The Mark of Salvation by Carol Umberger

He took a deep breath and released it. “I have some experience. Perhaps . . . perhaps I will weave after I’ve fixed the beam.”
    â€œExcellent, my laird. I’ll let Suisan know.”
    They left the hut, and as they walked toward the front of the keep a group on horseback entered the bailey. Friend or foe? Ceallach couldn’t recognize faces from this distance, but the fact that there were women in the party eased his anxiety somewhat.
    Ceallach knew he would have to find a smith to mend the portcullis if he wanted to truly secure the castle. Or do it himself. In the long years spent waiting to go on a crusade, Ceallach had not only learned to weave, but also to shoe horses. He might be able to fashion whatever was needed to mend the gate. But the thought of working with hot implements and fire—he didn’t think he could do it. Not now—maybe never.
    By now he was close enough to recognize Fergus and Morrigan as his visitors. Ceallach strode across the bailey to greet them. In no time he was surrounded by chaos. Suisan and the other women of the castle came out to greet the guests. Devyn and his men were there as well. Only the Englishwoman was absent. Ceallach assumed she was resting, as she’d spent a good deal of time in her chamber since her arrival.
    Years of quiet living as a monk and another seven years as a soldier with Bruce had not prepared Ceallach for interaction with crowds. At least not with friendly crowds. In camp, the men had left him to himself, if he so pleased. Certainly his experience at dealing with women, especially more than one at a time, was limited. He withdrew to the edge of the throng and just observed.
    He watched as Fergus dismounted and went to help Morrigan from her horse. She refused to take his hand and nimbly swung her leg over the horse’s back and dropped to the ground. Ceallach grinned. The look she gave the poor man did not bode well for Fergus’s continued employment as her steward. Fergus wisely went to help Morrigan’s mother and younger sister dismount.
    Suisan shooed the servants off to their chores and invited the guests to come into the keep. As Fergus and the others walked toward the steps of the keep, Ceallach stepped forward. “Welcome to Dunstruan.”
    Fergus said, “We thank ye for the hospitality.”
    Ceallach exchanged greetings as the women walked into the keep but drew Fergus aside before he entered. “Have you any news from Bruce?”
    Fergus shook his head. “Not much has changed. Negotiations for the prisoner exchange have come to a halt.”
    Ceallach nodded. “We can talk more over food. Come inside.”
    They sat down at a trestle with Morrigan’s family, and she and Fergus made introductions. Devyn the Steward helped his wife with the added work of having guests by setting up an additional trestle. Suisan gave him a hearty kiss for his efforts and Devyn grinned with pleasure.
    The natural affection between the two fascinated Ceallach. He couldn’t remember his parents ever treating each other with such ease, and theirs was really the only marriage he had first-hand knowledge of. Fergus caught him staring.
    â€œAye,” Fergus said with a nod. “It would be nice to have someone who cared that much about ye, wouldn’t it?”
    Ceallach wasn’t sure he shared the sentiment but he remembered Lady Kathryn’s comment at Fergus’s knighting ceremony. “Have you started looking for a wife, then?”
    â€œOh, I’m done looking. I’ve found her. She just needs persuading.”
    How had the man found a wife in the few days since they’d left Stirling? His eyes searched the room. “Morrigan?” he asked, dumbfounded.
    Aye.” “
    Ceallach shook his head. “I wish you luck with that one.”
Fergus said, “I’ll be needin’ it.”
    ORELIA WALKED INTO THE MAIN HALL for the midday meal. There were a number of