Blair Collection > Celtic magazine > Volume 5

DEEMOND. 19
was greatly altered. He became desperate, and the victim of extraordi-
nary hallucinations. The ambition of his life was crushed, and instead of
contenting himself with fighting the enemies of Lorn, he took to the sea,
like his father of old, broken in the true pride of his spirit. He became
irascible and violent — provoked to rage at the veriest trifles — and even
abused the noble INIargery.
She did not bear her husband's change of temper long. Her joy at
his release was soon merged in a brooding melancholy, and after many
miserable days and long night watches, her mind yielded to the strain,
and she died a raving maniac.
The only pledge of afi'oction was her son, Dermond, who was the idol
of his father's heart. The death of Margery proved a great trial to Brian,
who became once more something of his former self, and the love, which
was denied in the latter days to the mother, was profusely lavished on the
son. Many a time the tear woidd trickle down the old man's weather-
beaten features as he kissed the rosy boy when taking leave for some in-
cursion, but he was too proud to forsake his roving life on the sea.
Dermond, as he approached manhood, inherited much of his mother's
comeliness and gentleness, allied to the youthful spirit of his father, and
wearied with the forced confinement at Dunkerlyne he yearned to go forth
and distinguish himself.
Under the direction of his liege lord, Brian had equipped the galley,
which had borne him safely through many a fearfid storm and bloody
battle, for the purpose of i^reventing two ships bound from Ireland with
men and stores for the Bruce, from accomplishing their mission. All day
long, however, he scoured the intricacies of the Western Isles in vain,
and no small amount of skiU was required in managing the vessel among
the contending winds and strong tides. To the lee, she inclined so much
that the waters broke through the oar ports, disablmg the rowers, not-
withstanding that the sheet was under double reef. At length the sea
ran too high, the wind drove along with a blinding sleet, and the sky be-
came black overhead. After being driven to and fro for a Avhile, Brian
descried the breakers that lashed the shores of Seda. With some diffi-
culty the vessel was run into one of the numerous fiords on the coast, and
the pirates made for the cavern of Ardnavorish — a common resource in
such emergencies. A fire was speedily lighted, the feast was prepared,
and Brian resolved upon spending the night on the island.
Sentinels were posted on the cold headlands, to observe should any
vessel be driven on the rocks, and as the night wore on a storm-bound
hulk, with a few dark objects clinging to her, was seen drifting helplessly
through the surf. An alarm was raised, but to no purpose, as the wreck
went crashing past and disappeared like a phantom in the murky gloom.
(To he Continued.)