Max Hystory - Adventures in Time - Glencoe

The traveling bard

Chapter 5

The bard of skye as he is known- Willy Macay to those that know him. Small in statureand short, he  walks into the a room through doors opened by two tall, massive kilted warriors. The laird Giggles as the little man makes his way to the table. Inside the room is a long banquet table with the laird and a few other noblemen sitting patiently waiting to hear the news from around the highlands and court in London. A bard is known for traveling castle to castle and singing to everyone for his profession, however a lesser known trait of the bard is the news, gossip and information that he brings along with him to be heard by the Laird or chief and his closest allies only.  This is early march in Scotland, unseasonably warm after a brutal winter and traveling lately has been good, he has plenty to pass on. 

"Have a seat Willy," The Laird offers him with a motion of his hand,"Would ya like couple books to sit on to bring ya to the proper height." 

This mild jab at Willy's size gets a giggle out of all seated at the table, But Willy has heard the same Jibes all too many times for it to be funny to him.

"Well lets get down to business Willy, what news do ya have to tickle our ears wit?"asks the Laird.

"Well sir, is it okay to speak freely in front of your guests?" Willy asks.

"Where are my manners? Willy Macay - bard of Skye this is Alastair Dubh MacRanald of Clan Ranald and Lord MacDonald of Keppoch. You can say anything to them you would say to me," The laird makes perfectly clear with a pounding of his fist upon the table.

"Yes my Laird, well I will start off with the doings at court in London, Queen Mary is expected to order the imprisonment of John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough for alleged treasonous support of the Jacobites. And I was present when Princess Anne left the court after quarrelling with her sister, Queen Mary. Her presence will not be seen again says the Queen. I'm sure you being MacDonalds you have heard the news about the Massacare of Maclain, the MacDonalds of Glencoe, but what you may not have heard is that blame is being put on John Dalrymple master of stair for his part in the Massacre, apparently The Jacobite clans were not threatened with 'death' if they failed take the oath of loyalty; nothing as specific as that. They were told that they 'would answer at their highest peril.' and he was over zealous in the execution of his office to draw attention from the new king for a job well done, Instead he has brought the ire of all of Scotland at such a heinous act and now Breadalbane all the way to the king is placing blame on Dalrymple, but only time will see with this one as he is slick as a snake. the Macdonalds of Sleat and Glengarry, did not even take the Oath and nothing has happened to them, so there is a sort of unequal delivery of force applied.  It is said that the Massacare was in reprisal for the lackluster support Campbell received in 1690 when he petitioned help from neighboring clans, Apparently Campbell bidded his time until he was in position to exact revenge." Willy informs the three men sitting in front of him.

"I know Campbell, he is a worm, but I don't think him capable of such trickery," Lord MacDonald replies.

"This is what I know as it is told to me, my lord," Willy adds, " Oh and sire,  George Douglas, 1st Earl of Dumbarton, is on his death bed from an unknown ailment. He is not expected to live long, his absence might cause a ripple in court due to his extensive dealings and exuberant debts." 

"Is that all Willy?" The Laird asks.

"Yes sire," he replies as he stands and excuses himself from the room.

The three men drink down there glasses and stand, they follow the laird out the door and to the landing above the entrance to the grand hall, they look down at almost everyone from the castle That is in attendance this night, and they are all dressed in their best dresses, grand kilts, and adornments. They look over the other way and see the tables all set with the most impressive layouts of food drink and decorations, and Willy the bard walks in to take his seat and entertain the masses just on the other side of that door. the boys Angus and Tom escape Mrs. McDonald's grasp and run for the great hall, through winding hallways, rooms full of boisterous men and women, and finally arrive at the large wooden doors with huge deer antlers for handles. Soldiers stand guard at the doors as a mass of people begin to congregate near the entrance, then a loud horn blares out into the night and the doors to the great hall are opened widely for all in attendance to enter. The massive fireplace behind the lairds table has a fire engulfed within it's stoney alcove. Everyone of the gentry of the gape in awe of the grand preparations made for this very special evening.