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.”