Mary Peace Finley
Award-winning author of books for young people
"James the First is not an English King!" John Fisher's face grew red.
"James the First is the first King of Scotland to be King of England, too!"
"That is not what Uncle William says. Uncle William says James is
English through and through. Uncle William says the King is just a
salmon, swimming upriver to where he was spawned."
"Och! Duncan! Duncan, lad, ye listen to my baby brother too much. William talks too much with
these reformers! He is too young to remember." Rubbing his rough hands together, Duncan's
father sighed. Then he smiled the way he always did when he looked into the past. "Aye! Those
days when the royal court was at Sirling Castle, Stirling was a true royal burgh. It bustled with
court visitors and trade. Aye, those were fine, wonderful days."
"Fine, wonderful days, indeed!" Duncan's mother Ishbel, rushed from the house and thrust a
package into Duncan's hands. Her hair was uncovered and still uncombed, and her eyes were
tired looking and red. "Finished, and just in time. Duncan, run and deliver this gown for the wee
bairn of the Earl of Mar. Hurry, before the King's procession arrives."
© Mary Peace Finley 2012
