Page 22 of Summer Warrior

“Though I have never been to a king’s court, I have a gown that might be suitable,” offered Liadan.

Somerled thought she likely brought the best one she possessed. “I leave it to you and Ruairi’s wife.”

Somerled dined with some of his men in the house that Ruairi had built for him and his wife and their two children, Bran and Ceana, eight and ten. He asked Liadan to join them so he could keep an eye on her.

Ruairi’s wife, an attractive woman in her late twenties, had always impressed Somerled with her kindness.

“I will take one longship to Irvine,” he told the small group. “I would ask Angus, Domnall and Maurice to accompany me.” He looked at the three men named. “The rest of the men and ships I leave with you, Ruairi. Should David permit it, I hope to return with a stone mason who can supervise the building of the castle.”

The next morning, shortly after sunrise, Somerled took the winding path to the top of Dunaverty Rock. He went alone, conscious of the fact his feet trod the same ground as Columba centuries before. Somerled felt a kinship to the Irish monk who founded the abbey on Iona, for they had a common ancestor, however distant, the great Ard Ri, the High King of Ireland. And both cared deeply for those they served.

With so much at stake, Somerled felt the need to meet with his God before going on to meet the Scots king.

At the summit, he gazed south, beyond the stone curtain wall that formed the remains of an ancient fortification, to the deep blue waters reflecting the golden rays of the sun rising in the east. Above him, gilded white clouds drifted across the azure sky. On three sides of the headland were the waters of Sruth na Maoile, the narrow expanse connecting the Irish Sea with the Atlantic Ocean. Twelve miles south of where he stood lay Ireland, the land of his birth, just visible on the horizon.

These sea lanes were critical to his kingdom, for any ship had to pass through this channel to sail from the Isle of Man north to Argyll and the Southern Isles.

Somerled took a deep breath, inhaling the familiar salted air that was his lifeblood. He spoke to God as his liege Lord. “Father, you have given me this great task to set the people free. Grant me wisdom to lead them and give me favor with King David. May I honor you in all things.”

He did not linger overlong but, by the time he turned to retrace his steps, he had peace about his meeting with the King of Scots and his intention to build castles, not just here in Kintyre, but at all points necessary to keep the sea lanes free.

He descended the headland to find his brother Angus waiting with his cousin, Domnall, and Maurice. “Well, was it worth the climb?” asked Angus.

“Aye, it was,” he said, experiencing again the peace he had gained atop the great rock. “I believe it is right to build a castle here. But, for that, and the others I see in my dreams, I must gain David’s agreement. I would have no challenge from that quarter.”

“It sounds like our trip to Irvine is timely,” said Maurice.

“We have only to bid Ruairi good day and we can depart,” said Angus.

“His wife is eager to show you what she has done with your guard,” put in Domnall.

Maurice smiled, shaking his head.

Somerled raised a brow but his companions declined to say more. “Very well, lead the way. I am anxious to reach Scotland’s coast in time to secure lodgings for the night.”

Aileas, Ruairi’s wife, appeared in the doorway as they neared the cottage where they had dined the night before. Her hair was a lighter brown than her husband’s and her eyes were blue, whereas Ruairi’s were hazel. For all that, they made a handsome pair. More importantly, the men respected Ruairi.

Aileas stepped forward to greet them and Liadan came out from behind her.

“What think you, Somerled?” asked Ruairi’s wife, casting a glance at the young woman. “Will this do for her to greet the Scots king?”

No longer dressed in a warrior’s clothing, Liadan now wore a close-fitting bliaut of fine blue wool. Her hair hung long behind her in rippling auburn waves, the sides had been braided and confined at the back of her head. She looked the part of a noble lass, though he was well aware her eating knife, secured at her waist, could be deadly given her skills. “Aye, she’ll do,” he said.

Domnall stared open-mouthed at the girl’s altered appearance.

“I know I must change before we leave to cross the firth,” said Liadan. “I just wanted your approval.”

Somerled nodded. “You have it. And my thanks, Aileas, for what you have done for the lass.”

“I was happy to do it,” said Ruairi’s wife. Except for those who had lived in Kintyre before the Norsemen were driven away, there were few wives yet among his men. That she had been willing to leave Morvern told him much about her character. And her smile told him she had enjoyed taking the younger woman under her wing.

Ruairi joined them, stepping out of his cottage and wiping his mouth with a cloth. “Will you three break your fast with us?”

Somerled was anxious to leave but his men would row harder and without complaint if they were fed more than the meager fare available on his ship. “Aye, and thank you. Have my men been fed?”

“They are eating now,” Ruairi said, gesturing to a group of men sitting around a fire some distance away. “Come. Aileas has made porridge and there are eggs from our chickens as well as berries and bread. She has set aside smoked fish and apples for you to take with you.”

Somerled had not thought much about his stomach until now but the offer of a hearty meal before sailing appealed. “As you wish. We are grateful for your hospitality.” He followed Ruairi and the others into the cottage where Ruairi’s two children sat eating.

An hour later, Somerled stood in the bow of his longship as his men rowed them past the waves to the open water, singing a Gaelic tune as they often did. Liadan, once again attired as a lad, stood in the stern, a picture of confidence as she spoke to the steersman.

Once the sail was raised, they aimed for the Isle of Arran. They would pass its southern end on their way to the coast of Scotland.

Somerled was delighted to see the deilf, dolphin, swimming alongside his ship, leaping from the water, providing escort, as if urging them on.

Destiny’s path lay just ahead.