Rowena of Falkirk was born in Edinburgh, Scotland in the year of our Lord 1277. She was the only child of one of King Alexander III's closest advisors. The king's wife had died in 1274 and with the death of all three of his children within a three year span the need for a male heir was most important. King Alexander married Yolande de Dreux Nov 1st, 1285. In Mar of 1286 he was meeting with his advisors, which included Rowena's father, and was advised not to travel to be with his young queen due to the weather, but the king would not be persuaded. During his journey he became separated from his guides and fell to his death. Shortly after the King's death her father moved the family from Edinburgh to the town of Falkirk, where he had lands that had been given to him by the King prior to his death.
Growing up in Falkirk, Rowena learned to do most of the local dances and, unusual for a girl, to use the bow. She grew to love the countryside around the town and spent several hours every day exploring it, with many different friends. On several occassions she took her bow with her to improve her archery skills. It was on one of her frequent trips into the countryside, just after her 11th birthday, that she met a young man named Magnus, whom she would meet again several years later.
When Rowena turned 14, in 1291, her parents decided it would do her good to attend school to learn more about the world. She was sent from Falkirk to Dundee, to attend the church school there. Shortly after arriving at the school she once again met Magnus.
Magnus of Falkirk
Magnus of Falkirk was born in Scotland in the year of our Lord 1273, on lands his father, a minor knight in King Alexander III's service, held just south of Falkirk. He was named after King Magnus of Denmark, his mother being of Danish descent. Magnus grew up exploring the countryside around his home, which would prove useful years later.
Magnus learned to use a sword and dagger while sparring with his older brother, Richard and at least one younger brother, William. His first and best love was the bow, which he practiced with as often as possible. He would sometimes go into the woods around the town to practice in private. It was on one such day that me met Rowena as she was also practicing with her bow. Magnus did not know it but he would meet her again several years later.
In 1287 Magnus' father and older brother were summoned by the Guardians of Scotland to join the army being raised to defend the realm against the "Turnberry Band", after the Death of King Alexander III. It was then, at the age of 14, that Magnus experienced his first taste of warfare serving as a page to his father.
Being the second of five sons it was expected Magnus would enter the church, so his parents sent him off to Dundee to attend church school. After arriving at the school Magnus once again met Rowena, he also met the man who would single handedly change his life. It was in 1291 that Magnus, now 18, met William Wallace, a man he would follow faithfully until Wallace's death in 1305.
Magnus and Rowena were wed at the church in Dundee in 1295 shortly after Rowena's 18th birthday. Both families approved the marriage and Rowena went to live with Magnus' parents while he fought along side William Wallace. When Wallace was captured Magnus was able to make his way back to Falkirk to rejoin Rowena.
