8
We returned home at the head of our triumphant and unscathed army. The sun’s rising was a mere two hours away, and all the village was quiet but for a few sentries a mile out. They spotted our coming and passed on the glad tidings to those in the village.
We entered the quiet outskirts in full spirits with our heads held high and smiles on our faces. There came a great din from the village as our people spied the banners of their men, and a great multitude rushed from the sanctuary of the church. They crowded around us and swept through the ranks of men to those they loved, and shouts of joy arose when each man was found.
Father Clarke was among those who crowded around my laird’s steed and my own. He clasped Tristan’s hand in both of his and smiled at him.
“God has willed that
