Sorley and James join their forces on…
May 1565 CE
Sorley and James join their forces on May 1, as Shane moves north from Red Bay Castle, a MacDonnell stronghold now in flames.
To allow freedom of movement—Highland troops never fight at their best from a defensive position—Sorley and James move southwest of Ballycastle, now the only point at which the anxiously awaited redshanks can land, into the valley of the River Tow, a place called Glentasie.
Here, the brothers prepare to make a stand, hoping to draw Shane on and thus allow Alasdair Oge to make an unopposed landing but this does not occur before May 2, when Shane routs the heavily outnumbered MacDonnells at the Battle of Glentasie and takes James and Sorley Boy prisoner.
Shane acts with uncharacteristic moderation, breaking his promise to Elizabeth to kill and expel all of the Scots.
He simply improves his strategic position by seizing MacDonnell strongholds along the coast, including Dunluce Castle, thus preventing Alasdair Oge seeking revenge in the near future.
As for the captives, James is taken to the dungeons of Castle Corcra in Tyrone, while Sorley accompanies Shane on his continuing campaigns.
James will linger on in captivity for some months before dying of his wounds.
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