Boyd had been instrumental in helping Alex regain his place in the Guard. Although it was Joan who’d helped him repair the damage that had been done with Lachlan. It happened right about the time they put their first son in his arms—the child they’d named after him: William Lachlan.

Bruce looked down the table at Lachlan and his wife. “How is your mother? I know coming here was much to ask of her.”

“She wouldn’t have missed this for the world,” Joan said with sincerity that they could not question. “In truth, I don’t think coming back to Berwick bothered her as much as she expected. It was a long time ago.” She looked as if she were remembering something, too. “The ghosts of the past have faded with so many years of much happier memories.”

He only wished he could say the same. “She deserves it.”

As if sensing his maudlin thoughts, Joan asked, “Sire?”

He shook off the concern. “Don’t listen to me. I am an old warrior who has seen his life’s great work accomplished and now doesn’t know what to do with himself. Which reminds me . . .” He turned to Seton. “Tell Chief I have one more mission for you.”

Alex didn’t hide his surprise. “My lord?”

“Now that the pope has finally agreed to lift the interdict and my excommunication, I would like to go on a pilgrimage to Whithorn.”

His words had made them both visibly distressed—or perhaps sad was the better word. For they recognized the truth: that this would be Robert the Bruce’s final mission.

His work was done. It was time to join his ghosts.

“We will be ready, sire. Airson an Leòmhann.”

The battle cry of the Highland Guard that had rung out more times than he could remember. For the Lion.

For Scotland.

Author’s Note

AUTHOR’S NOTE

THE BATTLE OF Bannockburn is one of the most important battles in Scottish history. With the seven-hundred-year anniversary in 2014, there has been increased interest and scholarship in what is often hailed as one of the greatest Scottish victories (or worst English defeats) in history. I was fortunate to be able to take advantage of quite a few of the new books on the subject, as well as attend the “Bannockburn Live!” anniversary celebration, which featured some wonderful reenactments of the battle. One of the highlights for me was coming face-to-face with Sir Alexander Seton—or at least the reenactor playing him. I’m sure I probably scared the poor guy with my excitement.