rick, probably watched from the castle tower. Lady Houstoun was the former Helen Schaw, daughter of an ancient Scottish family of Sauchy. She had seen her husband ride out to battle often before, but doubtless could never become resigned to war

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"Out through the great arched entrance to the castle ode Sir Peter Honstoun, clad in full armor . . ." the black plume from his helmet "glistening in the early ‘morning sun."

and bloodshed. Dry-eyed, she had received her knight’s parting embrace and kissed him farewell. If there were tears to be shed, they were for the privacy of her own bedchamber.

Heroic Sir Peter guided the destiny of his barony 57 years, serving with three of the Stewart kings. He was no longer young but nothing lacking in courage. Still in sight of the castle, Houstoun was likely joined by his neighbor, Sir Patrick Fleming of Barochan, with his contingent which included his six stalwart sons. The castles of Houstoun and Barochan were scarcely a mile apart and the families were connected by marriage. Sir Patrick’s wife was the former Marion Houstoun,