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Authors: Virginia Henley
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next few hours. By dawn John de Warenne had a plan, but he knew its success depended upon the full cooperation of Robert Bruce and the army he now commanded.
Nigel shook his head. "My brother puts Bruce interests first. I left him ensconced at our stronghold of Lochmaben at the head of the Annandale Valley. When men saw the Bruce banners, they flocked to us; we encountered no opposition. Robert is back where he belongs, holding the western marches. It would take wild horses to drag him from his own turf."
Lynx felt the full impact of John de Warenne's long, speculative look. There was little point in arguing with his uncle when he was in the right. It was rumored that the Bruces had signed pacts with many of the earls of southern Scotland, so without the help of Robert Bruce, victory was uncertain. The fighting could drag on for years, taking and losing the same territory over and over. A decisive battle was necessary to tip the scales and send a message to all of Scotland that Baliol was deposed forever.
"All right," Lynx agreed. "I'll go back with Nigel and persuade the Bruce on one condition." His green eyes were deadly serious as he gave John de Warenne a level look. "I want your 52
word, not Edward Plantagenet's, that Robert will be reconfirmed in his lands and castles, and that everything that went to Comyn will revert to the Bruces, immediately and without question."
******************
The day after Lynx arrived at Lochmaben, he rode out with his friend Robert Bruce across
Annandale visiting each of the Bruce castles from Caerlaverock to Lockryan. As they rode higher up the valley the views became spectacular. "What was the original grant?" Lynx asked.
"My ancestor Adam de Brus, who came over with the Conqueror, was granted lordship of Annandale and two hundred thousand acres straddling the important western route between England and Scotland."
"The Norman lust for land still runs hot in our blood," Lynx admitted. "We are all of us conquerors."
Robert laughed. "As well as Norman, I have Celtic blood from my mother. Is it any wonder I have a compulsion to rule it all?"
As they rode into the prosperous town of Dumfries with its Franciscan monastery and its magnificent stone bridge whose nine arches spanned the river Nith, Lynx could not help feeling covetous.
"I cannot fault you for never wanting to leave here. Annandale is the loveliest country I've ever seen. Don't get me wrong, Essex and Surrey are beautiful and well cultivated, as well as being the most profitable land to own, but the vistas here are so majestic they touch the heart and soul. Can we take a look at the castle?"
Robert grinned at him. "Dumfries isn't one of mine, it's a royal castle, but it happens to be in my territory. I have an idea! When we defeat Comyn, ask the king to make you Governor of Dumfries, then we can be neighbors."
Lynx's eyes locked with Robert's. "Then you'll join the fight?" Lynx had almost given up hope.
He'd talked himself hoarse without Robert's showing the least inclination to lend his 53
A YtAK AINU A DAY
support. Lynx had pointed out that Robert should have waited for King Edward to reconfirm his lands and castles before having reclaimed them. The English monarch did not take kindly to arrogance in anyone, other than himself. But Lynx got the distinct impression that Robert Bruce was indifferent to Plantagenet rages.
Now, suddenly, Robert capitulated. Lynx doubted it was for friendship's sake alone. More likely it was the challenge he had thrown out, Lynx decided. He hadn't the faintest idea how much his green eyes reminded Robert of his sister Jory's, as he rode beside him in the April sunshine.
******************
"It's the Bruce!" Word spread like wildfire through the town of Dumfries and before Robert and
Lynx arrived at the castle, all who dwelled within and without were aware of the fact that the Earl of Carrick, Lord of Annandale was riding in. Dumfries had served the Comyns for the last three
Nigel shook his head. "My brother puts Bruce interests first. I left him ensconced at our stronghold of Lochmaben at the head of the Annandale Valley. When men saw the Bruce banners, they flocked to us; we encountered no opposition. Robert is back where he belongs, holding the western marches. It would take wild horses to drag him from his own turf."
Lynx felt the full impact of John de Warenne's long, speculative look. There was little point in arguing with his uncle when he was in the right. It was rumored that the Bruces had signed pacts with many of the earls of southern Scotland, so without the help of Robert Bruce, victory was uncertain. The fighting could drag on for years, taking and losing the same territory over and over. A decisive battle was necessary to tip the scales and send a message to all of Scotland that Baliol was deposed forever.
"All right," Lynx agreed. "I'll go back with Nigel and persuade the Bruce on one condition." His green eyes were deadly serious as he gave John de Warenne a level look. "I want your 52
word, not Edward Plantagenet's, that Robert will be reconfirmed in his lands and castles, and that everything that went to Comyn will revert to the Bruces, immediately and without question."
******************
The day after Lynx arrived at Lochmaben, he rode out with his friend Robert Bruce across
Annandale visiting each of the Bruce castles from Caerlaverock to Lockryan. As they rode higher up the valley the views became spectacular. "What was the original grant?" Lynx asked.
"My ancestor Adam de Brus, who came over with the Conqueror, was granted lordship of Annandale and two hundred thousand acres straddling the important western route between England and Scotland."
"The Norman lust for land still runs hot in our blood," Lynx admitted. "We are all of us conquerors."
Robert laughed. "As well as Norman, I have Celtic blood from my mother. Is it any wonder I have a compulsion to rule it all?"
As they rode into the prosperous town of Dumfries with its Franciscan monastery and its magnificent stone bridge whose nine arches spanned the river Nith, Lynx could not help feeling covetous.
"I cannot fault you for never wanting to leave here. Annandale is the loveliest country I've ever seen. Don't get me wrong, Essex and Surrey are beautiful and well cultivated, as well as being the most profitable land to own, but the vistas here are so majestic they touch the heart and soul. Can we take a look at the castle?"
Robert grinned at him. "Dumfries isn't one of mine, it's a royal castle, but it happens to be in my territory. I have an idea! When we defeat Comyn, ask the king to make you Governor of Dumfries, then we can be neighbors."
Lynx's eyes locked with Robert's. "Then you'll join the fight?" Lynx had almost given up hope.
He'd talked himself hoarse without Robert's showing the least inclination to lend his 53
A YtAK AINU A DAY
support. Lynx had pointed out that Robert should have waited for King Edward to reconfirm his lands and castles before having reclaimed them. The English monarch did not take kindly to arrogance in anyone, other than himself. But Lynx got the distinct impression that Robert Bruce was indifferent to Plantagenet rages.
Now, suddenly, Robert capitulated. Lynx doubted it was for friendship's sake alone. More likely it was the challenge he had thrown out, Lynx decided. He hadn't the faintest idea how much his green eyes reminded Robert of his sister Jory's, as he rode beside him in the April sunshine.
******************
"It's the Bruce!" Word spread like wildfire through the town of Dumfries and before Robert and
Lynx arrived at the castle, all who dwelled within and without were aware of the fact that the Earl of Carrick, Lord of Annandale was riding in. Dumfries had served the Comyns for the last three
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