NORWEGIAN
ACT ONE
SCENE TWO
SUB ACT FOUR
The new guests were invited into the healing station.
“Ross of Cambria” The adjutant announced the newly
arrived land owner in the realm of the Highlands. The Thane was the ally of the
King and had fought by his side in many battles. In recognition of the
assistance. King Duncan had given tracts of land to the Ross.
“How fares, my good ally, the Thane’s?” King Duncan
greeted Thane Ross.
“We fare well, my King." The one who held the
title was the young Ross. “Father is unwell, and I...”
“The new Thane. I deemed you worthy of the title,
young Thane.” King Duncan smiled. He knew of the ascension but feigned
ignorance. “What fare news do you bring to me?”
“God save the King!” Thane roared out. “We came to the
battle late but gave our share of it.”
“Better late than never, young Ross.” King Duncan held
the subtle message to the young Thane, whom he may give can be removed as
easily.
“I bear news, my King.” Ross bowed towards the King.
“Heroic news, I hope.” Malcom looked to the Thane.
“We came late, for the journey was far, and we did
some bad turns, but we arrived at the flank of the enemy.” Ross spoke. “It was
the Norwegian’s supply line at Fife. They were lightly guarded.”
“Did you do them damage?” Malcolm was anxious for the
update. Thane ignored the prince and continued his report.
“I saw the Thane of Cawdor.”
“Cawdor? Was he not of our alliance?” Malcolm asked.
“Thane of Cawdor was with the Norwegians." Ross
bowed to the King: “We live to serve only you, my King. We battled the supply
line, but victory was in our grasp when the Norwegians with Cawdor reinforced
the rear. We were pushed back, but then the unexpected was to be done.”
“Unexpected?” Malcolm again, in his urgency, rushed to
ask.
“There was one name, General MacBeth, who mounted the
counterattack on the Norwegians and Cawdor. Their strength was less, but their fervour
for victory was there. They fought hard, and we soon cornered the enemy.”
“MacBeth? I am amazed at that man. How did he fare?” King
Duncan, in turn, was to ask.
“The General was... Indomitable. He was at the front
of the line and bathed in blood, but he never ceased the battle. His action
spoke highly of his bravery, and it motivated his men to battle against the
bigger army.” It was infantry against infantry, or armoured, but they meant
nothing. The general made great advances.”
“My own men were driven to battle by their heroic
acts, and soon we defeated the Danes. And, the Thane of Cawdor.”
“And what was of Cawdor’s fate?’ Malcolm asked.
“He perished in battle. He was wounded and then
cornered by a group; I do not know who. It could have been ours or the Danes.
He went down swiftly.”
“A deserving act but too merciful to one betray his
own land.” King Duncan smiled. “How fares the Danes then?”
“They were many, but the tide of the battle was in our
favour. Their supply was destroyed, and their ally was routed. It was a matter
of timing and strategy. They all saw the brave general standing tall, awash
with blood, yet he was not relenting to any challenge he faced. His sabre was
his mercy then. Soon, the Danes found themselves in the retreat and asked for
mercy and a truce. It was called, and King Sweno agreed to our terms: leave our
Highlands and give us gold as compensation. Ten thousand gold pieces were
agreed.”
“Ross, you deserved the reward.” King Duncan spoke.
“The gold belongs to you.”
“My King ….” Ross was to ask for more, but the King
made his call then.
“General MacBeth will be made Thane of Cawdor. His
contribution cannot be denied. I decreed that now.”
“Was he not the Thane of Gladis? Malcom asked.
“Yes, he is the Thane of Gladis and now also of …… Cawdor.”
King Duncan replied.
No comments:
Post a Comment