Their
cries as they ran down the inner stairs and discovered the awful fate
that awaited them were terrible to hear.
From the rear of the castle the Norsemen brought round their machines to
the gates, and with their heavy battering rams they burst in the strong
doors. Some of Allan Redmain's men rushed out, only to be cut down by
the warriors who awaited them. Twice did Allan call to his guards to
follow him and cut their way through the barrier of swords and spears,
and twice were they driven back into the burning castle. A third attempt
was made. Allan valiantly encountered his foes, who now gave way, for at
that moment they were attacked in their rear by the men of Rothesay.
In the ranks of the Norsemen, Kenric espied Earl Sweyn of Colonsay.
"Traitor! slayer of my people's children!" cried Sweyn, pressing
forward. "Let me at you that I may smite you to the earth!"
Kenric stood on guard. Sweyn raised his heavy battle-axe; but, before he
could strike, Kenric so wounded him on the shoulder that he dropped his
weapon. Then a crowd of men pressing in between, separated them.
For an hour's time the skirmish continued, Kenric and Allan Redmain
fighting side by side. But meanwhile the Norse leader, Rudri, had called
off the larger number of his men to the ships, leaving but a few score
behind under Sweyn of Colonsay and another.
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