Page 88 of Highland Queen

“Medicine. I made you a similar tonic in Thurso…many moons ago.”

Macbeth rose slowly then slumped into the chair.

I pushed the cup toward him.

“Your Majesties?” a voice called from the door.

I turned to find the maid there.

“Strip everything,” I told the maid, motioning to the bed. Macbeth’s servant stood at the door. “And you, sir. Set out fresh clothes for the king. Get his washing tub. And a shave…” I said then paused. “Well…the beard suits you,” I told Macbeth.

“I’ll leave it,” he said absently.

I nodded. “It needs to be trimmed, as does your hair.”

I turned to Macbeth’s servant who nodded.

Just outside the chamber, I spotted another footman. “You there,” I called to the boy. “Bring a breakfast for His Majesty. Tell the cook I want whatever fresh fruits and cheese there is to be had. Fish, if there is any. Honey cakes.”

I looked back at Macbeth who was staring at me, his eyes wide and fixed.

“What are you doing?” he whispered.

“What needs to be done.”

One obstacle at a time, I would make my way to my fate.

I glanced at Macbeth’s cup. “Drink. Finish it.”

He did as I asked then slid the cup toward me. I took it from him, rinsing it in the basin. I cleaned my tools then packed my bag back up.

“After you are dressed, you will go outside, walk the grounds, and check on the soldiers.”

“Gruoch, I—”

“I don’t want to hear anything. You need fresh air and exercise. I will be in your council chamber when you are finished,” I said then latched my box closed once more.

Satisfied I’d made a start forward, I left Macbeth’s chamber.

It was some time after lunch when Macbeth arrived. He looked pale and gaunt. There were dark rings under his eyes and an odd gleam within them. He sat down in a chair in front of the fire.

“Gruoch,” he said, but then he said nothing else.

“I’ve had an idea,” I told Macbeth.

“What idea?” Macbeth asked absently.

“That you should take a pilgrimage to Rome.”

Macbeth turned and looked at me. “To Rome? Me?”

“Many rulers do so. We need to strengthen our ties abroad, and you need to strengthen yourself.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Yes, you do. I have never fully agreed with the priests of the White Christ nor do I embrace your faith. But I believe that if you embrace your faith, you may find a way back to that man I met at Lumphanan.”

“That man is a stranger to me.”

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