Bad Blood (Exiles Book 1) by Dempsey C R

Author:Dempsey, C R [Dempsey, C R ]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: CRMPD Media Limited
Published: 2020-11-20T00:00:00+00:00

22

Homecoming

R ed Hugh sent messengers to all the O’Donnell clan chieftains loyal to his father across Tirconnell to announce his return. He promised the chieftains would be rewarded for their continued loyalty and invited them to Ballyshannon Castle to pledge their allegiance to him. The pledge was open to anyone who could guarantee a minimum of four horsemen.

Tirconnell was still in chaos, for the defeat of his half-brother Donnell O’Donnell had left a power vacuum in Tirconnell which Lord Deputy Fitzwilliam had quickly, and profitably, filled with Captain Willis and two hundred English soldiers.

Captain Willis unleashed a reign of terror across the land. He first divided the lords of Tirconnell through bribery and the promise of land and power if they supported the crown. He looted from those that refused his advances, and they were defenceless against him since there was no stout O’Donnell to protect them. He took hostages and ransomed them back to the chieftains. The primary resistance came from Ineen Dubh and her Scottish mercenaries. The lords of Tirconnell were trapped between the bribes of Willis and the strong-arm tactics of Ineen Dubh, so only those who were traditionally allied to Sir Hugh O’Donnell’s branch of the family could initially be trusted.

The first to arrive at Ballyshannon Castle was Red Hugh’s mother, Ineen Dubh and her extended bodyguard of Redshanks. Upon her arrival at the gate, she was directed straight to the tower where Red Hugh waited, for he did not know what reception he would receive and his followers feared his assassination.

Eunan and Seamus were sent to stay in a house in a small village within walking distance of Ballyshannon Castle. Eunan had nothing to do but reflect on how he had gotten this far. He was troubled when he saw Red Hugh reunited with his mother, for he knew his mother never felt like that for him when she was alive. He thought of his father, how he killed him for what he thought was a righteous cause; it still grieved him deeply. He thought of Desmond, the nearest person he ever had to a real father and wished he was by the lakeside with him. He thought long and hard about his complicated relationship with Seamus and how Seamus had propelled him so far. He thought of Hugh Maguire, of his scheming and his efforts to ensure the survival of the Maguire. He thought of himself and his failings as a person, and his determination to do the right thing. He thought of Red Hugh and how the priests had told him that he would deliver Ireland from the English. He was determined to do better now that he was in the employment of Red Hugh.

He walked back to the castle and then around the perimeter upon which a little village grew. He walked deep in thought until he came to a blacksmith. He reached into his leather pouch and the axes Desmond gave him. They were too precious to throw and would be a liability for him in battle for he would always wish to retrieve them, propelled by guilt.

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