Nigel Tranter - The Path of the Hero King

“I thank your lordship.

I do so rule. Is there any further contrary motion? Which in this case can be put forward only by other than a Privy Councillor?

No? Then, I declare the motion carried. Without necessity of vote.

And the said forfeitures remitted. And move to the next business.”

Few present, probably, were any less relieved than the Chancellor sounded.

“Item. Notice of forfeiture passed upon the following, unless they return forthwith to the King’s peace. Or if they be out with the country, they send written testimony, duly witnessed, of intention so to do. The Earl of Atholl -in England. The Earl of Angus-in English-held Dundee. The Earl of Dunbar -in Lothian. The Earl of life-in England. The Earl of Stratheam -whereabouts unknown.

Sir Ingram de Umfraville, former Guardian of this realm, brother to the said Earl of Angus, Sheriff of Angus-fugitive in Galloway. Sir Alexander, Lord of Abernethy, English-appointed Warden between Forth and the Mounth-fugitive in Galloway.

Others in like case but of lesser rank, not the concern of this parliament.

All these to be received back into their liege lord’s service, without any grievous penalty, if so be they submit. Otherwise, forfeiture of all lands and office. This also a Privy Council motion.

Any contrary?”

There was silence, not only because this was obviously part and parcel of the former motion, with the same dangers; but in alarmed recognition of the power and significance of that resounding list. Five great earls, no less, still to be beaten down or won over. And a former Guardian.

While Linton had been reading this dire list, the King beckoned to young Irvine who stood behind the throne.

“My advice to the Chancellor to move now to appointments,” he said.

On receipt of the page’s message, the Abbot was nodding when there was an intervention.

“Wait you, wait you!” That was the Lord of the Isles, from the barons’ benches.

“I do not, as of the Privy Council, oppose the motion-although, God knows I do not approve of receiving to our bosoms traitors, when they so choose to come! I but ask a question. Why is the Earl of Buchan’s name not included in this list of ill fame? He whose treason is worst of all. And whose office of Constable should be placed on other and honourable shoulders.”

Cheers greeted that.

“The Earl of Buchan’s name has been deleted, my lord. The Bishop of

St. Andrews has informed His Grace this day that lord of Buchan, High

Constable of Scotland, is dead. He died in England last month, rejected by King Edward as by King Robert.”

This news produced the inevitable buzz of comment and speculation. Linton took the opportunity to look enquiringly at the monarch -who shook his head.

Banging the gavel again, the Chancellor won silence.

“Appointments,” he said.

“Certain offices, lands and titles are vacant, as result of the passing of time and the casualties of war.

All are in the appointment of the King, but some fall to be confirmed by parliament. Item. Edward, Earl of Carrick to be Lord of Galloway, and Sheriff thereof. Also keeper of all the royal castles therein, with the revenues thereof.”

Edward rose, bowed briefly to his brother, and sat down.

Bruce raised his hand.

“This is to redeem a promise made to my lord by the shore of Loch Tulla six months past,” he said.

“I promised him Galloway, the greatest single lordship in Scotland, if so be he would win it back to my peace. This he has done, most notably, His autumn campaign in Galloway was bold, able, skilful. He was not gentle-but sternness was required in that province. He was most ably assisted, in especial by my lord of the Isles and my lord of Douglas. But his was the command, and I know of no other commander in this Scotland who could have done as he did, with the numbers at his command. In one battle he used but fifty to defeat fifteen hundreds. I am grateful. I believe parliament should be also. Is the grant confirmed?”

There was no doubt about that. Loud and long resounded the acclaim. Edward was popular, his very impulsiveness an acceptable fault-which often coincided with the mood of the majority.

Probably most considered the King to be too hard on him. Some said perhaps Edward himself the source of it-that Robert resented that it was Edward who survived, when Nigel, his favourite, had been taken, with Alex and Thomas. Now, the King’s tribute was applauded mightily. Men saw it as an olive branch. Edward grinned, shrugged, and examined his finger-nails, clearly embarrassed. Olive branches were not really in his line.

At a sign from the throne, the Chancellor proceeded.

“Item. By the death of the Earl of Buchan, without male heir, the office of High Constable of the realm is vacant. Parliament’s approval of the appointment thereto of Sir Gilbert Hay, Lord of Erroll.”

Here was surprise. All expected a new Constable to be appointed, but few could have anticipated that it would be Hay-certainly not that modest individual himself, who looked quite dumbfounded.

The King spoke.

“Sir Gilbert has served me with loyalty and devotion unmatched, my cause and my person. I know of none better suited for the important office of High Constable. Is it confirmed?”

There was no storm of agreement; but nor was there any voiced objection. As in a dream, Gibbie was beckoned forward by the King of Arms and invested with the sword of state from the table, as indication that henceforward he alone was permitted to wear a sword indoors in the presence of the monarch. As High Constable it was his duty to protect the King at all times. Carrying the weapon he went to sit in the special stalls for the great officers-of state, beside the Steward and the King of Arms.

“Item. Office of Lord High Admiral,” Linton went on.

“Approval desired that it be removed from the Earl of Dunbar, forfeit, and appointed to the Lord Angus, son of Angus, son of Donald, son of Ranald, son of Somerled, of the Isles.”

Tumult broke out. There were cries of delight from the Highlanders, and cries of shock and disapproval from many Lowlanders.

None were objecting that Dunbar be deprived; but that so important a position be given to a barbarian Islesman was more than many could stomach.

“Sire!” James the Steward rose to his feet, gobbling.

“This is not well done. My lord of the Isles is an able warrior. His services are namely. But … it is not suitable! His power belongs only to his own seas and coasts. The far Western Sea. All the other coasts of this realm require the protection of the High Admiral…”

Coldly the King interrupted him.

“Address yourself, my lord, to the Chancellor.”

Put out, the Steward floundered.

“I … ah … yes, Sire. I … I move reconsideration.”

“Aye! Aye!” came from various parts of the cathedral with opposing shouts elsewhere.

“My lord Chancellor!” James Douglas rose as the Steward sat down.

“I ask-who has any shipping, not captured by the English, to defend our eastern coasts? Has my lord Steward? Has any other? Save Angus of the Isles. He displayed what his galleys could do, in Galloway. That campaign would not yet have been won, without his great fleets of galleys. Would the Steward appoint another to captain the Lord of the Isles’ galleys? Would he? Could he? Yet those galleys alone can protect our shores. I say to the Steward-it is he who should reconsider!”

There was quiet, whilst men digested that. Then James Stewart half rose.

“Motion withdrawn.” he mumbled.

”If there is no other contrary motion, the appointment stands

confirmed Linton said. He waited.

“Angus, Lord of the Isles, to be Lord High Admiral of Scotland.”

Into the Highland jubilation and Lowland dejection he went on: