Blair Collection > Celtic magazine > Volume 5

132 THE CELTIC MAGAZINE. I
by this sword witli its holy cross — while I swear by the sacred shrine of 1
Columba — that another day shall not dawn before the death of my father I'l
is avenged, the Church satisfied, and the state assured. Rest so much '
faith in me my liege for this once. Set Dermond at liberty, take him i^
with you to fight against the Bruce, and leave me to deal with Cyril of ,;
Eathland." ',
" Nobly spoken," burst from almost every lip as this speech was con- I
eluded.
" Go then, brave Brian of the sea-wave," said Lorn, " I believe you
are worthy of the trust. Dermond shall go free. His offence, with the
assent of Macnab, wUl no doubt be pardoned. The good Abbot will I
shrive him of his sin, and he will accompany me against the Bruce. '
But, remember, my suspicions have not been without ground — my charges I
have not been without cause. See that Cyril has not gained your confi- ,
dence and hospitality already. Tremble at my words, and barken ye j
noble bulwarks of our house, whUe I threaten the wavering vassal. If i
the roof of your castle shelters Cyril of Eathland another night the life '
of your son shall answer for your treachery. Avenge me on this Irish i^
chieftain, and the guerdon shall exceed your expectations." ,
Brian frowned at this speech, and thundered forth a denial of the j
charges it contained.
" I trust you do not belie yourself," said Lorn. " I may have been,
deceived by my informant. At least remember my words."
Bowing to MacdougaU Brian retired in sore dismay from the presence
of the chieftains.
Before starting for Dunkerlyne he ha'l an interview with his son in
his dungeon. The youth, who was ghastly pale with thought and confine- [
ment, clasped his father to his breast, and thanked Heaven that he had \
not perished in the storm. A gleam of fire bghted up his weary eye, and |
the colour returned to his cheek as he fondled in his parent's arras. The j
blood forsook his cheek again, however, when he had time to observe the ^
cloud which rested on the Viking's brow. All was not well, and the \
offer of liberty did not bring that gladness to his heart which it ought to i
have done. The manner of his father was altogether suspicious, and he •
urged him to reveal what could oppress him so much. :
" If you have done aught that is wrong or bound yourself to any un- .
holy task for the sake of my liberty," said Dermond, " let me rather rot \
in this foul dungeon. I will not be free on any such terms." \
" Nay, my good Dermond," said the Viking, " rest assured there is 1
nought I have undertaken but what can be executed with honour. It i
merely troubles me to know that you start on your first errand of peril j
without the protection of a father's arm. Be wary, my son, in your deal- ■
ings with the enemy. He is cunning and courageous. Be bold and fear- j
less, but neither rash nor careless. Be always well on your defence, and .
use the tricks of the sword and battleaxe, which have made your fathers j
so illustrious on land and sea. The Sassenach is well armed witli linked |
shirt and glittering cuirass, but watch the chinks and joints of liis harness. ;
Your sword was the sword of my father, Francis, in his youth. It is weU ]
tempered and handy. Your battle-axe was given to Jarloff by the great \
King Haco. Treasure it, for it is your strength. It is the trust of your \
life, and no Sassenach helmet can resist its clang. Above all things place j