Heber's Judgment
Mi trip to the border had left mi feelin' a bit melancholy. Mi mind was boggled with questions. I stayed in mi little chamber for a day or so wonderin' about mi Da. For ‘twas clear to mi now he was not the honorable man I believed him to be. He was a Gallowglass, a ruffian and a thief. As I sat in mi chamber ponderin' so many questions that I would never have answers to, I'd been idly fiddlin' with the broken pieces of the chest that had held the bag of gold and jewels. I was movin' the bits of wood around like pieces to a puzzle. When I got the pieces back together, you could see that at one time the chest and been beautifully adorned with paint and inlayed gold. The chest bore a Coat of Arms; one I did not recognize. It mattered not. ‘Twas just one more piece to a puzzle far too big for me to solve.
‘Twas time to put all of this behind and move on. I had Katie and Philip, and the goodly folk of the Wycked Aye. Lookin' for answers to the past would only bring trouble and heartache. I would take the gold, the jewels and the chest to Chieftain Heber; whatever be his counsel, it would be final.
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"Have ye seen her at all Katie?" asked Elena. The women were busy in the Tavern that afternoon as always.
"Nay, I've not. I thought I'd give the girl a bit of time alone" Katie replied. "She's been through a bit ye know and might need some time to think it through."
Fionnula came forward and put a hand on Katie's shoulder. As Katie turned to her she said "Ye need to go fetch Maureen, Katie; Chieftain wants to see her...now."
The Chieftain was seated to the back of the Tavern by the fire at "his" table. The great table he had made special, just for Himself. Although the table was in a common area of the tavern, it was placed back away from the others. Back where Heber could meet and talk away from the ears of the patrons. A place for barterin' and negotiation, and meetin' with the leaders of other Clans. Many came to the Chieftain for counsel for he is a wise and even-handed man.
I waited back away from the table for Heber to see me and bid me to come forward. For no one, no one, had leave to invite himself to Heber's table, les' ye be a bloody fool. It seemed like forever, but Chieftain finally looked up and beckoned me forward.
He pointed to the bench directly across from him and I quietly took mi place.
"I hope ye understand that yer little trip to the border has stirred up a bit of a hornet's nest. Master Armstrong seems to be of a mind that ye are in possession of somethin' of great value to him...and he wants it back." Heber paused for a moment. I knew it was not mi time to speak and that he would tell mi when it was; he was choosin' his words carefully. He continued, "Lord Elliott and miself have informed Armstrong that ye know nothin' of it and to leave it be. Whatever that father of yours did, 'tis long past and best be forgotten. Ye know lass, the Armstrongs are a large and powerful clan. I don't need trouble from a Clan like that; Cullen doesn't need trouble like that. So, I trust this will be the end of it?"
I couldn't speak. Mi heart was in mi throat. He just stared, awaitin' a response. He had to know; I owed him the truth and nothin' less. I pulled the satchel from mi lap and laid it on the table. His eyes narrowed as he said "what's this all about, lass?"
I began mi story about the chest with the gold and jewels. When I had finished I looked mi Chieftain straight in the eyes and said "I swear to ye Chieftain, on mi mother's grave, I did na' know these were in the chest." And with that I opened the satchel and dumped out the gold and jewels on the Chieftain's table.
"God's teeth, girl" he said as he quickly covered the pile of wealth with the satchel cloth. A few heads turned to look as the bounty clattered on the top of the table. He waited until all had gone back about their business before he raised the cloth for a better look. As he separated the coin from the jewels he said quietly, "who knows of this?"
"No one knows, only you" I replied.
"Not even Katie?" he said with a bit of a raise to his voice. For he knew if I would tell anyone, I would tell Katie.
"Nay, not even Katie. I swear it." He continued to count and we both sat in silence. Only the crackling of the fire and the muffled conversations of the tavern filled the room. As I could stand the silence no longer, I finally asked him, "I have never seen coin like this before Heber, I know not what it is or what it is worth. Do ye know what they be Chieftain?
"Aye, I do indeed" he said as he let out a long sigh. "These be English Fine Sovereign, fifty pieces of Fine Sovereign...a bloody fortune to someone like you or me."
"Do ye think this be what that filthy toad Armstrong be after?" I asked. The Chieftain only nodded. ‘Twas time to put the last card on the table. I brought forth the pieces of the broken chest. "This be what they were packed in", I said and I began to reassemble the pieces to form the Coat of Arms painted on the top of the chest. Heber watched with curiosity and I could tell by his expression that he knew not who this standard belonged. "Do ye know where it came from?, I asked.
"Nay Mistress MacLeod, I know not." He was troubled, ‘twas plain to see.
"What be your counsel Chieftain, I'll do whatever ye say", I said as I lowered mi eyes to await his judgment. Before he said a word, he gathered the pieces of the broken chest and pitched them into the fire.
"Gather up yer dowry girl. Take it back to yer chamber and hide it well." Then he raised his voice for all to hear and said, "then get yer troublesome MacLeod arse back over here and get to work". He raised his cup of ale and drained it down. His eyes came straight into mine as he said, "Now, walk yerself out of here as if not a thing be on yer mind and be back straightaway. I need to seek counsel of another. Do nothin' with any of this until I return...now go, off with ye".
"Grammercy Chieftain", and with a proper bow of mi head, I did exactly as he asked.
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‘Twas good to get back to the day-to-day routine of the Tavern. All was perfectly normal for the next few days. "Twas late spring in the Hei’lunds, but the weather had turned unseasonably cold. The skies had darkened and a storm was on the way. The Tavern was full of local patrons and weary travelers seeking a warm fire and cup of fine ale. All kinds came to the Wycked Aye Tavern; Chieftain rarely turned anyone away. The Tavern served as neutral ground. On any one night ye could hear talk of politics, Clan disputes, news of Court and always debates on religion. Most of the time the discussions were peaceful and kept between the parties involved. But, like any place where people gather to talk, there lurked the people who had been sent just to listen. The threat of spies from
For two nights in a row, the same two men dressed as country gentlemen had wandered into the tavern and taken the same table. The first night we did nae take too much notice of them. The second night when they returned, they asked Elena about her clan, where she was from. They both had eyes for Detta and were makin' foul remarks to all the lasses. For though they be dressed in fine breaches and doublets, they did not speak or behave as gentlemen should. Katie and Philip were in the tavern that night. Katie pulled mi aside and warned mi not to go near their table. They had plenty of coin and were gettin' their fill of ale.
"Ye go through almost as many women as Bothwell" said one.
"Well, at least I don't promise to marry 'em and then leave 'em high and dry" says the other.
"Aye, the good Earl must have balls of solid rock to have gotten away with that one".
"Can ye imagine, promisin' a Norwegian nobleman that yer going to marry his daughter, bringin' her to the lowlands of
I had heard tell of this Earl of Bothwell, the enemy of all good men they called him. Handsome and powerful he was. ‘Twas nothin' he would nae do ta put gold in his pocket or better his position. Even changed his religion when it suited his purpose. But that was not the part of the story that caught mi attention; ‘twas the dowry of the Norwegian noble woman.
Mistress Morna was uneasy with these strangers in the Tavern for they did not seem to be waiting for someone else to arrive, they seemed to be watchin' us. She moved to the back of the bar and whispered to Heber, "they be back again tonight Heber. They keep askin' the lasses questions 'bout their homes, their clans. I don't like it Heber and the lasses are fed up with them. Elena is ready to run them through and if she doesn't I'm pretty sure Connor will".
"I've had mi eyes on them as well, Mistress Morna. I know not who they are, but I believe I know who sent them. I'll be leavin' first thing come morning for the lowlands to finish this matter once and for all. Go to them Tánaiste, fill their cups and send them to my table." He filled his tankard with ale and proceed to sit Himself at his table.
Morna approached the men, "Good gentles, the Chieftain bids you join him at his table" she said. The two strangers glanced to each other and back to Morna. She said nothing back, just pointed the way to the big man's table and walked away.
The two men checked each other’s glance and then turned their gaze to the Chieftain. They rose slowly and moved toward the big man's table for they now had the attention of not only the Chieftain, but also that of Braden, Connor, and Philip. Katie snagged mi by the back of mi bodice and yanked mi into the back of the Tavern, puttin' a finger to her lips to stay quiet. As the two strangers began to seat themselves at Heber's table, the Chieftain spoke.
"Do not sit. What I have ta say will nay take long. I know not yer names lads, but I believe I know who sent ye." The larger of the two men interrupted.
"We've come for the wench called MacLeod, the one who wears the doe hoof dagger. Turn her over and we'll make it worth yer while and leave ye in peace." Heber bolted to his feet, slamming his hands on the table.
"Ye have no barterin' rights at this table, boyo." Heads turned and a hush fell throughout the Tavern. "Now, I bid ye return to yer Master Armstrong, tell him I'll meet him in two days time at the same place we had our last little talk. And if I ever hear either of ye speak of tradin' Hei’lunder women as if they be kye I'll run ye through miself. Now leave mi Tavern and never return, yer no longer welcome here." The larger man began to speak then thought better of it. The two turned to find themselves flanked by Connor, Braden, and Philip. Everyone watched quietly as they moved through the Tavern. They gathered their belongings and left the Wycked Aye. As the door closed behind them, Heber caught the attention of Connor. A slight tilt of his head gave Connor his instructions: follow the men and make sure they were well on their way. Connor nodded back and then quietly slipped out the back of the Tavern. As he passed by Katie and me he gave us both a stern look and then he was gone.
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Morning broke under a sky of grey. The air was strangely still, there was no movement about. No birds singing, no rustling of the little creatures in the grass and bushes. A sure sign that the Earth Mother was bringin' a storm this way. Connor arrived just as Heber was finishing packing his horse.
"I followed them well past Linton. They're runnin' with their tails betwixt their legs, Heber", chuckled Connor. "They should be well over the River Tweed by now and on their way to Selkirk."
"Well met, Connor. Keep an eye on the Tavern won't ye lad. I'll be back as soon as this matter is settled." Fionnula approached her husband with a small bundle of food for the journey.
"Do ye have to be goin' off now husband? The weather is turnin' foul and Maitiu should be here any time with the barrels of ale from Desmond. I don't want ye to go Heber, I have an ill feelin' about it." Fionnula pleaded with him not to go.
"Ah wife, ye and yer Irish intuition. Don't worry on it woman, it's just a rain storm. It'll pass and I'll be back before ye know it. Connor and Braden are here to help Maitiu with the ale." He embraced his wife, mounted his horse and set out for the border. Heber had informed Fionnula of the need and purpose of this trip as soon as he knew of the gold and jewels. She was his wife and he knew he could trust her. She knew he would be meeting with Cullen near Selkirk to seek his counsel and then continuing to the border of Elliott land to deal with Armstrong. Connor and Fionnula walked back to the Wycked Aye together. The air was growing colder; Connor put his arm around Fionnula as she was shivering from the cold.
"He'll be fine Fionnula, ye need not worry, Heber can certainly take care of himself" he said, trying to ease her mind.
"I know that Connor, that's not what has me bothered; ‘tis the storm".
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I stayed through the night with Katie and Philip. Philip had insisted that I not return to mi chamber alone. I woke to the sound of Philip building a fire in the cottage. It was cold, very cold for springtime in the Hei’lunds. We sat near the hearth, sipping a warm cup of tea and talking of the weather and storms of the past. Katie was working on her needlework as always. Katie's skill with needle and thread was well known throughout many shires of the Hei’lunds. I liked to tease Katie, tellin' her that there be Fairie Magic from Skye in her needles. She would always just laugh, sayin' that Fairie Magic was nothing but horse apples.
"I just don't understand why that blagard Armstrong is still tailin' after ye Maureen. Why won't he leave thee alone," she asked of me?
"I don't know Katie" I replied. "I know not what went on between mi Da and Armstrong, maybe when those ruffians return empty handed he'll just leave it be." I left it at that. I did not think it wise to make Katie privy to the gold and jewels just yet. Heber wanted it kept secret for now and that is how it would stay until he decided otherwise. I turned the conversation back to women's talk. Katie was helping me with mi embroidery and needlework, teachin' mi as if she were the sister I never had. As we laughed and talked, Philip went to bring in a bit of wood for the fire. From outside the door we heard him call, "Lasses, come and have a look at this". Katie and I went to the door and there stood Philip, his arms spread wide. Beautiful flakes of white were silently floating down from the sky all around him...it was snowin'.
I gathered my things and headed back to mi chamber. I was due at the Wycked Aye by mid-afternoon and I still had chores to attend to and animals to care for. The snow had begun falling around mid-morning and showed no signs of stopping. 'Twas a chilly ride back, but beautiful to see. Children laughed and played in the snow, using this most unusual storm as a call for celebration. As I rode past the Wycked Aye, there was great commotion. Maitiu' had arrived from Desmond with the barrels of ale. That brought a smile to mi face, I liked that crazy Irishman, he made me laugh. The Tavern would be busy tonight for the Desmond ale was something special. Tonight would be a fine time at the Tavern; Heber had run off those nasty lowlanders, Maitiu' was here, the ale was here and it was snowin' for God's sake.
By the time I got back to the Wycked Aye, there was a good foot of snow on the ground and the flakes were still fallin'. As I entered the Tavern my heart leaped with joy for there was Faolan leanin' on the bar talkin' to Grady. Faolan was one of the many lost souls (like miself) that Fionnula and Heber have taken under their wing at the Tavern. Faolan had been away for a while lookin' for work where he could find it.
"Faolan mi friend" I shouted as I hurried to the bar to greet him.
"Hello Lass" he said. "I'm glad to see ye made it back from the border alright". How did he know I had gone down to the border? I looked behind the bar at Elena.
"Aye, I told him the whole story of yer little trip south that damn near got ye killed", she said rather matter-of-factly and with a bit of grin on her face. Elena was a woman of few words. She never beat around the bush about anything. "And if I'm not mistaken" she continued, "are ye not supposed ta be workin' here tonight?"
"Aye, Elena, that I am," I said with a smile.
"Morna's waitin' for ye in back" she said, "it's going to be a long night with the storm and all".
I turned to Faolan "Can we talk later? Will ye be around for a while?" I asked. He smiled and nodded his head that yes, he would be around.
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The news of the arrival of the Desmond ale had spread through the shire and the tavern was full to the brim. Maitiu' and Connor were behind the bar singin' one of Maitiu's Irish dittys. Hands were clappin' and tankards were clinkin'. Fionnula was as busy as the rest of us, but she did not seem herself. ‘Twas then I realized that the Chieftain was not here. When I finally had a moment between pourin' ale and pullin' lamb out of the fire, I managed to catch her alone and asked, "Fionnula, where is the Chieftain? Are ye alright, ye seemed troubled?
"Heber has gone to Selkirk to seek counsel with Lord Elliott as to how to deal with that little bag of trouble yer Da left for ye", she said. Her tone was sharp.
"I'm sorry Fionnula, ‘twas not mi intention to bring any kind of trouble to the Tavern," I said quietly. "I thought it best that the Chieftain know what was goin' on. Ye know I'm most grateful for all ye have done fer mi." She turned to me with a deep sigh and cupped my face in her hands. You could feel the kindness and gentleness of her spirit in her touch.
"Ah, ‘tis not yer fault lass, don't worry over it. Heber will set things to right, I have no doubt of that. It is just this storm, it's so strange and I just have an ill feelin'."
"You women and yer intuition. ‘Tis hard to know if it's a blessin' or a curse." ‘Twas Faolan. "What's got ye troubled, Mistress MacPhearson, I am at yer service to cure all yer woes M'Lady," and he bowed gracefully to Fionnula. That made her smile; she did not answer him, she just gave Faolan a warm embrace and went back to work at the tables of the Tavern. Faolan turned to me and asked, "What's troublin' our goodly Mistress?"
"Ye know Fionnula, sometimes she has a feelin' about things. Heber has gone to Selkirk to meet with Lord Elliott and she is worried about him being caught in the storm I think." Faolan look at me with a blank look on his face.
"Selkirk, are ye sure? he asked.
"Aye, I'm pretty sure. Faolan what's wrong?"
"I just came up from the lowlands. Both Lord Bothwell and Argyll are down in the lowlands on business. They were both traveling north, coming up from Armstrong land. ‘Twould not be good for the three of them to come together."
He was right. If Heber was traveling south and other two north, there is only one main road that they would be using. I looked at Faolan and said "Fionnula's ill feelin' was right, we have to go after Heber."
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The snow had been falling steadily through the night. We stayed through the night to help at the tavern as many had been stranded by the storm. As dawn was breaking a messenger came bursting through the doors of the Tavern.
"Mistress Fionnula MacPhearson" he called. "I bring word from Lord Cullen Elliott. He wishes ye to know that the snow storm has struck the lowlands as well and that Chieftain Heber has been delayed and stranded in a small tavern south of Selkirk near the border. He is in the company of the 4th Earl of Bothwell and the Earl of Argyle." Everyone turned to look at Fionnula. We all knew that this was not a good situation. Most of the men had returned to their homes with their wives and little ones to weather out the storm. Connor & Elena had gone as well as Braden and Akira. Only Maitiu, Faolan and Philip remained along with some weary patrons stranded by the storm. Fionnula moved quickly to wake Maitiu'.
"Maitiu', Maitiu' wake up!", she cried. "We need to get a carriage harnessed and go after Heber". Maitiu shook his head and tried to rub the ale out of his eyes.
"No, we can't take the carriage, it will never get through", he said wearily. "With the snow the road will be nothing more than a rutted, muddy mess. Give me a bit of time cousin, I have an idea how to get to Heber. I'll be back straight away Fionnula, don't worry". Maitiu' went over to Philip, "come along Philip, I'll need some help". Philip groaned and pulled himself up to follow Maitiu'. Both of the men had been enjoying themselves to fullest the night before and had partaken in a good amount of the Desmond ale.
Maitiu' and Philip returned about an hour later and there was great commotion when they arrived. When we went out to see what was going on, there were the men standing in front of the most curious contraption. ‘Twas a carriage of sorts, but with runners in place of wheels. A sleigh Maitiu' called it, and harnessed to the front was one of Maitiu's small Irish ponies,
"Maitiu', where did you get this sled, where did it come from?" I asked.
"I traded for it a few years back from a party of Norwegian nobles. Wasn't sure if I would ever need it for anything, but I'm sure glad I have it now."
Norwegian, the Coat of Arms was indeed that of Norwegian nobility. Could it be that mi chest of gold and jewels was the dowry chest of the noble woman James Hepburn brought to
"Maureen, Maureen", Faolan was calling to me. "Where's yer mind girl?
I turned to see Maitiu' getting ready to take the sled and head off to get Heber.
"Wait", I called. "Maitiu', you should not be the one to go south after Heber. The lowlands are home to the Protestants and the Calvinists. They would not take kindly to an Irish Catholic bringin' Irish ale to barter with. They'd steal yer ale and string ye up for sure."
"She's right", said Faolan. "I'll go and get Heber". No one argued with Faolan's decision. Although Faolan was slight of build he was a fine swordsman and could certainly handle any situation. Besides, he had just come up from the lowlands and had a good idea where to find Heber.
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The storm had past and the sky was clear when Faolan and the Chieftain arrived back at the Tavern. What a sight it was to see, the two Scots in a Norwegian sleigh bein' pulled by a stubby, Irish pony. All of the goodly folk of the Wycked Aye were there to welcome the Chieftain home and hardy cheers of Coghair went out to Faolan for a job well done. There were hugs and warm wishes all around. As the Chieftain embraced his wife he whispered, "next time I'll pay a bit more attention to yer intuition Wife. There may be a bit of Fey in ye after all."
Everyone began to wander back into the Tavern, for although the storm had past, the air was brisk and the warmth of the fire in the Tavern was comforting. Philip called out, " Can I draw ye an ale, Chieftain?"
"Nay Master Philip", Heber responded. "After bein' snowed in with the two Earls, I believe I've had mi fill fer a bit. And from the look of you two," addressing Philip and Maitiu', "I'd be guessing those barrels of the Desmond are empty? And I suppose mi cash box contains its usual slip of parchment from Maitiu'?"
"Nay Brother", chimed Elena. "He's paid fer every tankard, I made sure of it."
"Well met Elena." Heber turned to Maitiu', "Ye pay her, but ye don't pay mi?"
"Aye" said Maitiu', "I'm afraid of her." That brought laughter from everyone, including Heber.
I waited as long as I could stand it before I approached the Chieftain. He saw me coming toward him and motioned for me to come forward. Connor and Braden were at the big man's table as well. Heber simply turned to me and said "He'll bother ye no more lass, ‘tis over and done. Lord Cullen and Lady Gwen will be here in a day or two, we have a solution to yer problem. So pour yerself a mead and spend some time with Faolan and the rest of the fine people of this Tavern for all is well in Hei’lunds this night!"
"But Heber, what about...", he stopped me.
"Ye asked for mi judgment when ye came to me lass and mi judgment ye shall have, but not tonight."
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