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The storyteller tells a story...
History told as a story by Norman Douglas of Dungaroch.
The tale unfolds at Auchlinleck Castle, where the Auchlinleck family, also known as the Afflecks, resided. In those days, a well-known saying was, "No person should touch a Douglas, or a Douglas man, unless at his peril."
Across the burn from the Afflecks lived another family whose name has been forgotten. These two families had lived peacefully together for many years. However, a dispute eventually arose, growing to such an extent that constant fighting broke out between them, culminating in considerable damage to the Affleck's property caused by the opposing family.
The Afflecks likely pledged allegiance to the Earl of Douglas, who must have learned of this trouble. It wasn't long before the Earl, accompanied by his men, arrived at the door of the castle on the other side of the burn. The Earl captured the head of the opposing family and set off with him towards Douglas Castle.
Midway through the journey, the Earl halted the company and ordered the head of the opposing family to be hanged from the nearest tree, which was promptly done.
It can be assumed that the head of the opposing family must have been highly abusive to the Earl of Douglas. If the Earl had intended to hang him from the start, he likely would have done so at the opposing family's castle instead of taking him on the journey home.
And so, dear reader, remember this: When you listen to a story, you touch eternity. For in every tale, a piece of your soul dances with the stars.
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More stories from the Douglas Archives
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