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Chapter 22
Three weeks later
“Maira, they’re here! Hurry!” called out Morag, rushing down from the battlements of Durham Castle holding up the hem of her gown.
“Morag, be careful or you’re going to hurt yourself.” Maira walked across the courtyard to meet her.
“Ye are too protective, Maira.” Morag pushed past her and ran to the gate, waiting for the small entourage to enter. Maira expected her mother and father but she didn’t know her cousin, Willow, and Willow’s new husband, Conrad, would be with them. Her mouth fell open when she saw her cousin, Fia, with her husband, Alastair, and their new baby girl, Oletha, as well.
“Fia!” cried Morag, running across the drawbridge to greet her sister. Maira ran after her to meet them as well. They were all escorted by Maira’s father, Rowen, who had gone back to get the rest of the family. Maira’s uncles, Rook and Reed, were with them.
“Mother,” called out Maira excitedly, hopping up onto the wagon to hug her mother, Cordelia. Maira’s youngest brother, Michael, was there as well and Maira reached over and hugged him and kissed him on his cheek.
“Maira, stop that,” complained Michael, making a face and wiping off his cheek with the back of his hand.
“Maira, I must say I like seeing this side of you,” laughed Cordelia. “You are more like a lady and less like a warrior with all this kissing and hugging.”
“Our daughter will always be a warrior,” stated Rowen, riding up on a horse next to the wagon that was being driven by a servant.
“Father, she’s not a warrior, she’s only a girl,” said Maira’s ten-year-old brother. “But I’m going to be a mighty warrior someday, just like you.”
“Where are William, Philip, and Theodore?” asked Maira, hoping to see the rest of her brothers. “I had hoped they’d be here, too.”
“Now Maira, you know your brothers are being fostered. I’m sorry but they couldn’t make it,” said Cordelia.
“William is training for knighthood in a few years,” said Rowen proudly. “And Philip and Theodore have just been made squires.”
“How exciting,” said Maira, glancing across the courtyard to see Branton and Jacob heading in their direction. Jacob’s leg was still in a splint, but he was able to walk much better now.
“Welcome,” shouted Jacob, waving a hand over his head.
“Is that your husband?” asked Maira’s mother, stretching her neck to see him. “He’s very handsome.”
“Aye, he is.” Maira helped her mother off the cart. “Mother, I would like you to meet my husband, Jacob.”
“Sir Jacob Quincey at your service,” said Jacob, kissing Maira’s mother on the back of her hand.
“Did you say, Sir?” asked Rowen, dismounting.
“Aye, Father,” Maira explained. “With word from the Bishop of Durham and also the help of Jacob’s brother, Father Frank, the pope has reversed the excommunication and Jacob has been cleared of the false charges.”
“That’s wonderful,” said Rowen, shaking Jacob’s hand. “Congratulations.”
“I’ve also reclaimed my title,” explained Jacob.
“That’s right,” said Maira, slipping her arm around Jacob’s waist. He pulled her closer in a hug. “Jacob is once again Sir Jacob and not only the new Lord of Durham Castle but also the new High Sheriff.”
“And I’m his new squire,” said Branton proudly.
“That’s right,” said Will. “And I’ve been knighted, so Branton will take my place.”
“So you’re a squire at last. It’s about time.” Willow sauntered over with Conrad to greet everyone. Fia and Morag walked over arm in arm and Fia’s husband, Conrad, approached holding their baby daughter.
“Sir Jacob has given me a new sword,” said Branton proudly, holding it in the air to show them.
“Dinna point that thing at me or my family or ye’ll find yer head severed and lyin’ on the ground,” warned Alastair, still sore since Branton had tried to kill him at one time.
“I’m sorry about that. It won’t happen again,” said Branton, quickly lowering the sword and slinking away to the back of the crowd.
