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.
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