Chapter Two

Eli and Alaric

Near the Isle of Mull, Summer, 1316

Elisant Ramsay Grant leaned over the bow of the ship, the wind whipping the random strands of burnished gold freed from her plait, but she ignored the mess the climate was making of her hair. The beauty of their journey was more than she could have expected, and she vowed not to miss any of it.

"Alaric, have you ever seen anything as lovely as this?" She reached up and brushed the blond strands from his face, the journey wreaking havoc with his long hair. Since he was the most handsome man in the Highlands, she loved staring at him, especially the way his muscles moved when he practiced his sword skills. His goal was to have the same reputation his uncle Connor had as a swordsman—the best in the land.

Alaric wrapped his arm around her shoulders, tugging her close before he dropped a chaste kiss on her forehead. "Aye, I have. The beauty is quite close to me."

Eli elbowed him with a grin and replied, "I mean it. Have you seen the sea before?"

"I've had a lovely view of the water near Roddy and Rose's castle, and it is quite stunning, but not like this. And if you look north, you can see Loch Linnhe. This is so unique, so…mesmerizing. That's it. It makes me want to never tear my gaze away."

She ran her fingers down the side of his chiseled jaw. "I have never seen the sea before, husband dearest. This is a first for me. It's stunning. The water, the waves, the sparkles when the sun pops out enough to shine its rays upon the glorious sea. I don't know which I love the most." Then she leaned in to whisper in his ear, "Imagine making love on this rocking ship. Would it not be an experience?"

Eli loved the physical part of their marriage as much as Alaric did. She didn't know why people were uncomfortable discussing that part of a couple's life because she loved it.

Alaric squeezed her hand, nibbled her earlobe, then whispered, "Aye, I would, but we cannot. Stop thinking on it or you will embarrass me."

He gave her a pointed look that made her glance at his trews, then she tossed her head back and giggled.

The boat was a birlinn, the sail doing most of the work at present because of the wind, but the oarsmen were at the ready.

Maitland Menzie joined them at the bow as their vessel sluiced through the water, their destination the Isle of Mull. Maitland, at seven and thirty, was the eldest of the group, his brown hair and full beard making him look more mature than Alaric. He was ten years older than Alaric, but the gleam in his eye made him a favorite of many. "There it is," he declared, pointing to the distant glimpse of land ahead. "Duart Castle. Our home for the next few years."

"You'll miss Maeve, Maitland, but she'll be here soon enough."

"I already miss my sweet wife. I'll stay for a sennight, see what supplies you need, then return to Cameron land. Whatever we need, I'll bring along on the next trip, and I hope that the day will come soon when Maeve and our son join me. But I'll do what is best for all. Maeve insists on it. She said she didn't think I would enjoy sitting and staring at her gigantic belly while she's in her last months."

"I cannot wait to meet him," Dyna called out from behind them. "Come here so you can listen to what the captain says about our destination." She tugged on her nearly white hair, held back with a tie high on her head. At thirty, she and her husband Derric were the middle-aged couple.

Alaric took Eli's hand and tugged her from the edge, though it was difficult to pull herself away from the gorgeous view of the sea, the island in front of them, and the distant castle that was to be their new home.

The four of them had fought together at the Battle of Skaithmuir, a decisive battle between the Scots and the English. Ever since King Alexander III had passed on in 1286, the two countries had battled over territories and castles, especially around the Borderlands. Robert the Bruce had led the charge to win the Scot's independence, but the two still battled over lands near the border, especially Berwick Castle. Sir James Douglas led the Scots' charge in King Robert's absence. Maitland and Dyna had been given the responsibility of protecting the land of the Scots while Robert assisted his brother in Ireland. The Scots had sent the English running after the battle, and their king had been pleased.

In return for their loyalty and diligence, King Robert awarded them Duart Castle on the Isle of Mull, a fine castle that was presently deserted. He'd warned them of the unrest on the isle. Multiple incidents of thievery had disrupted the usually peaceful group of clans, though the guilty parties had yet to be caught.

In order to achieve peace on Mull, he requested the Ramsays assume control of the castle, familiarize themselves with the residents of the land, and take the necessary actions to halt the attacks and incessant reiving that had been brought to his attention.

The collection of allies—Grants, Ramsays, Menzies, Camerons, Drummonds, and Mathesons—had gathered and decided who to send to the island, thus choosing the group of six.

Alaric Grant, newly wed to Elisant Ramsay.

Derric and Dyna Grant Corbett.

Maitland Menzie and his recent bride, Maeve Grant, who was about to deliver their first bairn. Maeve would join them in a couple of months.

It was an exciting endeavor, something that had Eli hopping out of bed every morn, waiting for the day they were to meet their destination.

The captain of the boat was someone who ferried people from Oban to Craignure, a place down the shore from Duart Castle, and thus was more than familiar with Mull.

"Captain, what do you know of the residents of the isle? What are the most populated areas? What clans?" Dyna asked.

The captain grinned. "Och, there are many. Clan MacVey and Clan Rankin are at the northern end—MacVey in the center near Glen Aros, Rankin in the northernmost point near Tobermory. I've heard of one clan of crude inhabitants to the west, Clan MacQuarie. But they are not overly hostile to my knowledge. They live on the western coastline, close to the sea and the other isles and keep to themselves mostly."

"Have you ferried them anywhere?"

"The MacQuaries? Hell nay, not with the ships they have. They look like the longboats of the Norse. Probably repaired some left from the Battle of Largs years ago."

"Do you ferry to the south?" Alaric asked.

"Nay, just two spots on the northeastern coast. I go to Craignure and to Ardmore Point near Bloody Bay. That spot is close to Clan Rankin."

"And no one has inhabited the empty castle?"

"Nay, not that I've seen. The castle was built by the MacDougalls, but they are not supporters of King Robert, instead supporting the Comyns. They argued, met King Robert in Argyll, and never returned, instead choosing to stay where they had more protection. The castle has been empty for less than a year. There are MacClanes in the southern part of the isle, and word is they wish to take over Duart Castle, but it has not happened yet. So, you become the new residents of the castle by the gift of our king, and the MacDougalls can do naught about it. I wish you much good fortune. It has quite a view, so they say, sitting on the promontory as it is. High enough to see eye to eye with the eagles and falcons, of which we have many."

Eli's gaze drifted back to the castle that grew larger and larger as they skimmed across the sea. "Do they swim in the water there?" she asked, since she'd always loved swimming in the loch near Ramsay Castle.

The captain laughed. "Of course they do, but not right off the point. You might want a more protected spot down the beach. And south of Duart, there are some incredible beaches. You should look for them. The water is mighty rough on the point. You'll see soon enough. I'll not try to go ashore there but instead take you to the port of Craignure. There's a small village where you can meet some of the local people, pick up supplies, or grab an ale at the inn."

"Perfect," she whispered, resting her head on her husband's shoulder. How her life had changed in such a short time.

***

The ship docked at Craignure on the Sound of Mull. The captain pointed up ahead. "There is a nice path from here that goes through town, and if you head south, it will take you straight to the castle. Directly to the keep. You'll find it clear, but it will take you a wee bit to carry your supplies. I'll get the horses from below deck. Once I get them out, we'll find a place to leave the crates, and you can carry some later. There aren't many who would steal them in these parts, as long as you load them out of here before the next moon. Soon, news will spread that the castle has occupants. The torchlights will carry far since it is so high on the promontory."

Alaric followed the captain below deck to calm the horses. Midnight Moon whinnied when he approached, so he moved over and patted his withers to calm him. "You did well on your first boat ride. And how did yer sweet mare do?"

He shifted over to untie Eli's horse, the mare clearly glad to see someone familiar, nudging him for a treat. He held out an apple he'd saved for her, expecting the journey to be a wee bit rough for the beast, but they needed horses more than anything. Maitland planned to bring more when he came on his next trip. Dyna's stallion was next to Midnight, but he was already calm.

Alaric led the three down the ramp and onto land, the animals pleased to be off the rocking vehicle. Eli ran over and wrapped her arms around her chestnut mare named Golden Gwyn, a name she'd given the young horse after her dear grandmother had passed on.

Once the three horses were settled, they tied what belongings they could to the animals and made their plans for the rest.

"Eli, can your mare handle the saddlebag and the bags with the seed inside? It is the most valuable. Derric, Maitland, and I can get what's in some of the crates onto our horses. Dyna, the dried meat and other foodstuffs should go first."

"Agreed," said Maitland. "I can get some of the weaponry. We cannot lose any of it."

Alaric and Derric moved two crates while Maitland paid the ferry captain, then the five of them moved along the path, hiding whatever they couldn't carry in the bushes when there was no one watching. There were a few around the dock, but they busied themselves with their work. Derric rode with Dyna while Eli and Alaric rode Midnight Moon, leaving Maitland to ride the mare.

It was midafternoon, so the village was quiet when they reached it. There were a few patrons at the tavern, though they stayed inside, watching, but not approaching.

Maitland said, "You and I will visit later, Alaric. When we return for the two locked crates, we can have an ale with the locals. Check out the supply store for anything we may need."

Alaric nodded. He couldn't help but wonder if they were being watched. The area was probably the most beautiful he'd ever seen, the landscape lush with greenery and berries, even in early summer.

Eli called out, "Puffins! Brigid always tells me how cute they are." She pointed ahead and giggled at the colorful birds with the unusual beaks. Her cousins lived on Black Isle and loved to tell stories of the different wildlife near them. "Mayhap we'll see some dolphins."

Dyna pointed up at an eagle flying overhead. "Someday we shall explore just to see what we can hunt."

Derric said, "I'll be fishing for you, Diamond. Fresh fish is the best. I cannot wait to uncover the possibilities here. Sandor will love exploring. You do the hunting, and I'll fish."

After a short trek, Maitland led the group up the hill. "I was told otters and rabbits are plentiful, and red deer, especially near Ben More, in the center of the island. There are many otters along the coastline, but I've not eaten otter before. Any of you?" They all shook their heads in denial.

Derric said, "I've heard their pelts are mighty fine."

"We'll find out soon enough, I'm sure," Maitland replied. "We'll have much time to explore."

Dyna, always practical, said, "No exploring outside until we take care of the inside. We need to find out exactly what condition the castle is in. How long empty? How many creatures are living inside? You know how I feel about the sound of feet in the middle of the night. Other than our bairns, Derric." She shuddered, and Derric laughed.

"I'm sure there will only be a few squirrels, Diamond."

"I could only hope it will be squirrels. No rats, raccoons, or gigantic spiders."

Derric nuzzled her neck and said, "I'll protect you from the big bad creatures. Fear not."

The path was a bit overgrown but not badly. Alaric still couldn't shake the feeling they were being watched. It wouldn't surprise him, except he saw no sign of neighbors in the area once they left the town. When they reached the spot where the path to the castle jutted toward the water, he pointed to a row of deserted huts, no signs of active hearths or firepits anywhere.

Shortly after, they reached the front of the castle, and Maitland let out a low whistle. "That is quite a curtain wall. And the tower is huge. There will definitely be enough chambers for all of us." He led the way to the entrance through a gatehouse with a portcullis. Inside was a sizable courtyard built of stone.

Alaric couldn't believe his eyes. "Two stables? One of wood and one of stone. What luck we have!"

"Nice," Dyna mumbled, strolling over to open the door of the wooden stable. "Beautiful. At least ten stalls here."

Alaric dismounted and found his way to the protective curtain wall. "Maitland, the walls must be five times the thickness of Grant Castle."

"I have to agree, but being on the point as they are, they have to protect against the sea. I've not been witness to a storm at this level, but I've heard many tales. We will learn soon enough, but you can see the living quarters do not face the sea. I guess it was built in this manner for protection from the cold and salt water."

Dyna said, "Hurry up. Set everything on the steps and let's go inside. I wish to see what the keep and the tower look like. As you know, we'll be living here for a while, and I do not think the five of us can build any new chambers in short order. I cannot wait to see it."

Alaric said, "Do you need me to carry anything, Eli? We should take the seed packs inside to keep them dry. I'll find a metal box to store the bags. There are some in the crates."

"Nay, I'm fine. I wish to see it too. Hurry up, Maitland." They'd given him the honor of leading the group since they'd chosen Maitland and Dyna to be co-lairds while Alaric and Eli managed the guards and archers for any battles.

As a group, they climbed the steps leading to the keep, then waited as Maitland used the key they'd been given, opened the door, and peered inside. He glanced back over his shoulder and smiled.

Dyna pushed past him. "With that grin, I'm going in. Move aside, Menzie."

Alaric set his hand at the small of Eli's back and ushered her through the door, but he stopped as soon as his gaze settled on the great hall, just as Eli, Dyna, and Maitland had done in front of them.

Derric was on the far side of the hall at the hearth, calling to them. "There's still dry wood here! So much we won't have to cut for days."

Eli whispered, "Alaric, our new home is beautiful. Look at the ornate work on the wood across the walls. The walls are mostly stone, but the woodwork is lovely."

Dyna nodded, but added, "A wee bit dirty, but just from lack of use. Not from pigs living here. Cobwebs and dust. Easy to fix. The mistress of the castle kept a clean home."

The great hall was long and majestic with massive hearths on each end. A long dais sat on the farthest wall between the hearths with lines of trestle tables to hold many clan members for meals. There was nothing of true value in the hall. If there had been, someone had stolen whatever they could, but there were tapestries on the wall, candle boxes, and plenty of tables, stools, benches, and chairs. A staircase led to a second-floor balcony with chambers over the passageway that led off to one side.

The hall was massive and made of dark wood and stone, the chairs and table on the dais adorned with ornate carvings.

"Chairs," Eli whispered since she'd been relegated to stools for the most part at Ramsay Castle. The elders sat in the chairs, not the youngest ones. "And I don't care if there are no cushions. I'll make my own."

Alaric hugged his wife, closed his eyes, and said, "Eli, we will have a wonderful life here. I'm sure we will grow to love the Isle of Mull."

He didn't let on that he was sure he'd seen someone hiding in the bushes as they approached. He'd find the fool later and send them on their way, though he'd been outside the curtain wall. After all, Maitland carried the official papers from the King of Scotland.

This castle was theirs, and no one would take it away from them.