Sisters of The Bruce 1292-1314 (Abridged Version )

Sisters of The Bruce Chapter 11.2,3&4

                                                                                           II

Norway

Bergen

May 1301

My dear Kirsty,

I worry about you Isa, and pray you are delivered of a healthy babe.

When anyone asks Inga how old she is, she tilts her head and puts up four fingers. Just now, Bethoc plaits her hair into braids over which she will tie a fringed scarf. In her white undershirt and braided, dark blue pinafore, she looks a typical Norse maid. Soon we are off to the royal apartments to visit the queen and six month old Ingebjorg.

In summer, we are hoping to go out in our own boat. As part of my dower, I received a vessel of my own, captained by Kettil. With a scar running from eye to jaw line, he is not a pretty sight but he adores Inga and she delights in being carried about on his shoulders.

Do you remember Hauk? After a tortuous courtship, Thora agreed to be his wife. In taking this step, he  gave up much for only single men can remain in the world of the huskarl. In view of the couple's loyal service, King Haakon offered them a longhouse and farm up in the Sognefjord to the north of Bergen. Meanwhile, Thora's father gifted a vessel for fishing and trading to supplement their income. Thora has asked us to visit her soon. She will be lonely, living so far away from all she knows.

Some weeks back, a peculiar tale came to light. Many folk believe King Eric's first daughter did not die, but was kidnapped! Stranger still, a young woman arrived from Germany claiming to be the, now adult, Maid of Norway. Down by the harbour, crowds gathered to talk and wonder. King Haakon ordered her execution and the site of her death is now a place of pilgrimage. It is a strange tale, especially in light of the fact that Eric viewed Margaret's body before she was buried beside her mother. Could grief have clouded his sight?

At last, Bethoc  and Inga, dragon painting proudly in hand, are ready to depart. 

Stay safe, dear ones.

Isa

                                                                                                       III

Scotland

Kildrummy Castle

November 1301

Isa, dear heart,

Forgive me, I was remiss not to pass on our congratulations to the queen on the birth of her daughter. And our little Inga is four years on this earth! Time passes at such a pace.

Keeping everyone safe during these trying times – bellies full and bodies warm – these are our challenges. A few weeks back, a dark-haired mite arrived one still, clear night. Garnait blessed her with his mother's name. Praise God! Ellen and I remain in good health.

In May, King Edward wrote a letter to the Pope concerning Scotland's claims of independence. Despite bouts of ill-health, Garnait raged about this news. The document was full of untruths meant to defend English aggression. Meanwhile, another delegation departed en route to the Papal Curia. Later in the summer, King John Balliol was released from Papal custody and allowed to go with fewer restrictions to his family home. Midyear, Edward's army returned for yet another campaign. This time the host was split in two: the larger group at Berwick was led by the monarch himself. It moved up Tweeddale in an attempt to seal off the forest, home to our rebels.

In the west, Prince Edward led a smaller army from Carlisle into Dumfrieshire and Ayrshire. Supply ships from English bases in Ireland sailed into the Solway. Trying to pressure Edward's host from the north, the Scots were out in force around Stonehaven. The king planned to build such strength in the southwest so that communications would be severed. But Prince Edward's army, having kept to the coast to maintain contact with his supply ships, proceeded only as far as Whithorn before being harassed. With the Scots worrying and nipping, the planned pincer movement almost failed but, in September, Bothwell Castle fell to King Edward. Somehow, the prince's army forged north capturing our beloved Turnberry, moving on to join his father's host for the winter in Linlithgow. Starving foot soldiers deserted unhindered and a truce from October's end till next May was set in place. Longshanks rode back to England. Wallace's strategy of burnt earth paid off; our enemies unable to live off the land.

Snow drifts delay Drustan's passage and my parchment gathers dust. To the south, famine ravages the land, despoiled by troops of both sides. Farmers and townsfolk were told to carry what they could and move stock up into the hills. Starvation and sickness are rife. Now, the weary trek home to burnt-out farms and buildings begins.

Two days past, Robert and Edward rode in with their men, reeling with fatigue. Floraidh and the maids attended to weeping sores and lice-ridden bodies. Overseen by Mary, Talorc moved into the stables to be close to the men's horses,  all in a desperately poor state. They require much attention lest they become food for the hounds. In the group was one we had not seen for a long time, the brother of Seonaid and Marthoc. We all thought him dead. Such a welcome Dughall received from his sisters.

When Mhairi and Aonghas saw the sorry state of the men, they rushed to the kitchen. In the Great Hall, the men ate their fill of neep brose and honey wafers. For once, silence prevailed. Most notable, because of his height and girth, is fair-haired Christopher Seton whose ready smile and kind eyes caught my attention. This morn, the aroma of beef and barley broth and bannocks wafts about the bailey - our hoarded supplies put to good use.

Subdued and wary of the visitors, the children stay put in the nursery engrossed with a new set of puppies: tiny replicas of their wolfhound mother.

It is comforting to have Rob and Edward at Kildrummy – if only they could stay until after Yuletide for their wounds lie deeper still: the rift with Father festers like a thorn embedded in flesh. How can one family be so torn apart?

Despite all of this, the lads are safe. They send their love and blessings to you and Inga, as do we all.

Kirsty

                                                                                                         IV

Norway

Bergen

November 1301

My dear Kirsty,

A short despatch! Murchadh is eager to depart before the weather changes. I was relieved to hear of Ellen's safe arrival and that you survived the ordeal. It seems strange to me that mother experienced so many births, though each one must have weakened her. I fear I do not have such strength in me.

How frightening are the events unfolding in our land! It is as well our brothers sought respite. Pray God the good care they receive from you all will keep them strong.

Your loving sister

Isa