Highland Queen

Chapter 33

Relishing every moment I had with Lulach and Fleance, I was very sorry when it was time for them to depart.

“We need to reach a holy site in the north before the weather becomes too harsh. We will winter in Caithness then return this way in the spring,” Balor told me. “But if you need our prince, Banquo can always send word.”

“Thank you, Father,” I said, watching Lulach pack up his horse. Already the wind had become cold, and I could smell snow in the air. The autumn leaves had lost their luster and were starting to turn brown. “And thank you for trusting me,” I said, referring to the conversation Balor and I’d had regarding the other covens in Scotland. With the southern-most coven disbanding, there were now only eight covens in the realm. Balor and I had pored over a map, Balor showing me the location of each of the other covens. As it turned out, the covens all sat upon ley lines, magic lines of energy, that crisscrossed our realm. I had made notes in Ogham, noting the location of each holy site. As I had suspected, deep within Birnam Wood was a sacred place.

“I know you will do what you can,” Balor said. “After all, the Great Mother and Father put you on the throne. How can you not?”

“I will do my best. Safe travels to you.”

Balor inclined his head to me.

I left him and went to Lulach. Part of me wanted to bother him with a million questions and concerns—Did he pack enough warm clothes? Did he have enough supplies? Had he remembered all his gear?—but I held my tongue. Lulach was much changed. He was approaching manhood. He had always been a thoughtful child, but now his contemplation and reserve had more depth. In a way, he was becoming more like his father—thank the Goddess.

“Do you remember when we went to Thurso?” I asked as I tightened the ties on his saddlebag.

“Just a little. I remember Thorfinn and the seals. And…”

“And?”

“And…selkies.”

I reached out and touched the birthmark on his forehead, a blessing from the faerie realm. “You have always been able to see the Otherworld, even when you were a boy.”

At that, Lulach smiled. I could see he was pleased with himself, but he didn’t want to bring attention to his pride.

“I’m sure I don’t need to caution you to be careful,” I told him, anxious to see him depart.

“Mother,” he said with a smile. He turned and embraced me. “I wish you well. I’ll be back in the spring to see my sister.”

“We will see you then.”

Lulach mounted his horse and reined in beside Fleance.

I went to Fleance and took his hand. “Do you have everything you need?”

He nodded. “Father provisioned Lulach and me. Balor and the others watch over us well.”

“And what about Thor? How is he?”

Fleance laughed. “He doesn’t realize he’s grown, bouncing around like a big puppy. But he’s a good hunting dog. His ears are sharp. He hears every sound in the forest.”

“Just like Thora,” I said, feeling sad for a moment. In Ynes Verleath, it would have seemed like very little time had passed, but I missed my dog.

“I’ll be thinking of you. I hope all goes well with our sister.”

“I’m sure it will,” I said, setting my hand on my stomach.

“We’ll be back in the spring. I can’t wait to see you then. This visit was too short.”

“Agreed. But for now, I wish you safe travels,” I said, squeezing his hand.

Fleance’s eyes grew watery, but he gave me a nod then let me go.

Banquo joined me, and we walked with the party to the gate of Tor Castle.

“Farewell, brothers,” Banquo called to the druids.

I inclined my head to Beric, Diarmad, and Calean who rode out ahead of the party. Fleance and Lulach, their dogs following behind them, trotted out behind the druids. While Angus ran on, Thor stopped by to give my hand a lick before he raced after Fleance.

When Balor passed, both Banquo and I bowed.

Balor returned the gesture.

His arm around me, Banquo and I watched as the druids turned their horses from the road and into the forest, blending in with the trees. A moment later, they were gone.

I sighed heavily.

“They’ll be back soon,” Banquo reassured me.

“I know. It’s just…they’re so changed.”

He nodded. “It’s for the best. You’ve raised good, strong boys, my Cerridwen. Now Balor will shape them into men.”

“Lulach’s spirit is inclined toward the holy life. He already has his first tattoo.”

Banquo nodded. “He showed me.”

“He may struggle to rule this nation.”

Banquo considered my words. “A mother’s worry is never misplaced, but Lulach’s thoughtful nature will make him a good ruler.”

“He is very like his father.”

Banquo stroked my hair gently. “And his mother. He will be a force to be reckoned with.”

“I hope.”

“Speaking of forces to be reckoned with,” Banquo said, touching my belly. “When will this one arrive with all her sound and fury?”

“Very soon, from the feel of it. Every time I go up the stairs, I feel like she wants to jump out.”

Banquo smiled. “I do not wish labor pains on you any sooner than needed, but I can’t wait.”

“Neither can I,” I said.

Banquo smiled down at me then and planted a soft kiss on my lips.

Turning, we headed back into the castle. Just off the castle yard near the stables, I noticed Killian watching. He was smoking a pipe, the smoke twisting up in the air around him. The great affection between Banquo and me was no secret in Lochaber, but when I felt Killian’s eyes on me, it made me remember I was a married woman. A twang of shame washed over me.

I pushed it away.

No. It wasn’t like that. I had married Banquo first, in the eyes of the gods, and Macbeth had abandoned me. Besides, Killian would never judge me. My own guilt was tripping me up.

But why?

Why would I ever feel guilty over betraying Macbeth?

Pushing my thoughts away, I headed back inside.