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

 

THE THANE OF CAWDOR

ACT ONE

SCENE THREE

SUB ACT FIVE

 

“Who goes there?” Banquo heard approaching steps.

“It is us, Ross. We are the emissaries of King Duncan. We are to meet the Thane of Gladis.” The voice belonged to Ross and was accompanied by another Angus.

Ross was no stranger to MacBeth, whom he met years ago. He was also in the infantry and fought his fair share of the battles. He held a companion like Banquo next to his side. Angus was hardly the vocal one, but he will die for his friend.

“How did you get in?” Banquo asked. He saw behind Ross that the doorway was open. “The doors opened.”

“We were told you were inside by the engineers. We walked to the door, and it opened.” Ross looked to the rear. “Was it not?”

“Nay, I am...” Banquo was puzzled.

“How fares the King?” MacBeth asked.

“MacBeth, the King was happy to learn of your success. And when he heard the story of your personal heroism in the battle against the rebels, he couldn't decide whether to praise you or just be silently amazed. He was also at a loss for words to find out that on the same day you fought the rebels, you also fought against the army of Norway—and that you weren’t at all afraid of death, even as you killed those around you. A stream of messengers brought news of this to the King, and they gushed with praise for how you defended his country.” Ross was all praise towards the other.

“Tell him, Angus. He needs to hear from just me alone.” Ross pulled his companion to the fore. Angus, the loyal... It shall remain unsaid in the open. Angus’s companionship had raised many eyebrows, but none dared to question him.

“I am Angus of Cambria. I serve the Thane with loyalty. I am neither his pet nor his lover. See to it that anyone mocked on this will face death.” Angus silenced the last one who asked. None were spoken into his face, but the mutterings had not ceased.

“How do you fare, Ross of Cambria?” MacBeth asked with his right hand extended.

“I fare well. I was late to the battle but did well. I thank you for the assistance.” Angus smiled.

“We battled for King Duncan.” MacBeth smiled. He knew how loyal Ross was to the King then.

“You surprised the Danes from the rear.” Banquo spoke to Angus. “A brave and noble move.”

“We saw the supply line, though we were late. It was a turn of events that allowed us to be there; we got lost in the woods and arrived late and from the wrong direction.”

“Ever the entrance, be it front or back.” Banquo slipped his tongue there and saw the frim look at Angus.

“We took the chance to even the odds, but the Danes were onto us before we could escape.” Angus related to the events that took place. “We were outnumbered and retreated, but then your army, led by General MacBeth, attacked them.’

The Danes found out about the attack on their supply lines and withdrew to defend them. It gave MacBeth the advantage of pursuing them at their rear. The Danes found themselves with both flanks attacked and were able to respond with strength. It was not all, for the Irish on the counterattack decided to battle the Danes too to regain their honor.

“The Irish are back, but towards the Danes. They hate each other deeply." Banquo was delighted at the Irish’s assistance.

“Aye, the enemy of your enemy is your ally.” MacBeth roared. He was to learn that more in his life.

“Aye, King Duncan was delighted to learn of your success. Your heroic action and leadership in the battles against the rebels... The Irish and then the Danes, he could not decide whether to praise you or just be silently amazed.” Ross smiled. “We met at the healing station, and he was at a loss for words. His men lie wounded, and at that same moment you fought the rebels, almost everyone against us, and with no fear of death, even as you killed those around you.”

“I thank you for telling me this. And to the King: ” MacBeth smiled.

“Not only that, but also a stream of messengers brought news of this to the King, and they gushed with praise for how you defended his country.” Angus added.

“We have been sent to give you the King’s thanks and to escort you to him, although we don’t have your reward with us.” Ross smiled. “But... to give you a hint of the honors coming your way—the King told me to call you the Thane of Cawdor. Hail, most worthy Thane, for that title is now yours.”

“What? Can the devil speak the truth?” Banquo uttered it in haste.

“No... it’s an honour too great.” MacBeth shook his head. “I am a Thane of a small land. Why do you dress me in such borrowed robes?”

“The Thane of Cawdor is still alive? How can you pretend that his title is now mine?”

“The Thane lives yet? We doubt so. If so, he will be held under a death sentence. No rebels are allowed to live. He deserves to die. I do not know to whom he allied.” Ross spoke. “The Danes, the Irish, or to himself., he betrayed our King. That is treason, and he will be rescinded of his rank.”

MacBeth smiled and then turned to crystals.

“Please leave. I need a moment alone.” MacBeth made his words heard.