27. Chapter 27 - Kaitlyn

CHAPTER 27 - KAITLYN

THE CHAPEL AT STIRLING CASTLE - JUNE 18, 1291

M agnus held the door, beaming at us as we entered. I whispered, “Are you happy?”

“Aye, tis a verra good thing, all thoughts of danger are gone when we hae such a blessin’ upon us.”

Magnus stood beside Lochie and the priest asked him who speaks for Lochinvar. Magnus said, “I, Mag Mòr.”

Then Magnus was asked a series of questions that I didn’t understand. He answered, “Of the age.” Then he answered, “Nae.” Then he said, “I, Mag Mòr, hae permitted the marriage between Lochinvar and his bride.”

Then Magnus came to sit beside me in the front row. He picked up my hand and held it on his thigh, while we watched Lochie marry Ash at the altar. Lochie shook with nervousness, she trembled. Lochinvar repeated an oath, promising to “...have and tae hold her, in bed and at the table, whether she be fair or ugly, and for better or worse, in sickness and in health, until death do us part.”

And then he gave her a ring and said, “With this ring, I thee wed.”

Two young men came in and held a canopy over Lochinvar and Ash’s head while the bride and groom knelt in front of the priest. He said a very long Mass. So long that I began to worry about Ash’s knees. I didn’t worry about Lochie’s, he was Magnus’s brother, he could probably kneel for a long time if he felt he had to.

It was very sweet seeing Ash’s hand resting on Lochie’s as the priest prayed over them. I was filled with happiness watching the love they had for each other. I was so proud of Lochie, he had done really well.

The priest asked them to stand, had us all bow our heads in prayer, and then the wedding was over with a kiss.

I put my head on Magnus’s shoulder.

“Ye overcome, mo reul-iuil?”

“Yes, I’m just...” A tear slid down my cheek. “It’s just beautiful.”

“Aye, young love, we are blessed tae witness it. It means a great deal tae me that Lochinvar honored me by doin’ it here.”