Chapter 5: Edinburgh
The city around the fortress was quiet, but then again, it was the dead of winter. Though spring was only a month away, it felt as though the relief of spring was not coming for another couple of months.
Lord Mornay led them through the gates and into the fortress. It could not quite be considered a castle because it had wooden palisades, but they were strong and formidable, giving a castle like quality. "Here, you will be at the mercy of Sir Robert the Bruce, 17th Earl of Scotland."
If, by giving the Bruce's full title, Mornay was trying to scare the O'Noclahn family, he was not doing a good job. The overlord that had ruled Donegal where they had lived in Ireland had a much longer title than this. Resolutely, they followed Mornay into the hall.
Sounds of fighting filled the air as Robert the Bruce tried to control the squabbling nobles. His efforts were fruitless however, and he was resigned to sit slumped in his chair, head on his hand. He was the perfect picture of the reluctant noble. Where's Morany? Robert wondered. He should be back from England by now. It's not like him to be daunted by the weather.
"Milords, may I present the Lord Mornay," cried a page.
Lord Mornay strode in, proud of his noble rank. The O'Noclahn family walked in behind him, a bit unsure of how to act. At least in Londinium they had been captives, so they were positive of how they should act. Mow, they were just an Irish family being brought into Scotland. Siochona padded softly behind Ceara, almost as if he knew what the reaction to him would be.
Lord Craig stood up demanding, "Mornay, who or what are these things that follow you into this hall?"
"His Majesty, King Edward the Longshanks sent them with me. They are captives from Ireland, they are a family. Princess Isabella took pity on them and decreed that they should be sent to a land like they own. I was the available lord to bring them." Mornay then turned to Robert. "Now that they stand in your hall, they are at your mercy. They must stay in Scotland, but you may send them away from Edinburgh."
The Bruce stood and bade the O'Noclahns to come forward. Knowing that Diedyia would run her mouth, Ceara led them. Ebekah, red curly hair hanging at her waist and green eyes moist, balanced Myechiyel on her hip. It was Ebekah's apparent beauty that caught Robert's eye first, but then he saw the claddagh on her finger that showed that she was betrothed or married. Robert's gaze then fell on Ceara. Her storm blue eyes were steady and her hair was bound back in a braid.
It was common knowledge among the people of Donegal that Ebekah was the more beautiful of the two sisters. This was partly because Ebekah did have the physical beauty, but it was also because Ebekah was one to stay and do the chores of the household. Ceara on the other hand loved being outside and helping the men. She even had a bit of weapons training. This was not to say that Ebekah was helpless; he younger sister knew had to fight and fight well. Their father Carragh would not allow his daughters to walk through life without knowing self-defense. He was overjoyed when he learned that his daughters were quite taken with the idea. The two girls practiced incessantly during their childhood. Slowly, however, Ebekah was drawn to the household. She never forgot what she learned though. The call of the household was strong and she answered; partly because she had grown up with Ceara, while Ceara had grown up their older brother Telac. Ceara and Telac had always tackled had jobs together. Jobs like chopping firewood, farming, and hunting toughened Ceara to the lifestyle that was to come.
Despite her love for men's work, Ceara was drawn to books and music. The lady at Donegal, Lady Aideen, had been kind to Ceara when she had worked as the lady's personal servant. Everyday for an hour, Lady Aideen would allow Ceara full run of the library and music room. Sometimes Ceara would sit and play the harp, other times she would sit by the fire or an open window and read. Sitting among the books was one of the times Ceara was happiest. The other time that made her happy was when she was allowed to run the forests and hills of Ireland. Such a simple joy was lost on most people. As mush as she loved weapons, she loved books and music even more.
This is not to mean that Ceara was without beautiful features. Her stormy blue eyes were enough to make anyone talk and she had long auburn hair that streamed well past her waist. In fact, it went all the way to the bottom of her butt. It was thick and wavy making it all the more annoying; but she refused to cut it. Every O'Noclahn was blessed with three things; a full mouth, large breasts, and a slim but strong figure. As much as past O'Noclahn women tried, they could not change any of those traits. Often, you could hear an O'Noclahn woman complain about how annoying large breasts are.
As Robert the Bruce watched Ceara walk forward, he realized that she was from a family that was used to disturbances in their everyday lives. Clan wars were no exception. All three of the O'Noclahn women bore a strength that few Scottish could boast. He rose from his chair and faced the family. "Tell me who you are and why you have come."
"We are the O'Noclahn family from Donegal Ireland," Ceara began. "I am Ceara and this is my younger sister Ebekah, who holds our nephew Myechiyel, and this is our grandmother Diedyia. We are all that remains of the O'Noclahn clan. We have come to Scotland because we were taken from our homes and brought to England. King Edward the Longshanks was going to have us executed. It is only by the compassion of Princess Isabella that we found ourselves being led north by Lord Mornay. Now, standing before you in your own hall, we are at your mercy." Ceara appeared calm, but her whole being trembled with uncertainty.
Robert thought over the possibilities of what he could do with them. I could cast them away and make them fend for themselves. No, that is too cruel. They have endured enough. Wait, here's what I'll do; I will allow them to live inside the castle until spring. Then they must find a plot of land in Edinburgh and build a home. Until the home is complete, they will be permitted to continue living in the castle. In order to earn their keep, they will work as servants.
The Bruce conveyed his idea, and the O'Noclahns agreed. A servant came to bring them to their new quarters. In the kitchens they were welcomed and given a meal. They soon discovered that they were not the only Irish to suffer this fate. The head servant told them that they would start in the morning.
"He seems fair enough," Ebekah said over supper. "I mean, at least he's kind enough to let us live in the castle 'till we get our home built. He could have cast us away."
Ceara nodded. It seemed to her that they could finally begin to lead a life again. She knew it would be a while, but at least they now had somewhere that they could call home. She turned to look at her grandmamma. The only expression on Diedyia's face was one of complete exhaustion. But Ceara knew better than that. She knew that Diedyia was thinking long and hard about something. She knew not what, but thought it best if she did not know.
While everyone else slept that night, Ceara stayed awake. She was trying to fix the only dress that she owned. Tucked safely away in one of Trina's saddle bags was her mother, Rhies' wedding gown; the same gown that Rhies wore when she attended the lady Aideen at banquet. Tucked away in another saddle bag was her father's weaponry. Not being a rich man, Carragh had only owned a dirk, dagger and broadsword. These weapons had been forged by Brannoc, Ceara's grandfather and Rhies' father. Each hilt was emblazoned with the clan symbol, the solidarity. The first generation of O'Noclahns had chosen the solidarity because it means strength, determination and loyalty; three traits that all O'Noclahns believe in very strongly.
Ceara managed to turn her old torn dress into one that laced up the front. She deepened the square neck and got rid of the sleeves. A servant had given her a long sleeved dressing gown which would now serve as the under-dress for the altered one. Overall, Ceara was quite pleased with her handiwork. Rhies, her mother, had taught her everything she knew about sewing and weaving cloth, and even spinning. Ceara knew that she would have to put these skills to good use her if the family was going to have any clothes to wear in the years to come; she hoped.
Restless, Ceara got up and began walking around. She circled the servants quarters and then walked into main castle area. She walked the now empty great hall, and through some dark hallways. Not a single torch blazed, giving Ceara no idea of where she was going. She then found a staircase that led upwards. Unsure if it would lead her to the ramparts, she climbed it. Id did indeed lead to the ramparts and Ceara, barefoot and dressed only in a thin dressing gown, walked out. The brisk winter wind blew about her, toying with hair that was loose and unbound from its normal braid. Snow crunched underfoot and numbed her toes. After walking a bit, she drew herself up onto one on the ramparts and sat, watching the Scottish land.
Soon it grew too cold, even for Ceara's comfort. She walked back to the servants quarters and curled up on her pallet. Sleep cam quickly, though it was troubled. She saw her Irishman (as she now called him). But she saw him in a fierce battle alongside many fearless Scottish warriors. The blood and fire painted the land red. She saw the aftermath; many wounded and killed lying on the field, their faces contorted with pain. Ceara woke up screaming and shaking. Everyone else awoke at her screaming, and wondered what was happening.
"Ceara, what did you see?" demanded Diedyia. There was concern, but not enough.
"A torn nation.warriors fighting.a land bathed in blood." babbled Ceara in Gaelic. "So many dead."
A few of the servants who could understand the Irish Gaelic shuddered. For many months now, unrest was growing among Scotland's people. Many knew that it would not be too long before a spark lit a raging fire.
Ebekah stood up, appalled at Deidyia's disconcern for her granddaughter. "Grandmother, stop that this instant." Ebekah spoke plainly so that all could understand her. Unaware to her, Robert the Bruce and various other nobles came in to see what the noise was about. "All my life, I have seen you bend the wills and minds of our kinspeople for your own personal gain. I won't have it any more!"
"I do this for your best interests," Diedyia interrupted.
"How can you say that? You have no idea of who I am and what I want. I can almost guarantee that you're glad that Savin isn't here. Deciding to love him was the closest to defiance of you that I've come." At each word, she saw Diedyia flinch.
"Now you sit here and make Ceara recall everything that she's seen just so you know how fate is working or how it's going to work," continued Ebekah. "Can't you see that it hurts her to dredge up all of those painful memories? All her life, she's been trying to work around that iron fist of yours." Ebekah saw her sister pull herself up straight from where she was sitting. The glare in Ceara's storm blue eyes was almost unnatural and mystic.
"Diedyia," Ceara finally said after a moment of absolute silence. "You realize that we will never comply to your wishes because it is not what we want for our lives. It is not that we don't love you as a kinswoman, it's just that we want the ability to live our lives the way that we want to."
Shocked by what they had just seen, the nobles slipped quietly away. "The joys of being common," joked a noble named Locland.
"What do you mean," questioned Lord Mornay.
"Just that, when you're common, you can have fights like that and nobody will question you. As a noble, you say one word like that and questions will be asked and you could very well be dead."
"True enough," said Lord Craig. Of the three nobles, he was the one who was a bit wary of England coming to rule Scotland. Though he would never say it to the others, he knew nothing good would come to Scotland if the English decided to rule it.
Diedyia still stood there, trying to deal with her granddaughters' outbursts. I'm only trying to give them the best possible life. Why can't they see that? Why should they be stuck in the constant circle of work, when they could be using their skills to be doing something much better.
The sisters saw that their grandmother was not going to see their point of view. At least they had now made it clear that they would not so easily be controlled. Knowing that they ha made some impact on their grandmother's mind, was small comfort, but at least it was something. Deciding that it was too late to try and sleep, Ebekah and Ceara dressed and went out side.
Wind streaming through their loose hair, the sisters ran barefoot through the snow covered forest. Had there been a passerby, he could have believed them to be faeries or nymphs with their pure musical laughter and sprightly running. The stopped by a frozen stream to take a drink and bind back their hair for their day's work. For Ceara to braid Ebekah's hair didn't take long, because it was only to fell to her waist. The curls however, put up a fight. Ceara's long thick hair was something that few people would have the patience to deal with. When they were done, they took their time walking back to Edinburgh, so they could take in Scotland's beauty. How their lives were going to be here, the sisters knew not. That was Fate's job.
The city around the fortress was quiet, but then again, it was the dead of winter. Though spring was only a month away, it felt as though the relief of spring was not coming for another couple of months.
Lord Mornay led them through the gates and into the fortress. It could not quite be considered a castle because it had wooden palisades, but they were strong and formidable, giving a castle like quality. "Here, you will be at the mercy of Sir Robert the Bruce, 17th Earl of Scotland."
If, by giving the Bruce's full title, Mornay was trying to scare the O'Noclahn family, he was not doing a good job. The overlord that had ruled Donegal where they had lived in Ireland had a much longer title than this. Resolutely, they followed Mornay into the hall.
Sounds of fighting filled the air as Robert the Bruce tried to control the squabbling nobles. His efforts were fruitless however, and he was resigned to sit slumped in his chair, head on his hand. He was the perfect picture of the reluctant noble. Where's Morany? Robert wondered. He should be back from England by now. It's not like him to be daunted by the weather.
"Milords, may I present the Lord Mornay," cried a page.
Lord Mornay strode in, proud of his noble rank. The O'Noclahn family walked in behind him, a bit unsure of how to act. At least in Londinium they had been captives, so they were positive of how they should act. Mow, they were just an Irish family being brought into Scotland. Siochona padded softly behind Ceara, almost as if he knew what the reaction to him would be.
Lord Craig stood up demanding, "Mornay, who or what are these things that follow you into this hall?"
"His Majesty, King Edward the Longshanks sent them with me. They are captives from Ireland, they are a family. Princess Isabella took pity on them and decreed that they should be sent to a land like they own. I was the available lord to bring them." Mornay then turned to Robert. "Now that they stand in your hall, they are at your mercy. They must stay in Scotland, but you may send them away from Edinburgh."
The Bruce stood and bade the O'Noclahns to come forward. Knowing that Diedyia would run her mouth, Ceara led them. Ebekah, red curly hair hanging at her waist and green eyes moist, balanced Myechiyel on her hip. It was Ebekah's apparent beauty that caught Robert's eye first, but then he saw the claddagh on her finger that showed that she was betrothed or married. Robert's gaze then fell on Ceara. Her storm blue eyes were steady and her hair was bound back in a braid.
It was common knowledge among the people of Donegal that Ebekah was the more beautiful of the two sisters. This was partly because Ebekah did have the physical beauty, but it was also because Ebekah was one to stay and do the chores of the household. Ceara on the other hand loved being outside and helping the men. She even had a bit of weapons training. This was not to say that Ebekah was helpless; he younger sister knew had to fight and fight well. Their father Carragh would not allow his daughters to walk through life without knowing self-defense. He was overjoyed when he learned that his daughters were quite taken with the idea. The two girls practiced incessantly during their childhood. Slowly, however, Ebekah was drawn to the household. She never forgot what she learned though. The call of the household was strong and she answered; partly because she had grown up with Ceara, while Ceara had grown up their older brother Telac. Ceara and Telac had always tackled had jobs together. Jobs like chopping firewood, farming, and hunting toughened Ceara to the lifestyle that was to come.
Despite her love for men's work, Ceara was drawn to books and music. The lady at Donegal, Lady Aideen, had been kind to Ceara when she had worked as the lady's personal servant. Everyday for an hour, Lady Aideen would allow Ceara full run of the library and music room. Sometimes Ceara would sit and play the harp, other times she would sit by the fire or an open window and read. Sitting among the books was one of the times Ceara was happiest. The other time that made her happy was when she was allowed to run the forests and hills of Ireland. Such a simple joy was lost on most people. As mush as she loved weapons, she loved books and music even more.
This is not to mean that Ceara was without beautiful features. Her stormy blue eyes were enough to make anyone talk and she had long auburn hair that streamed well past her waist. In fact, it went all the way to the bottom of her butt. It was thick and wavy making it all the more annoying; but she refused to cut it. Every O'Noclahn was blessed with three things; a full mouth, large breasts, and a slim but strong figure. As much as past O'Noclahn women tried, they could not change any of those traits. Often, you could hear an O'Noclahn woman complain about how annoying large breasts are.
As Robert the Bruce watched Ceara walk forward, he realized that she was from a family that was used to disturbances in their everyday lives. Clan wars were no exception. All three of the O'Noclahn women bore a strength that few Scottish could boast. He rose from his chair and faced the family. "Tell me who you are and why you have come."
"We are the O'Noclahn family from Donegal Ireland," Ceara began. "I am Ceara and this is my younger sister Ebekah, who holds our nephew Myechiyel, and this is our grandmother Diedyia. We are all that remains of the O'Noclahn clan. We have come to Scotland because we were taken from our homes and brought to England. King Edward the Longshanks was going to have us executed. It is only by the compassion of Princess Isabella that we found ourselves being led north by Lord Mornay. Now, standing before you in your own hall, we are at your mercy." Ceara appeared calm, but her whole being trembled with uncertainty.
Robert thought over the possibilities of what he could do with them. I could cast them away and make them fend for themselves. No, that is too cruel. They have endured enough. Wait, here's what I'll do; I will allow them to live inside the castle until spring. Then they must find a plot of land in Edinburgh and build a home. Until the home is complete, they will be permitted to continue living in the castle. In order to earn their keep, they will work as servants.
The Bruce conveyed his idea, and the O'Noclahns agreed. A servant came to bring them to their new quarters. In the kitchens they were welcomed and given a meal. They soon discovered that they were not the only Irish to suffer this fate. The head servant told them that they would start in the morning.
"He seems fair enough," Ebekah said over supper. "I mean, at least he's kind enough to let us live in the castle 'till we get our home built. He could have cast us away."
Ceara nodded. It seemed to her that they could finally begin to lead a life again. She knew it would be a while, but at least they now had somewhere that they could call home. She turned to look at her grandmamma. The only expression on Diedyia's face was one of complete exhaustion. But Ceara knew better than that. She knew that Diedyia was thinking long and hard about something. She knew not what, but thought it best if she did not know.
While everyone else slept that night, Ceara stayed awake. She was trying to fix the only dress that she owned. Tucked safely away in one of Trina's saddle bags was her mother, Rhies' wedding gown; the same gown that Rhies wore when she attended the lady Aideen at banquet. Tucked away in another saddle bag was her father's weaponry. Not being a rich man, Carragh had only owned a dirk, dagger and broadsword. These weapons had been forged by Brannoc, Ceara's grandfather and Rhies' father. Each hilt was emblazoned with the clan symbol, the solidarity. The first generation of O'Noclahns had chosen the solidarity because it means strength, determination and loyalty; three traits that all O'Noclahns believe in very strongly.
Ceara managed to turn her old torn dress into one that laced up the front. She deepened the square neck and got rid of the sleeves. A servant had given her a long sleeved dressing gown which would now serve as the under-dress for the altered one. Overall, Ceara was quite pleased with her handiwork. Rhies, her mother, had taught her everything she knew about sewing and weaving cloth, and even spinning. Ceara knew that she would have to put these skills to good use her if the family was going to have any clothes to wear in the years to come; she hoped.
Restless, Ceara got up and began walking around. She circled the servants quarters and then walked into main castle area. She walked the now empty great hall, and through some dark hallways. Not a single torch blazed, giving Ceara no idea of where she was going. She then found a staircase that led upwards. Unsure if it would lead her to the ramparts, she climbed it. Id did indeed lead to the ramparts and Ceara, barefoot and dressed only in a thin dressing gown, walked out. The brisk winter wind blew about her, toying with hair that was loose and unbound from its normal braid. Snow crunched underfoot and numbed her toes. After walking a bit, she drew herself up onto one on the ramparts and sat, watching the Scottish land.
Soon it grew too cold, even for Ceara's comfort. She walked back to the servants quarters and curled up on her pallet. Sleep cam quickly, though it was troubled. She saw her Irishman (as she now called him). But she saw him in a fierce battle alongside many fearless Scottish warriors. The blood and fire painted the land red. She saw the aftermath; many wounded and killed lying on the field, their faces contorted with pain. Ceara woke up screaming and shaking. Everyone else awoke at her screaming, and wondered what was happening.
"Ceara, what did you see?" demanded Diedyia. There was concern, but not enough.
"A torn nation.warriors fighting.a land bathed in blood." babbled Ceara in Gaelic. "So many dead."
A few of the servants who could understand the Irish Gaelic shuddered. For many months now, unrest was growing among Scotland's people. Many knew that it would not be too long before a spark lit a raging fire.
Ebekah stood up, appalled at Deidyia's disconcern for her granddaughter. "Grandmother, stop that this instant." Ebekah spoke plainly so that all could understand her. Unaware to her, Robert the Bruce and various other nobles came in to see what the noise was about. "All my life, I have seen you bend the wills and minds of our kinspeople for your own personal gain. I won't have it any more!"
"I do this for your best interests," Diedyia interrupted.
"How can you say that? You have no idea of who I am and what I want. I can almost guarantee that you're glad that Savin isn't here. Deciding to love him was the closest to defiance of you that I've come." At each word, she saw Diedyia flinch.
"Now you sit here and make Ceara recall everything that she's seen just so you know how fate is working or how it's going to work," continued Ebekah. "Can't you see that it hurts her to dredge up all of those painful memories? All her life, she's been trying to work around that iron fist of yours." Ebekah saw her sister pull herself up straight from where she was sitting. The glare in Ceara's storm blue eyes was almost unnatural and mystic.
"Diedyia," Ceara finally said after a moment of absolute silence. "You realize that we will never comply to your wishes because it is not what we want for our lives. It is not that we don't love you as a kinswoman, it's just that we want the ability to live our lives the way that we want to."
Shocked by what they had just seen, the nobles slipped quietly away. "The joys of being common," joked a noble named Locland.
"What do you mean," questioned Lord Mornay.
"Just that, when you're common, you can have fights like that and nobody will question you. As a noble, you say one word like that and questions will be asked and you could very well be dead."
"True enough," said Lord Craig. Of the three nobles, he was the one who was a bit wary of England coming to rule Scotland. Though he would never say it to the others, he knew nothing good would come to Scotland if the English decided to rule it.
Diedyia still stood there, trying to deal with her granddaughters' outbursts. I'm only trying to give them the best possible life. Why can't they see that? Why should they be stuck in the constant circle of work, when they could be using their skills to be doing something much better.
The sisters saw that their grandmother was not going to see their point of view. At least they had now made it clear that they would not so easily be controlled. Knowing that they ha made some impact on their grandmother's mind, was small comfort, but at least it was something. Deciding that it was too late to try and sleep, Ebekah and Ceara dressed and went out side.
Wind streaming through their loose hair, the sisters ran barefoot through the snow covered forest. Had there been a passerby, he could have believed them to be faeries or nymphs with their pure musical laughter and sprightly running. The stopped by a frozen stream to take a drink and bind back their hair for their day's work. For Ceara to braid Ebekah's hair didn't take long, because it was only to fell to her waist. The curls however, put up a fight. Ceara's long thick hair was something that few people would have the patience to deal with. When they were done, they took their time walking back to Edinburgh, so they could take in Scotland's beauty. How their lives were going to be here, the sisters knew not. That was Fate's job.