Author: Duncan MacDonald
Category: Cook books
Go to read content：https://onlinereadfreenovel.com/duncan-macdonald/page,18,12271-culann-celtic-warrior-monk.html
Culann, Fergus and Bec all waved back. Fergus remarked frustratingly, "If I live long enough, I want to be able to answer him one day, in rhyme."
The wind was favorable and their sail was hoisted carrying the little craft swiftly out across the wide mouth of the Forth. After some time, the far shore gradually came into closer view. They could see the rocky headland and the waves breaking relentlessly on its serrated shore.
Culann marveled at the unusual yellow color of the rocks which dipped down into the waters depths. This was certainly different country to what he had seen before.
They turned north and let the wind carry them further away from the coast across a large wide bay. Early afternoon they sighted the entrance to the Firth of Tay, and lowering the sail, turned west and began rowing toward it.
Culann noticed the Tay was much smaller than the Firth of Forth. The tide had turned and helped carry them upstream. They noticed some dwellings on both sides of the river as it narrowed. People were seen moving about. Some waved but most seemed to ignore them. It was obviously a common sight to see craft on the river.
Brother Bec gave instructions to the sailors to make for a smaller tributary, or burn, that flowed into the south side of the river. The sun was behind the trees when a small collection of buildings came into view. Culann noticed immediately there were monks tending some of the cleared fields nearby.
When he stepped out of the craft at the rough jetty, he was even more surprised. There were nuns as well.
Brother Bec smiled when he saw Culann's expression. "Brother Culann, you should feel at home here. This is a double monastery."
"Not like the one at St Abbs I trust." said Culann. "Goodness me no." laughed Bec. "St Abbs has a bad reputation. This is a sister monastery of one of your great Irish monastery's in Kildare."
"St Brigid's," said Culann, astonished.
"Why yes my son. Do you know of St Brigid's?" said Bec surprised.
"Oh, I've been there a couple of times. Many years ago. Where is the Abbot, or should I say Abbess?" changing the subject.
Bec looked enquiringly at Culann and pointed to a figure hurrying down the path toward them. "Here comes Father Ruad." A short stout monk held out his hands in greeting.
"Brother Bec, how good it is to see you." clasping Bec's hand in both of his. "And you have bought friends with you, wonderful. I am Ruad, Abbot of this poor establishment. Please come with me, refresh yourselves and tell me of your journeys." Ruad led them toward one of the larger round wooden huts which was used as a guest house.
Within a short space of time, all, including the sailors, had washed and changed into fresh clothes. They were then taken to the Abbot’s own hut where they were given refreshments.
Culann noticed that although they passed a number of nuns, each one looked down respectfully and did not make eye contact. For that matter neither did the monks. This is certainly different from St Abbs.
Father Ruad (as he was referred to by everyone), was impatient for news of the Synod of Whitby and pressed Culann for details. Culann briefly explained what had taken place in the great hall at Whitby, particularly the decision by King Oswy to find in favor of the Church of Rome.
"Oh dear, that's terrible." cried Ruad. "Will we now have to shave the top of our heads like those silly Romans and change the way we calculate celebrating the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus?"
"I'm afraid so" responded Bec. They were all quiet.
"I have a question." said Culann suddenly. "How is your monastery linked with St Brigid's?"
All heads turned to Father Ruad. "My son, that question has not been asked of me in many years. May I enquire why you are interested in St Brigid's?"
"I visited the abbey in Ireland a couple of times." said Culann, now embarrassed.
"Well then I am very pleased to hear that. I have not had the honor of so doing." Father Ruad paused to gather his thoughts, placing his palms together and looking to the ceiling as if for inspiration. "The Abbess St Brigid formed her Irish church at Druin Criadh in the plains of Magh Life [now Kildare] about two hundred years ago. Her church was erected under a large oak tree. Her convent was called Cill-Dara, which means "the church of the oak" It was a double monastery, with monks and nuns. As far as I am aware, it was the first double monastery ever built.
"St Brigid also took in students, "continued Ruad, "and encouraged the development of a school of art, including metalwork and illumination. The scriptorium has produced wondrous books of the gospels. St Brigid also took a keen interest in health and healing. I know she searched for many old manuscripts on the art of healing, particularly from Egypt and Greece. Many of her nuns were renowned for their skills in medicine."
Over the years St Brigid founded other double monasteries in Ireland. After her death in the year of our Lord 525, the second Abbess of Kildare, Dairlugdach, carried on the good work. She helped set up a joint convent on the island of Jura and then came overland to this spot.
This is where the capital of the Southern Picts was located. In those days this place was called Apurnethige, which means confluence of the Nethy (with the river Tay). The Nethy Burn flows past our church. In fact, you would have rowed up it today.
The Pictish King Nechtan gave the land on which to build this church."
Just then their discussions were interrupted by a commotion outside and the arrival of none other than Chieftain Danan.
"Where is my nephew? Where is young Fergus?"
Everyone rose and Fergus stepped forward "I am here Uncle."
Danan took him by the shoulders and looked him up and down. "By the Gods you have grown lad. I am pleased to see you, but what are you doing here? I understood you would be at Lindisfarne for at least another two summers. Who are your companions?"
Fergus introduced Culann and Brother Bec.
"Well welcome to our country good sirs." said Danan "And now Fergus, your mother will be back in a few days. She will be pleased to hear you are back for good."
"Oh, I am not back for good Uncle, I am on the way to Iona."
Danan's face darkened in anger "What? You going to Iona? With all the trouble now between here and the west coast? You will not, and that's final."
Danan turned and walked to the door. Everyone was stunned into silence.
* * * *
Fergus was distraught. "I gave my word I would get these codex to Iona."
Culann tried to comfort him "He's not your father. He can't stop you."
"Unfortunately he can my son." said Father Ruad. "Danan is Fergus guardian. In his clan it is impossible for Fergus to disobey his guardian until he reaches manhood." Bec nodded in agreement.
"Then I shall have a word with the Chieftain." said Culann as he walked to the figure still standing looking out the door.
"By your leave Sire," began Culann respectfully, "your nephew has been of great service to me. I will ensure his safety on our journey to Iona."
King Danan looked Culann up and down and his lip curled. "You. A monk. You couldn't ensure the safety of my hunting dog."
"Don't . . . "yelled Fergus, but before the words were out of this mouth, the Chief’s head was yanked back and Culann's knife was at his throat.
"We'll see who is safe around here," hissed Culann.
The King's two bodyguards who had been lounging against the far wall sprang up and drew their swords.
"Back, "snapped Culann, "or your King loses his head. " The bodyguards stopped and looked for instructions.
Fergus stepped forward and laid his hand on Culann's arm. "Brother Culann, please, this is my battle. Release my Uncle. He is just concerned for my well-being."
Culann released the Kings head and stepped back. His hand dropped to his side, but he did not sheath the knife.
Chief Danan also stepped back rubbing his throat, glaring at Culann.
"I'm sorry Uncle, but Culann was a Fianna warrior before he became a monk. Underneath he's still a warrior, just like you. Y
ou shouldn't have insulted him."
"Me. Insult him. He tried to kill me." The bodyguards moved around to be on either side of Culann, swords at the ready.
"I've seen Culann in action before Uncle. If he wanted to kill you, you would not be breathing now. "
"Stop!” cried Father Ruad. "Put your weapons away - all of you. There'll be no blood spilt in God's House."
The bodyguards looked at Danan who nodded. They sheathed their swords. Culann's knife disappeared inside his cloak.
Still looking at Culann, Danan spoke "Why did you try such a foolish thing? If you had harmed me, you know you would never have escaped from my country alive. "
"We all die sometime." answered Culann in a flat tone.
"Hmmm, I don't know whether you are extremely brave - or extremely stupid." mused Danan.
"Uncle, Culann saved my life at Whitby. He single handed took on and defeated fifty Anglo warriors."
"Well young Fergus, if anything had happened to you, your mother would make my life not worth living. It appears I owe your friend the monk, an apology, and my forgiveness for his hasty action." said Danan half smiling.
"Does that mean I can go to Iona?"
"No, you cannot go to Iona."
"In that case Uncle I renounce you and your clan. I will leave and never return." said Fergus.
"What, you leave." laughing "Leave my camp with all my men?"
"You forget Uncle," said Fergus "if I walk out that door, I will run to the hills and neither you nor any of your men will ever catch me."
Danan face turned sober. "By the Gods, you may be right. You were always the quickest lad I had ever seen. Alright then, tell me why I should let you go to Iona with this , . . this, . . warrior monk?"
Fergus walked to his Uncle and whispered in his ear. "I only told you half when I said I had taken an oath to deliver these books to Iona. More importantly I swore an oath to Abbot Colmán of Lindisfarne, that I would protect Brother Culann with my life on the journey."
"You did that!" said Danan, astounded. Fergus nodded and continued whispering "We have already travelled a far greater distance through hostile Anglo territory, from Whitby to here; further than from here to Iona."
The others caste wondering glances at what was being said.
Danan stroked his moustache thoughtfully. "Young Fergus," said Danan, placing his hands on Fergus' shoulders, "I see there is a large streak of stubbornness you, no doubt inherited from your mother. I am impressed by your loyalty to your friend. If this journey means so much to you, and you are confident of your skills to survive in hostile territory, then I would be more than mean, if I didn't allow you go. But on one condition. You can write now, can you?"
"Of course Uncle."
"Then write a letter to your mother, detailing what you told me, why you should go. Do that, and I will give you my permission."
"Thank you Uncle, "said Fergus with a wide grin "I shall write it now."
"One more thing." everyone stopped smiling. "Do you have the slightest idea how to get from here to Iona?"
Fergus said "As I understand, all we do is walk toward the setting sun."
Danan rolled his eyes. "It is a bit more involved than that. The best way is to go south-west to Dumbarton Rock which is held by the Scotti. You can get a boat from there to take you to Iona. I will provide a guide who has travelled to Dumbarton. You must take him with you."
Fergus looked to Culann who frowned, then after a moment nodded. "Yes, we originally came overland from Dumbarton to Lindisfarne."
"Then it is agreed." said Fergus.
"In that case you go with my blessing" said Danan.
* * * *
Later that day King Danan met with his chosen guide, Vosegus. "You are charged with protecting my nephew Fergus with your life. Do you understand?"
"Yes my Liege."
"One more thing." said Dana, looking around to ensure no one could hear them "That monk, Culann, ensure he does not live to see Iona. I'll teach him to hold a knife at my throat."
Vosegus smiled showing his yellow teeth "I will see that he meets his God before he sees Iona, my Liege."
Back to top
* * * * *
9.3 To Dumbarton
Fergus and Lasair in front of a crannog
The day they set out to Dumbarton dawned clear with only scattered clouds. Culann sized up their guide, Vosegus. He was a large lump of a man with a heavy ginger beard and long greasy hair down over his shoulders. He was armed with sword and spear, as well as his carry bag with food and clothes.
A large group had gathered to see them off. It included Chief Danan, Brother Bec, Father Ruad, some monks, and a few nuns standing off to one side.
The monks clasped Culann's hand in farewell and some of them hugged Fergus. Danan threw his arms around Fergus and nodded at Culann.
Looking back, waving, Culann, Fergus and Vosegus headed west following the Nethy Burn. The group watched until a clump of trees hid the travelers from sight. They then disbursed, many thinking the travelers would not reach their goal, because of the unrest that lay between them and Dumbarton Rock.
The three travelers made good time the first day. The burn turned south after midday so they pressed on through mostly open ground. Much had been cultivated. They passed a few farmers who were preparing the dry ground for next year's crop. Father Ruad mentioned that this had been a long hot summer. Crop yield was down. Many prayed for rain.
Fergus noticed that Culann, who normally liked to take the lead, remained behind Vosegus, always keeping him in view. Vosegus, in front, set a fast pace and was somewhat surprised to find his two companions kept up with him, easily.
As night fell they camped beside a small stream under a group of large Caledonian Pines. Over the fire they cooked a simple oatmeal dinner. Fergus took first watch, Vosegus second and Culann the last.
Next morning after a quick bathe in the burn next to their camp and eating the leftovers of last evenings oatmeal they set off.
Vosegus said they were heading toward a small village where he had relatives. They could spend the night under cover. Before sundown they came to small loch.
A wooden building on stilts stood just off shore. It was a crannog, [from Old Irish crannóc a wooden structure or vessel, from crann meaning ‘tree’] a house-platform, constructed offshore in shallow lakes or lochs. These dwellings were not uncommon in Caledonia, and popular because of their defensive qualities.
It was just large enough for one homestead and a timber defensive palisade A planking gangway linked it to the shoreline which was cleared of trees. Wispy smoke curled from the wooden building.
No movement was seen from the structure. "How do we get in?" asked Culann "The gangway has been taken up."
Vosegus stood at the edge of the loch and called in a loud voice to the structure. He did this a number of times. Finally, a figure appeared in the shadows of a doorway, and told him to stand closer. Vosegus walked to the edge of the gangway and held his arms up. There was murmuring and then two women appeared, bringing with them some of the missing planks for the gangway. It took a little time for all the planks to be put in place. They then retreated to the doorway and waved Vosegus forward.
The three travelers walked up and over the gangway to the water girt dwelling. Inside they were surrounded by about thirty figures, their faces difficult to make out in the dim light.
Some fuss was made of Vosegus while Culann and Fergus stood in the background, waiting to be introduced. The scene seemed surreal, then it suddenly struck Fergus what was strange. "There are no men in this village." he whispered to Culann.
"So I've noticed. Something's wrong."
Vosegus was waving his arm in their direction and the village women all began staring at Fergus and Culann.
"We have a problem my friends." said Vosegus walking over. "The Angles are raiding this valley from the south and all the warriors left three days ago to defend their la
nds." he paused, trying to put his troubled thoughts into words. "The women haven't heard from them, which is unusual. They are very worried."
"Is there anything we can do?" asked Culann.
"Not you. The problem is me. The women have asked me seek help for my tribesmen from Chief Danan. However, I gave my word to Danan that I would guide you south to Dumbarton Rock. With the Angles in great numbers between us and the Rock, we cannot continue south."
"Then Fergus and I will go west to Oban. There we will obtain a boat to take us to Iona." said Culann.
"I have not travelled much through those mountains, but I have heard they are very difficult. If you have no guide you could be lost there for weeks. Is time not of the essence for your journey?" asked Vosegus.
"We must not tarry, true, but it appears the only alternative in these changed circumstances. Unless Fergus has travelled these mountains. What say you Fergus?"
Fergus shook his head. "I have never been in this territory. As a boy I spent my time on the coast."
"Then we are lost without a guide." said Culann.
"I can guide you." came a voice from the villagers.
"Who said that?" asked Vosegus, surprised. A slim figure stepped forward from the group, wearing a long dull shirt and leggings.
"It's a girl!" exclaimed Fergus in depreciation.
"Well so it is." smiled Culann. "And about your age too Fergus, by my guess."
"A girl can't guide us." snorted Fergus.
Culann, still smiling, turned back toward the young girl, who stood defiantly with arms folded on the edge of the group of women. All were silent, watching.
"Pray tell me young Miss, how are you able to guide us through, what everybody tells me, are impenetrable mountains?" asked Culann.
"I have kin at Loch Earn. My father brings cattle from there every summer. I go with him."
Culann looked at Vosegus, who nodded. "Yes, some families who have no sons take their daughters to help drive the cattle. People here have kin at Loch Earn."
"And how far is Loch Earn from Oban?" asked Culann.
"It is two days from here. Another four days to Oban." stated the girl.
A woman carrying a baby spoke quietly to Vosegus. He then came to Culann and whispered "This woman says she is the girl's mother." nodding toward the young girl. "She says it would be safer for her daughter to go to Loch Earn, rather than to stay here. The Angles do terrible things to any young girls they find."