As a new day dawned, five riders could be seen crossing the outer drawbridge at Carlsyle Castle. Four Knight's clad in silver steel plate and another outfitted from his sabaton to his sallet in golden armour. Athelstan and his retinue had returned from their successful journey to Siorrachd Rosbroig, home of Clan Kerr.

Lord Stephenson knelt on one knee to honour the arrival of the King as he dismounted his horse.

"My King, I hope your journey to Cessford has proved fruitful," the Lord said holding a clasped hand to his chest.

"Indeed Aldus. Ready the entourage, I will be departing for Gloucester Palace immediately." Athelstan gestured to the Lord to stand up. "I will return in two weeks with reinforcements. Have half of your men ready for war... we will be marching to Kinloch."

"Yes my Liege," said Aldus bowing his head slightly.

The King looked over his shoulder to his guards, "Firmin, stay here at Carlsyle and ensure the preparations are in order for my return."

Aldus shot Firmin an unwelcome look as they left to fulfil Athelstan's requests.

Firmin had only one thing on his mind since he had left Carlsyle Castle. He wearily trod towards his bed-chamber, his armour hadn't been removed in over a day, weighing heavily on his injured shoulder. Usually, this would have been at the forefront of his mind, but the warmth of Barabel's embrace still consumed his thoughts.

His room was empty when he arrived, say for the two small beds in each of the corners, the dresser, and the stool Barabel had used to sit on previously. He removed each piece of armour laboriously, thumping it down on one of the beds. "I'll have to get that fixed," he thought to himself, looking at the vicious holes in the pauldron where the bear had taken hold. Suddenly he heard a light knocking on the outside of his door.

"I have been asked to bring ye some food," said the voice behind the door.

"Come in!" he said without hesitation.

Seonag entered, carrying a wooden tray with a bowl of soup, some bread, and a small jug of mead. She placed it at the end of the bed, bowing as she turned to leave.

Just as she was about to leave, Firmin saw the fresh scars poke through her dress.

"How are your injuries doing my Lady?"

She froze on the spot upon hearing Firmin's question, her hand began to shake as it gripped the door handle. "A...A...After you left, the Lord's men they... they took Barabel... I haven't seen her since." Her head sank in anguish as she faintly whispered, "It's all my fault."

Firmin moved to comfort Seonag, wrapping one of his arms around her shoulders. His other hand involuntarily clenched with rage as he choked back his hatred for the newly appointed Lord of Carlsyle.

"It will be okay, it will be okay," he repeated over and over as though trying to convince himself also.

With Athelstan gone, the Knight Commander now answered to the will of the Lord. Without committing treason, Firmin knew there was nothing he could do about the situation. Any attempt to rescue Barabel might reveal his feelings for her and end up getting them both killed.

The King's people were forbidden from having relations or marrying the Scots. The blood of the Alba folk was deemed dirty by Athelstan and so it was written in law that the offenders and any offspring that arose were to be killed.

After the events of the previous day, it was very unlikely that he was in good standing with Aldus. All he could do now is pray to the God's for her safety.

"How is your husband?" asked Firmin trying to distract Seonag from the situation. "I heard Barabel mention it in the courtyard."

"When Seumas never returned and you lot rode into the castle, I feared the worst." Seonag sniffed and wiped her face with the corner of her sleeve. "But seeing that silly old bull again... well I just couldnae help myself." She pointed her eyes to the side whilst lifting her shoulder.

"Glad tae see you're not all bad folk though," she said resting a hand on his forearm. "I'm nae daft, I ken what that meant when you stepped in to stop the Lord hitting Barabel... just like I did for my Seumas."

"Look after Barabel for me would you?" said Firmin softly. "When the King returns I must follow him into battle again. Whether we win or lose I doubt I will see the inside of these walls again."

Seonag squeezed Firmin's arm slightly and nodded reassuringly. As she left the words "I promise," silently escaped her lips.

*****

Two weeks passed in an instant. Firmin tried to busy himself readying the Knights and the soldiers for the upcoming attack. However, he yearned for Barabel's presence, wondering if he would ever see her again. Vigilant eyes watched his every move inside the walls of the castle. The Lord had every right to be suspicious of Firmin, no Knight, not even the Knight Commander should stand in the way of a Lord's justice.

The sound of fanfare rang over the hills and echoed around the walls of the castle. Athelstan had returned with a force four thousand strong. Another one thousand of Stephenson's men readied themselves as they awaited the King's command, already battle-hardened from their victory over Clan Carlsyle.

A day's ride north, the Wolves of Kerr had also completed their preparations. The Clan Chief grew impatient as he awaited Athelstan's arrival. He eagerly anticipated the coming of his gold, but most of all, Kerr longed for the opportunity to avenge his father. The wolves of Rosbroig had been starved of flesh for a week--they may have been sustained by bread and potatoes--but the Chieftains and their soldier's insurmountable craving could only be satisfied by one thing: fresh blood. A great feast awaited them at Dunalistair Castle.

Firmin left Carlsyle Castle with the King and five thousand men at their command. A murderous fire still burned within Athelstan, it was time for him to prevent the fulfilment of his prophecy.