Sisters of The Bruce 1292-1314 (Abridged Version )

Sisters of The Bruce: Part 2; Chapter 8. 11&12

                                                                                    XI

Scotland

Stirling Castle

November 1314

Isa, dear heart,

How I longed to share with you the terrible events of the past years. In my mind, I wrote a thousand letters or more to you. My heart revels in its new-found freedom, but I am fearful of it, as well. You would find me much changed, but my greatest wish is to leave the past behind, where it belongs. I would speak with you, though, and plead with you to come home, as it seems you did some years back.

Isa, there is much sadness and bitterness amidst our shattered family. We need your strength and healing presence.

Your loving sister

Kirsty

                                                                                                  XII

Scotland

Stirling Castle

November 1314

There had been no reply from Isa. Mathilda and Kirsty began to wonder if their letters lay at the bottom of the ocean. It was a complete surprise then, when news came from Dunfermline Abbey – a galley bearing the royal flag of Norway lay at anchor in the Firth of the Forth. Robert sent forth a large escort with a message of welcome. In the castle's Great Hall, the talk was excited – brisk and raw. Emotions ran high. When the escort clattered into the bailey, a crowd of family and well-wishers surrounded them. In the distance, the rounded tops of the Ochil Hills lay covered in a thick, white veil, which drifted towards Stirling. Before long, sleet peppered the crowd.

As Isa's litter came to a halt, she almost fell from it – in relief or exhaustion none knew which – into the arms of her sisters, Kirsty and Mary. Behind them, the king and queen waited for this deviation from protocol to take its natural course. There were so many to greet. Isa knelt before her brother as he introduced her to his queen. Setting all formalities aside, he hugged his most beloved sister, long and hard.

"Welcome home, your grace!" was all that could be heard before the cheers of the crowd echoed again and again around the walled enclosure.

Thronged by her family, Kirsty linked arms with Isa and drew her into the warmer precincts of the large tower. Twenty-one years had passed since they last set eyes upon each other.

                                                                                          ♣

Days passed, filled with talk and laughter. In time, Kirsty sought the quiet sanctuary of her chamber; Isa's arrival had brought immense joy and exhilaration, but much sadness for all the years lost to them. As she bathed and dressed for the banquet, there was a knock at the studded oak door. It was Isa, whom she bade enter. Almost immediately, the sisters fell into a comfortable silence.

Isa sat upon the large curtained bed and began to smooth out the counterpane of furs. "Do you remember Kirsty, how you used to comb my hair?" she quizzed.