Pirate Queen Read Free Page B

she sent one of her men, Henry Sidney, to Connacht, seeking submission to the English Crown. He offered the chieftains bribes, which he called rewards.
    On behalf of Clan O’Malley, Dubhdara proudly refused. However, The MacWilliam, chieftain of all the Bourkes of Mayo, submitted. He swore loyalty to the English queen in return for gifts and a promise of peace between his people and hers. The MacWilliam swore his oath in Latin rather than in English. We all know Latin thanks to the Church, and for the sake of trade I also speak Spanish. Very few in Connacht have any English. It is a coarse, crude language, without music. I would not cripple my tongue with it.
    After Sidney departed, the chieftains forgot about their promises. I could have told him they would. In Ireland pledges are often given between provincial kings and clan chieftains, and they are just as often broken. But Sidney will return. Sooner rather than later, he will return, and with an army at his back. Knowing that surely, I am trying to plan for the future.
    I have decided to have you fostered by another of the Bourke families. Elizabeth’s men seem more tolerant of the Anglo-Normans than they are of the Irish. The day may come when you are thankful to have such connections.
    As for me, I remain Gaelic in my heart and soul.
     
    Always,
               Granuaile

Chapter Five
Rebellion in Iar Connacht
    With a heavy heart, Granuaile sends her two-year-old son to live with Edmund MacTibbott at Castleaffey, south of Burrishoole. She vows to visit him whenever time allows, but the fleet has first claim on her. The bay is teeming with herring, and the O’Malleys are fishermen.
    There are larger fish out in the ocean – fish with no fins or gills, yet they are valuable prey. Granuaile conceals her swiftest galleys among the many islands in Clew Bay. When foreign cargo ships sail past the mouth of the bay, they dart out and attack. Granuaile demands that merchants pay licences for using her waters. If they refuse, she seizes their goods.
    For this the English accuse her of piracy. The accusation makes her laugh. ‘Elizabeth Tudor’s seamen are all pirates,’ Granuaile points out to Richard Bourke. ‘That is how the English she-king increases her wealth. The one called Walter Raleigh is the most famous pirate of them all, and a great favourite of hers, I understand. I suppose she is fond of him in the same way that I am fond of thebrave men who follow me.’ She cannot resist boasting, ‘My men know I care about them, that is why they will never desert me.’
    ‘Do not be so sure,’ Richard responds glumly. ‘One cannot be certain of anything in this world. I thought my wife would be loyal to me, yet you give your loyalty to the O’Malleys.’
    ‘I give my loyalty to all who depend upon me,’ she replies. ‘It is not my fault there are so many of them.’
    Even though Toby is now being fostered, he still depends on her. She can feel him as if they are attached by an invisible silver cord. ‘Oh, my little son,’ she cries out to him silently, in the dark of the night. She likes to imagine that her call spans the miles. She sends him little gifts from her voyages, and loving letters.

    The stronghold of Castleaffey houses the large family of Edmund MacTibbott, who is fostering several children in addition to his own. A foster parent must provide at least as well for his fosterlings as he does for children of his own blood. As they grow, the boys will learn the skills of javelin , sword, dagger and dart, as well as horse riding and the use of firearms. Granuaile has begun importing matchlock guns and wheel-lock pistols into Mayo.
    Because the Anglo-Normans, like the Irish, are Catholic , a monk from Burrishoole Abbey gives the children religious instruction. He also carries letters to Tibbott from his mother. Granuaile has asked that the letters be readaloud to her son. The child listens with wide eyes. Even though he does not yet understand all