Dangers of Pilgrimage: A 14th century murder mystery

It is Scotland in 1314. Haddingtonshire is the setting for this tale of travels and travails. Williame Boyde, apprentice blacksmith and volunteer spearman is our narrator. He is about 17 years of age when he reluctantly leads a pilgrimage to North Berwyke to catch the ferry to The Kingdom of Fife to visit the relics of St Andrew and accompanies Alexandir of Lambyrtoun and his beautiful but foul mouthed daughter, Cicilia. When the Laird is murdered in a brutal and ritualistic fashion, his daughter, found standing over the wrecked body, is the obvious suspect.However, employed by the Earl of Fife who cannot allow a nobleman to be murdered without retribution, Williame sets out to prove Cicilia’s innocence but is thwarted by her public declaration that she committed patricide. Williame refuses to believe this even though Horse (her mount and the Laird’s drinking companion) is covered in blood and is sober for the first time in years.The evidence piles up as do Williame’s various troubles. By his side are Gib (the gentle giant), Ingram (five feet of fighting fury), Florie (Ingram’s fickle yet loyal woman) and Ruth (a donkey of the sweetest nature). As we travel on the pilgrimage with Williame, he is our guide, friend and commentator – even to an eyewitness account of the Battle of Bannockburn. Will Williame win the heart of his lady and prove her innocence? Or will he finally realise what a strong woman and true companion he has in young Sorcha? ….and how much has he learned from his wise old Mam?