Page 110 of Highland Queen

Chapter 32

Summer passed peacefully, and soon, autumn came to Lochaber. The forest vista outside Tor Castle changed to ruby red, burnt orange, and vibrant yellow. The landscape was lovely, and I felt very much at home there. While Lochaber proved quiet, my work continued to be challenging. I’d finally received correspondence from the Irish king. He was willing to negotiate a release of Donaldbane, provided I came to talk in person. While I knew there were risks involved, I agreed. Being Emir’s daughter, I wanted to see my mother’s lands and maybe even meet my own flesh and blood. I promised the Irish king I would come in the spring.

I wasn’t surprised to see Banquo was a caring and thoughtful thane. Much like Gillacoemgain, he rode out to ensure his people’s harvests were coming along well. Many of the local families fished the lochs and rivers, Banquo often joining them for a day trip onto the water. Since arriving, I had eaten more fish than I had my entire life—most of which was terribly seasoned and often burnt, but Aelith never complained. In fact, I’d grown very round and fat-cheeked. When I was pregnant with Lulach and Crearwy, I often felt ill and tired. Aelith was proving to be considerably kinder to her mother.

I was resting in our chamber when Banquo returned home early one evening. He was tapping a scroll in his hand, a pensive look on his face.

“What is it?” I asked, setting down the letter I was writing.

“From Macbeth. He’s making some plans and would like me to come to Dunsinane in the spring.”

“What kind of plans?”

Banquo shook his head. “I don’t know, but he says he could use the help of his most trusted general.”

“I don’t like the sound of that. He has said nothing to me.”

Banquo nodded. “That’s what worried me as well.”

We were not yet sure if Macbeth had learned that I was in Lochaber. Thus far, his letters to me had been delivered to Cawdor—Standish sending them along to me on a weekly basis. It was only a matter of time before someone said something. Yet Madelaine assured me all seemed well. Macbeth stayed busy moving the court to Dunsinane, which was nearly ready. And she applauded Macbeth’s tact in dealing with the southern lords. Part of me wondered if Macbeth’s invitation to Banquo was nothing more than bait.

“I do have other news, good news,” Banquo said with a smile. “Our sons are coming home.”

“You’ve had word from Balor?”

Banquo nodded. “He sent a casting.”

“Thank the gods.”

“I knew you would be happy. And, my Cerridwen, there is a fresh delivery of honey in the kitchens. Morag promised me she’d make something special for you and my little one,” he said then got down on his knees before me. Wrapping his hands around my waist, Banquo pressed his cheek against my stomach. “How are you, my wee babe?”

“Rolling and kicking,” I replied.

Banquo laughed then kissed my stomach. “We cannot wait to meet you. Will you look like your mother or me?”

“Or both.”

Banquo gazed up me, a look of love on his face. But I also saw the lines around his mouth tremble.

“What is it?” I asked.

“It’s just…it should have always been like this.”

“Yes. You’re right. But in spite of it all, we have won this moment,” I said, taking his hand in mine.

Banquo nodded then embraced me again. “How true. How very true. Don’t tell her I said so, but your mother is the wisest woman I’ve ever known,” Banquo whispered to my stomach.

“Is that so? There are none wiser?” I asked playfully.

“Well, there is Sid. She’s wise in her own way.”

I chuckled. “That makes me wonder what she’s said to you when I wasn’t around.”

Banquo laughed. “You wouldn’t believe your ears.”

“I can only imagine.”

A month later, a horn sounded as riders approached the castle. I had been sitting in the great hall by the fire, trying to warm my perpetually cold feet when I heard the noise. I set down the letter I was reading.

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