Send me, then, a score of your men to make timely
preparation and I will gladly receive the innocents into my care. God
grant that we may be able to protect them, even at the cost of our own
lives."
"Amen," said Kenric, and then he rode away. Taking the green road that
led westward, he stopped at every farmstead and cottage by the way and
there bade all the women, from the aged crone to the young damsel,
repair to the abbey of St. Blane's, taking with them all their children.
Soon he reached Kilmory Castle, where he had counsel with Sir Oscar and
Allan Redmain concerning the protection of their fortress. It was
probable that the enemy would land upon the western side of the island,
but lest they should determine to make their first attack upon Rothesay
it was deemed wise that Sir Oscar and Kenric should each defend his own
castle, and that he who first descried the invaders from afar should
send word of their approach to his neighbour.
Being assured that Kilmory was well guarded, and prepared to offer a
strong resistance, Kenric asked to see Ailsa Redmain. Ailsa was in the
fields.
"Ailsa," said he when he had found her, "you have heard of the great
danger that threatens our island?"
"Who is there in all Bute that hath not already heard it, my lord?" said
she. "Ah, would that I were a man that I might be of some service at
this time!"
"It needs not that you should be a man, Ailsa, to be of very great
service, and I will ask your help.
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