Page 75 of The Refuge

Next to the stone church with its single tower was the abbey in which the bishop lived, for Fothad, too, was a Culdee.

Steinar waited until Catrìona had joined Audra and Margaret and the three women walked toward the bishop. The queen appeared weary. “Does the queen seem tired to you?” he asked Colbán. “More than usual, I mean.”

“Aye, now that I watch her,” said the captain.

“I would speak to the bishop to assure a hot bath awaits in her chamber. Margaret is too gracious to ask but these last few days have been a trial. She needs to rest, and the ladies, too, will want a bath.”

Colbán shifted his gaze to study the queen who seemed to be leaning against Catrìona while speaking with the bishop. “Aye, ’tis a good idea. The king would not be happy if he thought we had allowed the queen to grow overtired. While you speak with the bishop, I will organize the men to raise the tents. I expect the abbey will have room only for the queen and her ladies.”

Steinar nodded and strode to where Margaret spoke to the bishop.

“Bishop Fothad,” he said dipping his head.

“Ah! ’Tis the king’s scribe,” said the cleric.

“No longer a scribe, Bishop,” said the queen. “Steinar is now one of the king’s guards.”

The monk gave him an assessing look. “Aye, I can see you have changed. You have the appearance of a warrior.”

As the queen and her ladies walked toward the abbey ahead of them, Steinar told the bishop of his concern for Margaret. The older man nodded to all his requests. “It shall be done.”

Inside the abbey’s thick walls, it was cool. Margaret was led to a seat and given a cup of water.

Catrìona left the queen to come to him. “The last few days have exhausted the queen.”

“Aye, I have seen it. The bishop has agreed to ready her chamber and soon she will have a hot bath. She can rest ere we dine.”