As a young boy he had heard much of Archie's feats with Wallace, and his father had often named him to him as conspicuous for his bravery, as well as his youth.

The young Douglas therefore entertained the highest admiration for him, and had from the time of his joining Bruce become his constant companion.
Bruce himself was the life and soul of the party.

He was ever hopeful and in high spirits, cheering his followers by his gaiety, and wiling away the long evenings by tales of adventure and chivalry, told when they were gathered round the fire.
Gradually the party made their way westward along Loch Tay and Glen Dochart until they reached the head of Strathfillan; here, as they were riding along a narrow pass, they were suddenly attacked by Alexander MacDougall with a large gathering of his clansmen.
Several of the royal party were cut down at once, but Bruce with his knights fought desperately.

Archie Forbes with a few of the others rallied round the queen with her ladies, and repelled every effort of the wild clansmen to break through, and continued to draw off gradually down the glen.

Bruce, with Douglas, De la Haye, and some others, formed the rearguard and kept back the mass of their opponents.