THE COURTYARD, STIRLING CASTLE - JUNE 19, 1291
Four men were ushered in, patted down, and relieved of their weapons tae speak tae me.
I received them in the center of the courtyard, surrounded by my men and guards. Cailean, Fraoch, and Sean stood just behind me. I was irritated at havin’ my mornin’ interrupted: we were waitin’ for Quentin and Lochinvar, we had plans tae make.
Cailean looked pensive.
Chef Zach rushed up, tugging his sleeves down over his tattoos. He had a questionin’ look, Fraoch shook his head so he stepped near enough tae listen, keeping a watchful distance.
I said tae the men, “What business have ye? Ye told the guard that ye needed tae speak tae me and hae interrupted my day.”
The leader claimed tae be an envoy of the English King, Edward. “I am carrying a message for the Scottish Lord, Magnus?—”
He held out a scrolled paper.
“—who has stationed himself in Stirling Castle and must submit himself to the English Crown.”
“Nae, there will be nae submitting. I am Mag Mòr, King of Scotland, I am not a mere lord, I daena answer tae any crown.”
“Then I am to inform you that Edward would like to meet you at the fields of Kippen?—”
Cailean looked shocked. “This is a call tae battle? Ye are askin’ the Scottish King tae fight on Scottish lands? Kippen is mere miles away!”
Fraoch said, “This is madness. Tell Eddie that he must come tae Stirling at once tae seek permission tae be on Mag Mòr’s lands.”
“No, no, there will be no battle... King Edward demands your presence at a peaceful negotiation, one that will benefit England and Scotland, mutually.”
I narrowed my eyes. “Continue with the message.”
He continued, “At the fields of Kippen on June 20, 1291?—”
Chef Zach checked his watch and whispered, “That’s tomorrow.”
Fraoch said, “I am busy on the morrow, we will hae tae plan it for later in the week.”
The messenger continued, “—while Edward looks forward to a beneficial and peaceful treaty with the Scottish Lord Magnus, he will remain encamped and will gather forces until Lord Magnus complies to the request.”
I huffed. “If I meet Edward and we come tae an agreement, he will remove himself and his army from the lands of Scotland?”
“He offers his deepest assurances that he will remove his armies after the successful completion of the negotiation.” He shoved one of his men forward. “To that end we offer Thomas Harden, second cousin of King Edward, to accompany your entourage and ensure your safety.”
I scoffed.
Fraoch said, “A second cousin? If I wanted m’second cousin dead, this is just what I would do with him.”
The messenger continued, “King Edward also gives you this holy relic as proof of his steadfast commitment to the peaceful negotiations to come.” He handed me a silk-wrapped bundle. I untied the cord and drew the silk open tae see a gold cross.
I said, “Tomorrow?”
The man nodded, “Yes, my lord. I also have this letter, it provides his promise of safe passage.” He passed me a scroll.
I scoffed again. “He wants tae give the rightful King of Scotland safe passage on his own lands? This whole thing is ridiculous, I am Mag Mòr, I say who steps foot on my lands — what exactly does Eddie believe we are negotiating? It seems Eddie is trespassin’ upon the lands of Scotland, without permission.”
Fraoch said, “Instead of negotiating ye ought tae tell him tae get off yer lawn.”
“I agree.”
The messenger said, “Is that the message you want me to carry to King Edward?”
