Highland Vengeance

Chapter 19

That night at the feasting hall, Macbeth was smiles and cheer, petting my hair and kissing my cheeks, the picture of perfect happiness. In fact, his effusive displays of affection seemed to grate on Banquo’s nerves. It was early in the night when Banquo claimed a headache and left. I could hardly blame him. The moment in the forest and the echo of the life that could have been lingered in my heart as well. That, coupled with what had happened with Macbeth, left me feeling desperately confused. I couldn’t handle any more of his excessive affection. Taken alongside his rough treatment, it made my soul feel sick.

“If my lord will excuse me, I think I’ll return to our lodgings,” I said sweetly, hoping desperately to not incite his unsteady nature.

“Goodnight, lady,” Thorfinn called happily, raising his drink to me.

“I’ll walk with you,” Macbeth said. Taking my arm, he led me outside. Given the sway of his step, I wasn’t sure who was walking whom. I didn’t want to be with him. I wished he’d let me go alone. I didn’t understand his moods, wavering from sweetness to darkness one moment to the next. I had heard of some people who had a mad streak to them, and from what Gillacoemgain had told me, Findelach was certainly a sick man. Perhaps, after all, the son did resemble the father. It had never occurred to me that Macbeth might be like Findelach—and Duncan. I was so fixed on escaping Duncan, I had never considered that Macbeth could be worse.

I should have run away with Banquo.

When we got to the door of the longhouse, Macbeth set a soft but clumsy kiss on my lips. “I need to go back. Will you be all right on your own?”

“Yes, thank you.”

“I had word amongst the dispatches that Malcolm has taken a bad fever. It’s rumored he may die. Thorfinn and I have much to discuss.”

“A fever? Why didn’t you tell me earlier?”

“You looked so happy about discovering your old friend, I didn’t want to upset you.”

I stared at Macbeth. Was he joking?”

“Goodnight, wife,” he said, kissing me once more. He turned and headed back to the hall.

I stood outside the door and watched him go. What in the world? Sighing, I turned from the house and walked to the cliff overlooking the sea. The view of the water brought Ynes Verleath to mind. One day, I would return. I felt sure of it. And right now, the idea of escaping to that dark place sounded wonderful.

“My lady,” said a voice.

I turned to see Anor, Thorfinn’s skald, walking toward me. I had seen the man around the hall since that first day but had never spoken to him again. Part of me hoped that if I avoided him that he would forget he’d ever seen me during the casting. As I looked into his dark eyes, it was clear to me he had not forgotten.

“Anor,” I said, painting on a smile.

“It’s a beautiful view,” he said, looking out at the harbor. He pulled his dark robes close around him. “But in the winter, when the wind whips off the sea, you’d think your very blood could freeze.”

I laughed lightly. “I believe it.”

“But when the full moon falls on the dark waters, casting her beams against the wave caps, one would almost think they were living in another time, another place, so different and far from here.”

And there it was. “I’m told you are schooled in such matters.”

“I’m told nothing about you, lady, save you are the daughter of a man who would have been king and the widow of a murdered soldier. But you are, of course, aware that I know aught of you.”

“Do you?”

“Long ago, I saw you appear to Lord Banquo. I never forgot your face. I had thought…I had thought you were one of the dark ladies, one of the Wyrds.”

I stared out at the water, debating what would serve me better, lies or truth.

“I am of the old ways, like yourself,” I said simply.

“Then it is good you will be queen alongside such a Christian man.”

“Malcolm is king. And Duncan will follow him. We are the Lord and Lady of the North, no more.”

Anor chuckled. “Lady Macbeth, I am a skald, not a fool. May Odin and Freya guide you to the throne, and may you bend your husband’s ear to your wisdom,” he said then bowed. “My lady,” he added then walked away.

I took a deep breath, inhaling the scene, letting the crisp sea air refresh my wounded spirit, then turned and went inside.