Sisters of The Bruce 1292-1314 (Abridged Version )

Sisters of The Bruce: Part 2; Chapter 5.3&4

                                                                                      III

England

Priory of Sixhills

May 1311

It was commonplace now for Brother Robert to seek out the prisoner. Looking the prioress squarely in the eye, he informed her that he felt compelled to bring the woman's heathen Scottish soul to God. Unabashed, he told himself later that it was just a small departure from the truth. Perhaps the Holy Father would understand, knowing his intentions were honourable. Aethelrida knew, of course, the monk had some prior knowledge and interest in the Bruce family, but intuitively never divulged this to her superior.

Thus it was, Kirsty held regular private discussions with the monk whenever he visited. Over time, she learnt – through the intermediary of Walter Ross ­– that her children were safe and well in Orkney. Her relief was palpable, and it brought some pleasure that he could offer positive news. Regarding Mathilda's marriage to the son of the hated Earl of Ross, she remained shocked. It would take time to reflect upon this development, though the news was several years too late for any real vitriol on her part. She learned the earl was now one of Robert's greatest supporters – all down to the strategy of reconciliation Rob set in place so many years ago. She was intrigued by the news that Walter Ross was one of Edward's closest friends and Isabella of Strathbogie, the mother of his children, had been set aside in favour of Walter's sister. Kirsty remembered the last time the lass visited Kildrummy, so happy was she to be seeing Edward during a rare period of respite from the war; it always seemed to be the women and children who suffered most in these tangled unions.

Piece by piece, the monk filled in the missing years. It brought Kirsty some satisfaction to know that her brother was making slow, steady gains. Perhaps in some small part, it made her sacrifice worthwhile. Of her family and children, there were only memories and even these were fading. Her health had suffered most grievously. Indeed, she had lost her past and, in all likelihood, her future would be stolen from her too. She had to hang onto something, for often it made no sense – no sense at all.

                                                                                       IV

Scotland

Dingwall Castle

September 1311

Dearest Isa,

Floraidh arrived some weeks past to birth my son. William flourishes with the aid of a young girl from a small steading near the village. Some months ago, she came to us for help. A common enough tale in these times. Last year, the youngster was ravaged by a band of brigands, many of whom roam the land without any lawful purpose or connection. Her parents tried to save her but were killed; their home, burnt to the ground. Though we feed so many from our kitchen, Hugh took her on to help in the launder room. Soon, it was apparent she was with child. After a torturous birthing, the babe perished, but now the lass acts as wet nurse and will have a better life than before.

The war progresses slowly for the English. With his Lord Retainers blocking his every move, the king seems to be in a muddle; they dislike Gaveston and the power he holds. The latter arrived in Perth early in the year whilst Robert continued his incursions into Galloway. Later, the Earl of Cornwall was dispatched to block the Scots from bringing in aid and troops. May saw the English defend the Isle of Man to prevent incursions being made there as well. The tactic worked, depleting the enemy's resources in Scotland. Rob says he will defend himself with the longest stick and means to reach well into English territory.

Our men moved into upper Tynedale, crossing the Solway fords to burn and pillage. Random attacks drove fear and confusion into the heart of the enemy. Unable to fight such an elusive foe, the English withdrew. Our raids continued into Cumberland and Westmoreland and as far away as Corbridge. Now, Rob's lieutenants only have to threaten to attack and the town burghers pay a generous tribute for a truce. It worked for the Vikings, why not for us! These riches are used to fund our war.

The English still hold many castles; however sieges are taking place such as the one at Loch Doon. It was relieved by David of Strathbogie who fights for our enemy, but Rob is optimistic the strength of the great castles will diminish if we persist. Now, our spies say John Macdougall of Lorne leads a naval expedition against the men of Argyll and the Hebrides –those who have gone over to the Bruce. Operating from a base in Ireland, he acts as admiral of a fleet of dissidents. Is it not dissimilar to a board game with strategic moves to counter and check the opposing forces? King Edward knows not how keen an opponent he has in Rob, nor how rarely he is beaten.

News has come to hand – Kirsty's lad is alive! After Methven he was imprisoned; then admitted to the king's household as a page. How old would Donald be now? Not yet beyond adolescence, but I wager efforts were made to turn him against us. Though his mother will be overjoyed to hear her son is alive, it will be an ongoing tragedy if this proves to be the case. No news of Mary or the others. Pray they are safe and well.

Mathilda