Page 30 of Highland Queen

Chapter 10

Having Thorfinn at court changed the tone of everything. Scone had felt stifling. Coupled with the gloom of not knowing what had happened to Tavis, I was glad Thorfinn had come. Madelaine smiled and treated all the visiting lords and ladies with utter kindness, but her eyes remained haunted. Add to that Injibjorg’s startling proclamation had my world feeling like it was spinning off its axis.

That night, the Northmen brought joy and laughter to the feasting hall. While I worried for Tavis and prayed to the Goddess for his safe return, I couldn’t help but be moved by the Northmen’s merriment. Was I really with child? Banquo’s child? It was almost too much to hope.

“I dare say,” Fife, who had been seated next to me, said, “that Jarl Thorfinn is a man much maligned by his own reputation. He’s quite the jolly chap.”

As kind as Fife’s words were, he too eyed the Northmen warily.

“So he is. Though I suspect he’s as fierce in battle as he is determined in mirth.”

“Which makes him all the more dangerous,” Fife said with a chuckle. His eyes drifted to Madelaine who was talking with Lady Lennox. Madelaine smiled, but her stare was vacant. “Has there been any word?” Fife whispered to me.

I shook my head. “We expect news at any time.”

“She paced all night long, half awake, half asleep. I am an old man, but I am not a blind man. Tavis has been a loyal companion to her. Do you think… Should I take her back to Fife?”

I shook my head. “She won’t go. I’ve already suggested it. She will stay here until there is news.”

Fife sighed. “I love your aunt dearly. I hate to see her in such a state.”

“That is very generous of you, sir. All things considered.”

Fife laughed then patted his over-round belly. “She has been very generous, all things considered. A fine woman, your aunt. She has told me, somewhat, of her life with Allister,” he said then coughed uncomfortably. “Malcolm should have taken better care of his sister.”

“Malcolm was not one to concern himself with the well-being of his siblings. Ask my father.”

Fife huffed a laugh. “No truer words spoken, Lady Gruoch,” he said then clinked his glass against mine.

“Fife, will you join us for hunting?” the Mormaer of Lennox called to him, taking his attention away.

I looked around the table. Macbeth was deep in conversation with Thorfinn and Injibjorg, the Northmen laughing and talking amongst themselves. I turned to Banquo who was sitting diagonally from me. His hand rested on his mouth, and he was studying me carefully. He had a thoughtful expression on his face.

I laughed lightly. “You look far too serious. Should I call for someone to refill your cup?”

He shook his head, his expression softening. “No.”

“Something troubling you?”

“Trouble is an interesting word.”

“You riddle, druid.”

“Yes,” he replied with a wink. He lifted his cup and took a drink.

“Banquo,” Thorfinn called to him. “You must sail back with me. We will go to Norway and help Magnus prepare to make war against Denmark. The Macbeths will keep Scotland quiet.”

“It’s been too long since I was in Lochaber,” Banquo said. “I shall leave the fighting to you.”

Thorfinn laughed. “Banquo’s bones are weary. You’ve worn him down, Macbeth.”

“Him? Nothing ever wears him down. No matter what, he is persistent in whatever course he chooses, to a fault,” Macbeth said, his voice hard.

“Aren’t we all,” Banquo replied, giving Macbeth a disinterested glance.

“Then bring Fleance in the spring,” Thorfinn told Banquo. “And Lady Gruoch will send Lulach. I’ll teach those boys the ways of the sea and shield.”

At that, Madelaine scoffed. “Do you think I’ll let my nephew run wild with you, Jarl Thorfinn?”

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