be the downfall of our country! At Dunbar, Balliol's army was routed: many, killed and captured. Afterwards, some one hundred nobles were sent to the Tower including  the earls of Atholl, Mar, Ross and Menteith who led the force which occupied Dunbar Castle.

Garnait was overwrought to learn his father awaits his fate in the Tower. The veritable heart of Scotland has been clawed out, Isa, and flung as carrion to the crows.

Kirsty

                                                                                               II

Norway

Bergen

April 1296

My dear Kirsty,

Poor Isabella – to die after so much pain. A sore blow indeed for Rob and the child. It is difficult to comprehend our country's ruination after Dunbar. Words fail me... all I have are prayers for the living as well as for the dead.

Isa