In Freedom's Cause: Ch. 3

Archie's mother finally let him go to his uncle, Sir Robert Gordon, so that Archie might learn more advanced swordsmanship. He had already learned as much as Sandy could teach him. Sir Robert found a man whose skill was famous in the town of Lanark, Duncan Macleod. He had in trials of skill beaten the best in the English garrison easily.

Archie practiced as much as he could, and his instructor was very happy with him. Duncan had learned his trade in France, where they were more skillful than in Scotland, where they trusted more to strength.

Sir William Wallace was a frequent topic of discussion at firesides all over Scotland. Sir Robert spoke little on this subject, except to point out that Sir William did not really help Scotland, for he wanted no war.  He was alarmed by Archie's enthusiasm for the man. There was a girl, Mistress Marion Bradfurte, who came by to do embroidery with Archie's aunt. Though she was quiet and spoke little, Archie could see that she was of his mind in the matter. He had escorted her back to her house one night, and she told him that if he wanted to see Sir William, he should come tomorrow. She had left a piece of embroidery on the table, and it would be a good excuse for him to come and see her. She then told him that she was married to Sir William! This startled Archie, but he said he would be there the next night.

He came, and Sir William was pleased with him. He said he would be glad to have Archie in his band as soon as the lad was 18. Archie was to join sooner than that, however. He was taking a message to someone in town for his uncle, when he saw a large crowd and went over to see the reason why. Sir William and another knight were pressed against a wall, with many English soldiers attacking them. Archie joined in, and Sir William said he was able to strike a good blow, as he killed one man and  disabled another upon joining them. They then had to make a retreat or the soldiers would have cut them off.
They had gotten to the house in which Marion was staying, when she opened the door and called for them to come in. They did, but Sir William wasn't happy with her. The governor would hurt her or do her some mischief, he was sure.  But she just urged them to get out quickly, and they escaped. In the midst of all this, the Kerrs, father and son, had come and Sir John had tried to kill Archie. But Archie instead nearly killed him. The son, had, however, seen him so it was not safe to go back. He joined Sir Wallace, and went with him back to his hideout. Soon they recieved the news that Marion had been killed by the governor's orders for helping him.

More soon!
Bell