Do you question the authority of Saint Fillan?
No. Bruce swallowed.
No, I do not.
As well. The ancient scratched amongst his rags, eyed Elizabeth balefully, and then, without any leave-taking, even so much as a nod, turned and went stumping off down the hill, as independent as he had come.
Bruce, from looking after him, stared at his wife.
Elizabeths eyes were shining.
Robert! Robert! she cried.
It is a miracle! God be praised! See you, the Old Church has come to the rescue of its prince. The Romish Church may excommunicate youbut this is a Church older than Rome. And it blesses you! Takes you for its own. Her laughter was high pitched, tinged almost with hysteria, but with its own joy.
Here is a lesson, as well as a blessing. For the King. To remember whence he came. It was a Celtic kingdom, not a Norman one.
And you are half a Celt. I am less sobut I have some Celtic blood.
And, and I do come from Ireland I The Cradle of the Church, no less!
It is a sign, my dear. Come most timely.
A sign, yes. He nodded, a new light in his eye.
I believe that it is. A sign. Perhaps I have been led to Saint Fillans land. To this Glen Dochart where his abbey was. He was, you might say, a forebear. In some degree. Since King Malcolm Canmore, my ancestor, was of his line. He raised one shoulder.
And Malcolms Romish wife, Margaret, it was who brought down the Celtic Church I An old story. Another Queen stronger than her husband …. He looked at her.
I am not that. Elizabeth shook her head.
In much I am weak, foolish. But in my love for you, Robert, I am strong. Strong with your strength. It was your strength that first drew me to you.
You are strong stillonly weary. In pain. Mourning your friends.
And alone. As only a king may be alone. But now I am with you again. To restore part of your strength. That I had borrowedin exchange for my heart!
He drew her to him, there on the hillock in sight of all.
Quiet, you, he said gently.
You have said enough. Done enough.
Done it all. I will be strong, yes. Strong, now. Until one day I give you a whole realm to cherish. Instead of one stumbling man, Elizabeth de Burgh.
To that I will hold you, Robert Bruce, she agreed, glad-eyed.
I… and Saint Fillan!
Hand in hand they turned, to face downhill.