Song of the Highlands: The Cambels (The Medieval Highlanders) Read online

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  Song of the Highlands

  He captured her innocence with his savage desire, she conquered his heart with her song…

  “Say naught. Else you shall be next.”

  These are the words that leave a six-year-old Highland lass without a voice, and without memory of that terrible day her family's caravan was overtaken and her parents were slain.

  Now, thirteen years later, fresh from the nunnery where she was taken after the attack, Highland Lady, Morgana Cambel, harbors only one wish: To have one night of ecstasy with the man of her dreams—her worldly, beautiful cousin's sometime lover—Robert MacVie. So, when she is offered such a chance—a secret switch—she determines to take it.

  Highland Laird, Robert MacVie, desperately plots to ensnare his heiress lover into marriage in order to gain her dowry and pay his King the debt his late father owed, thus saving his clan from division and ruin. But a last minute switch changes the course of his life—and his heart—forever.

  When their passionate interlude is discovered by her unctuous, devious uncle, nothing will do but that Robert wed the impoverished Morgana instead.

  At first, they both resist. He, for the sake of his clan. She, for the sake of her unrequited love. But they quickly discover that resistance is futile. And a boon by the King soon lessens Robert’s debt. Now, as their desire for each other grows, as Morgana’s voice begins to return only in song, as their hearts bond, a legacy of jealousy and greed entraps Morgana in a furious death plot—and only her warrior-knight husband can save her!

  Song of the Highlands

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  Smashwords Edition

  Copyright © 2014 by K.E. Saxon

  http://www.kesaxon.com

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical including photocopying, recording, taping, or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author K.E. Saxon, the copyright owner and publisher of this book, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the publisher. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in its work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

  License Notes

  This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to any online retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  Cover Photo obtained from Romance Novel Covers

  Cover Design created by Angela Waters Graphic Art & Design

  Editing Services supplied by:

  Valerie Hayward

  Bev Katz Rosenbaum

  Proofreading Services supplied by Jan Carol

  eISBN: 978-0-9881803-8-3

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  AUTHOR’S NOTE

  I would like to start by paraphrasing a portion of my author’s note from my Highlands Trilogy: By the time of William the Lion (William I), who ruled Scotland from 1165 to 1214, the feudal systems were more firmly established in the southern region of Scotland, the king had managed to exert his influence and sway in the wilder northern and western regions as well. Mostly through alliances with foreigners to whom he chartered land, or to natives who sought a royal charter for their land in order to secure it for their own offspring.

  My vision, therefore, was of a kind of “melting pot.” The old ways, not completely abandoned, yet the new coming to be embraced.

  This is a work of fiction. Some creative license has been taken with regard to certain aspects of historical accuracy in order to fulfill my vision for the romance, and allow for less confusion to the romance reader.

  The Campbells were in the Highlands during this time frame, but were not yet known by the name Cambel (cambeul).

  The idea for setting William, King of Scots’ court at Scone Abbey actually came from another work of fiction, The Fair Maid of Perth, written by Sir Walter Scott, while I was researching Highland Vengeance. Within the third paragraph of the first chapter it reads: “The city was often the residence of our monarchs, who, although they had no palace at Perth, found the Cistercian convent amply sufficient for the reception of their court.” The abbey at Scone was Augustinian, but I loved the idea of using it so much, that I blurred the lines a bit. As well, I want to note, that although I have searched, I have never been able to verify Sir Walter Scott’s words with any scholarly account.

  The Romans mined copper from Scottish Highlands, set up forts for this purpose, as well as to “tame” the natives.

  The idea for Morgana’s song weaving a spell on the occupants of the carn (cairn, in modern spelling), comes directly from the section, “Acoustic effects: ancient Scottish megalithic chambers”, which I found in the book, The Quest for the Celtic Key, by Karen Ralls-MacLeod and Ian Robertson, while doing research for this book. It specifically speculates that sub-sonic vibrations may have altered the mental states of the ancient worshippers, but this sentence alone was enough to set my imagination flying!

  Although Schiehallion is not well-forested now, there is archeological evidence that at one time it was. In the 13th century, though much of the ancient forests had been depleted, there were still an estimated 20% standing. Today, there are only an estimated 1%. For those interested in the history of deforestation and afforestation of the Highlands, and Scotland in general, I recommend, Woods, Forests, and Estates, by Thomas Hunter; and Conquering the Highlands: A history of the afforestation of the Scottish uplands, by Jan Oosthoek.

  I hope you can forgive the licenses I’ve taken and simply enjoy Robert and Morgana’s story!

  For further scholarly reading, please refer to my research booklist at http://www.kesaxon.com

  K.E. Saxon

  GLOSSARY

  This glossary is meant merely as an aid to the reader of this story, and in no way is intended to be used as an authoritative guide to the spoken language represented. The glossary contains pronunciations of classical Latin, Old Norse, and Scottish Gaelic, of which some were constructed by the author using multiple sources (see list at end of glossary), and to the best of her ability, as no authoritative pre-constructed versions of the word’s pronunciation were found.

  Á vegginum Ásgarðr ar-veG-in-uhm ars-gar-thr : Lit: Upon the wall of Asgard. (This expletive was completely contrived by the author, and has no proof of historical merit, as far as she has been able to find.) Old Norse.

  Aerariae secturae ahyuhr-ar-ee-eye sec-toor-ahy : Latin “copper mines”. [note: classical pronunciation]

  Ankou ahn-koo : Breton Mythology. A Celtic death god known as “Master of the World”; Grim Reaper.

  Armoric ahr-mawr-i-k, -mor- : A native of Armorica. (Brittany)

  Bqllr of Óðinn! Bah-klr ahv O-then : Lit: Balls of Odin! (This expletive was completely contrived by the author, and has no proof of historical merit, as far as she has been able to find). Old Norse.

  Bealltainn
byăll-tènn : The Celtic May Day Festival. (May 1 or 2). Scottish Gaelic.

  Cailleach Bheur kaely-lyach vveer : The old hag of the ridges in folklore. Scottish Gaelic.

  Caislean Credi kahsh-lee-ahn kreh-dee : “Hill of Credulity”; The place of coronation for Scotland’s Kings at the Abbey at Scone. Survives as the present Moot Hill. Scottish Gaelic.

  Castelaine kahst-l-eyn : Note: Author-coined feminine form of castelain, which is a medieval term for the male governor of a keep.

  Compline kom-plin, -plahyn : “Night Prayer.” The last of the seven canonical hours, or the service for it, originally occurring after sunset and before bed.

  Corpsish kawrps-ish : Note: Author-coined word (because corpse is an older word than cadaver) with the intended meaning: pale, haggard and thin. Of or like a corpse.

  Cruach na Beinne kruăch nă baynn : Ben Cruachan in Argyll. Scottish Gaelic.

  Garbh Uisge gărv ishka : River Leny. Scottish Gaelic.

  Dæll dal-l : Gentle, easy (to manage). Old Norse.

  Greek fire Greek fire : A Byzantine incendiary mixture, composition unknown that, when wetted, exploded into flame, and was then shot through syphons or catapults.

  Haust howst : Harvest. Old Norse.

  Hymenaeal hahy-muh-nee-uhl : Archaic. Marriage song.

  Í móti vetri ee moti vetree : Lit: “At the onset of winter”. Old Norse. See: Ynglinga saga by Snorri Sturluson.

  Ingeniator in-jen-ee-ah-tore : Latin “to devise in the sense of construct, or craftsmanship”. Root of engineer.

  Inverleith eenn-vare-llhay : Medieval name for Leith. Up until the 16th century, Leith had two settlements, one north, and one south of the Water of Leith river. The south settlement was a trade port; while the north settlement was more a fishing village, and under the jurisdiction of Holyrood Abbey.

  Leòdhas (Isle of) Lioh-yhas : Isle of Lewis. The Largest Island of the Outer Hebrides, Scotland.

  Lia Fáil lee-ah fowl : Stone of Destiny. The coronation stone for the High Kings of Ireland up through Murtagh MacErc (6th century AD). Scottish chroniclers in the 13th century expanded the legend to say that the Stone of Destiny was the same as the Stone of Scone, that it was brought to Scotland by the brother of Murtagh MacErc, and never returned. This legend, then, I believe would have made for good theater in William the Lion’s court.

  Llyn Tegid khlin teh-gitt : Bala Lake in Gwynedd, Wales.

  Kœrr logi of mitt fýst korr loGi ahv miT fuhst : Dear flame of my desire. Old Norse.

  Sruighlea Stree-lye : ancient burgh of Stirling. Scottish Gaelic.

  Sverð of Óðinn Svairth ahv OhthiN : Lit: Sword of Odin. (This expletive was completely contrived by the author, and has no proof of historical merit, as far as she has been able to find.) Old Norse.

  Matins MATT'-inz : “Sunrise Prayer”. The second of the seven canonical prayers, fixed at sunrise

  Mildr Mill-der : Generous. Old Norse.

  Napron na-prau : Apron. Middle English.

  Nones nohnz : The fifth of the seven canonical hours, or the service for it, originally fixed for the ninth hour of the day (or 3 p.m.).

  Pasche păsk : Medieval term for Easter or Passover.

  Regnum Aragonum rai-nyum ah-reh-gon-uhm : Latin “Kingdom of Arragon”.

  Samhainn sah-win : All Hallows Day.

  Scut skuht : a short tail, especially that of a hare, rabbit, or deer, from old Norse skutr. A medieval slang term for female genitalia.

  Seed wool seed wool : Cotton wool not yet cleansed of its seeds.

  Sext sekst : The fourth of the seven canonical hours, or the service for it, originally fixed for the sixth hour of the day taken as noon.

  Sìdh Chailleann shee haaly-unn : Schiehallion is a prominent mountain in Perth and Kinross. The name Schiehallion is an anglicised form of the Gaelic name Sìdh Chailleann, which is usually translated as “Fairy Hill of the Caledonians”.

  Svanfríðr svahn-fri-thra : Beautiful swan. Old Norse.

  Tarse tahrss : Medieval term for penis.

  Terce turs : The third of the seven canonical hours of the divine office, originally fixed at the third hour of the day, about 9 a.m.

  Uachdar Àrdair ooh-ahkgh-ar aar-dare : The town of Auchterarder. Scottish Gaelic.

  Uisge Abha ishka ahva : River Awe. Scottish Gaelic.

  Uisge Beatha ishka beyha : Lit: “Water of Life”, a.k.a. whisky.

  Uisge Theamhich ishka haym-ekh : River Teith. Scottish Gaelic.

  Whitsonen Day hwit-sahn-en dey : Whitsunday, Pentecost. A major holy day and festival celebrating the descent of the holy spirit to the apostles.

  Widow’s Terce wid-ohs turs : Not to be confused with the religious term for the third canonical hour. In Scots Law, immovable property bequeathed by the husband to his widow upon his death.

  Sources:

  Covington, Michael A. “Latin Pronunciation Demystified.” University of Georgia, Program in Linguistics, last revised March 31, 2010

  MacAlpine, Neil. A Pronouncing Dictionary: To which is Prefixed a Concise but Most Comprehensive Gaelic Grammar, Stirling & Kenney, 1833

  Maceachen, Ewan. Maceachen’s Gaelic-English Dictionary. Inverness, Northern Counties Newspaper, revised and enlarged 1922

  Guðlaugsson, Óskar. “Pronunciation of Old Norse (standard).” Old Norse for Beginners Website: https://www.notendur.hi.is/haukurth/norse/, 2000

  Slocum, Jonathan & Krause, Todd B. “Old Norse Online: Base Form Dictionary.” University of Texas, Linguistics Research Center Website: http://www.utexas.edu/cola/centers/lrc/, last updated December 2013

  Vikings of Bjornstad Group, The. “Old Norse Dictionary: English to Norse.” The Vikings of Bjornstad Website: http://www.vikingsofbjornstad.com, last updated 2014

  Additionally, the following websites were immensely helpful:

  Forvo.com, Icelandic

  Forvo.com, Swedish

  Forvo.com, Scottish Gaelic

  Forvo.com, Latin

  Omniglot.com, Old Norse

  Omniglot.com, Scottish Gaelic

  Omniglot.com, Latin

  Lexilogos.com, English to Scottish Gaelic Translation

  Translate.google.com, Icelandic, Swedish (audio sample)

  Translate.google.com, Latin (audio sample)

  Wikipedia.com, Old Norse

  Wikipedia.com, IPA for Icelandic

  Wikipedia.com, IPA for Swedish

  Wikipedia.com, IPA for Scottish Gaelic

  Wikipedia.com, IPA for Latin

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Back Cover Copy

  Copyright

  Author’s Note

  Glossary

  PART ONE

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  PART TWO

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  PART THREE

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  PART FOUR

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  PART FIVE

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  PART SIX

  Chapter 22

  Epilogue

  Bonus Material: Of Us That Trade In Love (Morgunn & Gwynlyan)

  Other Books by K.E. Saxon

  About the Author

  PART ONE

  A Knight’s Quest

  “Time is now to arise, from tables costly to part us;

  Now doth a virgin approach, now soundeth a glad Hymenaeal.”

  From Hymn to Hymen by Catullus

  “That kiss again; she runs division of my lips.

  What an eye she casts o
n me? It twinkles like a star.”

  The Jew of Malta (Act VI, scene iv)

  CHAPTER 1