In the thick of the fight Duncan Graham sought his master's side.
"Back, back, my lord!" he cried, "Back to the castle of Rothesay! The
ships have already left the bay. In two hours' time they will be round
at Rothesay!"
Kenric then rallied his men and charged his foes most vigorously, and
those who were not cut down took to flight. Earl Sweyn, retreating
towards the hill of Quien with two score of his followers took ambush
until the men of Rothesay had left Kilmory. Then, full of angry
vengeance and intent upon slaughter, he led his small troop northward.
Every cottage and farmstead that he could find he entered. But not in
one of them did he discover man, woman, or child. The men were all under
arms. The women and children were all in the safe refuge of the vaults
of St. Blane's.
Allan Redmain, finding that it was vain to attempt to save his father's
castle, remained for a time upon the scene of ruin and devastation. His
father, Sir Oscar, had been slain by an arrow, and his body was devoured
by the flames. When Allan had tended the wounded, both foes and friends,
he took six of his best men-at-arms with him, and by devious ways
marched south to St. Blane's, there to remain on guard with three
hundred others, whom Kenric had stationed at various points in the
vicinity of the abbey.
CHAPTER XXIV. THE SIEGE OF ROTHESAY CASTLE.
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