The Mark of Salvation by Carol Umberger Page A

yourself a husband to help you restore the estate.”
    â€œThank you, my laird. You are too generous. But I have no need of a husband to help me. I am perfectly capable—”
    â€œOf course you are,” Bruce said smoothly. “But you will need men to help put it to rights. Perhaps Fergus here could assist you.” He turned to the man. “What plans do you have now that you are knighted?”
    Fergus said, “I haven’t had time to give it much thought. I’m trained ” as a steward—perhaps I can serve Lady Morrigan in that capacity as she rebuilds.
    Fergus looked at Bryan who shrugged and said, “You are certainly welcome back at Homelea, Fergus, when Kathryn and I return there. But perhaps you’d prefer to seek your fortune elsewhere.”
    â€œI’d welcome a steward’s help at Innishewan,” Morrigan said. “I’m not sure you’d earn a fortune, Fergus, but you’ll at least have enough to support a wife and family.”
    Kathryn grinned at Fergus. “All you need now is a wife.”
    Fergus blushed and said, “Now that I’ve a way to provide for one, I shall look in earnest.”
    Hearty laughter followed his exclamation.
    â€œAn excellent idea,” the king put in. “Fergus, go with Lady Morrigan and be of service to her.”
    Ceallach saw the dismayed look on Fergus’s face and the satisfied look on Bruce’s. If he didn’t know better, Ceallach would swear the king had stooped to matchmaking.
    As the others drifted away, Bruce nodded to Ceallach and said, “I have given it some thought and I’ve decided that you will be in charge of this female prisoner. As an earl’s wife, she would fetch an excellent ransom. But instead, I will hold her hostage to ensure the safety of my own family. Until an exchange of prisoners can be negotiated, Lady Radbourne needs a protector.”
    Ceallach glanced quickly at the woman, still seated by the fire. “I am not a good choice for this work, sire. I know nothing of women and their needs.”
    â€œWho better than a former monk to guard a female prisoner? I trust that the lady will be completely safe in your care. You will accompany her to Dunstruan, a small holding less than a day from here.”
    Searching for a way to dissuade Bruce, he said, “Why don’t you keep her here at Stirling?”
    â€œStirling will suffer the same fate as other fortresses that have been held against me. With its command of the land, I cannot afford to take a chance on Edward regaining control of Stirling. It will be destroyed.”
    â€œI see. A wise course of action, my laird. Much wiser than putting me in charge of this prisoner.” Ceallach glanced over at the woman. “If you insist on this, sire, I will obey. But you need to find a woman to accompany Lady Radbourne. She needs . . . she is grieving her loss, Robert. She needs a woman to talk to.”
    â€œAll right.” Bruce thought for a moment. “Dunstruan is less than an hour’s ride from Innishewan. Morrigan and her family can live with you until her estate is livable. That should solve several problems at once.”
    Relieved that he would have help dealing with Lady Radbourne, and more importantly that she would have some sort of female companionship, Ceallach said, “Thank you.”
    â€œYou will leave as soon as we’ve dealt with those supply wagons and you’ve been paid your wages.” Bruce paused. “Dunstruan’s laird died about six months ago, Ceallach. Dunstruan is to be yours.”
    â€œMine?” Ceallach had spent his adult life not owning so much as the clothes on his back. Responsible for a castle and its lands? For the people there?
    â€œYou are a natural leader, Ceallach, and the people of Dunstruan are in need of someone to care for and protect them. That I know you can do.”
    Ceallach fought back panic. Robert didn’t know,