Katie Barlass and the Death of a King

  In the twilight of the Scottish court, Catherine Douglas, a lady-in-waiting with a heart as bright as the heather, served Queen Joan. A loyal friend and confidante, Catherine's laughter echoed through the halls, a constant comfort amidst the whispers of courtly intrigue.

One fateful night, a shroud of fear descended upon the castle. The king, a man who had weathered storms and battles, was now threatened by unseen enemies. Catherine, her loyalty burning strong, stood guard by the royal chambers, a silent sentinel against the encroaching darkness.

Betrayal lurked in the shadows, and the king's own chamberlain, with a heart as cold as the winter wind, left the door vulnerable. As thundering footsteps echoed in the hallway, Catherine knew a terrible truth. This was no ordinary night; it was a night etched in blood.

Then the Queen cried, "Catherine, keep the door,
And I to this will suffice!"
At her word I rose all dazed to my feet,
And my heart was fire and ice.
...
Like iron felt my arm, as through The staple I made it pass:-
Alack! it was flesh and bone - no more!
'Twas Catherine Douglas sprang to the door,
But I fell back Kate Barlass.

Without a moment's hesitation, Catherine threw herself against the heavy door, her slender arm a fragile barrier against the coming onslaught. The wood splintered, the sound a death knell in the stillness. Her arm, once strong and graceful, gave way under the pressure, but Catherine held firm, her love for the king and her queen a shield against the encroaching darkness.

The assassins surged forward, a tide of violence, and the door burst open. Tears streamed down Catherine's face, a mixture of pain and defiance. Though she failed to save the king, her courage echoed through the halls, a testament to unwavering loyalty and love.

Catherine, forever marked by that night, carried the memory of the king and the weight of her sacrifice. Though she found solace in marriage and a life away from the court, the legend of her bravery lived on. "Catherine, keep the door!" became a whispered warning, a reminder of the night a lady-in-waiting stood against the darkness, forever etching her name in the heart of Scotland.

A Douglas Archives Open Source Article - 30th April 2025