Highland Queen

Chapter 40

Macbeth, Thorfinn, and a contingent of guards and monks left Dunsinane within the week. They would ride to the River Tay then take a ship to the continent.

“Don’t worry,” Thorfinn told me. “I will bring him back the man he was.”

“A better man, if you please, or not at all.”

Thorfinn nodded but said nothing more on the matter. “Be safe,” I said, kissing him on the cheek. “May Odin, Thor, and Freya guide your steps to the holy city of Rome.”

At that, Thorfinn laughed. “Be well, Gruoch,” he said then mounted.

I went to Macbeth. “I wish you a safe and healing journey,” I told him.

“Dunsinane will be well cared for in your hands. Take care, Gruoch,” he said then looked about suspiciously. “But watch the woods. They whisper.”

“Indeed,” I said. Macbeth was not wrong, I was just surprised he had the ears to hear such things. Once again, my vision of the moving forest came to mind. I shuddered when I thought of it.

Macbeth waved to me then reined his horse to join Thorfinn.

I watched the party depart.

Scotia, I hope you are right.

When Thorfinn and Macbeth rode off for Rome, I had my sincere doubts that anything about Macbeth would change for the better. They would be gone for months. So, in the very least, I would be able to complete my own work.

Time passed. Banquo wrote, sharing with me the details of Aelith’s life. Our daughter was growing quickly, was in good health, and was a silly, happy thing. Fleance and Lulach had passed through once more on their way to tour the country. I was sorry to know I had missed them. One day, I would see my son again. I ached to see all my children, but I didn’t dare leave Dunsinane. My eyes were firmly fixed on the south. From what I could learn, Siward was always on the move. He was looking for a way back north. Malcolm, Duncan’s son, was coming of age. Soon, very soon, Siward would be back. I had lost all hope of ever recovering Donaldbane. The messengers I sent to the Irish king never returned. It was no use, and I would not risk another man in the effort.

Months drifted away.

One day in the autumn, very near Samhain, I was riding from Glamis to Dunsinane when I suddenly felt a strange chill. The wind whistled through the woods, and I heard whispering on the breeze. I pulled Swift to a stop.

“What is it?” Killian asked, looking around. He unsheathed his sword.

“I…I don’t know.”

Come. Come tonight, a voice whispered.

I glanced into the woods. The ancient oaks shifted, but I felt eyes on me.

“Squeaks,” I said.

Killian nodded. “Always with these woods.”

I nodded then clicked at Swift, moving forward once more.

“Gruoch…” Killian said, and I could tell by the tone of his voice that he had something important to say.

“What is it?”

“I wanted to ask you—well, tell you—or ask you— I’m not sure which,” he said with a chuckle.

“What is it?”

“I would like to ask Greer to marry me.”

I wasn’t surprised. Morag had set me on the case, and I had done what I could to see that the two of them had the opportunity to get to know each other better. Greer was a good girl, and Killian a trusted servant.

“Of course, you have my blessing, not that you need it.”

“Greer loves you well, my lady. But I think she’s lonesome for Lochaber. I’d like to take her home.”

Which would mean that I would lose both my guard and my maid. “I wish you the best. I only wish I could go with you. Would you take some things to Aelith for me?”

Killian nodded. “Anything, my lady. But I hate to leave you here alone.”

“Wallace’s men have proven reliable. I’m settled in Dunsinane for the moment. Please, don’t delay on my account. You should leave before the weather turns.”

“Thank you, Gruoch. I must say, you don’t seem surprised.”

“No. Of course not. I already knew.”

“How?”

I grinned. “What did you think all that squeaking was about? The forest told me, of course.”

Killian chuckled. “Of course. Do you think Lord Banquo would take me on at Tor Castle?”

“Yes. And you shall carry a letter with you that states the same. I would feel better to have trusted eyes on Aelith. And Greer will be needed at the castle as well. Aelith will need a maid.”

“You’re too good, Your Majesty.”

“It’s the least I can do.”

When we returned to the castle, I sent Greer and Killian off for the night to celebrate. While I wanted them to enjoy their exciting news, I had other plans. After it grew dark, I grabbed a torch and headed to the oldest part of the castle. Slipping down the steps, I retraced my path to the caves below.

“Guide me,” I whispered into the darkness.

I closed my eyes and called the raven.

I could hear the bird coming from a far distance. The sound of beating wings slowly approached me, growing louder with each passing moment. My body rocked when the raven and I became one.

Opening my eyes, I looked around.

The cave before me glowed, etchings on the walls shimmering with silver light. I followed the cave, winding through the darkness. The cave walls were covered with odd symbols and markings, things from a time long past. As I went, my torchlight revealed bowls carved from wood and jugs made out of clay. I twisted, going down and down, deeper and deeper. The air was very still. I could smell the earth. In the darkest corners, where my torchlight did not reach, I heard whispers.

The creatures of the Hollow Hills.

If they truly existed, this is where they would live.

Of course, such a place would connect to Ynes Verleath and the Lord of the Hollow Hills’ chamber. This was his realm.

But the raven did not fear old things.

I wound down the path until I caught a fresh breeze. I could sense an opening to the outside world. The passage narrowed. I knelt and looked up at a small hole at the end of the cave. I could see the night’s sky.

I extinguished my torch then crawled up.

Slowly, pulling and pushing, I crept up and out. I emerged through an opening at the base of an old tree. I crawled out then stepped into the night air. The massive old oak sat at the bottom of Dunsinane Hill.

I brushed off my dress and looked up at the castle.

“Not as secure as you thought,” I said to the absent Kirk.

Behind me, someone cleared their throat, and I heard the jingling of rigging.

I looked back to see the girl I had spotted in the woods. She was hidden by shadows.

“I brought you a horse, Queen Gruoch.”

I looked from the castle to her once more then went to her.

“Thank you,” I said then mounted. “And please, call me Cerridwen.”