Sisters of The Bruce 1292-1314 (Abridged Version )

Sisters of The Bruce Chapter 14.1-5

                                                                                                   I

Bergen

Norway

March 1304

My dear Kirsty,

With the winter gales thrashing the seas, Murchadh took a break after the death of his father. Your missive recounted a tale of horror and woe. It worried me. Your safety may soon be threatened and I urge you to devise a plan lest you find yourselves in a dank, airless prison. Murchadh could bring you here or, if this is too far, another alternative may be possible. Do you recall all those years ago, when I was brought here, we were offered respite from our journey on Orkney? It was at the Kirkwall manor of Jon Magnusson, Earl of both Orkney and Caithness.

After King Eric's death, I arranged the betrothal of Inga to the widowed earl, but the poor man died, and King Haakon passed the wardship of his son and heir to Master Weland. It was a great honour and a measure of the king's trust and respect for his royal councillor. The latter then engineered an accord with King Edward to regain control of the earldom's lands in Caithness, but I wager the Norse king brought his considerable charm and ability to bear upon the matter. Most fortunate are we to have such a strong ally on Orkney. Surely Weland can find an isle where you would be safe from prying eyes. Consider this well, dear one, sooner rather than later.

Isa

                                                                                                        II

Scotland

Kildrummy Castle

March 1304

Isa, dear heart,

You are right: our lives have become less predictable, but I cannot leave here without Donald and, given he is the Earl of Mar, he should not leave his people. If Garnait were here, he would agree with me. If it comes to it, the children and whoever would wish to leave may go with Murchadh to a place of safety. I cannot speak to Rob concerning Marjorie, but trust he would want her kept out of harm's way.

When the time comes, I shall make the arrangements. Should I be unable to put pen to paper I will contrive, somehow, to send a sealed parchment containing a bird's feather. If you or Murchadh receive such a thing, I ask the brave captain to proceed with all haste to Kildrummy.

Kirsty

                                                                                                         III

Scotland

Kildrummy Castle

April 1304

Isa, dear heart,

Sad tidings! Father is dead and lies now at Holm Coltram Abbey in Cumberland. I am adrift in a sea of memories and pray that he finds peace.

Given our family's vulnerable standing in England, Robert requested that the Honour of Huntington be assigned to him as the rightful heir. King Edward is known for following lawful proceedings, but if our brother makes a misstep, our estates at Writtle and Hatfield Broad Oak could be parceled off to one of Edward's knights. These are perilous times.