The cursed towers 264
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within approached. The fact that none of the witches, not even Meghan, could sense what lay beyond,
only increased her misgivings. She knew, having been told over and over again, that not once in the
history of Eileanan had an invasion of Arran succeeded. The treacherous terrain, the dangerous
inhabitants of the marsh and the sorcerous powers of the MacFoghnan clan caused every attempt to fail
with many casualties. In response to her troops' misgiving, Iseult had only said, over and over again,
"Where others failed, we shall succeed. Do we no' have Iain o' Arran himself to guide us? It is our only
chance o' restoring Lachlan and winning lasting peace. Do no' tell me why we shall fail. Tell me instead
how we can win."
Iseult sighed and slowly picked up her crossbow and slung the quiver of arrows over her shoulder. Then
she walked out into the army camp, rehearsing in her mind what she had to say to the soldiers. At the
sight of her, they raised a ragged cheer and beat their daggers against their shields. She acknowledged
their reception with a raised hand, though her stern, cold face did not relent.
She faced them, saying calmly, "We go today to punish Margrit o' Arran for her treachery. Too long the
Nic-Foghnan has stood out against the other lands o' Eileanan, plotting to undermine the Crown and win
power for herself. It is time Eileanan was a united country, where all are free to live in peace and amity.
Margrit o' Arran has helped our Tirsoilleirean enemies invade our lands and bring great suffering to our
people. She has stolen our children, encouraged insurrection and cast a curse upon our rightful laird and
Righ. We canna and willna stand for such faithless and traitorous actions! So in Ea's name we go forth
with sword and spear, and in Ea's name, I pray that ye fight with courage and strength so we may all live
with peace and mercy. May Ea be with ye all."
"And wi' ye," the soldiers murmured in response.
Iseult nodded and gave the command to advance. Dillon brought Iseult her shield and she took it onto
her arm, saying sternly, "I wish ye to stay behind, Dillon, do ye hear me? And keep that blaygird sword
o' yours sheathed. Too many o' the League o' the Healing Hand have been lost already. It is your job to
stay and guard Tomas and Johanna and the other healers. Understand?"
He nodded mutely, rubbing Jed's black-patched head. Although the past nine months had helped the
horror and grief of that day at Ardencaple fade, Dillon had not fully recovered his usual cheeky energy.
Despite all that Meghan and Johanna said, he blamed himself for the deaths of Parian, Artair and Anntoin
and missed their companionship keenly.
Iseult walked to join Duncan and Iain at the head of the double column. Meghan and Gwilym were
waiting there for her too, both leaning on their staffs, both with very grim faces. They fell into place
behind Iseult as she led the advance into the marshes, the young prionnsa of Arran pointing the way.
Behind came Dide and Niall and the Yeomen of the Guard, most newly appointed and eager to prove
their worth. Marching along behind them were the other lairds and prionnsachan, each leading his own
company of men, their pennants drooping in the still air.
After long argument the lairds and prionnsachan had all agreed to leave their horses behind, for the paths
were narrow and treacherous. This had been a sore point with the lairds, for only common soldiers
walked into battle. It was a sign of wealth and position to ride to war. Purchasing and maintaining a
cavalier's armor and horses cost as much as the plough teams for a dozen peasant families. There were
many lairds who virtually bankrupted their families to pay for their horses and none of the cavaliers took
kindly to the suggestion they leave such valuable commodities behind. Common sense had won out in the
end, though, and so the lairds and prionnsachan walked with their men-at-arms, swords at the ready.
At first all was quiet, the drifting mist concealing nothing more than banks of sedge and bulrushes. Forced
by the thick undergrowth and the patches of bog to keep to the path, the army advanced in long columns,
