Page 107 of The Refuge

He reached over to kiss her. “I would love to linger longer in our bed, but we have our nights. The christening will not be for a few days.”

* * *

Three days later, Margaret and Malcolm’s babe was christened and Steinar made ready to leave Dunfermline with his new wife and those who would travel with them. Outside the tower door the king and queen stood with a group assembled to bid the travelers Godspeed.

Rhodri, Fia and Cillyn, who were headed for Wales, would join their party until they reached the River Clyde where Cillyn’s ship awaited.

Paul and Erlend had left before the three couples were wed, telling Steinar his ship would arrive in the vale ere long with all the supplies he needed. With the dowry Catrìona’s uncle had provided, and the king’s generosity, Steinar was rich with coin.

“I’ve a new scribe,” said the king to Steinar as he watched their chests being loaded into the cart, “so I will expect regular missives from my lettered mormaer.”

“As you wish, My Lord,” Steinar said, adding with serious intent, “and should you call, I will come.”

Margaret kissed her new babe and handed him to his nurse. A second nurse held her first son, Edward. Coming up to Steinar’s bride, the queen said, “I will miss you, lovely Catrìona. Things will be a bit dull for a time without my lady who flies falcons and sneaks out to run in the woods.”

“I will miss you greatly, My Lady,” Catrìona said. “You have taught me so much, your life speaking louder than your words.”

“I am glad,” Margaret replied. “You are still young, but you have grown wise and helped me much. I will let you know of the progress of the ferry and the inn.” Then turning to Catrìona’s cousin, the queen said, “You have your bard, Fia. One day you may wear a queen’s crown. Do not forget to wear a cloak of humility as well.”

Catrìona’s cousin curtsied before the queen. “I shall not forget, My Lady.”

“Do not forget me!” piped up Giric, running to the queen. His small wiry dog, Shadow, let out a yelp as if demanding to be recognized along with his master.

“I will not forget you, little Giric,” said Margaret, reaching down to hug the lad. Then turning to Steinar and Catrìona, she said, “He is the son of a Culdee monk, did you know?”

“Nay, I did not,” Steinar said.

“Nor I,” said Catrìona. “He will be like our own son.”

Margaret said, “I believe he will prove a worthy one.” And to Giric, the queen said, “Did you hear that? You have new parents who love you. Be a good son to them.”

Giric nodded solemnly.

The queen went back to stand with Malcolm and their two young sons.

Angus helped Deidre into the cart where she would ride and came to bow before the king and queen. Taking Giric by the hand, he said to Steinar, “With yer permission, milord, the lad can ride with me.”

Steinar nodded and Angus walked away. Catrìona laid her hand on Steinar’s arm. “Did you notice he is no longer my guard? Now, by his own decision, Angus serves you, the Mormaer of Levenach.”

Steinar placed his hand over hers. “I am glad to have so faithful a man with me.”

Rhodri came to pay his respects to the king, bowing low.

“You are a king’s son, Rhodri,” said Malcolm. “One day, should God will it, you may be a king. Forget not Scotland where you sojourned. I expect to hear of that alliance we discussed.”

“I shall speak of it to my father when I arrive in Wales, My Lord.”

Steinar watched as Catrìona’s uncle came to say his goodbye. He kissed and hugged his daughter, then his niece, and said to Rhodri, “I will hold you to the promise to bring my daughter to see me.” And to Steinar, he said, “I want to see my niece, as well.”

Steinar nodded, as did Rhodri.

Colbán and Audra emerged from the tower together with the queen’s two other ladies. Colbán seemed very content with his new bride and she with him. The captain had told Steinar ’twas his intent to stay for a while to see the guard settled with another captain before he and Audra left for Strivelyn to the west. “’Tis not far so I can come and go while our fortress is being built.”

“I am thankful for our time serving together in the king’s guard,” said Steinar. And he meant it. Colbán was a faithful leader of men and he knew the two would remain friends.

Colbán slapped him on the back. “I have a feeling we will see each other more often than we might think.”

Finally, they were ready to leave and had said all their goodbyes.

Steinar led the procession away from Dunfermline, waving goodbye to those watching from the front of the tower. Seeing the sadness in Catrìona’s eyes, he said, “’Tis hard to leave, I know, but happy are the days that lie ahead, my love.”

She smiled then, her green eyes flashing. “Aye, and I go home with a full heart and a husband besides.”

“One who loves you very much, little cat.”