Page 59 of Summer Warrior

Later, after dinner, Somerled drew Domnall outside to ask if he’d spoken with Liadan’s brother about her.

“I did,” replied Domnall. “He was warm to the idea but asked me to wait until next year when he hoped to return to Islay. He told me, quite directly, that I could use the year to woo her.” Then chuckling, he said, “I thought it best not to hit my future brother-in-law so I agreed and told him I would watch over her even though she sails under your protection.”

“Does Diarmad know she has declared herself my guard?”

“Aye, he found it amusing. He knows his sister well. In truth, he was the one who taught her how to use a sword.”

“It was good he did,” said Somerled, “or she might not have survived the battle at Keills.”

Two days later, Somerled sent a messenger to Kintyre to let his brother know he was leaving Islay for Morvern and, once there, would send Ruairi south so that Angus would be free to join Somerled. On his way north, he planned to stop in Knapdale at Castle Sween to visit Ewan MacSuibhne. Somewhere north of there, Somerled expected he would catch up with Goubert d’Harcourt, his Master Mason, and see what his thoughts were on the construction of the castles.

It was yet another bright spring morning when Somerled and his companions, Domnall, Maurice and Liadan, along with his son, Gillecolum, bid farewell to Duncan MacEachern.

The smith assured Somerled he would take care of the headquarters on Loch Findlugan. “Worry not, Lord. All will be ready when you return.”

Knapdale, Argyll

THEY SAILED TWO GALLEYS out of Loch Indaal, Somerled’s and the one Domnall had taken north. With every hour he had sailed, he thought of the distance his travel was putting between him and Ragnhild. But his mission required it and he hoped she would understand.

Sailing south out of the great sea loch, they turned east, rounding Islay, before heading north into the Sound of Jura. Some distance into the sound, with Somerled’s galley in the lead, they entered Loch Sween, the narrow sea loch in Knapdale where Castle Sween was located.

He watched as the castle came into view. There was none like it in Argyll, a stone fortress built in the Norman fashion, reminding Somerled of Castle Rushen on the Isle of Man.

The hillsides of Knapdale were green with spring, like those on Man when he’d first glimpsed Ragnhild, yet Somerled was keenly aware no jewel-eyed princess would be galloping over them on her white horse. He ignored the longing that rose in his heart and prayed she would still be unwed when he was in a position to claim her.

As they beached the galleys on the small swath of sand just south of the rocky ridge on which the castle rested, he noticed two other galleys. Ewan had more than these two but mayhap the others were on voyages. He hoped Ewan was not on one of those ships.

Somerled, his son, and his companions climbed the hill where he was pleased to find Ewan standing at the arched castle entrance. “I am glad to find you at home.”

“I was expecting you. Recognized your red sail from afar. ’Tis about time you paid me a visit.” With a nod toward Maurice, Domnall and Gillecolum, Ewan said, “Good day to you all. To Maurice, he said, “I have not seen my fellow Irishman for some time.”

“I’ve been busy about Somerled’s work,” said Maurice.

Ewan nodded. “From all I hear, your mission to drive the Norse from Argyll never ends.” To Somerled, he said, “Your French mason has come and gone.”

“Was it a good visit with him?” Somerled asked. He was anxious to know if the stonemason had endured his sea travel and was still enthusiastic about the castles.

“Aye. We talked much about what he was to see. I will tell you about it over some ale and cheese.” It was only afternoon but Ewan loved to eat, as his round belly and full cheeks attested. His shaggy red-brown hair framed what was a perpetually cheerful face. Older than Somerled by a decade, Ewan loved to entertain his Highland friends. His wife, Mary, was always accommodating. Having the only stone castle in Argyll, and being on the route to the north, they often received visitors.

Somerled then introduced his son to Ewan, who was delighted to meet him. “I like having lads about and my son, Michan, who is your age, will be happy for your company. And the lady?”

“It may be difficult for you to believe,” said Somerled, “but this young lady is sister to Diarmad MacGilleain, one of my galley captains. She guards my back.”

“And spies for Lord Somerled,” put in Liadan with a canny smile.

Domnall frowned.

Ewan raised a brow. “Spy, is it?”

“And a good one, too,” said Somerled.

“I know your brother,” Ewan told Liadan. “So, ’tis not hard to believe what you say. Diarmad’s sword is never unsheathed except he draws blood.” To the five of them, he asked, “Are you all well?”

As they walked through the gate to the castle’s inner bailey, Somerled answered for them. “Aye, we are and eager to visit the sites for the castles. Will you come with us?”

Ewan grinned. “I was hoping you’d ask.” It had been Ewan’s idea that he should help oversee the construction of Somerled’s castles so his willingness to accompany them came as no surprise. He would help Somerled find the best places to locate fortresses to guard the sea lanes and make sure the castles were placed as they should be.

Ewan gestured them to the door of the great hall and, once inside, led them to a trestle table where food and ale were being set out. “Tell your men the kitchens will have food for them and they can bed down in the great hall if you are staying the night.”