Bound to the Highlander(63)

James and Calum approached with cautious determination. This king, with all his good intentions for the country, lost his patience when trying to understand the complexity of Highland life. It was the king’s vision for a united Scotland that first impressed James. Despite his severe methods, the king was on the right path to securing his beloved country’s future. His Majesty may have preconceived ideas about how Highlanders should live, but he also appeared ready to listen

. Hopefully this would keep them out of the dungeon, at least until Fergus’s fate was determined.

James and Calum crossed the esplanade and passed through the gatehouse. They left their horses with a stable-hand and climbed the stairs leading to the courtyard. The king took no chances with visitors, no matter whom they were, and that was apparent when the brothers’ weapons were removed and they were escorted by two armoured guards. They were led into a large hall occupied by several Scottish nobles enjoying a test of strength between the king and another nobleman.

The king won the match and motioned to James and Calum.

“Ah, there you are. I wondered if I’d see you this day. I trust your journey was uneventful?”

One event from his journey sprung to mind, but James was not about to share it with the king. “Thank you Your Majesty, our journey was safe indeed. I hope now is an acceptable time for our visit.”

The king nodded to James and motioned for him to follow. They were accompanied by his Royal Advisor, Lord Beaufort, a cousin of the queen, who was also English. James calculated this could weigh in his favour. It was clear to anyone who paid attention that this king wished to model aspects of Scottish Parliament and court after the English which he studied during his imprisonment.

James hoped Lord Beaufort’s presence would prevent the king from making any rash decisions affecting Fergus’s fate. The men entered a side room and each took a seat around a thick, polished wooden table. On cue, servants arrived with refreshments and pitchers of wine.

“Well MacIntosh, what is so urgent regarding the savages I hold in my dungeon that it cannot wait until the day after tomorrow? You have no misplaced faith in our justice system do you?”

James recognized the king’s baited question.

“Savages tho’ they may be, Your Majesty, they’re not guilty of the crime of which they are accused. I have proof of their innocence, information I expect you will find of dire importance to the safety of all the northern clans, as well as yourself.”

“Those are big claims, MacIntosh. Your source for this information is solid?”

The king was intrigued and would listen. There was hope.

“As solid as the rock this castle is built on, sire.”

When the king said nothing further, James recounted the tale he’d told Aileana earlier, leaving out no detail of the attack. He described how he and Calum had tracked the Sutherlands northeast to their lands and how they met up with Fergus and his clansmen while tracking, proving they were not involved.

He was cautious as he described how he hid Fergus and his men these past months. If Fergus was found guilty of murder, he was guilty of harbouring fugitives. James also described his and Aileana’s abduction, hoping that if he included every detail, King James would be more willing to believe him.

At the end of his account, James pulled something from inside his tunic. Lord Beaufort started to rise, but the king raised his hand and the man resumed his seat. James tossed the object across the table and watched as it captured the interest of both men.

“Where did you get this?” The king demanded.

“It dropped from one of them as they retreated north. We found it in a clearing after they’d stopped to eat. There’s no doubt, sire. That’s a Sutherland plaid pin.”

James watched as the king rubbed his fingers over the silver object. Sans Peur—Without Fear. Sutherlands at least witnessed the carnage.

The king took his time considering the evidence before him. When he spoke his tone held a warning note. “Is this all the proof you have? Do you expect me to put myself in the middle of a feud which has kept Mackay and Sutherland at each other’s throats for decades?”

James chose his next words carefully.

“I have no further proof except what I have witnessed.” He paused. “Sire, I believe they were not the sole party involved. Someone else is responsible for this. I suggest, Your Majesty, there will be a great deal of outrage if the MacKays are put to death by the justice they find here. I believe the real question that should be asked is: who has the most to gain by your decision to put innocent Scotsmen to death?”

He had gone too far with that comment, but he needed to use the king’s mistrust of all Highlanders to further his point. The Stewart needed to realize that not all Highlanders were his enemies and not all Lowlanders were his friends.