The Highland Tale; The King Act Two Scene Two Sub Act One

 

THE CURTAIN RISES

ACT TWO

SCENE TWO

SUB ACT ONE

 

“Did you ring?” The woodpecker asked the other. It was dark at the woods then.

“You meant did I peck? No, I did not. It is still dark and whoever and whatever makes you think I will do that at his whatever time, give the whoever wants to hear it, my hoot.” The owl hooted. “And I do not ring. I hoot.”

“Sorry, mates of the avian breed.” The woodpecker pecked the wood panel. “It’s dark and I cannot tell friend from foe.”  

“It is not your night then.” The Owl bit the woodpecker in the wings.

Such were the woes of the realm of predators; kill or be killed.

Lady Elleanor dressed in the night gown as if she was ready for bed, looked at the bell that she had rung earlier. The sound had chimed and heard by many in the castle. Well, almost all, for some were drunk and fast asleep. Not even the hammer off Thor will wake them up.

Nor did the snores of the King.

“I had the wine served by the servants. The wine that will made them …... sleepy. The liquor that put them to sleep has filled me with fire. I am to be bold to perform my act, but will he?” Elleanor looked to the stars outside.

“Listen! Quiet! That was the shriek of an owl—an omen of death like the bell struck at midnight by the night watchman before the cell of a man condemned to death. It may the sign that MacBeth is killing Duncan right now. The doors to Duncan’s chamber will be opened, and the snores of the drunk servants make a mockery of their job of guarding him.”

“Go on, MacBeth, I had drugged their drinks to make them sleep so soundly that they seem dead.” Elleanor smiled.

“Is the deed done?” Elleanor paced the chamber then while she asked herself. “Could he, do it? He is a soldier, where the killings should come easy.”

“Killing …... Murder …. Where do differentiate the two actions?” Elleanor sighed. “I guess it too far to make love and …... sex, well …. It was consensual too…... most times. May not be accommodating but precursor to …...”

“Elleanor, you think too far with your mind. You are …….” Elleanor shut her mind. “I must see to it.”

Elleanor paced from her chamber to the King’s. She saw on her way, the other chambers’ doors some ajar and with her peeking on the sight of the nobles who had slept there. They were in all deep sleep, and truly the postures of them were at worse, disgusting. She paced on and passed the snoring guards, who were complacent to sleep on their task. The King’s chamber was next, and the door was closed.

“Did he not come? I am concerned that he may had doubts on the task. I will do it then.” Elleanor took to open the door.

“Who is there?” Elleanor heard the call. The voice familiar to her.

“It is me, Elleanor. Where art thou, MacBeth?”

“I am here.” MacBeth was at the bedside of the King. He held in his right the dagger that was bloodied.

“Oh, I was afraid if the servants woke up, and the job is not done. It would ruin us completely to fail in our attempt to murder the King.” Elleanor approached the bed. “Is he dead?”

Elleanor was not one used to the sight of the dead, lest it was another person.

“He …... I would have killed Duncan myself if he did not look so much like my own father while he slept.” Elleanor had her fears but found the words to assure her fears.

“He is dead. I believed it is so.” MacBeth said. “The wound is at the heart.”

“How of the guards? His personal ones?”

“Dead. I think. I saw them at the corner. Their throats slit and their breaths unheard.” MacBeth was unsure. “I did rush out.”

“Then we must hurry from here.” Elleanor told MacBeth. “Give me the dagger. I will place it on the guard’s hand. It will be seen that he killed the King, and then killed himself.”

 

The Highland Tale; The King Act Two Scene One Sub Act Three

 THE NEED TO ACT

ACT TWO

SCENE ONE

SUB ACT THREE

 

MacBeth looked at the departure of Banquo. He considered that officer his friend, his personal aide, and, above all, his confidante. He valued the words of his friend as well as those of Elleanor.

“Me taking Elleanor over Mary’s place? I doubt so. I loved both ladies, but I have given my vow to Mary. Once, when Mary was ill, she did ask me to consider Elleanor as my other lover. I had said, my heart was for her alone.” MacBeth spoke to himself. “How could I replace Mary? The need to be loved in that manner was with Mary.”

MacBeth recalled meeting both sisters then. It was his first meeting with them at their home. MacBeth’s father was in conference with the sisters’ father on other matters. He was escorted to the garden by the sisters, and it was Elleanor who was doing most of the talking then. MacBeth remembered then that the other, named Mary, was quiet and only spoke when spoken to. She was gentle and demure, though she looked pale.

“Are you in the military, MacBeth?” Elleanor had asked then.

“Yes, I am. I am an officer serving in the infantry. I ….”

“Fought in the battles. Did you enjoy it?” Mary had asked.

“None whatsoever. I did what I was asked. I ….”

“An officer does what he is told.” Elleanor reminded MacBeth.

“It is the need to act.” MacBeth mumbled. “It is the duty of an officer.”

MacBeth then turned to Mary. “Do you dance?”

They danced, and three moons later they danced at their wedding.

Something is meant to be.

“My Lord, Lady Elleanor asked me to tell you that when the bell struck, the time to act was then.” The servant had approached MacBeth at the rampart. The latter was startled then. He then recalled the note that Elleanor gave him at the feast.

“I need to act when I give you the signal. Elleanor.” MacBeth held the note in his right hand. His hold was shaky at best. He looked at the darkening light of the village by the river.

“Who am I?” MacBeth asked of himself. It was then that he heard the voices sounding out to him. It was the lyrics of a song he usually hears.

Who am I that the eyes that see my sin would look on me with love?
And watch me rise again.
Who am I, that the voice that calmed the sea would call out through the rain?
And calm the storm in me?

(Who Am I lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Mgb Ltd., My Refuge Music, Be Essential Songs)

“Who is there? MacBeth called out.

“I am MacBeth, General by rank in the Infantry, and now Thane of Gladis and Cawdor.” MacBeth looked around him and saw no one. He turned his focus to the village and saw the river that flowed by the castle.

“Is that a dagger I see in front of me with its handle aimed toward my hand?” MacBeth reached out with his right hand to the river below. There was a figure there.

It was an apparition, yet it lacked a head.

“Come forth, my dagger, and let me grasp you.” MacBeth’s right hand grasped it, but he felt nothing there except his palm. “I can’t feel you, and you are there in front of me.”

“Deadly apparition, are you? Is it possible to see you but not touch you? Or are you just a dagger created by the mind?” MacBeth shook his heart. “An illusion of my feverish brain? Or the drinks I drank just now.”

“I still see you, and you look as real as this other dagger that I’m unsheathing now.” MacBeth drew the dagger from his waist belt. “Are you real too? Are you leading me the way I was going already, and I was going to use a weapon just like you?”

MacBeth touched the tip of the dagger in his hand.

“It is sharp, as I ground it myself daily. My skin tells me it is there.” MacBeth blinked his eyes. “Are you deceiving me, my sight? Are you the only sense of mine that isn’t worKing, or are you the only one that’s worKing correctly? I still see you.”

MacBeth looked at the dagger.

“Spots of blood on your blade and handle that were not there before. Did I not clean you daily?” MacBeth was confused. “No, the dagger does not exist. It is the murder I am planning that is affecting my eyes. The world is asleep with dreams attached, or for the sinners, nightmares prevailed. There are the faithful ones who offer sacrifices to their masters and mistresses. I heard of one named the goddess Morrigan.”

Commonly known as the "Phantom Queen," Morrigan was a feared Celtic deity and the goddess of both death and war. As one of Ireland's most powerful goddesses, she appears as both a single being and a triple goddess, forming a trio of sisters who protect both destiny and prophecy. Legend states that she was named as the sister of Badb, Macha, and Neiman.

“They will do anything. Even murder, having been awakened by the howls of the followers. They walk like a ghost, like that ancient god named Donn, to do the deed.”

Donn is the Celtic god of death. His name means ‘The Dark One', and the legend goes that the souls of the dead gather in his home, known as ‘Tech Duinn’. It is said that Donn appears as a phantom horseman on the back of a powerful white horse.

“I will do the same. The firm, hard earth: listen not to my steps or their direction. The stones may echo and reveal where I am, breaking the awful silence like the wind creaked it nightly; the guards will ignore it and suit what I am about to do so well. While I talk here about the plan, Duncan lives. ppeaking cools the heat of my willingness to act.

A bell rings.

“The time is here. Now I go, and the deed is as good as done. The bell invites me to act.” MacBeth called out. “Hail the King. Do not hear the bell, because it is the sound of you being summoned to heaven or hell.”

MacBeth turned to leave the rampart.

Unseen by MacBeth, two figures sat in the darkness at the rampart.

“Recruit 24601 Valjean, hush there. Your singing will not be endeared even in Paris.” The one hushed the other. “I told you the singing of yours would kill even the Lord.”

“I am not French, Javert. And I am happy; why should I not sing? It is not every day we get free food and drinks.” The other replied. “Cosette has nothing bad to say about my singing. She was from Marseillaise”

“You did not speak to the mother, Fantine. She thinks you did miserably to the song. She told me you belonged to the sewers more.”

 

 

The Highland Tale; The King Act Two Scene One Sub Act Two

 THE OFFICER AND THANE

ACT TWO

SCENE ONE

SUB ACT TWO

 

“MacBeth, is it you?” Banquo looked at the other end of the rampart, still covered in darkness. The figure stepped forth, and it was indeed Thane himself. The illumination of the torches reveals the figure.

“Why are you, MacBeth? It is late, and the...”

"Sentries were posted, but the castle needed to be secured. Assassins abound when the King is your guest. More so, all of them are fast asleep from the drinks and food. I do have to compliment Elleanor for being the perfect hostess. And those darn good whiskeys she serves will make any clan members proud.”

“Elleanor knew the best cellars around, and the cellar here held the best-aged one.” Banquo laughed. “I had myself some, but my oath to serve the King told me to limit it till the King is swayed from here.”

“A fine lady, Elleanor.” MacBeth smiled. “I do ….”

“MacBeth, Mary has long departed. You need to find another to replace her. One that could give you sons.” Banquo spoke his mind. “Elleanor is a fine lady. And ……”

“And she is my lover’s sister. I cannot find myself to replace Mary. I do... love Elleanor, but that love is trust and care, not the kind I had for Mary.” MacBeth confessed. “God, I loved that lady.”

“She is... No more here. Find another to warm your heart and... bedding.” Banquo spoke. “Who have you bedded since?”

“None, my friend. None have I approached, though I have been asked. I hold nothing against them, but I was not in the mood. I know you had. Mauld …...”

“Please leave Mauld out of our conversation. She is the mother of my son.” Banquo cut off the other. “I …...”

“You feel lonely, and at times, you will release your woes onto others, or rather into them.”

“Woes, I hold to myself, and yes, I am unfaithful. Since Fleance, I have not found the desire to be with her. She is cold and... ”

“And yet, she stands by you as your lover. I have not heard of any other men who have taken to plowing in your field.” MacBeth looked to his friend. “Give her some love and time. I shall release you from your services for...”

“Release me forever if you think I am unworthy, general, but not over my obligations to my family. I lived with and for the services of you.” Banquo bowed to the other.

“Hold your loyalty there, Colonel. I said I would release you, but for a time, while the land is without any threat. I did not dismiss you here. Why the sudden call of yours?”

“I apologize, my friend. I have not been resting since we left the citadel. The words of the”

“The prophecy upon you? They did not say you were King. Why would you trouble yourself? You will not betray me or King Duncan. You will still be the loyal officer.”

“It said of my son. He ….” The Banquo voice trailed off.

“Your son may be after your time here. Or mine. Or the King. How would we know about the future? If Fleance were to be King, perhaps he would be, and for that, I congratulate him. You should.”

“Yours was to be King too.” Banquo looked at MacBeth.

“Perhaps, but I hold no heir. Maybe if I were King, and when I die, I may give the throne to Fleance. Do not concern yourself with the prophecy.” MacBeth laughed.

“Banquo, do your best to serve me, is all I ask. Serve me loyally, and I will see you and your family taken care of.” MacBeth told the other.

“As you may command me, General, I am always at your service.” Banquo bowed to MacBeth.

“Do death do us part.” MacBeth made the pledge.

The Highland Tale; The King Act Two Scene One Sub Act One

 

THE OFFICER AND SON

ACT TWO

SCENE ONE

SUB ACT ONE

 

The feast went well, for the guests were all gaily, and some were left at the benches in the hall fast asleep. Lady Elleanor had told the servants not to wake them or to usher them to the chambers.

“Let the sleeping dogs lie where they are.” Lady Elleanor had said, and no one was to question her. She had seen some leave with their servants for their own homes.

“Good riddance to them.” Elleanor was in a sour mood. She was watching the servants do the cleaning, lest the King come in the morning to see the mess left behind.

Her Lord, MacBeth, was at his best, doing the rounds on the grounds of the castle, calling attention to the sentries, and securing the locks on the gates. He did not want any intrusion into the castle when the King was his guest.

At that opportune time, Banquo decided to spend some moments with his son. Fleance. He was troubled by the thoughts of the prophecy that was told to him.

“It’s all an illusion.” Banquo had tried to shake off the thought, but it stayed in his mind and even in his dream.

“Father, where are we?” Fleance had stepped to the ramparts with the father. He was rarely seen with his father except at official functions. “I could see now.”

The rampart was lit by the torches as part of the fearful preparation. It was to lend an image of the ancient look to the castle. It was fair, but the light of the torches does leave some sections dim.

“Inverness, my son.” Banquo replied. “The home of the Thane. It is lit by the torches to give it character.”

“The Thane? Yes, I met him on several occasions. His mother does not think highly of him. She said the Thane risked your life for himself.”

“Shudder," thought my son. I served Thane as his officer, and it is my duty to... risk my life for his. I am his aide to lead the infantry.”

“Why not someone else? The Thane could have chosen many, but why you?” Fleance was young, and his mind needed answers.

“Well, I am the Colonel of the Infantry.” Banquo motioned his son to the sabre hung from the waist belt. “And before me are the other officers, and we numbered to about a thousand. We have all pledged to serve the general, who is the Thane. Each of us has sworn to protect and, if needed, die for him. As he had pledged as Thane to the King.”

“If the King is above the Thane, then the King can ask that you be excluded.” Fleance looked to the father.

“Yes, if you are King. You may do so, but you are not yet the King. You are my son now.”

“Could I be King?” Fleance raised the crucial question.

“I suppose so. I am the Thane of Lochaber, and you are my son. You need to be Thane first, and then... be King, but there are many in line. You may have to wait your turn.”

“Why are you not the King, father?” The mind of the child, Fleance, needed more answers.

“Well, I...” Banquo wanted to find the words for his son.

“You are the Thane and...”

“To be the King, you must be worthy of that rank. You have to hold the consent of the Thanes and nobles, and others who are to elect the King.” Banquo searched for the words to tell his son. “You may be the heir, like Prince Malcom.”

“I am not even the prince yet.” Fleance sighed.

“You must not despair, son. There are times. The King may be elected or... ordained by destiny.” Banquo looked at his son. In his mind, he was questioning if there was such a prophecy that Fleance may be King, but what would be the retribution for that role?

“Young Fleance, you had me worried.” It was the mother. “How dare you sneak off in the dark and be at this...”

“I brought him here.” Banquo assured the mother. “To see the stars.”

“Come with me, young Fleance. It is past your bedtime, and we have a long ride tomorrow at dawn.” Fleance was taken away by the mother without saying a word to the father.

Banquo stood there on the rampart, feeling the loss of his family. He was at fault for leaving them at home while he was battling with MacBeth. He will not deny that he found comfort in the battles, even though he may have been wounded, but his friendship with MacBeth made him more complete. He is a military officer and has only served his King.

“Who’s there?” The call was heard, and Banquo reached for his sabre. “Friend or foe?”

“Your Thane and friend.”

 

The Highland Tale; The King Act One Scene Seven Sub Act Three

 I AM INSANE

ACT ONE

SCENE SEVEN

SUB ACT THREE

 

Lady Elleanor sat herself in the seat vacated by MacBeth.

“Are you mad, Elleanor?” The lady asked herself. “He is not your lover, and yet you command like one.”

“Are you mad, Elleanor? Do you realize that you have asked the man to commit murder? Do you know what murder is?” The lady sighed. “It is an unpardonable act, a mortal sin. You will be sent to Hell.”

Lady Elleanor held the bodice and looked at it.

“What do they do to a lady there? The clothing to hide the lady or to reveal the lady. I have seen the men stare not at my face but at my bosom. They held wicked thoughts that I cringed at.”

“Why are we made differently? The men do not have bosoms to be ogled. Their front bottom leaves much for anyone to ogle at. Some, I will say, are... pathetic in their appearance to the man. Do not get me onto those men who shared theirs with another. They are truly disgusting, in my view. Do they not know the creation of man and woman was linked by the” Elleanor placed on a wicked smile.

“Oh Lord, I am vile. The gossip of women knew no bounds.”

“But Lord, I have seen the images of hell. It showed the men but never the women. Would we all be tormented by the demons? Or would the women be done differently?” The lady cringed in her thoughts. In the gossips, she had heard of the atrocities of the women enslaved upon the defeat of the land. The women were deprived of their dignity and honour. Babies were removed from the mothers, and some were left with the seeds of the others. Women will speak of it, but not the ladies. The ladies were not to whisper about it. It was unbecoming of one.

Yet ladies are still women. Why do we stand apart from women?

"Why, God, are we made differently? Why are we to bear the child while the man sows their seeds where they can?” Elleanor had questioned her body. “Why can I not be like the man? I can ride, I can shoot, and I can kill. Or were the killings by the women only for rats and chickens? We could chop the wood from the trunk as good as any man.”

“One is an act of goodness, and the other is cruelty.” The priest once told her when she confessed her anxiety. “The women kill the chicken to feed the family. The man kills the... To avoid cruelty to the family.”

Was it logic? Elleanor had asked herself, but she never answered.

“We have advanced in the world with many wonderous inventions, but there are still definite roles for women and... lady." The mother told her. “You are a lady, and the servants are... women, though they are similar in bulk to you. The lady holds herself in high esteem and, of course, in high rank in society.”

Well, mothers are not the best educators on many subjects. She was not one.

Elleanor had resolved that she would be equal to any man and would not be submissive to any. She had developed her own streak of independence, as she had named it, and created her own values. It was also her downfall that other men do not want to approach her, or the meek ones find her too ‘intimidating’ to be nearby.

“Only Mary knew me well.” Elleanor had a close relationship with Mary, but the poor sister suffered from frailty. She moved in with her sister soon after the wedding to MacBeth, and she never moved out.

“I loved you too, MacBeth, for you are the man I wanted to be with, but Mary has you. I shall not intrude into her life.” Elleanor told herself, but the pain of seeing MacBeth suffer in silence ached her. She felt that MacBeth was suited for more than the military rank, but he lacked what she perceived as motivation.

It was prevalent in the halls when the nobles gathered. The ugly tasks were assigned to MacBeth, while the accolades went to them. Elleanor saw it once too often and was offended. When she was told of the feast, she did her best to please the King. She did stand in for Mary on many occasions.

“For the King!” The toasts were called for by the nobles. None was made for the gallant Thane who made the victory possible. Elleanor was upset, but the King was enjoying himself well. The King also lavished compliments on her for her effort.

“My hostess, if you were any younger, I would have wed you to my son, Malcolm. He deserves a beauty like yourself.” King Duncan had told her during the feast. "Or, if I were younger, I would have wed you myself.”

“I am flattered, my King." Elleanor said, hiding her contempt for the words made to her. She was not good, but her prime years were on the edge.

“Indeed, she is a beauty and deserves to stand by the better man.” One of the nobles said to the King: “I would have wed her, but my lady was not accommodating.”

The pompous idiot was Elleanor's silent thoughts. Who was the noble to say she was not with the better man? MacBeth is the general, and then Thane stood with her, even though she was not his lady. She was his pillar in the castle.

“My King, can a lady be King?” Elleanor teased the King.

“Absolutely not. The lady is to back the King and bore him sons. Such are the roles of the lady.” The King replied and then thought for a while before adding. “Perhaps as Queen, but never the King.”

“My King, you spoke of prophecies? Have you any?” Elleanor had asked King Duncan.

“I have none, but I do believe that once a prophecy is said to that person, it may be their destiny. Have you one, my lady?" King Duncan replied.

“None, my King. I am...”

“A lady. Yes, only men may have it. If it was there, they should pursue it. Nothing will stand in their way. Not even the King.” King Duncan laughed. “None of this now. Be away from your role as the hostess, lady.”

Elleanor excused herself and saw MacBeth leave the hall. She was delayed by the requests for food and drinks from the ravenous guests. She had to get the maids to do those tasks before she took off to look for MacBeth.

 

 

 

 

 

The Highland Tale; The King Act One Scene Seven Sub Act Two

 

ARE YOU A MAN?

ACT ONE

SCENE SEVEN

SUB ACT TWO

 

“What ails you, MacBeth?” Lady Elleanor approached the Thane.

“I was unwell. I think the meat was...”

“Rancid? The cuts were fresh from the kitchen.” The lady defended her feast. “The King handled his meat like the lion at the kill.”

“Duncan eats too much.” MacBeth said. “He grew wider at the girth.”

“Yet he eats, MacBeth. Why should he not be when he is the King and you are his Thane? He worries not that Thane will do his killing.”

“Assay your words to the King. I honoured him as my King." MacBeth held up his right hand on the face.

“Are you not King too? You told me what the angels said to you. A prophecy that foretold your Kingship. Your words were in the letter.”

“Spare me those words. I have...” MacBeth sighed. “Prophecies are...”

“Are what, MacBeth? Fake dreams, or illusions that the machines can make?” Lady Elleanor looked at the tired general. “The King mocks you for his... prophecy.”

“The King has none.” MacBeth corrected the lady. “He said it then.”

“Yes, he belittles yours in his words.” Lady Elleanor stood by MacBeth. “Are you not man enough to own up? Do you believe in your prophecy? Or were the angel’s fake?”

“We will proceed no further in this talk. I am tired. The King had honoured me of late, and I have bought golden opinions from all sorts of people. I am basKing in my new honour and position, not throwing it aside so quickly.”

“Were you drunk when you were so hopeful earlier? Did you then go to sleep, and wake up sick and pale in fear of what your prophecy had said before? From this point on I will see your desire in a new way. Are you afraid to act on your desires?” Lady Elleanor pressed on.

“Will you take the thing you want more than anything else? Or will you live as a coward in your own mind, always saying “I can’t” after you say “I want to?” You are like the poor rat in the dark cellar, who wants to eat the meat but is still fed on the straws.

“I beg of you, no more! I dare to do only what is appropriate for a man to do. Anyone who dares to do more is not a real man at all.” MacBeth looked at Elleanor. “What prompts you to speak to me in that manner? All I told you was a dream—a prophecy told to me by the angels. Maybe they are fake too. Or I am...”

“Then what kind of beastly thoughts did you hold when you first told me about all this? I am not Mary. I hold dear to what is there.” Elleanor snapped back. “Are you not man to face your destiny? When will you dare to do it, that is when you were a man.”

“I am a man.” MacBeth hit back.

“No, you are more than that. If you are to become a King, then you will be that is much more of a man. The time and place were not right before, or you would have been King. Now the time and place are perfect; the prophecy revealed that... but it's as if their very perfectness unnerves you.” Lady Elleanor looked hard at MacBeth.

“Mary once she said you deserved more. You are not any man, but the man that is above others. You are a King, one that was destined to be one ever since breastfed. But even as the baby was smiling up at me, I would have yanked my nipple from your mouth and dashed out your brains if you ignored the prophecy.”

“Are you mad? You are asKing me to kill the King so that I can be King? But what if we... I fail?”

“We, fail? Just get a hold of your courage, and we will not fail, for the prophecy was never destined to fail.”

“I am...” MacBeth staggered to his feet.

“You will do as I planned. King Duncan is asleep, as he will be and he surely will be soon, after this day’s hard journey and heavy meal. I will get the servants ……… No, I will do it myself. I will make his guards so drunk on wine and ale that their memory will disappear in the fumes of alcohol. Once they are in their piggish sleep, so drunk they might as well be dead, you and I will be able to do what we please.”

“Do what?” MacBeth asked.

“Kill the unguarded Duncan? And we will place the blame on the drunken guards? They are the friends of the previous Thane of Cawdor.” Lady Elleanor concluded for him.

“You are...” MacBeth struggled to find the words.

“Brilliant? I know I am. Not only men are. I wished it so more than ever to be one.” Lady Elleanor continued. “The fault will be on the guards. The murder weapon was in their hands then.”

“What … No, who will believe us?” MacBeth asked.

“Who would possibly think that it could be anyone else? The two of us will wail with grief when we learn of his death.” Lady Elleanor told MacBeth. “The King was killed in Thane’s castle. Who will grieve more than the host and hostess?

“I am convinced, and now I will use all my strength to achieve this great and terrible thing. Go now, and deceive everyone with a show of friendliness. You must hide your treacherous heart behind a false face.” MacBeth sobers up. He then left the lady in his chamber.

“Go with my blessing, my King.” Lady Elleanor muttered to herself.

 

 

The Highland Tale; The King Act One Scene Seven Sub Act One

 

EVIL CONFUSED INSIDE

ACT ONE

SCENE SEVEN

SUB ACT ONE

 

“My father once told me that one can be King if the last King was your father.” King Duncan smiled. That drew laughter from the gathered. “Or you could be one if you toppled the King then.”

That last line hushed the hall while everyone heard but did not speak of it.

“That is not an easy task. The King still held power and influence over many, and many support the King.” The King looked at the expressions from the gathered. “And a good King has none to worry about then.”

“Hail, King Duncan.” The roar of the crowd sounded out loud.

“Thank you. I am still your King, with all your support.” The King picked his words well. The gathered roared out their approval of the King.

“However, there are those who oppose me. The last Thane of Cawdor was one of the culprits. He sided with the Irish and opened the entry for the Danes. The triparty here made a dent into our land, but with the grace of God, General MacBeth took back what was ours.” King Duncan singled out MacBeth. “For that, I made him the Thane of Cawdor.”

There was a hush among the nobles then.

“The position of the King is to preserve the Kingdom, which is the land we are living on. The King faces many forms of difficulties to stay as King. I am King with no clean handover; I recall having to deal with some nobles that did not like me. I had invading armies on my borders.” The King repeated himself there. “It was not prophecies that I have to be King; to foresee the future, but I have all of you, but I am. For that, I will do all I can to be that King. I truly loved you all better than any prophecies.”

The group roared once more. All of them stood up to hail the King with their toasts.

“I disliked prophecies. They reeked of stale meals. Many of the opposed spoke of saying that they were the ones to be King, and yet it was my sabre that ended their prophecies." The gathered heard the King and laughed.

“A good arm and the sharpness of the blade were all I needed.” The King roared. “I drink with you to celebrate this victory once more.”

The laughing and roaring continued. No sooner was the feast to resume. MacBeth excused himself and left the hall. He went up to his chamber and tossed the contents of his meal into the pot.

“Did he hear my prophecy? I was to be King.” MacBeth felt sick inside of him. “I am King, and to be quick, I need to... If this will really all be over once it is done, then it would be best to get it over with quickly. The speech was laced with... unappreciative words. “

“I must be drunk to hold such thoughts in me. He is the King. As yet, King’s die.”

“Kings died by their own reckless acts or by those done by others. Assassination of the King with the blade or the aid of poison to stop the heart—these are all the acts on how to remove a King. An unworthy one, that is.” MacBeth seated himself on the chair there. “How many had angels to foretell their destiny? Only the greater King’s is worth their attention.”

MacBeth laughed at himself.

“You slay many in battle, and you cannot do this to one more now. Was it because he is the King? Yet you had killed the few before... Yes, they are not your King. Their death bears your consequences. Like the nest, to hold all the consequences, I need a bigger net. Could I do it and... then the act would be the be-all and end-all of the whole affair?”

“Once done, I am King." But for such crimes, there are still consequences in this world.” MacBeth Innards reacts with the meals once more removed. “Violent acts only teach others to commit violence. For every kill, there may be others, or retribution. The survivors will plague the killer.”

“I have done my killings. None I held by their names or rank. I just removed them. They may seek justice; they force the cup to be poisoned and giveth to my lips, but I did it for you, my King." MacBeth was delirious then. “Could I do thee as I did to others?”

“It was the King; he trusts me more than twice over: first, I am his kinsman and his subject. I shall kill for you. But at home, as his host, I should be closing the door to any murderer rather than trying to murder him myself.”

“Duncan has been such a humble leader, respected and honest and free from corruption. The virtues that will make angels sing for him and cry out like trumpets should there be a threat to him like murder. Pity, he is like an innocent newborn baby; he will ride the wind like a winged angel, or on invisible horses through the air, to spread news of good deeds across the land, so that a flood of tears will fall from the sky.”

“I cannot deny that I have no reason to spur myself to act on my desires other than ambition, which makes people leap into action and into tragedy.” MacBeth sighed. It was Elleanor who stepped into his chamber.

 

 

 

The Highland Tale; The King Act One Scene Six Sub Act Six

 

INVERNESS

ACT ONE

SCENE SIX

SUB ACT SIX

 

“I crossed the river just now. It is a lovely scene with the flowing waters and the fowl and the geese all there.” King Duncan smiled. “To hold that spectacular sight with the grandeur of Inverness, the castle holds a pleasant spot for anyone here.”

“Welcome, my King, to my humble abode. I ….” MacBeth was cut off by the King.

“Humble is the home, but the grand feeling here with the sweet air delights my noble senses.” King Duncan said. “My smell of the castle had picked up the delights of the Highlands. I think we are to have haggis and pudding for the banquet.”

“You are correct, my King. The cooks have been worKing hard to prepare the meals for the banquet.”

“Say no more, MacBeth. Let me grace your hall, where I am sure the barrel of whiskey awaits my thirst.” King Duncan pushed his way forward. He saw the elaborate décor and felt the drapes.

“Real ones. I am impressed. You are a fitting Thane for Gladis. I do wish you would do more for Cawdor. Last I was there, it was all the illusions that hoarded the décor.” King Duncan then saw the martins. “Even the birds know of the best dwelling to nest on.”

“That the martin,” The King looked to Malcom. “It is summer when the bird that builds its nest in the steeples of churches. The bird is smart decision to build its nest here proves how sweet and blessed the breeze is. See the nests there. These birds have built nests on every projection, carving, buttress, and corner of this castle. I have noticed that martins prefer to live and mate in places where the air is most fine.”

It was then that Lady Ellanor made her entry. She wore the white gown and was seen to have floated into the hall.

“Look, it’s our honoured hostess!” The King stopped then when he recalled that MacBeth was without a wife.

“My King. This is Lady Elleanor. She is the sister of Mary. She helps me with the household of the castle.” MacBeth introduced the lady.

“I am honoured to meet you, Lady. “ King Duncan was trying to recall the name.

“Elleanor, my King.” The lady did the curtsy bow towards the King.

“My lady, I am troubled sometimes by name, but I truly appreciate the lengths and... widths that my subjects go to out of love for me, but I still thank you for your love for this castle. It held the feel of a lady’s love, and the Tahen is worthy of your services.”

“In saying this, I am thanKing your Highness for allowing me to be in your presence. I hoped I was not in any way an inconvenience to you.”

“None whatsoever. You are here out of love for... me and your Thane.” King Duncan smiled.

“We are honoured to your efforts too,” Lady said while looking at MacBeth. “Even if they were doubled and then doubled aga …...  poor and small acts when compared to the profound honour your presence have brought to our home. In gratitude for the honours, you have given us in the past and those you have added just recently, we will always pray for and support you.”

“Where’s the Thane of Cawdor?” The King looked for MacBeth. “He stands by me yet remains unseen.”

“We had course him at the heels and had a purpose to be his purveyor; but he rides well And swift.” King Duncan smiled at the Thane. “And his great love, sharp as his spur, hath helped him to his home before us.”

“Fair and noble hostess, we are your guests tonight at Inverness. King Duncan smiled at Elleanor.

“We are always your servants. And our servants, we ourselves, and everything we own belong to you. It is all yours to use and enjoy, and we are ready to return it to you because it is really your own, after all.” Lady Elleanor picked her words to please the King.

“Give me your hand. Lead me with MacBeth, my host. I love him dearly, and I shall continue to hold him in high favour.” King Duncan smiled. “When you are ready, hostess. Let us grace the banquet now.”

The Highland Tale; The King Act One Scene Six Sub Act Five

 

BANQUO’S THOUGHTS

ACT ONE

SCENE SIX

SUB ACT FIVE

 

The banquet planning process took a long time. Inverness was a grand castle, but it seldom drew quests unless you considered the wedding of MacBeth to Mary. That was such a long time ago, considering time passed slowly with the death of Mary. MacBeth had spent his time soon after training the infantry to be battle-ready. He was utilizing his energy there to forget the pain of losing Mary.

“The infantry is the main part of the army, and not the man-suits. The latter are armoured, heavily armed, but cumbersome for the movements needed in battle. Brute strengths are nothing to the stealth of the infantry. Once the infantry gets close to the man-suits, it is only a single shot to end the latter.” MacBeth had likened the infantry to being more effective. ”A slash by the sabre will immobilize the suit and thus doom the handler.”

“Planning and execution are the strategy.” MacBeth had reminded Banquo. That was easier said than done, for preparing for the banquet required more than that. It needed the lady’s effort, and Banquo was clumsy at that. His love was equally at risk, for she was a clerk and not a housekeeper. She has her time fulfilled with their children.

“Fleance, you will not pull Dane’s hair.” Banquo heard his lover educating the boys. Fleance was holding on, and Dane—well, he was another boy from the servant’s side. Banquo was content with her care for them, while he was always busy with the tasks asked for by MacBeth. He was hardly with his family, and when Fleance was inside the mother, his conjugal obligations were perfunctory at best. He had not known his lover before their engagement. It was a quick engagement, and soon they were wed. He spent his time with her and was whisked off to join MacBeth. He returned after being told that he was to be a father, and on a few occasions he was there as the family head. He believed he loved the mother of his children but could not utter her name most of the time.

“Banquo, have you arranged for the stewards to make the tables?” Banquo heard from the one lady he likes to hear from.

“Yes, my lady." Banquo turned to look at the lady. “I will get it done.”

“And the martins’ nests. They nestled there at the corners.” Lady Elleanor, as she was called, pointed out the nests above. “Could we remove it?”

The Martins are the seasonal guests there at Inverness. They are part of the migratory birds of the Swifts, swallows, and martins—small birds with long, tapered wings and forked tails. Although the Martins' beaks are smaller, their mouths are wide, making it easier for them to catch insects in the air. They are incredibly agile in flight and can be seen performing impressive aerial aerobics in the summer skies.

“They nest here in the summer." Banquo was told this by his lover. “They are devoted to their nests.”

Banquo was unsure of how to relate that, and then, when asked by Lady Elleanor to clear the nesting, he tooka moment to stare at the martins. The birds were in a frenzy with all the going on at the castle.

“The martins are back.” MacBeth interrupted Banquo in his thoughts. “Mary used to watch them nest there.”

“I did not know.” Banquo looked at the martins once more. “We shall not disturb them there.”

“How is your family?” MacBeth asked.

“They are fine. The mother is here with the boys. They ….” Banquo smiled

“The mother holds a name, Banquo," MacBeth reminded the other.

“Yes, Mauld of Atoll.” Banquo uttered. He hardly called her by the name and most times called her'mother of my son’. He was told her name when her father, the Thane of Atoll, placed the right hand of the lady on his.

“Her name is Mauld, and she is my daughter. Take care of her, and she will bear you many sons.” The father had spoken then. Mauld gave Banquo a son, and it was then.

“Banquo, we should be like the martins. We can be away, but when the time comes, we return to the nest.” MacBeth told him.

“I do understand that, my friend. I wished...” Banquo was cut off.

“Mary is still in me. She nests with my son inside of me.” MacBeth smiled. He then saw the King’s arrival. “Make haste; the King is here.”

“Where’s Elleanor? She needs to be here.” MacBeth looked around before he approached the King.

 

 

The Highland Tale; The King Act One Scene Six Sub Act Four

 

LENNOX AND MACDUFF

ACT ONE

SCENE SIX

SUB ACT FOUR

 

MacDuff was always the observant one. He had served King Duncan for many years, as his father had. He was assigned to protect the King when the latter was to leave the palace. He knew his position well and listened to the advice of Lennox well.

“The infantry and the man-suits are in the woods. They will come on my signal.” Such was the precaution that MacDuff took to assure the King’s safety.

"You have done well, Thane of Fife.” Lennox smiled at each other. He had worked with MacDuff’s father and, later, his son. The Thane of Fife is a loyal subject of the King, but Lennox was one to lower his security even though the King was on his own land.

“How fare your family, Thane?” Lennox asked. He was not of any family; he was an orphan from birth and later a clerk at the palace. He has no need to sow his seeds, though he has his lovers. They sowed theirs into him, and those were the moments that he was seen as vulnerable.

“They are well, my Lord. Thank you for asKing.” MacDuff replied. His family was small; a lover and their son, the lad, were at a tender age. They lived in the castle in Fife, guarded by his personal guards. MacDuff feared for them, for if they were to be harmed, he would be distraught by it.

“My Lord, the last of the family is here at the church." MacDuff had received the report from his guards. It was a distasteful task to gather the family members of the other Lords of Cawdor. He was told of the six families, and with swift action, he had taken their sons or daughters hostage. It was the call of the adviser.

“Stifle the head of the family from aiding the Thane.” Lennox had told him. “It must be done swiftly, and let me handle the news for the families.”

MacDuff did not question the adviser and did his tasks. He had all of them held in the small church near Fife. His son had asked him why some of his friends were there, and MacDuff refused to answer the boy.

“Ian, do you think it is wise to hold them?” Lady MacDuff had asked him then.

“I am just performing my duty to the King, my love. I do not question his command.” MacDuff replied. He knew that his action would be condemned by the others, but the needs of the King overruled all.

The church was surrounded by the other lords’ guards, but none dared venture in. They feared the children, and true to his words, MacDuff released them all when the battle was over.

“Ian MacDuff, you made an enemy of us. We will not forget this and be aware of your family.” Ian Macduff was cursed and sworn on by the departing Lords. He had sighed at his action but held no regrets. His action was to make him a close aide of the King.

“MacDuff, is your family here?” Lennox asked again when Thane was silenced to his asKing.

“Pardon me, my Lord. My family is fine. They are in Fife. My son is unwell and could not make it.” MacDuff bowed to the other. “My love wanted to be at his side.”

“A mother’s love is unrivalled by any.” Lennox smiled. “I am sure the King will find you some gifts to return for them.”

“That would not be necessary, my Lord. My family is content with their own at Fifie.”

Lennox knew the Thane was sad that his action was to make him a bastard to the other Thanes', but it was a needed move by the Adviser to quell the rebellion.

“Have you any words for Malcolm to replace his father upon his death?” Lennox asked to gauge the loyalty of the Thane.

“I will serve him as I do for his father. He will be the King." MacDuff looked towards Malcolm, who was at the fore.

“He will be a good King." Lennox nodded.

“Aye, he will be.” MacDuff added. In his own thoughts, MacDuff wished Malcolm would be much wiser in handling the Thanes.

“What of Donalbain?” Lennox tossed the question toward the other.

“What of him? He will serve his brother well too.” MacDuff replied without any second thoughts. “Do you have doubts about him?”

“Me? None whatsoever.” Lennox parried the question of loyalty like the chess moves that he mastered. “Family comes first in loyalty.”

“Aye.” MacDuff smiled. “Family first.”

The Highland Tale; The King Act One Scene Six Sub Act Three

 

PRINCE DONALBAIN AND MALCOLM

ACT ONE

SCENE SIX

SUB ACT THREE

 

“Donal, I am pleased that you are here. I would... “Malcolm was cut off by the other.

“I am here for Father.” Donalbain snapped at his brother. He was upset that the King had the other successor and not him. Added to the insult was his lover’s sibling lying dead among the Irish who perished at the battle. It took him some considerable moments to calm Esther.

“Esther, my love. How was it to know the outcome of the battle?” Donalbain tried to console his love. Their love was the culmination of Donalbain being sent to the Irish land to make the pact of the truce worthy of its agreement. He was the emissary of King Duncan and stayed with the Irish King at their palace. It was not long before he met Esther, the daughter of a noble Irish lord. The nights of loneliness ached his heart to go home, but Esther was there to soothe his pain. That soon became an affair of the hearts, and not long before then, Esther was with his child.

“You may leave, Donalbain, son of Duncan. Take your lover with you.” The King of Ireland gave him permission. “I cannot tell the reaction of your King, but go with my blessing.”

It was not a blessed meeting with King Duncan, who was furious at his son. They had met in the chamber of the King.

“You betrayed my trust in you. How could you... hold that child in front of me?” King Duncan glared at his son. “You are a prince and deserve better.”

“I am in love, Father.” Donalbain said. “As you were with Mother.”

“Your mother was the daughter of a noble Thane. Not of any other lands.” Duncan reacted in anger. “God bless her soul that she would not have to see this event today.”

“Father, I hold my son... your grandson... For you to receive blessing.” Donalbain looked to his father. “You could... as the grandfather held him.”

“An offspring that I did not... would never allow. The wench... Should be left to her own. Or perhaps a chest of coins will have sufficed.”

“How could you deny your grandson his love? He is not of the wenches that opened their legs for you nightly, Father.” Donalbain hit the nail into the seat. “You ….”

“I loved your mother, Donalbain. I had been sincere with her to the last moment. I am still a man, and in...”

“Carnal needs, Father, or the urge of power? I adore you, Father, but... No, I was careless with my words. Please forgive me. Please also accept my child into the family; I begged of you.”

It was the plea of the son that allowed the family to stay on land, but at a home near the palace. When the Irish invaded the land, King Duncan decreed that the family was not to be at the palace for any reasons or events. He loves his son, but he felt betrayed by Donalbain. He made the decision to assail his son, Malcolm, to prevent any squabbles over his death.

“Donalbain, are you listening?” Malcolm shook the thoughts of the other. “We are at Inverness.”

“My thoughts were away. Esther had not forgiven me and held our child to her bosom. He fears that Father will do harm to her.” Donalbain looked at Malcolm. “Would you?”

“I will not, brother. Sally is of my bloodline, and I will not hurt her.” Malcolm smiled at his brother. He was more caring towards his family, especially his brother.

“Donalbain, I heard my mother had passed on. Father is with her.” The brother, then of  tender age, approached the other. Donalbain was at the yard doing his archery.

“Who told you?” Donalbain asked.

“The nurses. They...” Malcolm replied.

“They should not have. It is the call of Father to tell us.” Donalbain lowered the bow. He had known his mother was ill, but her death was not his concern. It was his father that Donalbain was concerned about. The elder man was in grief ever since his wife was ill. He has shunned the children ever since. His mother was ill soon after she fell from the stairs following Donalbain. She never recovered, and Father blamed Donalbain, though his mother had told him that it was her mistake.

Malcolm then became the focus of the father, and all was given to Malcolm before Donalbain was asked.

“Will father wed another to replace mother?” Malcolm asked.

“I would not know.” Donalbain replied. “You need not worry, for Father will leave it to you on the throne.”

“I would not take it all, my brother. I will share it with you.” Malcolm had told the brother. “We are brothers.”

“I know you would, Malcolm, but at times, there are... things we cannot share. Just be truthful to the King and do not despair him.” Donalbain told his brother. He still had to live in his brother’s shadow.

 

 

The Highland Tale; The King Act One Scene Six Sub Act Two

 

THE CASTLE

ACT ONE

SCENE SIX

SUB ACT TWO

 

The castle of Inverness was not huge, but it was situated on the cliff facing the river Ness. The castle once stood out when the King of Scotland, James I, imprisoned the leaders of the clans to prevent any conflicts on the land. It had since seen heirs to the castle and was that day to welcome the current King Duncan to its hall.

The castle was illuminated with the bright torches that adorned the ramparts, and then the interior was draped with fine silk tapestries, and vases of flowers were at every corner of its corridors. Musicians were aplenty, invited from the nearby villages to ply their skills, while performers were at the yard to do theirs. The oboes and drums rang the scene with much gaily.

The nearby people were all there too to celebrate Thane’s victory, with some of them setting up stalls to make a trade or two. The children were the happiest to partake in the fun and, above all, the return of their fathers.’ The widows were given the due compensation and the pat on their backs; it may not be much, but the Thane was generous. He had halved their taxes for the next harvest. He held no urgency to collect that, for Cawdor would fill the treasury more.

Heroes were garlanded by the villagers while the minstrels added their glory to the tales to be told on their journeys, but nothing was more lauded than the arrival of the King.

“The King is here.” It was a rare occasion for Inverness to have sight of the King there. “He is here.”

“I thought he looked plump for his age.”

“He should look like that. I was expecting more of him.”

“Is he for real?”

“Where’s the Queen?”

"Musty, he has so many guards with him? We are not his enemies.”

Doubts were abounded, but the King was there, and he sounded pleased. 

“Everything real. I liked that.” King Duncan had arrived there and was seen touching the décor. “Not some illusion that is devoid of character and... feel.”

The King had arrived there accompanied by the two princes, Malcolm and Donalbain, of whom the latter was convinced by his father to make the appearance.

“I know you want to comfort your Irish lover, but let bygones be buried. It is not her fault that her father was in the battle against us. Nor was it the sabre of MacBeth who killed him. I was told that he was done in by another whom I will not name.” King Duncan reasoned with his son. “Today, we are to celebrate not only MacBeth’s victory but your brother’s ascension to replace me when I cannot rule.”

“I will be there, Father.” Donalbain had replied. “As all the others will be present.”

The others were there. The King had with him his adviser, Lennox.

“Tell me, Lennox. Did I err in placing Malcolm as the heir?” The King had asked.

“No, your Highness.” Lennox had replied to the King when they spoke in the chamber after the meeting with MacBeth. “He may be young, but it will take time for him to learn.”

“As he should be. I had not much of it when I was made  King.” Duncan sighed. “A brave man with a sturdy arm does not make one a good King.”

“You did well, my King.” Lennox assured the King.

“I had a good friend who guided my judgment." The King, in turn, praised the adviser. “I would have been brash in my action if not for your sight.”

“I do as required by your side.” Lennox said. “It is not easy being King. You needed the other view and, on occasion, the decision to listen.”

“Aye, Lennox. You did well. Do serve Malcolm when the time comes. He needs your advice too.” The King smiled. “I see you brought MacDuff of Fife.”

“One of the finest.” Lennox held an affinity for the one named MacDuff.

“Was he at the battle?” The King asked.

“No, your Highness. He was sent by me to protect the flank. I was unsure...” Lennox was cut off.

“Unsure, Lennox. Surely that belittles your strength.” The King looked at the adviser.

“Precautionary should have been my reason. I had my fears about the Thane of Cawdor. He led a bigger army, or so I thought.” Lennox explained. “It was only known at the battle that he held only half the numbers. The other members of the clan had revolted and did not partake in the battle.”

“A most desirable turn of events there. I was surprised by that, given that Thane had the Irish with him. They would have massacred us then if they were of full strength.”

“An act of God, perhaps.” Lennox assured the King. “An act of God, indeed.”

“Yes, God was ever merciful. He delivered the hostages that held them from bacKing the Thane.” It was unmentioned that Lennox had captured some clan’s leader’s family and held them hostage. It was a cowardly event, but it had a desired outcome. In a conflict of power, there are no rules of engagement, but to engage, the rules are needed.

“And MacDuff was the one who watched over them?” The King probed.

“I …. cannot say, My Highness. MacDuff is a noble Thane himself.” Lennox replied. “He does what he is told.”