Now I was without Lord and master, so I returned to being a man of the forests. I travelled south and reluctantly learnt the musket, as can be seen in the slow and deliberate way in which I load my weapon.

On my travels I met and married the Mistress Susan. Now having wife to clothe and feed it was necessary to acquire a steady supply of loot to save my ears from being assailed by Mistress Susan.

By chance we came by this like minded group of mercenaries called the Marcher Stuarts and I tricked my way in as a crack Musketeer, but they soon discovered that I was much more useful in acquiring food from local streams and woods, as well as being a silent assassin when a quick, quiet dispatch job is called for.

 Mistress Susan is from a rural background where she learned to spin, weave and make braids for a living. Since becoming my wife she has also learned to use the longbow, but, try as I might, I cannot persuade her to learn how to clean my musket. Mayhap I must remind her of her place and of her duties more often, but she has a ready temper. I do not fear that, of course, for I am a strong man, but I do so love the quiet, undisturbed life.

*Historical note. Tippermuir was the last recorded battle in which long bows were used.