Her heart jumped at the sight of him, so tall and handsome, smiling as he made his way across the room to greet her.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Earlier that day
Once they’d broken their fast, and Annora was whisked away by Tyra, Edmund headed for the Meeting Hall where Tormod was already waiting. He introduced him to the villagers, without waiting to take on the first of the disputes.
The first disputes concerned coin between farmers, merchants and such.
Then came a more serious dispute regarding ownership of land, which was rare as all the land officially belonged to the laird, who had parceled it out many generations before.
However, in this case, a dispute had arisen after a death and had led to several skirmishes between families.
Tormod whispered an aside to Edmund. “This issue has festered fer years while Auld Dunkan was alive, and now it’s finally come to a head.”
The arguments raged back and forth. In the end it was impossible for Edmund to discern who had the fairest case. It sounded like the feud was so well established that the accusations from both sides were most likely true.
Finally, he stood and gave his conclusion. “In order tae make me decision I will ride out tae view the disputed access and the surrounding lands.”
The men shuffled out to take their nourishment in the courtyard, while serving maids hustled into the meeting room with platters of bannocks, cheese, nuts and a flagon of ale.
Edmund leaned back in his chair. “’Tis glad I am, that the morning is over.”
Tormod reached for a slice of cheese and placed it on a freshly-made bannock. “Ye’ve done well wi’ your decisions Edmund. But these lads would try the patience of a saint. I’m in full agreement wi’ yer plan to ride out to visit their land.”
Edmund left Tormod once they’d finished their repast and went in search of Annora to let her know he was riding out. After leaving her, although he wished to stay, he sought out Lionel. “Come lad, I need ye tae ride wi’ me and Tormod.”
The latter led the way and, although the air was damp, the scenery was, once again, awe inspiring. Tormod pointed out occasional points of interest as they rode through the green and purple landscape.
“Our land with its many crags and hillocks, daesnae provide us a great deal of space fer pasture. That is why every inch of land is precious to the shepherds, as is every blade of grass.”
Once they reached the area of dispute, Edmund was able to fully understand the problem. The land lay along a narrow glen, a burn sauntering alongside it. While the land at one end of the glen was readily accessible, the glen dissolved into a series of rocky outcrops further along. For a man to pasture his flock at the further end, there was no alternative but to traverse the land belonging to another.
“So, d’ye ken how the matter may be resolved?” Asked Tormod
“Aye.” Edmund gestured across the land in question. “’Tis clear enough, but it will demand a degree of goodwill from all.”
That brought a snort from Tormod.
Edmund shrugged. “Methinks they can manage it.” He turned to Lionel who only at that moment had ridden up to join them.
“All clear?”
“I saw naught that would cause alarm.”
“Good. Then let us return.”
When Edmund and Tormod re-entered the meeting hall, the lads were waiting, arms crossed, frowning, looking for all the world as if the sky was about to fall.
Edmund bade them sit and as they took their seats, he told them, “I have a resolution to yer problem, lads. I trust ye’ll follow what I decree.”
They each gave a surly nod.
He turned to one. “Without access through the land held by yer enemy, yer livelihood will sorely suffer.”
“Aye,” the man nodded.
“So,” he turned to the other. “Yer faither always gave right-of-way, and so ye must continue tae dae so.” He opened his mouth to protest but Edmund held up his hand for silence. “Ye must decide, taegether, how much time is tae be allowed fer his flock tae move through yer land. Whan ye’ve agreed on that, ye must keep tae it, unless the flock grows many more sheep. Then ye’ll need more time tae traverse the land, and ye must renegotiate how long it will take. The sheep must be allowed tae graze as they move through yer fields.”
