Sisters of The Bruce 1292-1314 (Abridged Version )

Sisters of The Bruce: Pt 2 Chapter1.2

                                                                                             II

Scotland

February 1307

It was to Tioram – the castle of his kinswoman and ally, Lady Christina of Gamoran – that Robert the Bruce headed following his sojourn in Orkney. Braving the heaving ocean around Cape Wrath, the most north-westerly point of mainland Scotland, the galleys sailed down through the unpredictable waters of the Minch to the Isle of Skye. A close watch was kept on the dark cliffs for the flare of signal fires and along the craggy shoreline, for hostile vessels. On through the passage among the many small isles of the Inner Hebrides, their vessels dipped and rose in the grey seas. At times, their skin turned bitter-blue, and the days were dismal and short.

Much refreshed and feeling the best he had for many months now they were on the move, Robert ordered the galleys into a narrow inlet, where they dropped anchor and were pulled up onto a series of rocky nousts. His overall plan was for a short stop to reconnoitre the area; seeking out additional resources of men and boats, weaponry and food. One ship containing his brothers, Alexander and Thomas, had already been dispatched to Antrim in Ireland to locate Angus og Macdonald who had been wintering there, foregathering gallowglasses and vessels in support of the king over the past few months.

Set on a small isthmus, the castle was situated in a sea loch surrounded by well-treed hills. At high tide, the spit of land became an island which offered further security. With the red rampant lion on gold flying high in the stiff breeze, the king's vessel was identified well before the craft reached the shore. Other galleys, bearing the distinctive Gamoran crest – a long black fish beneath a galley – were lined up together. Atop a stone parapet, a woman stood staring out to sea. A band of warriors gathered, ready to accompany the visitors over the rocky walkway and up to the gates of the castle. Some wore plaids – claymores and dirks no doubt hidden amongst the folds of thick, woollen cloth. Others were clad in knee-length saffron tunics. Imposing swords in carved scabbards hung at their sides.

From the rough, natural harbour of flat rock, Robert and his men proceeded to the Great Hall where lavish supplies of food and drink were provided as part of the normal ritual of generous highland hospitality. Still the lady of the house failed to present herself. It was only at the end of the meal that a message arrived at the high table requesting the king visit the private solar of Lady Christina. Edward offered a broad, speculative smile and winked at Robert, concluding the king would take up the good lady's offer of hospitality. At their last visit, he believed this had included a great deal more than mere food and shelter, and of which Edward, himself, would have liked to partake. With great dignity, the king ignored the ribaldry of his incorrigible brother and left to attend the lady as requested.

High up in her solar, Christina gazed across the sound. The shrill cries of terns and gulls were caught on the wind and the hoarse bark of seals could be heard from the far rocky shore. Upon the walls of the chamber, tapestries of powerful hunting scenes hung from wooden poles. Here and there upon stone flags lay the hides of deer. Over in the corner, Christina's bed was most unusual, carved as it was in the shape of a broad-based galley with a thick, heather mattress upon which lay a sumptuous mix of furs. Robert entered through the arched door way. Christina turned.

Her expression carried such pain and sorrow it stopped him in his tracks. Tears filled her almond-shaped eyes, spilling down a face that was flawless in its beauty. Free of any veil or gold filet, her dark hair lay draped across white shoulders. She was not dressed in any definite attempt at allure but, nonetheless, Robert caught his breath at the sight of her. A saffron gown, trimmed with red brocade at the hips, enhanced her slender form, whilst leather-toggled boots graced her narrow feet.