Page 18 of The Refuge
The tower door suddenly opened and Steinar turned, recognizing the man who stepped inside as one who had ridden with Maerleswein. Steinar strode toward the messenger and accepted the parchment he thrust at him. Finally, news from Lothian of the Conqueror’s movements.
He meant to carry it to Malcolm where he ate with the queen on the dais, but the king shouted, “Read it!”
Steinar glanced toward Catrìona where she sat eating with the other ladies before opening the sealed parchment. Scanning its contents, he raised his voice so all in the hall could hear. “The Normans have crossed back into Northumbria. All is well in Lothian.”
The hall erupted in loud exclamations of joy.
With a glance at his queen, Malcolm stood and waited for the din to die down. When he had the attention of everyone, the king said, “There has been enough sadness. And enough of the Normans’ threat hanging over us. ’Tis time for happy entertaining of our guests from Orkney and Wales and for some rewards I have been planning. This I will do tomorrow night and we will celebrate, but lift now your goblets and drink with me!”
All rose from their seats and downed a drink of wine and loud cheers went up as the tension hanging over them for so long dissipated.
His gut clenching, Steinar went to where Catrìona sat with the ladies. “Tomorrow, the king will determine your fate, I think. ”
She looked up, her expression confident. “Nay, ’tis only God who will determine my future, as He will yours.”
Steinar bowed and walked away, admiring Catrìona’s faith yet despairing for what he believed the king’s decision would be. If a battle would win her hand, he would gladly fight for her, but how could he defy the king to whom he was sworn?
***
The next evening the hall was crowded with their many visitors as well as those eager to hear of the king’s rewards for those he favored. The moment it was explained to Steinar what the seating on the dais would be he understood the king’s decision had not altered its course.
Colbán was to have Catrìona and, as it was explained to Steinar, he was to be given Audra of Fife. Much as he admired Duff’s daughter, his heart sank at the wrong of it. He loved Catrìona and wanted only her. In his heart he had long known there would never be another like his high-spirited tree nymph.
The king’s captain escorted Catrìona to the dais to take her place between Colbán and the Mormaer of Atholl, her uncle, who sat next to the king. From the anxious looks she gave her cousin, Steinar understood the auburn-haired beauty had not been privy to the king’s decision to give her to his captain. She must know she could not say nay to the man the king chose. A queen’s lady went where the king commanded.
Steinar helped Audra to take her place on the dais between him and Duff, who sat next to the queen. Audra had the look of a startled doe, understanding slowly dawning as she darted glances from Steinar to her father, who sat in stony silence, his bushy brows framing his steady eyes as he gazed into the hall.
Colbán had barely taken his seat before he propelled himself up by his good arm and strode to where the king sat sipping his wine. The captain bent to whisper in the king’s ear. The king’s brows drew together, as he listened intently. After a few moments, he beckoned Duff to him from where he sat on the other side of the queen.
The three conversed in whispers, oblivious to the interested stares of those in the hall. Food was served and savory smells rose in the air from the elaborate feast of swan, partridge and roast boar, but no one ate. All waited upon the king.
When the three at the dais finished their conversation, the king nodded to Colbán. Duff raised his bushy brows and shrugged. Colbán and Duff went back to their seats and the king leaned into the queen, saying something only she could hear. Then Malcolm shifted in his chair toward Matad and whispered yet again; this time the conversation took a longer span of time.
By now, the entire hall was quiet and staring at the dais, watching the bizarre series of whispers, curious to know what was afoot.
When the king and Matad finished their whispers, Malcolm shot to his feet, goblet in hand. “Tonight we have much to celebrate!”
Steinar cringed, his stomach rolling as he awaited the announcement ending his dreams of happiness. On the other side of the dais, Catrìona looked about to cry. But oddly, the queen was smiling.
“First,” said the king, “I have two warriors to reward with lands and a title.”
“Rise, Colbán of Moray!”
The king’s captain stood, straight and tall, his long hair confined by a leather strip at his crown and his red beard neatly trimmed for the occasion.
“Colbán, ever-faithful captain of my guard, you have served me long and well. Hereafter, you shall be Mormaer of Strivelyn, with all those lands surrounding, close enough to Dunfermline should I need you to come quickly. You are charged with building a large fortress to garrison some of my men. There I intend to visit often.”
A loud cheer went up and the captain bowed. “You are most generous, My Lord.”
Colbán returned to his seat and the king turned to face Steinar.
“Rise Steinar of Talisand!”
Like the captain before him, Steinar stood and faced the king. “For the English thegn’s son who became a rebel and defied the Norman tyrant, then became my trusted scribe and saved the life of his king, you shall hereafter be the Mormaer of Levenach and shall have lands in the Vale of Leven. You are charged with building a hillfort and guarding Scotland’s western border. Your new ship should help in these efforts.”
Steinar bowed and gave the words of assent and thanks, as he must, even as Catrìona gasped. It must have come as a shock to her to learn he would have her father’s lands and a ship besides. It broke his heart to think she would not be with him when he claimed them.
Loud praise sounded around the hall, for the king’s pronouncements were popular among all those gathered. Goblets were raised and wine quaffed.
The king raised his hand and the hall quieted. “There is more, good people of Alba. Audra of Fife, please rise.” Audra, dutiful and looking as if she feared the worst, slowly rose, her eyes fixed on Malcolm as he walked to where she stood next to her father. The king took her hand and escorted her to the other side of the dais where Colbán sat. The king’s captain rose and accepted her hand. “Today these two are betrothed,” announced the king.
Loud cheers erupted.
Steinar sat, confused and amazed. Colbán is to have Audra? But that means…
Tears streamed down Audra’s face as Colbán bowed over her hand. “My lady, I hope this pleases you, as it does me.”
“Oh, aye, my lord, it does,” she said, joy evident on her face.
Sitting beside Steinar, Duff smiled.
A few bawdy jests sounded from the men before the king quieted them with a loud “Hist!” When the hall was silent, Malcolm said, “That leaves me with the prize long sought by my former scribe, now Mormaer of Levenach. Catrìona of the Vale of Leven, your uncle, the Mormaer of Atholl, has agreed with my decision to betroth you to Steinar.” Without waiting to hear Catrìona’s choked reply, the king raised his goblet and loudly proclaimed, “So be it!”
Everyone in the hall raised their goblets and quaffed their red wine before slamming their goblets down on the tables and shouting the king’s words. “So be it!”
Steinar leapt to his feet, ran to the other end of the dais and pulled a startled Catrìona into his arms, kissing her soundly in front of all. “My love,” he said to her tear-streaked face. “It was always you and only you that I wanted. Will you happily be my bride?”
“Aye,” she said. “Oh, aye.”
“Heirs by next summer!” someone shouted from the rear of the hall and the chant was picked up and carried around the room.
On the dais, all three ladies blushed scarlet, even the queen.
***
That night was a blur for Catrìona as her wedding and that of Audra’s were added to Fia’s and the three of them spoke excitedly of their future. She had slept little for the joy that filled her heart at being betrothed to the man she loved. And with lands in the vale! She had not anticipated all the blessings that were now hers. But she was not slow to thank God for all He had done.
That morning, many prayers of thanks were spoken. And after, Margaret, beaming with happiness, said, “I could not have asked God for more than to see the three of you happily wed.” Then looking at Isobel and Elspeth, the queen added, “Now I must pray for husbands for you two and the ladies who will join you in the future.”
In the hall, Catrìona broke her fast with Steinar. Before she could tell Giric, he came running in shouting, “I heard ye will wed the scribe!”
“Aye, ’tis true,” she said, glancing at Steinar who wore a broad grin.
Giric joined them to eat. After the meal, they went about their separate tasks for there was much to do before the weddings that were to take place the next day.
Catrìona and Fia worked to embellish the gowns they would wear and Audra, who now occupied her chamber alone, came to join them.
That afternoon, servants bustled about calling for more tables and benches, village women flowed into the hall carrying baskets of flowers, and wonderful smells wafted from the kitchen to the second story, making Catrìona’s mouth water.
Early in the afternoon, Steinar knocked at her chamber door and suggested a walk to the village to see Giric.
“Giric was excited about our marrying,” she said as she walked with Steinar down the stairs to the hall. “Have you spoken again with him?”
“Aye,” he said throwing her a look that told her he would say more.
“And?” she asked, raising her brows.
He opened the door of the tower and let her pass through. “He worries for our leaving.” She walked a little ahead of him. He caught up to say, “I wanted to ask you before I talked with the lad.” From the corner of her eye she saw him snatch a glance at her as if checking her mood. “I would like to take the boy with us to the vale and, if you are willing, raise him as our own.”
A smile broke out on her face and, unbidden, tears filled her eyes. “Nothing would please me more than to have Giric with us and I think he will not want to be parted from you.” She hoped one day God would give them children of their own but to have Giric as their child now was a great boon.
He stopped in the path and turned to face her, ignoring the looks of those passing by. Taking both of her hands in his, he said, “We are of one mind, little cat. ’Tis a good sign of the days to come, is it not?”
She kissed him on the cheek, a light peck. “A good sign, yea.” Then, thinking of the name he had called her, she said, “You called me ‘little cat’.”
“Aye, ’tis how I think of you. ’Tis an affectionate term. Should I call you something else?”
“Nay. That is the name my father bestowed upon me. I have always loved it.”
“Then little cat you shall be.” He squeezed her hand, kissed her on the forehead, oblivious to the knowing smiles of those passing them as they held hands and continued down the path.
“What of Angus and Niall?” she asked, just realizing she had yet to speak to either about returning to the vale.
“I assumed you would want both to go with us so I asked if they would come.”
Her anxious gaze met his.
“They said yes; they will both make their homes in the vale.”
“Oh, I am glad!” she exclaimed.
“Niall wants to be near Wales to visit Rhodri, and both miss the vale as much as you do. Except for Niall, who used his time here to perfect his skill with the bow, I think neither is fond of life at court. And Angus has a fancy for your handmaiden. Did you know?”
“Nay. Deidre has been most secretive about who she steals away to see, but Angus is a fierce protector and I can see how she would respond to him. Mayhap she liked him before and I just did not see it.”
When they reached the village, the men and women greeted them with broad smiles. “’Tis one of the brides,” said one woman, waving from where she swept the short path leading to her cottage.
At the door of the orphans’ cottage, fair-haired Aeleva welcomed them. “All the women are picking flowers for the chapel and the hall.”
“Everyone knows they are invited?” Steinar asked.
“Aye, ’tis going to be a grand celebration. The women who were in Dunfermline ere I came say nothing like it has occurred since the king wed Lady Margaret.”
Happiness welled up inside Catrìona. She would share one of the most important days of her life with Fia and Audra, as well as the queen who meant so much to her.
“Is Giric here?” Steinar asked, peering around the side of the cottage at the now finished chicken pen. “We have something to tell him.” He squeezed Catrìona’s hand, sending tingling sensations through her.
“Let’s see,” said Aeleva, one fist braced on her generous hip. “After doing his chores, the boy skipped off. Said something about finding the two of you and flying the falcon.”
They thanked her, said they would see her at the wedding and went in search of Giric. They found him in the mews.
“There ye are!” said Giric, rushing to them.
Machar congratulated them on their betrothal and took Kessog from his perch. “Once the lad came, I thought you would be here soon,” he said to Catrìona. “Your tiercel is just ending his molt and is anxious to fly.”
Giric jumped up and down. “Oh, can we?”
Catrìona looked at Steinar and seeing him nod, she said, “Aye, we will fly him and we have something to ask you on our way to the field.”
When they told the boy of their desire to take him with them and raise him as their own, he stopped and stared, great tears falling from his eyes to run down his thin face. They crouched before him and he leapt into their open arms. “I had hoped ye would,” Giric said. “I even asked the queen if she would pray for me. And she did!”
The hours they spent with Giric in the meadow that day were ones Catrìona would always remember. The sky above was a brilliant blue, the grass a deep emerald green, the flowers yellow and white at the edge of the forest .
Kessog flew from the gauntlet, happy to be streaking through the air once again, searching out a mallard.
Steinar wrapped his arm around her shoulder and drew her close as Giric stood nearby watching the falcon.
“This is all I desire, little cat. You and the home we will make together.”
“’Twas my dream, too, even when I thought you only a scribe.” He slapped her bottom. She properly chided him, but she was secretly happy, remembering the time she had seen Malcolm do the same to his queen. Then thinking of her gift for him, she said, “I have something for you when we return to the tower.”
***
A feeling of exuberant joy seemed to permeate the very walls of the tower on the day of the wedding. Everyone’s face bore a smile. Catrìona’s work in the village had brought her many friends; Audra’s kindness garnered the people’s love; and Fia was admired for having snagged the bard all the women wanted, many saying the fairies must have aided Matad’s daughter.
When Catrìona told Fia of the rumors, she laughed. Rhodri, when he heard of it, vowed to compose an ode to the fairies that had helped him win his bride.
In her chamber, Deidre and a servant, sent by the queen to help the brides, brought out the gowns they would wear: sapphire for Fia because it was Rhodri’s favorite color for her, gold for Audra for it brought out the gold in her hazel eyes and green like the forest for Catrìona because Steinar told her he would ever think of her as his tree nymph.
Each wore a circlet of silver and gold around her crown, gifts from the queen, leaving their long tresses flowing free down their backs. After this day they would wear the circlets over the headscarves that would mark them married women.
The night before, Catrìona had given Steinar the tunic she made for him, embroidered with silver and gold falcons and quills. “’Tis the color of your eyes,” she had told him as she proudly placed it into his hands. “It may not be the fine stitching of the other ladies, but I did it myself. ”
“In truth, I was worried when I saw the tunic you embroidered for Colbán,” Steinar had said. “I believed it a sign you agreed with his request for your hand.”
“At the time, I knew naught of it,” she had assured him. “Colbán asked me to embroider the tunic. His request, so unforeseen, quite startled me. But the doing of it gave me the idea to make this one for you.” She had looked into the face of the man she loved. “The one for Colbán was something I did as one of the queen’s ladies. This one I did for love of the man who would wear it.”
Beaming, he had held it up and studied the silver and gold threads that marked the quills and outlined the falcons, filled in with flaxen thread. She had labored much to get the design just right. “You are too modest, little cat,” he had said. “’Tis truly magnificent. I will wear it proudly.”
***
Margaret stood with her husband, watching her three ladies and the men who would soon be their husbands take their places in front of the chapel door. The Culdee monk in his gray cowl robe who was to perform the ceremony seemed a bit overwhelmed by having to wed three couples, but he managed, in spite of it, to pronounce the words that saw them united.
All of Dunfermline looked on, smiling their pleasure.
As the couples walked back to the tower for the feast that would follow, Margaret slipped her arm through her husband’s and leaned in to ask in a whisper, “What was it Colbán said to you that made you switch the brides at the last moment?”
“He apologized for being remiss in telling me that Audra had declared she loved him no matter he was from Moray. It seems he returns her affection.”
“What about Catrìona?”
“At the same time he became aware of Audra’s feelings, he realized the redhead favored the scribe. Colbán’s words were, ‘Hurled herself into the scribe’s arms when he rescued her from the Northman, not a glance for me though I lay wounded and bleeding on the deck!’.”
“Ah,” said Margaret, “so my first instinct was correct. ’Twas Catrìona for Steinar all along.”
He pulled her close and kissed her on her cheek. “Just so, mo cridhe .”
The celebration that day brought a warm gladness to Margaret’s heart, seeing her ladies happily wed to good men. And that night when she said her prayers, she had much to be thankful for.
***
The feasting had gone on for some time when, ignoring the jests from the men in the hall, Steinar led Catrìona to the stairs, eager to be alone with his bride. The celebration in the hall would continue late into the night but not with them. Looking over his shoulder, he saw Rhodri and Colbán coming behind him, their brides in tow.
Catrìona’s hand was cold in his as they ascended the stairs. She is nervous . He gave her a reassuring look. “Trust me, little cat. I will see my beautiful bride happy this night.”
“You promise?”
He expected to see mirth dancing in her green eyes but, instead, he saw uncertainty and, mayhap, a little fear. “Aye, I promise. Have I not waited months for you, desperate to have you for my own even though I believed the king would give you to another?”
“Yea.” Her green eyes sparkled like jewels. “Oh, yea, you did.”
“Then trust me to be patient this night and make our joining a sweet one.”
They turned down the corridor, her smile telling him all he needed to know.
When they reached the chamber assigned to them, he was glad to see all had been made ready. Candles and a fire in the brazier warmed the room, dominated by the bed, much larger than the one he normally slept in.
His eyes followed Catrìona as she went to the small table set with a pitcher of wine, two silver goblets and a trencher of bread, cheese and fruit. “I love pears and cherries,” she said, idly fingering one of the pears.
My innocent firebrand is stalling. He smiled to himself, knowing he would make it good for her.
Casting her gaze about the chamber, his bride looked at the two chests at the foot of the bed, hers next to his. “My chest,” she remarked .
“Aye, my love. While we were being wed, the servants moved all of our things here. See, your cloak and mine hang on pegs next to the door. ’Twill be our chamber until we leave for the vale.”
He came up behind her and slid his arms around her slim waist, pulling her back against his chest, loving the feel of her and her scent, as fresh as the forest. Running his lips down the side of her neck, he felt her shiver. “Do not be afraid, little cat. Have I not held you before? And do I not love you?” He turned her in his arms and met her emerald gaze. “Since the king gave me your hand, I have dreamed of this night. Truth be told, mayhap even before.”
Her cheeks flushed. “I, too, have dreamed of this night, though ’twas all shrouded in mist. I knew not what to expect. The queen had a few words with the three of us yesterday and that helped calm my fears.”
He drew her close and nibbled at her ear. “Would you like some wine?”
“A sip, mayhap,” she said, stepping back.
He poured her some wine and handed her the goblet. As she reached for it her eyes fixed on the gold band on her finger.
“The ring is a sign to all you are mine,” he said. Indeed, Catrìona was finally his. But why is this so different? “’Tis love,” his mind silently whispered. It would be the joining of two souls, not just two bodies.
He took her goblet and set it aside and pressed his lips to the back of her hand, then pulled her into his arms and brushed his lips over hers. They were soft and warm and tasted of wine. “Let me show you the joys of love.” He intended to take his time, winning her trust, stroking her like a wary falcon.
“Steinar,” she said, looking into his eyes.
“Aye?”
“You are mine, are you not?”
“Aye, lass, only yours and forever.”
Behind him was England and a past he could not, did not, want to bring back. No longer an exile, God had given him a new home in the place of his refuge. He belonged to Catrìona and she to him. And both of them belonged to Scotland.
** *
Sunlight filtering through the shutters awakened Steinar the next morning. Next to him, curled into his side, lay his sleeping bride, her auburn hair spread across the pillow like strands of dark fire. He gently placed a kiss on her forehead and carefully slipped from the bed so as not to wake her. She would need her rest.
He washed, donned his hosen and sat at the table nibbling on chunks of cheese, basking in his good fortune. He had a wife he loved, lands of his own where he would build them a home and a noble king to serve. Aye, there was much to be thankful for.
“Steinar?” she murmured from the bed.
“Aye, love, just here.”
Rising up on one elbow, tousled from sleep, she grinned.
“Happy are you?” he asked.
“Aye,” she said, “truly.”
Her auburn hair fell around her pale shoulders, the cover slipping to reveal more of her ivory skin. It was all he could do not to leap at her. “Do you wish me to return to our bed or are you hungry for more than me?”
She laughed. “Conceited rogue. Might you bring the food here so that we can dine on it and each other?”
“Ho! My bride learns fast.” Picking up the trencher, he reached the edge of the bed in two long strides, his leg bothering him not at all.
He kissed her forehead and fed her the cherries one by one, then licked the juice from her lips. He was just about to crawl in with her when a knock sounded on their door.
***
“Mistress?” Catrìona recognized the voice as her handmaiden.
“’Tis Deidre,” she said to Steinar. “What is it?” she said to the door.
Through the oak planks, her handmaiden spoke. “I would not disturb you, milady, but I thought you would want to know that last night the queen had her babe. ’Twas early… a son! The king is ever so pleased. The babe is to be named Edmund and the queen asks you and the other two ladies to stay for the christening.”
At Steinar’s nod, she said, “Aye, we will.”
Hearing Deidre’s footsteps retreating down the corridor, Catrìona lay back on the pillows and looked up at her new husband, who was smiling at her as he rose up on one elbow, his golden locks loose about his muscled shoulders. His blue thistle eyes twinkled and his face bore a pleased expression. “Should we leave our chamber to congratulate the king and queen and pay tribute to their new son?”
“Aye,” she said, “’tis best. We have played the slug-a-beds long enough.”
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.”