Martyr

By Gary Maclachlan

Martyr is a historical fictional book about one of Scotland's most iconic monarchs. It is an emotional story about civil war, betrayal, struggles for power and romance. As a history student from Stirling, Gary Maclachlan specialised in the medieval period of British History and the reign of the Stuarts. The story is a version inspired by contemporary sources of evidence, letters, witness accounts and the works of other authors who specialised in the period.
The sixteenth century was a period of religious turmoil in Scotland and England before the countries became united. The Protestant Reformation saw Scotland transition from Catholicism under leadership of the Scottish ministor, John Knox. Mary Stuart returned to Scotland as a Catholic ruler after growing up in the luxurious French court. The drastic change of political leadership would bring challenge to her reign, as Regent Moray struggles to accept his loss of power. He will do all he can to make his sisters reign difficult through deception and plots of betrayal. A series of disastrous marriages, civil war and suspicious circumstances would lead to Mary being deposed and imprisoned in Scotland. She eventually fled to England to seek help from her cousin and rival, Queen Elizabeth I, only to be remanded in custody for the Catholic threat she posed. An uprising intended to place Mary on the English throne would see her taking her place on the scaffold as a martyr.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Mar 30, 2023
• ISBN: 9781312721982

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Martyr

A novel

by Gary Maclachlan

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recorded or otherwise without written permission from Heartspace Publications.

Whilst every care has been taken to check the accuracy of the information in this book, the publisher cannot be held responsible for any errors, omissions or originality.

ISBN: 9781312721982

Foreword

After centuries of internal strife and conflict between territories, Scotland and England became united for the first time in 1603 with the Union of the Crowns during the reign of King James VI. With such an influential figure who would become the name of the English translated bible, it is worth considering the context and background that would shape this monumental change in history and political leadership of the country. His mother, Mary Stuart, who ruled Scotland from 1542 until 1567, is an iconic and controversial figure for being the only female ruler in a line dominated by males. In the period of the reformation of the Scottish church, she faced many challenges from the noble lords and John Knox, the leader of the Protestant congregation. Unlike her cousin, Queen Elizabeth I of England, Mary was ambitious to marry and produce an heir, and even desired to unite Scotland and England by taking the English crown. Although her marriages and plans did not work out as she hoped due to interference from the Scottish lords, her long-term goal of establishing a United Kingdom would come to fruition with her son’s reign.

Mary is well known for ruling with her heart, and not being a property of the state. The decisions she made and actions she took were made out of personal desire, and proved unpopular with the nobles who rebelled against her when she refused to let them control her. Although her reign started well when she returned to Scotland, she would later face hardship and betrayal with everything taken from her by the cruel lords, including her son who would be raised without his mother. She put her trust in Elizabeth to assist her, but little did she know the English Queen was the property of the state and unable to reach out to her personally. Instead of welcoming her cousin into her court, she was persuaded by her council to keep Mary under house arrest without political influence, as many Catholics desired to place her on the English throne at the expense of Elizabeth. After nineteen years without freedom and abandonment, Mary’s patience wore thin when she implicated herself in a plot that would guarantee her release and placement on the English throne. Debate has arisen over whether she intended the assassination of her cousin or only wanted release from her confinement, but the council were convinced they had evidence to condemn her, and so persuaded Elizabeth to permit the execution.

Many historians and scholars consider Mary’s tragedy and misfortune to be her own doing, but one must consider the possibility that she was a pawn in the schemes of ambitious nobles, who had influence in turning the country against her and forcing her abdication. Unlike her cousin, she did not have a loyal council devoted to serving and protecting her, nor the security to stay in one place. She allowed herself to be vulnerable and human, which many took advantage of and used to undermine her. As someone who is fascinated by her story and grew up in Stirling where she spent much of her youth, I personally believe she was a protagonist in a world of wicked men who sought to control women through religious ideology and political status. The sixteenth century is well known for being the period of witch trials, where a woman displaying power would be considered evil by the male church leaders, and forced away if they refused to be contained. In this novel, I will tell Mary’s story as I have read it through the works of contemporary sources, evidence and the interpretation of historians. I do not promise that all events I write to be the truth of what happened, as the truth is not entirely known – but my own version of it which I hope you will enjoy reading as much as I enjoyed writing it!

Contents

Foreword

The Wooing

Royal Arms

Francis

Safe Passage

The Return

A Woman’s Authority

Knox

A Highland Uprising

Suitors

A Perfect Match

Struggles for Power

Fruitful Seed

A Murder Conspiracy

Heir

Light in the Darkness

The Mermaid and the Hare

Betrayal

Crossing the Borders

Bond of Association

Conviction

The Quill

The Stage

1

The Wooing

Scotland, 1547

It’s a typical Scottish dreary afternoon on the grounds of Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh. The laughter of children echoes as the infant Queen is playing hide and seek with her three friends outside in the palace gardens. Mary is only four years old, and unaware of the important position into which she is born while regents are governing Scotland until she becomes of age. Being followed by her little cairn terrier, she heads towards the river at the edge of the grounds by the gate to hide amongst the trees. As the dog runs towards the water, she rises from her hiding spot and begins chasing him.

Come back Bruce! she shouts, following his tracks towards the edge of the water. As she stops to grab her dog’s collar and pull him from the banks, she notices a flow of

vibrant red water. Curious to find where it’s coming from, she begins following the trail. As she walks further up the bank of the river, she discovers a body lying in the water where the blood was leading to. She begins panicking but continues to see who it is. It becomes clear that he is one of the palace guards that stood at the gate, struck with a spear through his torso. This being a lot for a four-year-old girl to process, she begins panting heavily in shock and runs back towards the palace.

Mummy!! she shouts, sprinting past the other girls in the garden towards the back entrance of the palace. The girls run after her, wondering what has happened. She finds her mother sitting in the great hall dining with the Earl of Lennox as they discussed their alliance with France.

What’s the matter dear? she asks concerned as Mary runs towards her.

One of our guards is dead. I found him lying in the river! she yells. Please come and see!

What? her mother replies, rising from her chair. However, as she stands, her eyes become focused on the window of the hall. She notices a dark cloud hovering above Edinburgh’s skyline. There is smoke rising from the city that the view looks over. She summons the Earl of Lennox to come and see it.

What is happening? she asks him as he stands and stares with the same expression of shock.

It’s the wooing. We’re under attack. He commands. Take the girls to their rooms, I’ll go out and make sure they can’t enter the grounds!.

Mary of Guise quickly escorts the girls out of the hall and takes them to their rooms to remain silent. The Earl of Lennox leaves the palace to inspect the main gates. Realising that there is no security, he notices the two guards who usually stand at the main entrance are lying behind the gates. He hears the sounds of shouting and horses galloping outside the gates towards the palace. As the soldiers come into view, he notices the English flags being displayed high by the commanders. The leader of the army rides closely to the gate to make a statement. Removing his helmet, the bearded soldier jumps off his horse and walks to the gate.

By order of the Treaty of Greenwich, and his majesty King Henry of England, I, the Earl of Hertford have come to request your consent to give the Queen to our custody with the understanding that she is to marry Prince Edward. Failure to comply with this command will result in more raiding and destruction of this kingdom. Make your choice now.

The Earl of Lennox gives no answer, and instead Mary of Guise walks out the palace to confront the attackers. There will be no union. Tell your King that if he wants to negotiate then I will only do so personally. Sending out soldiers to do his dirty work for him will not earn my respect and trust, and I will not give my daughter to your cause!.

The Earl of Hertford raises a sharp head and responds. The Kings terms were made quite clear. You read them, and you signed the warrant. There’s no going back on this now.

I never accepted that, and I never will. Aaron signed it, and he was misinformed. Our parliament formally rejected the proposal, and you have no right to come here unannounced with your forces. You will leave the good citizens of this kingdom and return to England at once. Let us live apart in peace, not together in war.

Hertford accepts her refusal. You will regret this, my lady. Our army has three times yours, and we have more coming. I’ll see you again soon. Until then, think about complying to our terms voluntarily instead of forcefully. He climbs back on his horse and commands his men to follow back into the city. As the army move out of sight, Mary of Guise looks to Lennox.

We have to leave here! she commands abruptly. Lennox looks to her and nods his head.

Our friends in France are aware of their wrath. We will pack our belongings and ride off during the night when they are certain to be gone. They will head south in no time he replies as they walk back inside the palace. The girls are instructed to pack all of their valuables and belongings, and do so accordingly. As the night draws in, and the wrath of chaos brought by the English soldiers is gone, Mary of Guise and Lennox quietly open the gate to the palace to allow the horses and carriage to leave the grounds. Lennox sits on the front to control the horses, while Mary climbs into the back of the carriage.

Where are we going mummy? Mary asks, oblivious to the political state of the kingdom and position into which she is born.

A place in the countryside where its peaceful she responds, not wanting to scare the infant girls that were going into hiding. After a whole night of riding, Lennox rides the carriage to Dunkeld and stops in a hidden wood where an almost abandoned looking house stands. As the sun rises and daylight becomes visible, the girls are woken up from their sleep to announce their arrival.

We’re here! Come on inside Lennox shouts aloud from the entrance. The four Mary’s rub their tired eyes and stretch their arms before leaving the carriage with their belongings.

Where is this? asks Mary, looking at the tiny and gloomy house that was very different to her grand residence in Edinburgh. It’s scary she comments.

Mary of Guise takes her hand. You have to trust me it’s for the best we are here. It hopefully won’t be for long, but we are safe she smiles reassuringly. The girls follow Mary of Guise into the small fortress and begin unpacking their belongings on the two large bedsits provided. It was clear this was a place built for an emergency escape when required, and the young girls accepted this and made use of the limited space. As they sit together on one of the beds, Lennox takes Mary of Guise aside to speak to her.

Will you be alright here for now? he asks her.

I think so. We have everything we need for hunting and washing. The girls have their books she responds.

Good. I will ride to Musselburgh where Arran is raising an army. We will surely slaughter the English, and I will come back for you once it’s over.

How long will it take? Mary asks.

A week maximum. We will rid our land of the red scum and get on with our lives in peace! he states with reassurance.

Mary gives him a hug as he departs. Take care Matthew. I appreciate all you have done for us; I am forever in your debt.

He smiles walking out the door. I’ll see you again soon, here’s praying with good news!

God speed! Mary shouts with a beaming smile.

As the four Mary’s learned to embrace life in isolation and hiding, they spent their time reading about their ancestry and learning French. Mary of Guise sat by the fire when she wasn’t watching the girls playing outside, and spent hours knitting a tapestry she planned to send as a gift to King Henry II of France as a gesture of good faith. The days went by slowly with very limited space and options, but they contended themselves with the situation and awaited Lennox’s return. However, it had now been over a week since Lennox’s departure, and Mary became suspicious that he had not yet returned. The rain poured heavily during the night and the young girls struggled to sleep as the noise battered off the window ledge beside their bed. The young Mary left her bed and went to speak to her mother. As she approached the bed where she was lying asleep, Mary whispered gently to see if she was awake.

Mummy I can’t sleep she said quietly leaning towards her, hoping she would hear. Mary of Guise slowly turned around, being half woken by her daughter.

It’s alright sweetheart, you can sleep here where it’s quieter she replied half asleep, moving along to make space for Mary to climb into the bed. She wrapped her arms around her mother and began to feel more at ease.

I don’t like it here. When can we leave? she asked.

I don’t know darling. There’s a war happening so whenever its over she replied, not wanting to give too much detail.

Does that mean people are fighting? she asks curiously.

Yes. England is fighting with Scotland and France, and people like us have soldiers that are defending our country and protecting us. You are a Queen, and one day you will rule and lead armies to battle. And while these men are away fighting, we have to stay away and see order.

Mary continued in thought. So, if I’m a Queen what does that make you? she asked her mother.

I’m Queen regent. Your father was the King but he died when you were just a little baby. You succeeded his throne, and I’m helping you rule.

It doesn’t feel like we’re ruling by staying here and doing nothing she said, questioning the current circumstances.

Soon you will understand that this isn’t an easy position to be in, and sometimes you have to make sacrifices for the greater good, and do what needs to be done. Mary listened to her mother’s advice, and had no more questions as she drifted into a peaceful sleep.

The sun begins to rise, and it appears to be the first bright day all week. The sound of birds tweeting echoes among the trees surrounding the manor. Mary of Guise is preparing bread and butter for breakfast when she is caught off guard by the sound of horses galloping outside. As she proceeds to the door, she notices Lennox riding towards her with two soldiers following. Although he arrived two days later than expected, she is just relieved to see him back and smiles.

What took you so long? Have any trouble? she shouts as he jumps off his horse. However, he is not smiling.

They slaughtered us at Pinkie. We were lucky to make it out, but most of our soldiers have been wiped out. They’re continuing to march up north, and it’s likely they’ll send more. I have a bad feeling about this, we can’t stay here he says as Mary notices his scars and wounds from battle. Her smile fades at the news of their defeat.

Do we have more men to fight? she asks.

Arran is collecting soldiers from Inverness and the Highlands. We have an army in Aberdeen, but I fear it won’t be enough. They’ve taken complete control of the borders and working their way up he informs her.

Their king is dead, and protestant regents are ruling England. We can appeal for help. Our friends in France will support our pro-catholic cause. We must send word across the sea immediately commands Mary. Lennox nods his head in agreement.

It will take them about a week to sail across. In the meantime, we need to get you and the girls to safety. Ideally somewhere outside this land! he instructs her Dumbarton has a port to sail from. Mary understands and goes inside to inform the girls of the plan. They are gathered around the table having breakfast only to be interrupted by Mary of Guise’s rushing movement.

We are leaving this morning, everyone prepare your belongings! she commands the girls.

Where are we going? asks Mary, excited to finally be leaving the cramped manor.

Dumbarton. It’s going to be a long journey so make sure you’ve had breakfast and plenty to drink. While they are getting ready, Mary of Guise begins writing to King Henry of France to appeal for help, and calls for Lennox to hold it until it can get transported at Dumbarton. Once more, the party leave Dunkeld and begin riding towards the west coast. Lennox and his two soldiers are careful in their direction, concentrating only on rural roads to avoid collision with English forces that were taking over big towns. It has been nearly a full day of riding, and the young girls are asleep with a blanket covering them to keep warm. As the night begins to draw in, the lights of Stirling Castle can be seen in the distance, marking the halfway point of the journey. They direct the carriage off the road and stop in a field to rest until morning as their view becomes only pitch darkness. However, after sleeping for what could have been fifteen minutes or five hours, the soldier to Lennox’s right side is woken up by the sound of footsteps trailing behind the carriage. The sun has risen, making the view visible. As he looks round the side, he notices two English soldiers opening the window curtain where Mary and the girls are asleep. He panics, surprised to have been caught in such a remote location.

Hey! he whispers, nudging Lennox to wake him from his sleep. We’ve been found, he continues. Lennox listens carefully so he can hear them, and is angry at the situation. He quickly pulls the bridle and commands the horses to run. The carriage suddenly takes off, waking up Mary and the girls, who are screaming in panic as the force of the speed moves them out of their seats.

Oi! Come back here now! shouts one of the English soldiers before climbing on their horses. They begin chasing the carriage and are able to catch up to them easily as the weight of the carriage limits the speed of Lennox’s horses. They overtake the carriage on each side, and stop in front of them to make them stop. Lennox pulls the bridle again and the horses quickly stop, causing the girls to jump from the force of the breaks.

What’s going on? shouts Mary of Guise, startled by the chaos. The English soldiers gallop closely towards them.

Everyone step out of the carriage immediately! commands the soldier to the left, in his red lion armour. Lennox and the two soldiers obey him, and jump off the front while Mary steps out of the carriage and helps the girls jump down. The soldiers jump of their horses as well and walk towards them.

What might you be doing riding at this time? he asks with suspicion.

Do you have any idea who you’re talking to? Mary of Guise responds. I am Queen regent of Scotland she protests, challenging his position to question them. Lennox looks down at this mistake as he knew she was giving them information they need.

Oh..and one of you girls wouldn’t happen to be her daughter now, would you? he says with a patronising tone, kneeling down to the four girls. Come forward and reveal yourself!.

Mary of Guise acts as their shield and stands in front of them. You will leave us right now! she tells them firmly. The soldiers ignore her words, and continue moving to push her out of the way. However, Lennox takes out his sword he had hidden underneath his cape, and swings it through the soldiers back. It cuts deep into his spine, and he falls forward onto the ground while the other soldier turns around and takes out his sword. He swings it aiming for his torso, but Lennox blocks him and stabs him through the chest. As he falls backwards to the ground, he pulls out the sword and stabs him one last time to make sure he is dead. Mary escorted the children back into the carriage as they watched in fear and quiet fascination.

Thank you she said, turning to Lennox. I shouldn’t have told them who we were realising what it might have cost them. Lennox nods back, wiping the blood of his face.

If it happens again, just stay quiet and let me deal with it. We have to move quickly now, no more stopping. Mary understood, and made her way back into the carriage.

Lennox and his men picked up the pace of travelling to make sure they arrived for Dumbarton in good time, where guaranteed safety and supplies of goods awaited. It was approaching dusk as they passed Glasgow, where Lennox’s two soldiers depart, and approached the west coast where the island castle stood.