Passing across the meadows of Kilmory he found Lulach the herd boy.
Lulach was in great terror at knowing that the Norsemen were expected,
for though he was himself by blood and nature a Norseman, and was wont
to speak their tongue rather than the Gaelic, yet he looked upon the
Scots as his friends and upon every Norseman as his enemy. He was not
trained in the use of warlike weapons, and it seemed to Kenric that he
would be of little use. But Kenric stationed him upon the heights and
bade him keep constant watch upon the sea, ready to sound the alarm on
the enemy's approach.
Night and day did the lad stand upon those heights overlooking
Kilbrannan Sound, and on the third day he saw appearing a squadron of
six ships with many gay flags flying and the armour of countless
warriors glinting in the sunlight. The largest of the galleys sailed in
advance, bearing the viking's flag, and having an array of knights and
soldiers upon her decks and many archers at her prow.
Lulach ran in terror to Kilmory Castle, and straightway Sir Oscar
Redmain prepared to meet the coming foe.
Lulach was then to have hastened to St. Blane's; but he thought he had
yet time to run down and warn old Elspeth Blackfell, who had steadfastly
refused to take the protection offered her in the chapel vaults, saying
that she had a safe refuge of her own -- though where that refuge was
none sought to know.
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