Mary Reed McCall (29 page)

E
ilean Donan Castle is, of course, a real castle at the meeting points of three Scottish lochs—Loch Long, Loch Duich, and Loch Alsh—and is one of the most photographed and recognizable of Scotland’s castles. Its history reaches back into the mists of time, with evidence of a Pictish fort uncovered there during various excavations. In terms of documented history, it is clear that at the beginning of the seventh century a religious hermit known as St. Donan lived on the island, lending it his name; Eilean Donan literally means “Isle of Donan.” According to tradition, Robert the Bruce was given refuge there in the early fourteenth century by John MacKenzie, second of the Kintails—and the MacRaes, who were known as “MacKenzies Coat of Mail,” first became Constables of the Castle in 1509.

Of course, I didn’t know any of this when I began conceptualizing Duncan and Aileana’s story; at the beginning, I had simply stumbled upon a few anecdotal
pieces about certain members of a clan MacRae, piecing together some history that seemed to indicate they had been in conflict, at various times, with clans connected to the Donalds. To that initial inspiration, I added in a mystical amulet, some passionate, loyal characters, and several dark familial betrayals, and all the ingredients for
The Sweetest Sin
fell into place.

Speaking of amulets…I decided to call the talisman of my story the
Ealach
, for though I am not a speaker of Scottish Gaelic myself, I was told by a reputable source that it is the Gaelic word for “moon.” That seemed a fitting moniker for the opalescent stone I’d envisioned—the inclusion of which sprang from research indicating the deeply ingrained superstition and folklore that abounds in the Scottish Highlands.

In fact, it seems that many Highland families owned what are known as “family charm stones”—amulets handed down through the generations that were said to have supernatural powers. One of the most famous of these was that of the Brahan Seer, Kenneth MacKenzie, who lived in the seventeenth century; his stone was small and white with a hole in the center of it. When he looked through it, legend has it that he was able to “see” into the future.

Another aspect of Highland folklore I chose to utilize was the festival of
Samhain
; it seemed the perfect time for Morgana to attempt to invoke the amulet’s powers, since traditionally,
Samhain
was believed to be the month that heralded the rule of darkness, the most magical time of the year—culminating in a night during which the great shield of
Skathach
was lowered, allowing the barriers between our world and the Otherworld to thin, and the spirits of the dead (as well as those yet to be born) to walk freely among the living.

As an interesting aside, though the influence of Christianity eventually subdued many of the pagan concepts behind this festival, it nevertheless continued in the minds and hearts of the people, morphing over time into what we now recognize as Halloween.

One final note, concerning the episode of plague I wove into the story: as nearly as possible I tried to replicate the actual symptoms and progression of the disease, according to my research. The buboes, the fever, the ointment (which was written almost as a “recipe” in a very old set of encyclopedias I was fortunate enough to find), and the outcome for the patient, depending on whether or not the swellings burst or subsided, are all as factual as I could discern from my readings on the subject.

And lastly, of course, I would be remiss if I didn’t say at least a few words about Duncan and Aileana. These two characters were probably the most purely fun couple for me to write thus far, since they were both so passionate, stubborn, headstrong, and noble. They sometimes seemed to take on a life of their own, coming out with phrases, comments, or actions that I hadn’t planned on at all, and it was very satisfying to help bring them to their well-deserved happy ending together. I can only hope that you enjoyed their story, too. As always, thanks for coming along on the journey.

—MRM

I offer my gratitude:

To the generous people affiliated with the real Eilean Donan Castle in Scotland, who sent me pamphlets and documents concerning the castle, its grounds, and its history, including information on the hereditary constables and overlords, the MacRaes and the MacKenzies…

To all those who offered me their time and a thorough critique of this manuscript at various stages, including Kat Simmons, Theresa Kovian, Annelise Robey, Meg Ruley, Ruth Kagle, Lyssa Keusch, the “Erie Gang”, and David and Marion Reed…

To Dr. Wayne S. Harrison D.D.S., for professional service above and beyond the call of duty, which allowed me to finish the revisions of this book of time…

And finally: In memory of Amber Schalk, a faithful friend and fellow CNYRW member…your sunny smile and “never-quit” personality will live forever in my heart.