Braveheart: William Wallace by Eliza Knight

Braveheart: William Wallace by Eliza Knight

A version of this post was originally published at The World of the Blue Bells Trilogy.

Many years ago, tired of the oppression upon his country, a man rose up from the shadows, one without a well-known name, seemingly from nowhere, and led his country in the Scottish Wars for Independence. That man, is now a household name: Sir William Wallace, aka Braveheart.

There is not much known of Wallace and his earlier days. It is thought that he grew up in a family of means—they were landholders. Wallace would have been exposed to the sort of education that a lower gentry family would have. He’d have trained with a sword as well, which also explains why he was so great with wielding one—comes with practice.

No one is sure of his parentage, other than his father was either Alan or Malcolm Wallace and his birthdate is unknown; however it is believed he was in his twenties when he died.

Through William’s early childhood years, Scotland was ruled by King Alexander III, and was relatively peaceful. However, with the King’s death in 1286, Scotland was thrown into turmoil. King Alexander’s heir was a young girl who passed on her way to Scotland to sit upon her throne. In stepped King Edward of England, better known as Longshanks. Brutality was about to begin as the English king sought to take control of the country and weed the Scots from their own lands.

It is my guess that William was between the ages of 6 and 10 at this time, old enough to witness the new brutality and to remember a time when Scotland was ruled by its own people.

At some point, Wallace joined up with Andrew Moray, another leader in the war, declaring his intentions to help lead the country to freedom. There is some speculation about his reason behind joining the revolt, and a legend that whispers from one shore to the next of a wife or love of his that was murdered by the English. There is no proof of this, but I like to believe it because it’s romantic and softens the brutality of war, heightens our beliefs in the violence that must be unleashed.

What is more likely, is that William Wallace was devoted to his country. He remembered growing up in peace and wished for any children he might have to live the same way. He wanted the English king out. He wanted a Scots king in.

Stirling Bridge

His first act against the English was in May 1297 when he executed the High Sheriff of Lanark. My novel, The Highlander’s Reward (Stolen Bride Series) begins in September 1297 on the eve of the Battle at Stirling Bridge. Wallace would have been between 17 and 22 at the time. I’m leaning more toward the latter, which puts him at 29 at his death. My reasoning behind this is that he would have been a more seasoned warrior, more capable at age 22 rather than 17 to take on a leading role. (*Of note: most portrait depictions of Wallace put him much older, which is misleading—the portraits were also done years after his death.)Wallace is described by contemporary accounts as being a rather giant of a man—perhaps 6’5 or 6’6 and well-muscled.

It is probable that prior to the Scottish Wars for Independence that he had some military experience, but none are recorded. He and Moray were victorious, however Moray died sometime later of the wounds he sustained. My hero, Magnus Sutherland, was instrumental in helping the Scots to win this battle, and it’s the first time he meets Wallace, but not the last. In fact, Wallace will play a part in each book in the Stolen Bride series.

Prior to Moray’s death, he and Wallace were named the Guardians of Scotland. By the end of 1297 early 1298, William Wallace was knighted by one of the leading Scottish earls, Lennox, Carrick or Strathearn. These earls also play a part in my series, and in the second book, The Highlander’s Conquest, the earls and Wallace make a visit to Dunrobin, the seat of my hero’s from both books family, and an earldom is bestowed upon them.

William Wallace's Trial 

In 1298, Wallace lost the Battle of Falkirk against the English, but did not allow that to deter him. He gave over his guardianship of Scotland to Robert the Bruce, putting his full support behind the Bruce, but continued to play a part in the war for freedom.

Unfortunately, Wallace would not live to see his dream of freedom realized. He was caught and subsequently executed by the English in 1305—his charge, treason against the crown. While he did not live to see it, the dream lived on and freedom reigned in 1328…until the next war.

THE HIGHLANDER’S REWARD

She belonged to another… But was destined to be his…

Lady Arbella de Mowbray abhors the idea of marrying an English noble occupying Scotland. When she arrives in Stirling, she is thrown into the midst of a full battle between the Scots and the English. Besieged by rebels, she is whisked from her horse by a Highland warrior who promises her safety. But when he kisses her she fears she's more in danger of losing herself.

The last thing Magnus Sutherland wants is to marry the beautiful English lass he saved. As the laird of his clan, he has a responsibility to his clan and allies. But when Arbella is attacked by one of his own men, he determines the only way to keep her safe is to make her his. A decision that promises to be extremely satisfying.

Magnus brings Arbella to his home of Dunrobin Castle in the Highlands. And that’s where the trouble begins… Their countries are at war and they should be each other’s enemy. Neither one considered their mock marriage would grow into a deeply passionate love. What’s more, they were both unhappily betrothed and those who've been scorned are out for revenge. Can their new found love keep them together or will their enemies tear them apart?

Buy Links: Amazon / Barnes and Noble 

THE HIGHLANDER'S CONQUEST, Book Two: The Stolen Bride Series

What is a Highlander to do when he falls for the daughter of his enemy?

Highland warrior, Blane Sutherland, has one mission: disguise himself as an Englishman, cross the border and retrieve Lady Aliah de Mowbray. Always up for a challenge, he agrees, pursuing his conquest with vigor—and trying to deny the powerful desire that eclipses him each time he touches his charge. A rogue of the highest order and a younger son, he has nothing to offer a lady but a broken heart.

And what is a lady to do when she cannot trust her heart?

Aliah is skeptical of the English noble who has come to take her to her father and sister in Scotland, but she pushes her doubts aside. Without word in months, she must make certain her family is safe, then she can return to England to join the convent to which she has sworn to pledge her life. But then her escort reveals his true self—he’s a Highlander and his kisses are more seductive than the sweetest of wines.

Surrender never tasted so sweet…

Links: Amazon / Barnes and Noble

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Eliza Knight is the multi-published author of sizzling historical romance and erotic romance. While not reading, writing or researching for her latest book, she chases after her three children. In her spare time (if there is such a thing…) she likes daydreaming, wine-tasting, traveling, hiking, staring at the stars, watching movies, shopping and visiting with family and friends. She lives atop a small mountain, and enjoys cold winter nights when she can curl up in front of a roaring fire with her own knight in shining armor. Visit Eliza at www.elizaknight.com or her historical blog History Undressed: www.historyundressed.com Twitter: @ElizaKnight and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizaknightauthor

Marching bands and Roman legions

Recently, I went with my hubby to professional football game where the stands were filled near capacity. To the tune of about 80,000 fans.  This is the number of Roman soldiers Boudica faced with her warriors who numbered approximately 200,000 in number. Scary. 

The difference between the two armies is simple. Most armies other than the Roman legions fought individually. They had a plan. Attack. Out number. Overwhelm. Or simply fight it out, man to man. 

This was to their down fall. Ask Boudica.

The Roman legions didn't fight man to man but as a unit.But to command this unit to move as ordered was a feat. The legion was trained to respond to signals. The roar of battle required the use of instruments to sound the commander's commands since they didn't have internet or wacky talkies.

According to Vegetius of the 4th century AD, the straight trumpet or 'tuba' sounded the charge and retreat.  This order was obeyed without hesitation. The tuba was also used for sacred ceremonies. 

The horn or 'cornu' or curved tuba was used to signal movement of the units or colors. These instruments could move sets/cohorts of men just about anywhere. Now think of marching bands with their instruments that have generated from these as the French horn, the large and small tuba, trumpet, coronet, even the flute along with the drums. All were used previously by Roman Legion

So when you see a marching band, you will now know a bit more of its origins.

 

These same instruments also were used in the triumphs for the victorious emperors or as we know them parades for our sports figures and other heroes.

 

 One other instrument from Ancient Rome is the bagpipe. 

Originally, it was a goat's bladder used in Greece. The Romans thought it has a strange enough sound to be used with the legions. When Rome ventured into Britannia about the time of Boudica, they brought it with them. But decided it didn't work. And stopped using it.  

However, the Caledonii people, or who became known as the Scots, decided they rather liked this instrument. They came to treasure the bagpipe so much so that the  Scottish warriors kept fighting as long as the piper was playing. Many a battle was won because of the piper. This was so successful that the British outlawed the bagpipe for this reason. They considered it a weapon.

When I see the marching band march onto a football field at halftime, you now know where my mind goes. But, if you ask my hubby, he'll say I see Rome in every thing.

What's In a Name, Anyway?

Since this is a blog on history and/or historical romance, I thought it pretty apt to give a little information about how my pen name came about because there is both historical and personal relivance to it for me. :) I'm still in the process of researching my father's side of the family, but I know much more about my mother's side. I take great pride in my families. It's so cool to imagine how they might've lived, loved, struggled and overcome obstacles of their time. I've even gotten ideas for books based on some things I've learned. They might seem insignificant, but there's a romance story everywhere if you look closely as I'll explain later. :)
My real name obviously, isn't Abbey MacInnis. It was actually my Mom who thought of it for me. :) Koodos to her for that. :)
Abbey MacInnis comes from the maiden names of my grandmothers, both born and raised in Canada, but who, for various reasons migrated to the Detroit area and found husbands and started families of their own. My mother's family come from Antigonish Nova Scotia. I have second and third cousins who live all throughout Canada. My grandmother was the youngest of seven. She came to the US to take care of her older sister who was ill. Antigonish was mostly a farming community in the 40's and earlier, so jobs were hard to find.
My father's mother's family came to Detroit pretty much for the same reason. The car industry was booming then. People from all over North America were coming to Detroit to find work.
Abbey comes from my father's side of the family. That side is British and German. I'm still trying to research my father's side of the family, but one story I recall hearing from my grandmother before she passed away was that a Great Great grandfather (not sure how far back it goes), came from England in the 1700's. He was a physician who helped settle the territory.
I know a bit more about the MacInnis side, my mother's family. :)
They came from Scotland and settled in Nova Scotia, which in essence means "New Scotland." They arrived in Canada in the 1800's. My Great Great Grandfather spoke Gaelic. This too, is something my grandmother, my mother's mother has shared with me, so it's led me to conclude that perhaps my Great Great Grandfather might've come from Scotland. Or that perhaps his father did. :)
Here's where it gets really cool. :) My Great Grandfather, (still on the MacInnis side), served in WWI. Here's an original wood-framed black and white photo of him in his uniform.

One story my grandmother told me was one she wasn't supposed to overhear, but even as a kid, my Grandma was awesome even then. :)
She overheard her father talking to someone that he saw a German soldier. He was supposed to kill him, but the man was praying, so he didn't. I thought that was very honorable. Turns out that the two men crossed paths in a church after the end of the war, both recognizing the other.
The war took a toll on my Great Grandfather. He'd traveled from England to France to Germany on foot. Obviously conditions in the trenches were horrible, but he survived and returned to Nova Scotia.
Here's where the romance of my very long post comes in. :) I don't know if my Great Grandfather courted his wife before or after he returned from the war. I'm going to write a book centered around this though. Only a lake separated my Great Grandfather and Mother from each other. So instead of walking around the lake, he'd swim over to court her. How cool is that? :)
They married and raised a family. The Casket was the local paper. My Great Grandfather was a contributor to it for several years. I like to think that's where I got my love for writing.
On my trip to Nova Scotia in 2000 for our family reunion, I actually visited the house where my Grandmother grew up, and the grave site where her family's buried. It was a trip I'll never forget, and one I hope to repeat during my lifetime.
I'm so happy to have shared the meaning behind my pen name with you. :) I feel I'm honoring both sides of my family, and am proud I have ancestors who fought for their happiness and freedom and who lived good lives. :)

Bio:
Abbey MacInnis is a published author of Contemporary Western romance. Along with Contemporary, she writes Historical, Paranormal and erotic romance. Whether she’s being swept off her feet by a Medieval knight, regency rake, or cowboy or cop, her heroes are always strong men who’ll love their women unconditionally.
On most days, Abbey can be found at her computer, penning her latest tale. A tale where love, respect, and passion combine to create a satisfying and happy ending. She invites you to step in to the pages of her romances, to leave your worries behind and get swept up in her world.
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