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Range

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Range, Scotland’s Highland Chieftain

Part One of three part introduction:

• My father had many journeys before this one.

• Each journey started out from a different locality. But on this journey he had a reason to return to Scotland. He had to rescue me and my brother Richard...where ever he might be.

4givll.jpg


• Moo!

• No doubt this second journey was far-far different from my father's first journey to Scotland or any of the other journeys he took. On this adventure I found a much different Range than I had expected. The gentle man that I expected was no where to be found. There would be wars as before on other journeys, but also on this journey there was the threat of Range’s untimely death.

• Range had become somewhat disenchanted with his travels. The biggest drawback he saw was no matter what he accomplished on his journeys, his triumphs always turned to dust as they disappeared as if he never existed. This was a chief reason why Range began to change. If not for us, his journeys would have come to an end.


Present Day – A Day at The Museum

• There is a small exhibit that has just been set up in the National War Museum Scotland in Edinburgh Castle. It’s very new and some of the guides pass it by when escorting tours about the exhibits.

• “And, this” said the guide to her group, “is our brand new exhibit. The Portrait is of “Range…a clan chieftain from the Highlands around 1353 to somewhere around 1500.”

dc7l2u.jpg


• “He has been credited with the bringing the Highland clans together.”

• “You said 1353 to around 1500, you were referring of course of his lifespan?” Asked a big Texan. “Don’t you know when he lived?”

• “The sad fact is no one is quite sure when Range actually lived…there are documents that actually name Range…however…”

• So, you do have some idea when he was roaming the highlands?”

• She paused a moment to carefully think out her answer, “Yes and no. You see this is where there the dispute comes in about when Range lived and died. You see, if we take intro account when Range first came onto the scene and trace his exploits to when he possibly died, Range would have lived well over one hundred years.”

• “You don’t really believe that now do you?” he asked. “That seems incredible.”

• “Yes…I do believe it,” she replied standing firmly on her studies. “Range was a very remarkable fellow. Even today under the right circumstances we’re finding people are living well over one hundred years.”

• “Ah, all right…who am I to argue. But what did this Range do, exactly?”

• “During his days in the Highlands, he gathered all the clans together under one banner.”

• “But strangely enough because of this Range,” she continued, “the name Range became synonymous to many if not all the Highlands Chieftains that followed.”

• “So, you mean there were more than one Highland chief named Range?”

• “It would appear so, unless the man was eternal.”

2zzkjs0.jpg


• “Was this Range dyslexic?” Asked the man.

• “No one knows why he used a backwards `R’ on his Coat of Arms.”

• “And, what does the inscription mean?”

• “In Gaelic it means peaceful, or safe journey.”

• The guide then moved a few steps to a small glass case, “Now, this is Range’s weapon of choice.”

2eahx55.jpg


• “…A tomahawk?” Asks man in disbelief

• “Range’s battle axe,” she replied.

• “Miss I know a tomahawk when I see one…and that’s a native American tomahawk.”

• “Yes it is but in Scotland we call them a battle axes. And, strangely it was found in Range’s tomb during the excavation in the Highlands.”

• “But, how did it get into his tomb?” He asked.

• “Some think that Range actually traveled to North America long before the English, the France or the Spanish.”

• “If you will follow me, I’ll take you to our next exhibit. As the tour guide briskly began to move away an elderly woman lagged behind admiring Range’s portrait.

• “I wonder what he was really like?” She asked, turning to see who was standing beside her.

• “Well,” I answered, “what would you say about him?”

• “The first thing I would say he was a very complicated fellow…”

• “What else?” I asked.

• “He has a very kind face.”

• “Oh, that’s just an artist interpretation,” I assured her.

• “Maybe…you’re right,” she said. “There appears to be a very angry undertone residing in him…of someone that would quickly rise into fits of rage.”

• “Yet,” said the gentleman, standing beside me, “there seems to be a spark of fairness in him as well, don’t you think?”

• The woman paused to stare deeply into the painting, before replying “No I don’t see that at all,” she said sort of abruptly.

• “You don’t?” he replied turning sort of sour in his speech.

Many have asked me what my father was like…I always laugh and say he’s a mix between the characters of Humphrey Bogart and Cornel Wilde. And, he would be first to say he’s no angel.
 
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Range, Scotland’s Highland Chieftain
Part Two – Introduction - “The New Start – The Highlands 1353”

The Scottish Highlands – 1359

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• Moo!

• “Mildred…what are you doing here…a much better question might be…” Range then looked up the sky and yelled “Where are my children?”

• “I’m sorry sir,” said Micah, a hired hand, apologizing as he thumbed a hat in his hands. “…for the late start, seeing that the morning is half over and all.”

• Range, somewhat startled, turned to an unfamiliar and rugged face and asked. “Who are you?”

• The man hesitated for a moment, until he misunderstood Range’s question as he thought that he was angry at him for being late. “I know I’m only a newly hired hand…if you would only excuse me this one time I promise not to disappoint you again. We can set off on our drive to England very shortly.”

• “Drive?” Range wondered out loud.

• “As soon as I can gather our cattle together we’ll be off to market.”

• “Market…do you mean we’re drovers?”

• “Yes…it’ll only take a moment to herd them together.” He stared at father strangely, before turning.

• “Do you mean those are my cattle out there?” Range asked pointing at the cows in the nearby pasture.

• Micah stopped, turning back to Range. “Certainly sir…I meant no harm in implying…they are of course your cattle…yes, sir.”

• “Are they tagged?” Range asked.

• “Sir?” Micah asked confused.

• “Are they branded,” asked Range. “You know, do they have identification marks to show they belong to me.”

• “I…don’t…no.”

• “Well, then we’re going to have to postpone our little trip until we can mark them that’s all.” Range then turned and began to walk away, mumbling to himself. “Now, I just have to come up with some sort of logo.”

• As Range turned away he didn’t see the look on his hired hand’s face. The man surely had a plan brewing and Range’s move put a damper on his plans in postponing their departure. .



• The Scottish Highlands, as other northern mountain areas, have harsh and long winters.

• The soil in most cases is generally unfertile and they are normally found to be poorly drained. These lands are more suited for the raising of cattle and other livestock then growing crops

• Thus, cattle were the single most important factor to the survival of the Highlanders. Many of which lived under the control of their clan chieftain.

• Range of course was not under any clan's control. The land was his ... given to him by the King Scotland. At least he thought the land was his.


• The Highland Drovers:
As in America, Drovers were men that moved cattle from one place to another. When
there were an excess of cattle and someone wanted to make some extra coin the selling of
the beasts was common; and for the poor this was as good of a way to survive as there
was.

• There were Scottish drovers as early as 1359 when two of them were given licenses of safe passage to enter England with cattle in order to bring them to the London market for sale. One of these drovers was Range my father.

• The biggest problem the Drovers faced in moving cattle was the highwaymen. The highwaymen would lay in wait for an unsuspecting Dover to move his herd by and pounce on them, stealing the beasts for their own gains

• As for Range, he had a cure of sorts for the highwaymen. Before leaving the ranch, Range applied the brand to all of his cattle ... except for Mildred who he planned on leaving behind to be tended to until his safe return.

• To Range's dismay in using the newly forged branding iron he found that the instruction he had given to the smithy wasn't as clear as he thought... the finished brand was a backwards ®.

• Never the less Range and his hand Micah soon led the cattle across the border into England.
(painting) – Drover

• Up to this point there had been no problems. But, late one night after the cattle had been set up for the night, there came a ruckus that nearly stampeded the beasts. Someone else’s cattle were in the process of being stolen.

• Range knew exactly what was going on. "Someone's in trouble," he told Micah.

• "It must be the Drover that was about a mile ahead of us," said Micah.

• "And, by the sound of it his herd is being stolen..." He then ordered Micah, "Watch over the herd...I'll go help the other Drover."

• "That I will."

• With that Range charged toward the disturbance. Reaching the scene, it should have been hard for Range to determine who the attacker was and who was being attacked, especially in the light of the moon.

• However somehow he knew who was the fighting for his life and were the attackers by the way the man lunged out with his sword play.

• Range rode his horse into the middle of the fray, knocking two of the attackers to the ground. Jumping from his mount he struck one in the neck with his tomahawk. The others quickly flew.

• “Are you all right my friend?” Range asked the man he had come to the rescue of.

• The man was dazed not knowing what to think of Range, but turning to his attention his friend’s lifeless body that laid on the ground, he began to mourn his passing. “Oh, Lonnie…they got you.”

• Range’s attention then turned to the sounds of his cattle being driven off. “My cattle!”

• “Don’t go after them now,” that man said almost ordering Range. “Wait for the morning and we’ll both go after them.”

• “What stake do you have this?” Range sternly asked,”

• By the strength of your coming to my aid…and if that be not enough of a stake as you ask…look upon the ground and consider seeing my dear friend lying dead on the ground…and then ask me what is my stake?”

• Strangely enough the other drover's name was Angus Michael McDonald (the future great-great-great grandfather of Range's friend Angus McDonald from "Scotland the Brave, the strong and the Free" - 1453 -1500)

• No sooner had Range resigned himself to the fact that it was too late to go after the thieves, Range and Angus were started by the rustling of the brush behind them.

• “They’re returning,” surmised Angus.

• “Come out with your hands in the air,” ordered Range with sword in hand.

• A moment later a large head emerged from out of the brush.

2hhgi3d.jpg


• Moo!

• It was Mildred.

• With the coming of the new day's sun Range set off with Angus to find his cattle.

• Range didn't have a dog for tracking but he did have Mildred. She had somehow broken free from the ranch and tracked down Range. Now she was being employed to locate the rest of the herd.

• “It’s truly amazing,” commented Angus, “Mildred must be part bloodhound.”

• Mildred would lead Range and Angus to a small town in Gwynedd, Wales. That was where in a small market pen Range recognized the brand on his cattle.

• Range's cattle had just been purchased for a goodly sum. When Range told the story to the auction barker, the man explained, "they never got up for action ... they were sold straight up by some men everyone took as their owners. And, it should have never happened ... once they were put in the pen ...I lost out on that auction a pretty sum I tell you."

• "But, who bought my cattle?"

• The auction man looked about and spotted the man. "There he is there. Should I get a constable?" He asked

• "It might be advised," replied Range.

• Range and Angus approached the man that the barker had pointed out.. "Let me handle this,” Range told Angus. “Excuse me sir,” he called to the man. “I see that you're admiring me cattle."

• "Your cattle," said Ithel. "I only just purchased this herd not more than an hour ago.”

• "Well, the men that you bought the cattle from ... they didn't have the rights to sell them to you."

• "And, of course you have proof to show that they are your cattle?"

• "Do you see the markings near the backside ... it's my brand ... an ID to show that they belong to me."

• "Do you mean that backward R... and, what proof ... " Ithel then stopped in mid-sentence when he took notice of what Range was holding up.

• Range was displaying the backward R iron. He didn't have to explain further, but he did by saying, "By the strength of the iron that made that backward R brand."

• Ithel noticed the broken cane in Range's other hand. The all too familiar knob on the end made to all too easy to be recognized and to know who it came from.

• A moment later the auction man led a constable up to Range, Angus and Ithel. "Is there a problem here?" Asked the constable.

• Ithel sadly shook his head no. "No, sir," he said before sighing. "I'm only returning the ownership of these cattle to their rightful owner." He then turned and sadly walked away.

• As the auction man watched Ithel walk away he commented, "What a dirty shame ... and it had to have to happen to a decent sort as him.”

• "Do you know him?" Range asked.

• "I know of him," replied the auction man. "He's the head and benefactor of a school. .. an orphanage I believe ... to the west." As the man moved away he continued, talking to himself, "What a dirty rotten shame ... a many of orphan will go hungry one night ... well, he should have know better ... if it was from an auction he bought, his money would have been fully refunded."

• "Oh, great ... now, I'm stealing from orphans."

• "You’re wrong Range," explained Angus, "you can’t steal something that is rightfully belongs to you."

• "It doesn't matter."

• "You listen to me ..." said Angus grabbing Range by the collar with both hands. "If your clan chief is like mine and you don't bring back the sale price for those beasts your clan chief will kill your entire family including your love."

• Angus then relaxed as he paused to think of the fate that he almost had. "That is exactly the fate you saved me from...if those animals had succeeded in stealing my herd I would see my dear love die before my very eyes ... " Tears began to stream down his face. "My Erin, my only love."

• "Erin?' Range asked, surprised to hear my name.

• If you haven't guessed it, or haven't read "Range's Sabbatical (Yeah Sure!)" I'm Erin, Range's daughter. .. And, yes Angus was to be my future husband.”

• Angus sold his cattle at that market in Wales for a price better than was expected. It had been a bad crop in Wales and food was in short supply.

• With his dealings done in Wales, England, Angus took a route back to the Highlands by the way of escorting Range, Mildred and the herd west to Ithel’s Haven wood's school.

• On a hill overlooking a narrow pass, Range noticed Micah and his friends. They happily counting out their ill-gotten gains. “There they are Angus.”

• “I am already beholding to you…this is my fight,” Angus told Range.

• “Nothing is settled until they’re taken care of and the score is equal. Range then laid out the plan. “Don’t descend on them until you hear my turkey call.” With that Range began to move down the slope to the thieves far right.

• The what call?’ Asked Angus, not knowing what a turkey was (Turkeys were at the time found only in the new world).

• Range had no intention of summing Angus to join the fray. However, once he had gotten into position he made the turkey call if only to make the villain stand up into full view.

• A few seconds later all three men were down upon the ground, each with a single arrow stuck through their heart. With his deed finished, Range then stood up with his trusty Native American bow in his hand.

• It is said that a good native American archer with a short bow could get off twenty five arrows during the time it tool a settler to fire and then reload his musket. In this case the villains never stood a chance with Range who is a native American and an excellent archer.

• As for Angus when reached the villains he was not pleased in seeing that he didn’t have a hand in dealing with the scoundrels. “What that you with awful gravel call?”

• “That was me, said Range as he stepped from the brush. “Gobble-gobble-gobble!”
 
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Part 3 of Introduction

• Shortly after Range, Angus and Mildred arrived at Hollow Woods, Ithel was in shock to learn that Range was giving him the cattle for free.

• A short while later, Range was confronted by a man named Eoin. He had taken notice of the broken cane that Range had. "Strange that you have a broken top half of a cane similar to the one that I’m holding,” he said, displaying the top half of the cane. “I have no idea when or how you came by that cane head, but if you did not have one I would be giving you one just like it my friend."

• Eoin had no idea who Range was ... at least, at that point with his feet firmly planted upon this Earth and not as some spirit. But, Range knew him as they had in fact met.

• However, in actuality, Range was meeting Eoin for the very first time ... (now, for a reference to this riddle see the ending of "Scotland the Brave, the strong and the Brave").

• Later within the parlor, Ithel told of the problems in Wales. "We have all too many poor people here in Wales.”

• From out the corner of his eye Range noticed a cute little girl, about the age of four who was peering into the room around a partly opened door of the room.

• She drew back behind the door when she noticed Range looking her way.

• Range smiled and waited for her to peer back around the door. When she did, he pointed at her saying, “Got ya!”

• She began to giggle as she ducked back behind the door, causing Range to let out a belly laugh.

• Eoin had caught the action between Range and the little girl. “Her name is Sarah. Sarah come here.”

• She didn’t comply. Instead, she was heard to giggle as she ran off.

• Eoin smiled, before explaining, “Our people are finding it increasing harder each year to keep the family together ... we never know when we open the front door of Haven wood if another youngling will be waiting to be brought into our care."

• “Do you have children Range?’ Asked Ithel.

• “Yeah, two…a boy and a girl…”

• “With the way you were playing with Sarah, I’d wager you’re a good father.”

• “Truthfully…I’m a lousy father…I’m always on a journey somewhere.”

• “And, your wife?”

• “She doesn’t like my traveling about.”

• “Duke Mawr is partly to blame for the predicament ,” said Eoin, revisiting a past topic.

• "And, the crown sits back and does what for the people of Wales?” Asked Range, already knowing the answer.

• "The Crown has other matters to contend with ...like wars, and feeding her armies." said Ithel.

• "What happens to your wards when they are old enough to set out onto the world?" Asked Angus.

• "Many join the army ... for there are wages to be earned," said Ithel knowing the truth the real truth.

• "For what purpose," asked Range about to answer his own question, "to be used as practice targets?"

• "As what?" Angus asked.

• "Disposable units ... easily replaced."

• "So, you understand our predicament," said Eoin.

• A servant then came to Ithel, to whisper in his ear telling him that Duke Mawr had come to speak with him. “Bring him in,” he told the servant, not pleased that Mawr had dropped without being invited.

• A moment later, Duke Mawr was lead into the parlor. He stopped a few feet into the parlor, appearing somewhat put upon that Ithel had guests. “Might we go somewhere in the house, somewhere private?” He was a pompous sort, someone anyone could easily dislike.

• “No,” replied Ithel. “Whatever you have to say to me can be said in front of my company.”

• “I know Eoin,” said Mawr,” but, who are these two ruffians?”

• Range had taken an instant dislike to the man. “Unless I missed my guess you must be Duke Mawr?”

• “Yes, I am…but, you sir, have me at a disadvantage…you know my name, but who are you?”

• “It doesn’t matter who we are…my friend and I will be off by the morning’s light…so, there’s no reason for introductions.”

• The Duke fumed.

• Ithel, wanting his business with Mawr to be finished as quickly as possible was curt with him. “I know why you’ve come…you’ll just have to wait a short while for your payment.”

• “What is this?” Mawr asked as if he had been insulted.

• “Haven Wood has encountered some unavoidable expenses this past year.”

• “Yeah,” added Range, “you know…expenses like food.”

• “How long shall I wait, until I pay another call?”

• “No more than a month or two.”

• Mawr paused before sharing his final thoughts. “I’ll wait, but there will be a penalty for my troubles.” With that the man turned and stormed from the house.

• “Lovable sort,” Range commented about Mawr. “And, you put up that?”

• “There’s not much we can do…he’s a Duke,” replied Eoin

• “And, a King’s agent,” added Ithel, as he headed after Mawr.

• “Now, he wouldn’t try to play rough with Haven Wood now would he?” Range asked

• Eoin paused to give Ithel enough time to be out of earshot before answering, “Nothing would surprise me when it concerns that tyrant.”

• Range thought it best that he follow after Ithel to make certain that Mawr behaved himself. He soon overheard the tail end of the heated discussion between Ithel and Mawr.

• “I told you’d get your blood money,” said Ithel.

• “This is not a matter for dispute,” said Mawr. “You will pay one way or another.”

• “You’ll get your blood money,” said Range, voicing his displeasure. “And sooner than you think.” He then moved up to Mawr. “So, you represent the king of England?”

• “Range don’t”

• “I’ve just come from Scotland with a herd of cattle because I was told London was starving. And, what do I leaned as soon as I cross the border into England…I learn that your whole country is starving…except for you El Gordo! Now, normally I like everyone, but not your kind…because you stay fat on other people’s miseries…in fact you’re the chief cause for their miseries.”

• Insulted by what Range said to him, Mawr left Haven Wood in a huff.

• Ithel sighed and said. “Oh, Range…you seem to be your own worse enemy. You and Angus must leave in haste, before he returns with soldiers.”

• “You’re afraid of him, aren’t you?” Range asked Ithel.

• “Not for our safety…but, yours and Angus’”

• As Ithel hurried back to the parlor, Range removed a small bag of coins that hung about his neck that he had taken from the highwaymen. He opened the bag and was about to take a few coins out, but stopped.

• Looking over to a small table that was against the wall, he spied Eoin’s cane. As he moved over to the cane, he flipped the bag of coins slightly up into the air allowing it fall back into his hand causing the coins to jingle as they knocked together within the bag.

• He smiled as he tied the bag of coins just below the knob of the broken cane.


Not long afterwards, Range, Angus and Mildred were on the way back toward Scotland.

• Neither Range nor Angus uttered a word for about an hour as both were in deep thought about Haven Wood and their new friends. Then, as if needing to break the silence, Range came up with a conversation. "So, you know my daughter?"

• "Your daughter?" Angus asked as if surprised.

• "You sound surprised?"

• "Well, I am ...I thought Erin's father was a giant of man after hearing his exploits." He then broke into a hearty laugh. "I figured you were her father the night we met."

• "How’s that?"

• "Oh, shortly after you came to my rescue, chasing the villains away ... you reached out your hand for me to shake hands and before you said you name ...one look into your eyes I knew, even in the dark within the glow from the moon .. .I knew. The same fight that resides in your daughter's eyes was in your eyes....I knew then you were her father."

• Suddenly there arose the sounds of thunderous horse’s hoofs quickly approaching from their rear. Duke Mawr had sent a small detachment of six soldiers on horsebacks out after Range.

• “It’s the Duke’s men,” Angus told Range.

• “Well, I’m not a man for running,” said Range as he slung a buckskin quiver filled with arrows over his shoulder and reached for his bow.

• “We’ll fight together,” Angus said, drawing his sword.

• Range then drew back the bow’s string, leveling the arrow’s aim while still on his mount. “That will be close enough,” he yelled to the Duke’s men.

• The riders stopped. Their leader ordered, “Our duty deals with someone named Range.”

• “That would be me,” Range told the soldier.

• “Then drop your weapons or die,” ordered the leader.

• “That is not going to happen!” Range replied.

• “Then prepare to die!”

• Range let out a blood curdling war whoop as he charged at the soldiers upon his mount. As he moved past them he got off two quick arrows, both of which dropped a man from his mount. The first arrow got the leader.

• Turning about on his mount he made a second past and two more soldiers fell to the hard ground.

• Angus was awestruck, and so were the remaining two soldiers. No one was able to react.

• This time, when Range turned about he called out asking, “Had enough?” When the two remaining soldiers did not respond Range sounded his war whoop and charged. This time he planned on employing his Native American tomahawk.

• Angus seeing Range begin this new charge sprung into action as well, proceeding to give out with a mighty Scottish yell.

• The soldiers did not stick around long enough to apply their skills. When they saw Range coming one way and Angus another in their direction, they quickly turned about and flew.

• Range and Angus did not chase after them.

• Pulling up beside Range, Angus had a few words to say to him. “Well, if there was any doubt about it before…I’m certain now you are Erin’s father…as there’s no one else besides Erin that could get me in and out of trouble as the two of you can.”

• “You haven’t met Richard…my son.” Range then sadly paused, scratching his chin as he wondered. “I whatever what became of him?”
 
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• Angus and I lived just above the small hamlet of Lochcarron (Scottish Gaelic: "Loch
Carrarin"). Lochcarron is a sea loch on the west coast of Ross and Cromarty in the
Scottish Highlands. It is at her point where the River Carron flows into the North
Atlantic. It is also safely nestled below the mountains.

jihldf.jpg


• When the three of them arrived in Loch Carron, Angus led them straight to my hovel.

• I was outside hanging my wash on a line. I didn't see them approach as my wash on the line blocked my view.

• "Erin, my love ... I've returned."

• "Angus," I cried with glee as I pulled the line down so I could look over it. My continence fell when I saw my father. "And, you brought a friend I see." I then allowed the line up rise back up hiding my face.

• "Aren't you glad to see me?" Range asked.

• "I don't know ... should I be?" I was cross and I had good reason. I then lowered the line to have my say. "I've been here waiting for months in hopes I'd see your face as you come to rescue me. And, do I? No! So much for the great Range, the defender of the weak."

• Angus just stared at Range, raising his eyebrows in disbelief.

• "The last time I saw my daughter I leaving my wife's house. I was running away from Lillith."

• "Lillith...your wife?" Angus asked above a whisper.

• "Hardly...Auld Cloutie Taistealia."

• "And, the reason why I recognized my darling father is due to the picture I have in my bedroom at home. He returns home after sixteen years not even knowing he had a child...twins no less."

• "You know there's more than what you're telling," snapped Range. "...we did travel to Riga together.

• "I followed you," I yelled back. "Then, I lost you when they hauled you off to Rome for execution."

• "Nothing like family reunions," commented Angus, before he broke out in a hardy laugh.

• After everything had settled down, I invited Angus and my father into my hovel for some clap shot (mashed potatoes and turnips).

• The conversation was of our predicament. "I can't stay here and live under his rule,"
I commented.

• "But where would you go lass?" asked Angus. "At least here we have protection."

• "If you can't stomach your clan chieftain why don't you move to the city?"

• "And, do what?" Angus asked. "She would be no better off than she is now."

• "Range ... father if you have not realized it by now ... this journey is not like any other journey you've taken. You didn't just awaken and find yourself in some kind of authority. You have no authority ... you, me, Angus are far less than commoners, we are the peasants of the world. Look around you. Do you think I would in this if I could afford better?”

• "Well, I'm not a peasant...I own a plot of land.”

• "Better check your deed my friend," suggested Angus.

• "The king gave me the land ... I have a document to prove it.”

• "Range ... that king hasn't been born yet...it's worthless,” I told him. “It’s worth less than the parchment it is written on."

• "And, one side of the parchment is no good as it has writing on it," Angus was quick to point out.

• Range angrily rose up from his chair. But, there was nothing he could do. He knew they were right and he was utterly helpless to change his standings.

• "We’re only stating the sad facts my friend," said Angus.

• Suddenly the door sprung open by a gust of wind. The late afternoon sun had been blackened so it appeared to be night outside Erin's lodging.

• "That's odd the wind came up from no where," said Range

• Range stood motionlessly as he stared at someone or something in the doorway.

• "Dad, what is it. .. what do you see?"

• "Eoin, Ithel...what happened to you?"

• "Those are the names of the men from Hollow Woods. But, I don't see them."

• "Range does."

• Later, Range told us what he envisioned. "The Flames, the screaming of the children ... when it was all through, Hollow Woods had been reduced to burning embers and two brick chimneys. It's all gone" He envisioned the smiling face of little Sarah, an image he would carry with him always.

• When Range's head dropped his head to his chest I knew the vision was over. I jumped up from my chair and hurried to close the door. But, no sooner than I had closed the door, the door was thrust open by Crabbit who was soon standing in the doorway.

• "Who might you be…to cast an unwanted shadow in my daughter's doorway?" Range was enraged, even though he had figured out who the man was.

• "I'm the Lord of this and other hamlets between here and Torridon to the North,
Applecross to the west, Toscaig and Kishorn to the South. Stand back ... I'm not here for
you." Said Crabbit, the chieftain, as he barged into the house brushing Range aside. "Where's my payment Angus?"

• "You will get it on tomorrow."

• "I get it now ... I'm already angered with you for not going to London as planned."

• "How do you know he didn’t go to London?" Asked Range, demanding an answer.

• "Stay out this,” ordered Crabbit. “It's no concern of yours."

• "I'm making it my concern ... how do you know Angus didn't go to London?"

• "Range .. .leave it alone," said Angus.

• "Here," Angus told Crabbit as he tossed him a small purse filled with money.
Crabbit's nostrils flared as he turned to Range, "Now you ..."

• "I think you should be on your way," Range snarled, "... so a cooler head can prevail.”

• “I don't need you to tell me to clam myself,” said Crabbit.

• “I was talking about me ... you don't want to rile me especially after I received bad news.”

• “Our business not done…” With that Crabbit turned and stormed from my home




• Later that evening, Erin hurried into her hovel. She was excited. "Angus did you bring all
cattle to market?"

• "Why, yes ... why do you ask?"

• "Range did you bring a cow into Lochcarron?"

• "Yeah ... Mildred."

• "Well ... they slaughtered her and put her on a spit."

• "What?" Range rose, trembling with anger. "Who did?"

• “Crabbit."

• Range bolted from the house with Angus and Erin following close behind. He moved
right to Crabbit who was sitting before the spit that held Mildred.

• "Did you order the slaughtering my Mildred?”

• "Oh, she was your cow was she? You should be more careful of your animals. What's on my land becomes mine."

• "Stand up..."

• "What?" Asked Crabbit in disbelief.

• “I said stand up…so I can knock you down."

• Crabbit rose to his feet and that was a move he would regret. For no sooner had Crabbit risen to his full height Range swung his trusty club and connected with the man's chin with a powerful upper cut. Crabbit’s head was driven back hard, before he crashed to the ground.

• Erin and Angus moved to stand directly over Crabbit’s and stared down at his lifeless body lying on the ground.

• Range had gone mad as he began ranting and raving over the fallen Crabbit. "What is wrong with you people, can't you leave decent souls alone ..." Dad began to tremble, as he was nearly brought to tears, “…no you have to force them to retaliate, so you can break their will to survive ... "

• "Ah, Range," Erin started to say. "I don't think he's in any condition to hear you."

• "He's dead, Range," quickly added Angus.

• "You killed Crabbit,” said an onlooker.

• "Crabbit is died?" Another man asked. "He's killed Crabbit!"

• "Now, we're in for it,” said Angus.

• "What is your name stranger?" Asked the onlooker.

• "My name's Range and I'm the one that's responsible for killing Crabbit...blame me and not those with me."

•"WE Know you killed Crabbit for we witnessed the act."

•“And, heard your every word,” said a woman who was drawing closer.

• Up to this point it was hard to tell whether the people were angry or not. But, when the cry of "Range shall be our new clan chief,” began to rise, I was utterly dumbfounded.

• All the people began to gather around Range, cheering him.

• "Long live the chief of the Highlands," mumbled Erin loud enough for Range to hear.

• Angus reached down to the ground to pick up the two pieces of what was Range's club. Standing up, he held out the pieces to Range. "Ah at last, you scepter is broken my King."

• There were other Clans in the Highlands and one they swung their alliance to Range. There were some that objected at first but in time after a few battles all the clans saw that his way was the best for all.

• Now, the real story can begin.

dg0w8.jpg


• Good bye Mildred
 
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Range the Highland's head chieftain:

Chapter 1

1399

• To the dismay of the Rightful King of Scotland, Range had become sort of a folk hero to
the masses in the Scottish Highlands. What was more troubling to the King's court was that Range’s reputation was spreading across all of Scotland.


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• Range was beginning to get carried away until I dragged back to reality. The name of the Scottish Highlands was soon returned to the maps of the world.

• But, over time it became increasingly more difficult for me and others to bring my father back to his normal gentler ways.

• By the end of the year, Range already had a well trained army (two regiments strong) in the Highlands. His cavalry was fitted with short bows and arrows similar to those used by Native Americans from the eighteenth century.


1401

• Range had already begun to dabble in the trade market and he was becoming quite
successful. What profits he made in the market helped to build a better life for his people
in the Scottish Highlands.

• Arguments festered in the King's court meetings. The topic was always the same ... what
to do with Range?

• "I have the perfect solution," said Potter, holding up a communiqué from our war office.
"We'll send Range to fight Pommerania."

• When Range arrived in the port in Lothian he straight to the naval office and found that it wasn't run by Scotland, the navy was a private enterprise.

• If Range, or even the King of Scotland wanted to send troops to fight a war on mainland Europe transports would have to either rented

• The cost for owning ships was costly. The merchants had owned the navy. A Merchant named Lenquest was the chief Merchant and owned the largest navy in Scotland..

• When Range found out the truth he was outraged. "Do you mean to stand there and tell me that you own all these ships and that Scotland doesn’t have a navy?"

• "That is correct, sir," replied Lenquest. "Now, if you wish to you purchase a passage for
you and you men I’m at your service.

• “You do know we’re at war?”

• It costs much to maintain a fleet such as mine. So I charge a minimum fee for its usage."

• "How much to buy the transports?"

• "Oh, this is my rate I took the liberty to jot down some figures on the possibilites that you
might wish to purchase.

• "Wow." Said Range said in disbelief in seeing the cost of purchase. "That's a lot
jotting ... and quite a large sum." Range then paused to reflect, before asking "Has the
King's army been in here to inquire about passage?"

• "No, sir. .. no one, but you ... Except for a man from the navy department."

• "Oh, what did he want?"

• "He wanted to make sure that my fleet of Carrack were kept in readiness to protect the
Scottish shore ... he gave a tidy some to guarantee my service."

• When Range came out of the Naval office, I was relived to hear Range tell Donald, my eldestest grandson that he was to lead the cavalry back to the Highlands.

• I had hoped to keep my little family together as long as I could. After Angus’s death, I vowed to do whatever I could to keep the members of my family out of senseless wars.

• Looking to me, Range knew how I felt.

• I had seven children with Angus and my babies had eighteen babies of their own. .

• Range’s last words as he set sail for Mecklenburg with a single regiment of infantry were, “this war will be over before you know it…and, hopefully it will be very profitable.” I didn’t understand what he meant at the time.

• The war with Pommerania was little more than a skirmish. Of course Range and his regiment with him were hailed as heroes.

• Scotland and Mecklenberg had beaten Pommerania. But, when Range heard that Pommerania had agreed to pay Mecklenberg a measly sum of 15 ducats for peace he smelled a rat.

• Before returning home, Range sought out a Mecklenberg diplomat named Quigley who had authored the settlement.

• In Quigley’s office, Range asked, “fifteen ducats…how much was your take?”

• “What…are you implying?”


• I’m not implying anything,” said Range.

• Quigley weighed his alternatives and then offered, “Between you and me would you consider going away if I were to offer you five ducats?”

• Range didn’t waste much time in replying, “Between you and me for five ducats,” he said, “I would go away, but it doesn’t do much for my conscious. Now if you see to offer say ten ducats that would mean ten ducats for me and then ducats for you.”

• “And, that satisfies your conscious?

• “Yes…”

• Quigley then spilled out ten ducats from a small bag. It would appear to an outsider that he had taken half of the bag’s contents. He then place ten ducats on the desk before him. As Range reached out for the ducats he slammed his hand down upon the coins. “IF the
the need arises again, do we have the assurance that Scotland will come to our aid?”

• “I came this time didn't I?”

• “Next time come with more men as there will be a need for them.” Quigley then drew back his hand from the coins.

• Range waited a second to be certain that Quigley wouldn’t cover up the coins again, before picking them up himself. “I’m working on it,” he replied.

• Do you mean to tell me that your single regiment are all the troops Scotland has?

• I didn't say that... the problem is we don't have the transports ... a problem that I'm going
take care of as soon as I get back to Scotland." With that Range turned and headed for the
door. When he was taking the last step from the room, closing the door behind him, he
heard Quigley’s parting words.

• "Maybe this is the start of a lucative friendship."

• Range stopped, and stuck his head back into the room appearing just around the door.
"Here’s to the next war." With that Range disappeared behind the closing door.

• The first thing Range did when he returned to Scotland was to pay a little visit to the Merchant Lenquest.

• As he busted through Lenquest’s front door, his first words were, “Brother do I have a proposal for you that you can't turn down...and I emphasize the word can't very strongly.”






4 January 1402

• The news brought division within the council, "Range has just purchased our entire
navy," some fretted while others applauded.

• Potter was one of those that was outraged. “Put that news together with the fact he can put the largest army in Scotland in the field ... consider where that puts us as a nation?"

• Thorton, a voice of reason was not alarmed at all. “Nothing has changed.” He said. “Range has vowed an oath of allegiance to the King of Scotland. And, the King trusts him expressively...”

• “Kings are mere mortals,” replied Potter. “They die as well as they change their minds...”
 
Wow, just wow. It's great to have you back writing. You're still doing great!
By the way I would like to ask a small favor from you. The next time you start a new AAR, could you tell me please?
 
Sure...I'd be happy to. What are you up to?
 
Nothing right now... Been thinking on starting an AAR though.
 
I'll be looking for it. Any idea what it might be on?
 
Sweedeen. And also, you're in the credits.

Poor Mildred...
 
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Sweden is a great pick.

As for Mildred I still shed a tear whenever I look at her picture.

Credits?
 
Range the Highland's head chieftain

“The Long Journey to make things right.”

2 November 1411

Range somehow managed to get five merchants in Antwerpen. The word was Range had friends everywhere and enemies just seemed to disappear (especially foreign merchants).

117fkhj.jpg


1412 -
• The Royal Marriage and the Coronation:

• The Kingdom of Scotland was growing in prestige. As if to grab onto some of that prestige Tyrone entered into a royal marriage with Scotland.

• Range and I was among the guests to the wedding festivities. That’s when I met the good prince Douglas O’Brien of Munster, first heir to the throne. When we first met, he was a young boy. However, I was impressed by his manners.

• Three years later, then a lad of seventeen we met again in of all places the Highlands. He said that he was traveling about seeing the world.

• Douglas didn’t fool my father in the least. He knew why he had come to the Highlands. It was to search out and find me. Still, as if to play along he invited Douglas to our castle for dinner and afterward a good game of chess.

• All through dinner Douglas could barely take his eyes off me and my eyes seldom strayed from him. Oh, he had filled out to be a grand figure of a man closing in the age of seventeen.

• After dinner, dad sat down for a game of chess with Douglas. I stayed in background, behind dad. It wasn’t long before dad had enough. He could feel Douglas’ stare looking past his shoulder at me. He was getting steamed over our antics. “Douglas…just how old are you?”

• “I’m seventeen sir.”

• “Seventeen, huh…” Dad then looked over his shoulder at me. A moment later, he turned back around to Douglas. He sat quietly for a moment, thinking and not about the game.

• “Is something wrong sir?” asked Douglas.

• “I’m just trying to remember how I was when I was seventeen.” Dad then sighed. “Well, I sorry to say…I might have to end this game a little early…there’s some important state business that I must attend to.” Getting up he turned to me, “Ah, Erin would you be kind enough to entertain the good prince here while I attend to some urgent business.”

• “I, a, sure,” I replied, in utter shock. And, with that I was dumfounded to watch my father leave the room. Like my father I had not aged a day since the start of the journeys. Unlike Angus my first husband, who was a few years older than me, Douglas was almost my age. I guess dad saw something, or he felt three were a crowd. Angus was gone now for many years and the children were all grown. Maybe he felt it was time that I thought about starting a new family.

• “I didn’t know it but dad had stopped outside the door for a moment, not to listen, but to comment to himself. “Princes become kings, they marry princesses…Erin is the princess of the Highlands. My kingdom grow-th…”

• We talked for hours and there wasn’t the slightly hint of arrogance in his speech. He wooed me, by his tone, filling me with his hopes for his people and his country. He convinced me that he was a young man of high ideals, someone that do what is right no matter the consequences.

• Two years later, Douglas became my husband.

• Right from the offset my father seemed to turn sour on my new husband. I didn’t find out until later that he had a little heart to heart talk with Douglas before our marriage. “I usually respect other countries and their rulers,” he told Douglas, “but, if you do one thing to hurt my little baby and I find out about it…” Dad then began to knock his fingers into his own chest a few times as he stared piercingly into my intended’s face and said, “You’ll have me to contend with...and, you won’t like me then.”

2qlrg9c.jpg


• When I was informed that Rebels were attacking Tyrone/Ulster I wanted to lead an army against them. But, when I was told there was no army of Munster and I would have to face the facts that Tyrone was lost I was livid.

• Tyrone would eventually fall to the English and through appeasement Munster gained an alliance with Scotland's enemy.

• Kings, no matter how great or villain are no less human than anymore else. They too, have been allotted a number of days to act upon this Earth. On 17 March 1420, good king Michael O’Brien, the King of Munster, father to Douglas died of old age.

• I will be first to admit that Douglas had fooled me from the start. The truth is my husband would never be the half of the man my father is. Besides being very immature he was also untrustworthy and unfaithful to me.

• Although I sat beside my husband at his coronation, with all eyes set upon the throne and us, I never felt so ashamed and so alone in all my days.



1 April 1421

• Not so far away, life made a turn for the worse for my beloved Scotland. There was news that there was a split in the Scottish army

• History states that the two sides were about to square off against one another. But that entry, written on this date is false.

• There was a rebellion of sorts, but not over military matters, allegiance or the lack of it. It took my father to find out the real reason why a thousand men left their posts in the Fife province’s fort and just marched off in protest.

• The living conditions just across the Scottish Highlands in Fife was threatening the very survival of Scotland. The poor were being driven from the lands that their families had worked for generations. And, for some reason no one could explain why food had become so scarce.

• The food shortage in Fife even affected the soldiers stationed in the province. They were being asked to survive on half rations each day. And, no one could explain what became of the supplies.

• When the grumbling reached Range in the Highlands ... he knew he had to act quickly if he ever hoped to get to the bottom of what was going on before the King’s men arrived in the Fife province.

• It took a bit longer for the news to reach the king in Edinburgh. But, he too acted quickly in ordering 1000 of his men to move on the province.

• Without any questions Range had a better grip on the situation, then a King many miles away. Just as Range's force of 2000 Rangers were reaching the outskirts of the town where the fort was, Range spotted a large group of men moving down the road toward his regiments.

• The men were led by an old gentlemen colonel.

• Range on horseback, halted his troops on the road. Just by the sheer size of his force the route was completely blocked off to anyone wishing to pass.

• "Where are you heading colonel?" Range asked calling out.

• "We were planning on heading back home," the old colonel replied. "If we remain here we will surely starve.”

• "Well, you're not returning to your homes using this road ... you'd be better served if you returned from where you came. At least then, maybe we can spare spilling a lot of blood."

• "We can’t go back,” a sergeant insisted. “They'll hang us for sure."

• The old captain paused, in hopes of coming up a clear reason for starting a fight. "We can't take it no more." He then sadly reflected on what his actions had brought his men to. He then turned to his them to say, "I'll not have a hand in spilling Scottish blood this day or ever."

• Turning back to Range, the old colonel asked, "Do we go back in chains?"

• "That's up to you and your men,” replied Range, thankful that cooler heads appeared to be prevailing this day. “Right now, all I'm asking is that you do an about face and return to the fort ... Of course we'll be following close behind to make sure you return to the fort.”

• The old colonel then walked through the rows of his troops. They parted enough to allow him to move through them easily as he headed to was then the rear of his regiment.

• An officer of the colonel's regiment then yelled out, “About face”, and all the soldiers turned to face the opposite direction, in what could be easily be described as a single fluid motion just like a well oiled machine they all turned and stopped in unison.

• Range was awestruck with what he saw.

• The old Colonel was now in the front of his command. His men behind him, standing at attention, were not uttering a sound or swaying as much as a inch.

• As the colonel took his first step toward the fort, he raised his right hand motioning for his troops to follow. The cry of “Forward” was repeated by their company commanders as all the men slowly began to follow their leader back toward the fort.

• Range looked to his trusty Captain McCoy, who had moved up to stop beside him. “Sean what do you make of that?”

• “It’s a queer sight,” the captain replied. “Not what I would have expected at all.”

• “What did you expect?” Range asked, not wanting or waiting for a reply. “Those are soldiers, not cowards or criminals…they’ve been wronged. And, I’m going to find by whom and set things right by them if it’s the last thing I do.”

• As Range and his army began to follow the old Colonel's troops, he wondered out loud, “By my count there’s about 800 officers and men.”

• “Where’s the rest I wonder?" Asked Captain McCoy.

• “Don’t worry, my friend. We’ll find them. And, when we do…we’ll have the real criminals to hang.”


- To be Continued – “The Thirty" -
 
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Damn it. Why did you have to make such a great cliffhanger!
 
I'm having fun.
 
Range the Highland's head chieftain:

“The Thirty”

By late afternoon, after Range's troops had scoured the countryside, over 900 protesting troops
had been brought into custody.

• "The total is up to 970," McCoy reported.

• “Well, Colonel” began Range, “can you tell me just how many men are still unaccounted for?”

• The Colonel checked the list of names now in custody. “Looking at this list, I can say without a doubt that they are mostly made up of my bad apples. One lieutenant, three sergeants and their cohorts. Most, but not all would steal from their own families.

• “How long were going to let this go on, Colonel?” Range blasted the Colonel.

• “I had no proof.”



• Then word soon arrived that about thirty soldiers were held up in a warehouse in small village to the south of the fort.

• “Lucas,” hollered Range.

• “Yes, sir!” He replied. Lucas was not a soldier, but a close friend to both Range and I. His story, hopefully, will be told before the end of this journey.

• “Do you still recall my instructions on building a gallows?” Asked Range

• “Yes…and I’ve been itching to put it to good use, too…Range!”

• The old Colonel’s continence had fallen in hearing Range’s words.

• “Well, prepare a gallows for three men.” Range then looked at the Colonel, knowing what he was thinking. “Don’t worry Colonel…I don’t intend to hang any of your good men.” Range turned and began to move away, mumbling beneath his breath so as to not allow anyone to hear his final words, “If I can help it.”

• When Range arrived at the warehouse, he was informed that 500 of his men had the completely surrounded the building. “Are there any hostages?” Range asked.

• “About ten people including the merchant who owns the warehouse,” replied the lieutenant MacDonaldr.

• Range then moved out into the open right in front of the warehouse’s front door. "You inside …come out with your hands in the air.”

• "Why should we listen to you,” replied a lieutenant inside the warehouse. “We're already dead men."

• “Right at this moment…you still have the chance to state your case…”

• “In who’s court?” The lieutenant asked.

• “The court of public opinion,” explained Range. “Right now you have the people on your side and me… but, once any blood is spilled all bets are off.” Range dropped his sword into the dust, and raised his hands up. “I’m coming in…unarmed.”

• Range’s men looked on anxiously, unsure whether their leader’s moves were smart.

• Range entered the building, his hands still raised up. The first man he came face to face with was the lieutenant.

• “All right that’s far enough,” the lieutenant told Range.

• “Are you the spokesman for the soldiers in here?”

• “I’m.”

• Range then turned his attention to the welfare of the Merchant and his workers, “Is the merchant and his workers all right?”

• One of the enlisted men in the warehouse recognized him. “That’s Range.”

• “So, you’re Range,” said the lieutenant, surprised. “I’d say you have a lot of nerve coming in here unarmed…that much I’ll grant you.”

• “I asked you a question!” Said Range demanding an answer.

• “They’re all right…we have them over there.” The lieutenant motioned with head to the far corner of the building.

• Range craned his neck to look past the lieutenant and saw the Merchant and his men. He thought it strange that no one was standing guard over them The hostages, if you could call them that didn’t even appear to be nervous.

• Then, turning his attention back to the lieutenant he got down to business in painting a picture. “All right this is it in a nutshell…the warehouse is completely surrounded…you have no way of getting out of here alive…unless you give yourself up to me.”

• “After we surrender…then what?” Asks the lieutenant.

• “I’ll be honest with you…there’s no certainties in judging you men, but I’ll guarantee that each one of you will have a fair trial.”

• “Then you’ll hang us,” suggested the lieutenant.

• “Like I said there’s no certainties,” Range stressed.

• “Well, my answer is no…”

• “Shouldn’t your men have a say in this…after all it is their necks that we’re talking about.”

• Outside the warehouse, Range’s men were all set to storm the building. Then they heard their beloved commander call out, “We’re coming out!”

• The protesting soldiers began to file out of the warehouse, their hands placed on top of their heads.

• Range emerged behind the last soldier, yelling out, “All right men round them up.”

• The merchant soon followed after Range to thank him. “I thought my life was at an end.”

• Range turned to the Merchant with a scowl upon his face, his clutch fists on his hips. “Say, just what kind of business exactly do you run here?”

• “Whatever do you mean?” The merchant asked, nervously.

• “Sergeant MacDonald, bring two squads of men,” ordered Range. As Range took a step toward moving back inside, the Merchant was about to run off. At the last second, Range reached back and grabbed a hold of the Merchant’s collar and pulled him into the building. “Where do you think you’re going?”

• As Range’s troops entered, the merchant workesr were slowly making their way for.the door.

• “You workers…stop right where you are!” Ordered Range. “MacDonald checked out all the crates and barrels.

• “Yes, sir!” Said MacDonald. “All you men spread out.”

• “Sergeant MacDonald…come quick,” requested one of the men that wanted to show him some writing on a crate.

• A moment after the soldier cued his sergeant on what he found, Sergeant MacDonald turned and yelled out, “There’s army stores here, sir!”

• Range then turned to the merchant telling him, “I thought it was funny the soldiers just happened to show up here.”


• Back at the fort, Captain McCoy was explaining to the King’s Colonel (who had just arrived) that he was not authorized to turn over the prisoners to him. Luckily, that’s when Rang returned with his prisoners.

• A short while later, Range had explained to the King’s Colonel what he had found out. Yet, it didn’t seem enough for the Colonel’s satisfaction. “I thoroughly understand the predicament that the soldiers of this post found themselves. However even their Colonel must agree that his men are soldiers and with this being the case they acted unwisely. Isn’t that so Colonel?”

• The poor old Colonel hung his head. “If there is to be a sacrificial lamb let it be me that pays for their sin.”

• Range would have nothing to do with such talk. Instead, he tried to sway the King’s Colonel into his way of thinking. “Are you saying you feel it would be just if we just hung the lot of them?”

• “That’s not what I’m saying at all. But, some of them must be made an example of in paying for their actions...that’s all. And, I think feel the same as I do…otherwise why would you build a gallows.”

• “The gallows was only meant to put a scare into the men…nothing more.” Range stared at the poor old Colonel, before turning his attention back to the King’s Colonel. “I’ll tell you what I propose…” Range went on explain his proposition, all the while keeping in mind the painful side of human nature.

To be Continued: “The Choosing of the Sacrificial lambs”.”
 
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I'm glad I can still read and post here using my brothers computer. Just keep writing.
 
Range the Highland's head chieftain:

“The choosing of the sacrificial lambs”


• The next morning Range assembled all the protesting troops in the field just outside the fort. They were broken into two groups. The first group was the smallest, it consisting of all the soldiers that were in the warehouse. The second group was all the rest of the Colonel’s troops.

• Most of Range’s and the King’s forces completely encircled the protesting troops.

• Range moved up to the men that were in the warehouse. The old Colonel and Lucas were with him. “You three sergeants step forward,” said Range, “you too lieutenant.” Range then moved up to the first sergeant on his right. He stared at the man, taking an instant dislike for his arrogant stance. “Sergeant step back in line with the rest of the men!”

• ”But, you just said,” the sergeant said as he began to argue.

• “I know what I said, now get back in line,” Range ordered. Turning then to the two remaining sergeants he explained, “My plan is to have three men brought up to those gallows to be hung. I want you two men to elect one man each from men before you…to be hanged…proceed.”

• Range became real sore when saw the lieutenant move along with the two sergeants. “Where are you going lieutenant?”

• “Well, sir…you said you wanted three men for the gallows I only thought that…”

• “Nah, nah…you’re wrong…I have a special job for you…one that’s right up your alley.” Turning to Lucas, he tells him to, “Take the good lieutenant up on the gallows and teach what to do.” Looking to the lieutenant, Range began to cue him into what would soon be expected of him. “Hold off Lucas… lieutenant I’m going to have you place and tighten the noose about the men’s neck and when I give the order you’ll pull the rope that will drop the trap door to hang the men. Lucas, take him away.”

• “My dear Colonel would you be so kind as to select the third man for execution?”

• “I would be delighted…I choose this sergeant (the one Range had taken a dislike for).

• The other two sergeants looked at one another, knowing that either one of them could have easily been the one chosen instead of their friend.

• “Take him to the gallows,” ordered Range.

• “No, no …my friends help me.”

• “Act like a man,” taunted Range.

• The first sergeant then without a conscious thought choose a man that the old colonel held in rather high regard.

• “I pick this one,” said the second sergeant, firmly clapping his hand down upon Faye’s shoulder.

• Range looked at the old colonel to see his reaction regarding the selections.

• The old colonel sadly shook his head, showing his displeasure.



The Trial:

• The trial was only a formality. Someone had to pay for the crime.

• The men were brought in separately to be questioned and judged by three officers, Range, the King’s Colonel and the old Colonel.

• The first man that was brought in was Faye, a mentally challenged young man.

• A smile would remain in Faye's face throughout the proceedings.

• With just a simple look at the Faye, Range’s stomach turned sour with the thought of what had to be done. In such a state, Range didn’t know how to begin the cross examining.

• Range looked at the both Colonels. The King’s Colonel shrugged. The old Colonel offered some assistance in Faye’s defense. “I hope it appears clear to you both that Faye never knew why he was walking of the fort.”

• “To him he was just taking a stroll,” added Range.

• “It doesn’t matter,” the King’s colonel sadly stated. “The die has been cast.”


The second man brought before the panel was a private McPhee,

• “What’s your story?” Asked Range.

• “I signed on as a free man, but I did not give up that freedom to starve.”

• “That might be so,” agreed Range, “but, your charges are not merely the fact that you walked out of the fort, but also with whom you threw in with.”

• “I had no prior knowledge that our course would take us to the warehouse. That would be the sergeants’ decision. And, I would not have been with the sergeants if not for Faye.”

• “But, why did you choose to remain with them?”

• “I was all set to leave with Faye when your forces arrived and surrounded the building.”

• “How convenient,” added Range.


The third man was the sergeant that Range had taken a dislike for.

• “All right…what’s your sad tale?” Asked Range.

• “I’m a hard working soul…that’s why I’ve earned these stripes.”

• “Let me see your hands,” demanded Range.

• The sergeant complied, stepping up to the table where the Range and the two colonel’s were seated.

• After Range checked out the man’s hands, he didn’t minced words. “Your hands are more suited for lifting a man’s purse than giving a hard day’s work.”

To be Continued: "The Gallows"
 
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Awesome writing!
 
Range the Highland's head chieftain:

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“The Gallows”

• After the speedy trial, all three men were brought up to the gallows, their hands tied behind their backs. Faye’s smile was still present as he climbed up the steep stairs and soon stood behind low his noose. McPhee climbed each step not saying a word and didn’t need help to take his position. As for the sergeant, whimpering, he was a mess stumbling as he was being helped up under his noose.

• The official files about these three men didn’t offer much, considering that these were living-breathing creatures of God. But, this is what is stated: Faye was not actually in the army, but being associated with the fort he fell under its jurisdiction and such subject to the rules of the army. McPhee was an honest soldier with commendations from his colonel. As for the sergeant, he had been accused of more than a few crimes, but no convictions.

• Range moved up onto the gallows to offer blindfolds and to ask if the condemned prisoners had any last words.

• He stopped to stare at the lieutenant. Range’s nostrils flared as he demanded, “Don’t pull that level until I say so.”

• Then turning to Lucas, Range said, “Make certain the lieutenant doesn’t pull the level by mistake."

• “Aye, Range I’ll make certain,” replied Lucas as he cleaned his nails with his dirk.

• A moment Range uttered the painful order of “Place the noose about the necks of the prisoners and tighten them.”

• The lieutenant complied. He took longer to tighten the noose about his sergeant’s neck then it took to place and tightened the noose about Faye and McPhee’s necks combined.

• Range motioned for the drummers to begin their rapid rhythmic beat. He then turned to stare at the poor old colonel. He looked to the lieutenant and asked, “I never bothered to ask…what’s your colonel’s name.”

• “Eoin…Eoin McGregor.”

• “Eoin…McGregor…is he Scottish or Welsh?

• “His family hails from Wales.

• Range then turned to look back at the old Colonel and spied the broken top half of cane he was holding (similar to the one Range had gotten in any another journey).

• Range then waved his arms, “Stop the music!”

• “Men, soldiers under the command of Colonel Eoin McGregor…in so much that I reserved the right to grant leniency for the condemned prisoners…I will issue a pardon for two of the men!”

• “Lieutenant…un-tie and remove the noose about the two men on the end.”

• The lieutenant hurried began to un-tie his sergeant’s hands.

• McPhee sadly looked over at Faye, who’s smile was as broad as ever.

• A storm suddenly arose from the depths of Range’s soul, “Lieutenant what are you doing? You’re on the wrong end…”

• The old Colonel began to cry as his men relieved and pleased with the Range’s decree and act of mercy, cheered.

• “Place the noose about that man’s neck and tighten it and make darn certain his hands are secured.”

• Range then moved to stand in front of Faye and McPhee. “What did Faye normally do at the fort?” He asked as he removed the noose from their necks.

• “He helped the cooks,” explained McPhee.

• “Well, my cooks could use some help…he’ll join my outfit…and, so will you to watch over him. As for the noose I just removed from your neck. When your tour of duty is finished…I’ll either give it to you as a souvenir or hang you with it.”

• After the lieutenant had untied Faye and McPhee Range led to the steps.

• Lucas then called out, “Range!”

• Yeah, Lucas.”

• “What do we do with the sergeant here?”

• Range seemed to ponder the question for a moment, but actually the sergeant fate was never in doubt. “Hang him!”

• “Lucas then turned to the lieutenant and said, “You heard Range…I didn’t build this thing for nothing you know.”

• The sound of the trap door dropping, the creaking of its hinges, and rope being stretched told Range that Lucas did a fine job of building the gallows. “No clump or a thud,” he commented.

If the gallows was not build to a scale that would properly follow the guidelines…not too much of drop for the size and the weight of the man or woman, the one being hung could easily lose his or her head…thus causing a thud as the body and the head separately hit the ground.


To Be Continued: “Range being Range”
 
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