Tessa McLeod - 2005 Scarborough Character Story

Chapter 1

“Tessa!” Ah cringed as Ah heard ma new husband call for me. Laird Camran Mckie is ma husband’s name. Camran is a tall Laird with a large crooked nose. His nose is slightly bent due to being hit during a brawl at a local tavern. The only reason ma father, Fergus McLeod, Chieftain of the Clan McLeod, chose him as ma husband was because he dinna know what to do with me.

Ah am Tessa McLeod, his oldest bairn at 19 & the only daughter he has. Ah have five brothers. Me youngest brother is Tearlach at age 11. He is always getting into trouble and usually starts the trouble himself.

Me next brother is Naomhan at 13. I would be surprised if he ever got himself into trouble. He is almost as holy as the local priest. He never does anything wrong or indecent.

Me next brother is Murchadh at 15. He likes the sea. You would think our Ma was a fish as much as he likes the water. He is quite the fighter too. He is the only McLeod I know who can fight with a dagger under water with skill & agility.

Eochaidh is 17 and he loves horses. He likes to do battle on horseback. He has only been knocked off his horse by one man: Me Father.

Sòlas is my favorite wee brother. He is always there when Ah need a shoulder to cry on. He is the first to join me side when Father and Ah start a fuedin’.

“Tessa!” Laird Camran yelled again. Married one day and he is already yelling at me.

“Ah be here!” Ah yelled back at him.

Me Father dinna tell Laird Camran just how stubborn Ah could be. What do you expect from a lass that was raised with all lads? A lass has to stick up for herself and lick her brothers a time or twa to learn how to stand her own ground. If me poor Mother had been around to raise me as a proper lady perhaps me Father wouldna have had such a hard time with me.

Me Mother died giving birth to me youngest brother, Tearlach. God Rest her Soul. She died when I was 8 years old. She had taught me the basics of being a lady, but the gracefulness I needed lacked after she died. Me Father and me brothers are less than graceful examples. Ah was the lass of the house with a Father and 5 boys to raise. This meant I was in charge of the cooking, cleaning, and all the other duties a lass was charged with. Lucky for me we had several servants to help me with these deeds.

“Tessa! Dinna make me call you again, Lass!” Laird Camran yelled again.

“Or you will what?” I yelled back.

Laird Camran stormed in the bedroom where I had been unpacking me things. His face was crimson red which made that big nose of his look even larger.

“Or I will come in here and teach you how you are supposed to respond when I call ye!” He scolded.

“And just how do ye plan on doing that?” I sneered.

Laird Camran stormed towards me grabbed me hair and yanked me towards him. He turned me so me back was up against his chest. Little did he know that this was the perfect position for me to be in.

Me brother, Eochaidh, had taught me how to defend meself against a larger enemy. I raised me foot and stomped down on Laird Camran’s foot. He gave out an awful howl. He released me hair and started to hop around on one foot. I turned around to face him and kicked him right square between his thighs. He grabbed himself and howled again. While he was hunched over I used all me strength and pushed him out of me way. He fell backwards onto the stone floor knocking his head against the fireplace hearth causing all the irons to rattle and fall to the floor. His eyes rolled back into his head. As I turned to run out of the bedroom door I looked to make sure he wouldna be following me. He lay there out cold. As I turned me head back towards the door I noticed something out of the corner of me eye.Something red.

I stopped cold in me tracks. I turned around and slowly walked over to where he lay. I knelt down beside him. A puddle of blood had formed under his head where he had hit it against the hearth. Upon closer examination I realized that his head at landed on the end of the iron poker. It had pierced the back of his head. Me blood went cold. Oh no, what have Ah done.

Chapter 2

The door slammed open loudly at the Kross Keyes Inn one cold December morning. Rose rolled her eyes at the sound – there was a permanent impression of the heavy metal door handle beaten into the hard wood behind it from all the years of abuse. So many people seemed to be forever crashing into their Inn through the front door. She glanced up and was not overly surprised to see a young woman standing in her door wrapped in fur-lined cloak. She was carrying a small sack and nothing else. She did not look like your average traveler; she did not carry enough with her. The visitor closed the door quickly against the breeze and stood there, most likely letting her eyes adjust to the dimmer lighting within.

**

Once inside Ah caught me breathe and took a moment to let me eyes adjust to the dimly lit room. Ah scanned the room hoping me Aunt Mumsey was about. Ah noticed a young lass about me same age looking me over. Ah admit there wasn’t much to see. Ah had to get rid of the nice Scottish fineries that I was used to wearing at home and change into some moderate English clothing I bought on me journey to Scarborough. I dinna want to be caught prancing around in me Scottish clothes with me deceased husband’s clan after me. Now me hair & eyes ah could do nothing about. God gave me me auburn hair and emerald green eyes. At least here ah was not the only lass with red hair at the Kross Keyes.

Rose noted that the woman did not take a seat quickly, so she assumed the young woman was not here to just get a quick drink. She knew the person was not a local. It was a slow afternoon, so Rose decided to go over and see what the lass wanted.

**

The young lass ah had spotted eyeing me across the room was walking towards me now. I wonder who she is. Her looks are familiar but ah dinna know from where.

"Good Day. Welcome to the Kross Keyes. What can I help you with?" Rose asked in a neutral tone as she wiped her hands on a towel.

"Is Mumsey about?" She asked in a thick Scottish accent.

"She is not about at this hour, she will be down soon to take over for the evening, in the mean time I am in charge, and her daughter. Can I help you?" Rose asked.

"Oh!" The girl exclaimed and grabbed Rose in a strong embrace suddenly.

Rose was not expecting this and had to fight the urge to stab the woman with her boot dagger that she instinctively pulled. She dropped it back down into its sheath un-noticed.

"Leave off, woman!" Rose bellowed. The woman released her.

"I beg yer pardon! Let me explain!" She gasped. Now that she had stopped squeezing the breath out of Rose, she looked around the Inn.

"I need to speak with ye in private…"Rose glanced around.

There were only about four people in the room, but a couple of them were staring at them. Rose straightened a stray curl that had fallen out of her bun and tried to straighten her clothes from the squashing they had just taken. She took a side step away from the Scottish woman and appraised her a moment. The Scottish lass had dark auburn hair and a pretty round face. She was obviously strong and well built to have given Rose such a bear hug. A bit of her clothing could be seen under the heavy cloak. Her garb was fairly nice, but a little travel worn and dirty. It was English styled clothing, not Scottish.

Rose took a deep breath and replied primly, "As you wish. There is a back room available for such conversation."

Rose nodded in the direction of the room and turned to go that way. The Scottish lass followed. They both entered and then Rose closed the door behind them.

"All right. Who are you and what do want?" Rose stated crossly.

"I am Tessa McLeod, and your cousin. I am here seeking shelter and protection, as I have just accidentally killed me husband. I am certain his clan will be after me, if they are not already. You must help me." Tessa said in a strong un-wavering voice.

This woman was not one to fumble over words, she just seemed to charge in unabashedly. Rose was quiet a moment and thought about it.

"I will consult with Mumsey on it, but I am fair certain she will not deny you, the eldest daughter of her brother, a place to stay. I will show you to a room upstairs where you can safely leave your things and then I'll get you something to eat." Rose knew she had no say in the matter whatsoever,as Mumsey was the Owner of the Inn, and her word was law – but no need to let Tessa know that at this time.

"Oh, thank you, cousin!" Tessa said, and she moved to hug Rose again. Rose held out her arm and barred Tessa from grabbing her again in a strong embrace.

"Do not go thanking me yet – you may end up a barmaid working for your supper. No one sits about idly here and it is not without its dangers, but family looks after its own in this place. Now come along."

Rose took me to another room where Ah could put me things for safe keeping. It was a small room with a small bed. There was just enough room for me to walk around the bed to make in the morning.

"Wait here." Rose ordered.

Ah raised my right eyebrow at her in defiance. Ah do not take orders from anyone too kindly, but being a stranger in this land Ah sat down and did not object.

"Mumsey will be in shortly." Rose concluded as she walked out the door and pulled it closed behind her.

Ah released the breath Ah was holding and relaxed as Ah lay down on the bed. Ah lay looking up at the ceiling. This was not exactly what Ah had been expecting when Ah decided to take shelter at the Kross Keyes.

About an hour later there came a rap at the door. Ah stood up startled by the noise. Ah walked to the door and leaned my head against it. Ah could here the rattle of keys on the other side of the door.

"Tessa! Is all well, lass? Open this door!" It was Aunt Mumsey!Ah quickly opened the door and embraced me Aunt!

"Tis good to see ye also, lass, but ye are going to have to stop with the bear hugs. Rose said that ye almost squeezed the breath out of her the first time." Mumsey said.

"Aye, Aunt Mumsey" Ah replied.

"Now tell me why ye have traveled so far from home to see me." Aunt Mumsey asked.

After explaining what had happened betwixt Laird Mckie and meself Aunt Mumsey gave me a skeptical look as she raised her eyebrow.

"An accident ye say, eh? This all seems a bit too familiar to me." She said as a wry grin crossed her face.

"Ye may stay here in me inn, but ye must work for ye room and board." She said.

"Aye, Aunt Mumsey. Ah understand." Ah answered.

"Ye shall start by helping Rose wait tables in the Tavern." Mumsey said.

"Aye, ma’am" was my only response even though the thought of waiting tables and following Rose around did not sit well with me. Ah knew better than to argue with Mumsey especially since she was taking me in.

Later that evening, Mumsey had squared away the matter and walked around the crowded Common Room visiting with the customers. Rose ran around filling plates and cups and Tessa did her best to assist. Mumsey had not only accepted her, but put her to work just as Rose had predicted. The girl did fairly well, but did not seem the type to wait on tables.

It seemed as though Rose was intentionally trying to make things hard on me. Ah was to follow her from table to table learning how to take orders and fill empty tankards. Ah dinna think this would be too difficult after all Ah did take care of my father and five brothers since Ah was a wee lass. Rose on the other hand had made it her goal for the evening to run me ragged.

"Tessa, fill this pitcher! Tessa, take these dirty dishes to the kitchen! Tessa, bring this gents food from the kitchen! Tessa, mop up this ale!" Rose liked giving me orders.

We will just see how long that lasts, Ah thought to meself. On one of my trips to the kitchen I stopped and sat down on a stool in a corner of the room to catch me breath. I closed me eyes and took a deep breath. I couldna believe an entire month had passed by since the accident. Me mind wandered back to that fateful day.

**

No one would believe that this was a mere accident. Ah quickly gathered up me skirts and grabbed me cloak. Ah put on me cloak as Ah took off down the hallway to the kitchens. As Ah approached the kitchen door leading towards the stables, Ah could hear someone talking. As Ah crept closer I recognized the voice as Laird Mckie’s. Camran’s father. He was talking to the stable boy telling him to take care of his horse. Why was Laird McKie, Sr. coming to visit today? It’s the day after the wedding. What could possibly be so important as to come to a newlywed’s home the day after the wedding? My head started racing to find out a reason why. Ah thought to meself. The day after the wedding…the day after the wedding…Christ almighty! He was coming to make sure the union was consummated!

Laird Camran was so into his cups after the wedding last night he was not able to consummate anything. He awoke this morning feeling like his head was the size of a watermelon. That is why he was shouting for me this morn. He wanted me to come play nursemaid to his aching head and to finish what he tried to start last night before he passed out on me bosom. Ah have no sympathy for someone who drinks himself into such a stupor. Nor was Ah going to allow him to touch me again.

"Camran! Tessa!", Laird Mckie, Sr. shouted.

Ah cringed. Ah ducked into a corner behind two wooden barrels of ale left over from the previous evenings festivities and prayed he wouldna find me. He passed through the doorway into the kitchen. Ah held me breath.

Me stomach lurched at the thought of having to tell him Ah had accidentally killed his son. His only son. Ah squeezed my eyes shut tighter praying for him to pass by quickly. No such luck. He stopped right in front of the two barrels.

"Camran! Where be ye lad?" He called. "Yer probably still in bed aren’t ye?" He laughed heartily. "That be my son!"

He continued through the kitchen and into the great hall. Ah quickly exited the kitchen door and ran towards the stables. The stable boy was walking Laird Camran Sr.’s horse to the stable. Ah quickly grabbed the reigns from him and tossed him some coin. Ah held me finger to me lips and the boy nodded his head understanding me bidding. Ah mounted the horse with ease and galloped away from me new home. Ah glanced back to take one last look knowing Ah would never set foot here again.

"Teeeeeeeeeessa!" Ah could here Laird Camran Sr. yelling me name as Ah rode away.

**

"Tessa! Tessa! Wake up lass!" Mumsey ordered.

Ah awoke to Mumsey shaking me arm and looking down at me with a disapproving glare.

"Ah know you have traveled far today but ye will have plenty of time to sleep after the tavern closes. Now get up and help ye cousin serve me paying customers!" Mumsey ordered.

"Aye, Aunt Mumsey!" Ah jumped up nearly toppling the stool Ah was sitting on over. Mumsey chuckled as she watched me run back out to the main room.

Late in the evening, Mumsey pulled Rose off to the kitchens and privately told her that she had managed to confirm Tessa's story with a ship's captain out of Scotland. Her husband had been found dead and was buried about a month ago. A search had been launched, but no trace of the girl could be found. The search had not left the borders of Scotland – yet. Mumsey also had heard news of a private meeting going on in January between some of the local lords and their Scottish counterparts.

She already had people out and about gathering more information about the meeting secretly. Mumsey commanded Rose to start discreetly packing items to set up a comfortable sleeping place on the road for about ten people. When Rose asked why they should take an interest in such a thing, Mumsey told her that Lord Banks would be there, and they had a duty to provide one of their best patrons and allies a comfortable place to stay. Rose was then ordered back to her work waiting on patrons with no further explanation.

Incidentally, Mumsey knew she could nudge the decision of a meeting location to suit her wishes. A man she knew owned a good deal of land between Scotland and England, right near the border. He owed her a great debt, and would not be able to refuse Mumsey's request. All she need do was circulate whispers in the right places, and get the word of a suitable location along the main trade road. A comfortable Inn near a proper meeting place with some protection from the weather would be difficult to resist. The place she had in mind had a tall protective wall, and plenty of space for tents and horses. It had a well with fresh water and plenty of firewood. She knew she would have Lord Bank's ear, because Percival Pettijohn could not rightly refuse the gracious hospitality of the Kross Keyes, especially if they took their comforts on the road specifically for him.

They would makemoney off the other occupants at the temporary Inn, and arner valuable information to sell as well. It was a wonderful idea, thought Mumsey to herself. She then went to her office and began drafting a letter to Lord Banks.

(This chapter was written by Amanda Moreau. I have gone back and added Tessa's pov.)