Read Online Kingdom by Robyn Young - Free Book Online Page B

back the empty cup, wondering if the lad had ever been outside Aberdeen’s boundaries. He thought of the year he had spent as a page in Lord Donough’s hall in Antrim, his world bordered by four walls, all his responsibilities decided upon by his foster-father. It had been the most simple time of his life. For a moment, he cursed the duty and the ambition that had driven him out of that hall all the way to this one, where it was not silver goblets and platters that lay in his hands, but the lives of all those around him.
    ‘There’re many here who need serving,’ said John gruffly, appearing at Col’s side.
    Robert watched the lad hurry off. He knew his brother-in-law was staring at him, but didn’t meet the older man’s gaze.
    The earl broke the silence. ‘We won’t be able to stay here long. Valence will be on our trail. Aberdeen is not Perth. Its defences aren’t strong enough to keep out a determined assault and there aren’t enough boats for us to escape by sea. We have to keep moving.’
    As his brother-in-law spoke, Robert felt weariness pulling at his limbs. It was a deeper exhaustion than he’d felt after the battle or even during the flight through the mountains – helpless as horses fell lame and wounded men bled out in the darkness – a weariness that seemed soul deep. He stared across the gathering, picking out the faces of his brothers, the Setons, Gilbert de la Hay and Neil Campbell. There were so many holes in their number – so many missing. Malcolm of Lennox. Simon Fraser. James Stewart. Thomas Randolph. Their names had been repeating in his mind, each sounding a hollow note in his heart. He had wanted to wait longer in the hills, hoping more survivors would find their way to him, but after only a few score stragglers joined him there, he had forced his men on, knowing the English would not be slow to follow.
    ‘Robert?’
    He glanced up at the earl’s insistent tone. ‘I heard you, John.’
    Edward Bruce headed over with Niall and the Setons. They were followed by Gilbert, Neil Campbell and David.
    ‘We should post men on the gates at once,’ said Edward determinedly, looking between Robert and the earl. ‘Bolster the town’s defences.’
    ‘No,’ John replied curtly. ‘I believe we have a day or two’s grace at most. We should spend that time getting what rest we can and gathering supplies. We leave as soon as we are able.’ He told the others what he had told Robert.
    David, standing at his father’s side, looked at the floor and shook his head.
    ‘So – we run?’ questioned Edward roughly.
    ‘We could make for Turnberry,’ suggested Niall. ‘Gather and arm as many of Carrick’s tenants as we can?’
    ‘Pit more farmers against English heavy cavalry?’ said Alexander, his voice cold. Rain had tracked lines through the dirt and blood on his face. ‘We might as well throw grains of sand before the incoming tide.’
    ‘Cousin,’ cautioned Christopher.
    Alexander wouldn’t be placated. ‘We have lost. It is over.’ His eyes, on Robert, were filled with condemnation.
    Others countered, but Robert wasn’t listening. He stood quickly, hearing female voices rising over the gruff tones of the men. A tall woman emerged from the crowd, eyes searching. Queen Elizabeth’s cheeks were coloured by a flush, raised by her haste. Her black hair was piled up with jewelled pins, but her maid hadn’t managed to gather all the strands and several drifted loose around her face. Her dove-grey mantle was darkened by rain, the sable trim glistening in the bloom of firelight. Seeing Robert, her face lightened with relief. For a moment, as she crossed to him, Robert thought she was going to throw herself into his arms and felt his own open in surprised expectation, but his wife stopped short before reaching him. Her expression changed and she appeared to compose herself, instead offering her husband and king a courteous dip of her head.
    Other women were moving in among the men.