Page 50 of Summer Warrior

“I assume you are aware that the six-month truce King David negotiated with Archbishop Thurstan in Stephen’s absence has just expired. If the rumors be true, David is preparing to again invade Northumberland for his niece, the Empress Maud.”

Olaf’s brow furrowed and his hand swept over his beard as if in contemplation. “Well, then, we have much to discuss. Has David said aught of it to you?”

“Nay, but I fear he will. I am his ally, bound to come at his call. For such an invasion, he will need an army of warriors.”

Olaf pursed his lips. “My wife’s father, Fergus, Lord of Galloway, is sworn to the King of Scots. And though I am David’s ally, I have told him I will not fight in England’s wars.”

Somerled laughed. “I should have thought to say that. But David gave me too much to expect nothing in return.”

Cups of spiced mead were handed around by the servants. “The lad’s is watered,” Ragnhild whispered to Somerled. Her nearness brought with it the smell of her rose perfume and the memory of their kiss.

He lifted his gaze to her and, for a moment, their eyes met and neither looked away. A powerful urge to take her hand and run outside swept over him. Instead, he thanked her for her thoughtfulness and patted his son’s shoulder. “’Tis best.”

“If David invades England,” said Olaf, drawing Somerled’s attention to him, “it will not be merely for his niece’s sake. To my way of thinking, he seeks to secure lands he believes are rightfully his, promised to him by old King Henry.”

Somerled shook his head with regret. “It comes as no surprise that King Henry promised David lands that Stephen now thinks to take back. I fear the English monarchs only remember the promises that suit them. Stephen gave his oath to Henry to support his daughter, Maud, but was quick to forget it when he seized the throne.”

IMPRESSED WITH THE WAY Somerled adroitly spoke of matters of state, Olaf sat back and listened to the young lord expound on what he thought might happen.

“I imagine it came as a great surprise to Stephen to see the Scots king leave off his abbey building and go to war, but David has done so before and I believe he will again.”

Olaf nodded his agreement.

Ragnhild, who had joined them, put in, “David’s intention to hold Cumbria has never faltered. And then there is the matter of Northumberland he wants for his son whose mother was an English noblewoman, an heiress.”

“Aye,” said Somerled, “and with Stephen now busy in the south of England, as I hear he is, it cannot be long ere David crosses the border. Only this time, I expect him to summon all his forces, including the men of Argyll and the Isles.”

Olaf shifted his attention to his daughter, who was listening intently to the young lord with a look of concern on her face. Did she worry for Somerled’s safety? Mayhap if Somerled went to war with David and managed to survive, Olaf would consider him for the princess. Somerled had said nothing of his desire to wed Ragnhild but the day was still young.

“How many men might you be able to muster for David’s invasion?” he asked Somerled.

“A thousand or more,” he said with a glance at Maurice, who nodded. “Though they must sail from diverse parts of my kingdom and then there is the travel to meet the Scots king. It will take time.”

Olaf had not missed the young lord’s use of the word “kingdom”. Indeed, from what Olaf had heard, Somerled’s conquests had made him king of an independent realm. “If David seeks to expand his army by so many, I expect he will want to add the Galwegians.”

Ragnhild said, “Fergus’ men are an ill-disciplined gang of Picts but they are fierce fighters. David will be hard-pressed to control them. Fergus does not even try.”

“David has his Scots, too,” offered Somerled, “all are savage fighters, save for the Norman knights. ’Twill be a vast army if he carries through with it.”

Olaf was enjoying his conversation with the young lord and the way his daughter traded comments with him. Since Fergus had returned to Galloway, there had been few with whom he could speak of political matters. How pleasant it would be to have Somerled and his companions remain at Castle Rushen for the coming celebration. “If you four can remain with us for Christmas, I would be pleased to have you as my guests,” he said to Somerled.

“I would eagerly accept but I promised my crew they would return to Islay for the season of Yule.”

Olaf read disappointment in his daughter’s eyes.

Maurice explained, “We are hoping to finish the construction on Islay this month ere the worst of winter descends.”

“Well, at least stay the night and let us entertain you this eve,” said Olaf.

His daughter looked at Somerled with anxious eyes. “We will make it worth your while.”

“We thank you,” said Somerled, inclining his head to the princess, “and heartily accept.”

As they rose from their seats, Ragnhild said, “We have lodgings for your galley’s crew away from the cold, and there will be room for them to dine in the hall this eve.”

“Thank you. And, may they hunt this afternoon if they are inclined to do so?”

Olaf nodded to his daughter and she gave the requested permission. He was proud of the princess. As a chatelaine, she was unsurpassed. And she easily entered into conversations many ladies would not for lack of knowledge. Today, she appeared to be putting out a special effort for this particular guest, which did not surprise him. “Who knows?” he told Somerled. “Your men might so enjoy themselves they may decide to stay here for Christmas.”