According to legend the Picts, in their last stand against the Scots, fought until only one old man and his son remained. They were spared of purpose, for with them would have died the great secret of their race - how to make heather-ale . The King entreated - then hinted at torture. "You must prevail," sighed the old man, "but first grant me the death of my son that he may not see my weakness." When told that his wish had been fulfilled, he turned fiercely on the King, crying: "You could have forced it from that weak lad; now you will never know."
According to legend the Picts, in their last stand against the Scots, fought until only one old man and his son remained. They were spared of purpose, for with them would have died the great secret of their race - how to make heather-ale . The King entreated - then hinted at torture. "You must prevail," sighed the old man, "but first grant me the death of my son that he may not see my weakness." When told that his wish had been fulfilled, he turned fiercely on the King, crying: "You could have forced it from that weak lad; now you will never know."