The Destiny Stone

Chapter One

THE HIGHLANDS 1296

The King's Messenger stood in the doorway.

Late spring air cooled as the sun slid towards a dark serrated horizon. Curls of blue smoke served as a beacon, guiding the Messenger towards the warmth of the peat fire burning gently, before dissolving into the Highland mist gathering over the settlement.

The heat rejuvenated his limbs, weary after carrying him for three days to this remote outpost of humanity. Fire-glow cast a gently flickering light into the room, illuminating the faces of the family who sat quietly, contemplating the patterns dancing in the flames, and the cattle standing at the far end, downwind, away from the hearth.

"Is this the house of Taine Rory Mhor?"

Startled by the figure silhouetted against the setting sun, they eyed the stranger with suspicion. "Who is asking, friend or no?"

"I have a message from John De Balliol himself, for the ears of his cousin only. If that is you sir, then I ask you to step out into the air."

Taine moved through his brothers and their offspring. This house was the focal point of their small settlement. Everyone gathered here for the evening meal, to eat, talk, and discuss important matters.

News of the invaders from the south had reached even this remote settlement, and contact from the King himself could mean only one thing.

"John De Balliol commands that you travel with me to Gowrie. Edward Longshanks advances from Berwick with his army and the King intends the lineage not be broken or spoiled with impurity."

Taine had expected to be asked to supply soldiers to help the King.

"Gather your brothers, and cousins. Tell them to assemble with their families here at noon tomorrow."

Taine frowned. "I don't understand. What use does the King have for women and children?"

"Only he can tell you that. All I know is you must make preparations for a great journey and you shall never return to this place."

Taine Rory Mhor had sworn unquestioning loyalty to his cousin, the King of Alba. Being asked to give up not just his home, land and livestock, but that of his entire family could only mean one thing.

Four days later, Taine, his six brothers and twelve male cousins met with the King at Scone Abbey to discover their fate.

"My faithful cousins," the King said. "I have brought you to the seat of our kingdom to entrust the fate of Alba into your loyal hands. Edward continues to undermine my rule, challenge my authority and question my control. He plans to subjugate our people. He thinks me a fool, but I intend to turn this to my advantage and ensure the sovereignty of the people of Scotia for a thousand years. It will be Edward and his line who will find themselves fools and untruthful kings."

King John led Taine through the Abbey cloisters towards the clinking of metal upon stone. They walked down a steep flight of thick stone steps into a small chapel. The sound grew louder, more rhythmic and quicker in succession as if being made by more than one person.

Light from a single window beamed into the small space, catching the dust as it drifted up from where two masons worked, carefully and precisely chiseling at one of the large flagstones. As the king descended into the chapel, they stopped work and silently withdrew.

"We keep it hidden here for its own protection," said the king. "Setting it into the floor maintains its anonymity. Longshanks and his men can raze this Abbey to the ground, but they would never find the Stone."