Page 17 of Highland Queen

“Once Duncan fell, there was no support. Even the southern lords will not back the Earl of Northumbria,” Banquo said.

“What about Crinian and Bethoc?” I asked.

“Still in Edinburgh,” Macbeth replied. “We believe that Suthen and Malcolm fled south when the fighting began.”

“How deep?” I asked.

Macbeth shook his head. “I don’t know yet.”

Banquo turned to me. “From what we were able to extract from Siward’s spies, I believe they have withdrawn to the court of Harthacnut.”

Harthacnut was the son of King Cnut who passed during the struggles. Cnut’s timing was certainly excellent, but by all accounts, Harthacnut was worse than his father. Hated by the people of England, inept and cruel, he didn’t strike me as long for the throne. He’d already lost Norway to Magnus and Thorfinn. But sending Malcolm and Suthen to Harthacnut was a wise play on Siward’s part. One day, they would return to take what Macbeth and I had stolen.

“A smart play,” Banquo said.

I nodded.

Macbeth turned to me. “I understand that Donaldbane was taken prisoner by the Irish king and that you’ve sent word.”

“Yes.”

“We must try to ransom him,” Macbeth said.

“The cost will be very high,” Banquo warned. “He will want the isles from Echmarcach.”

Macbeth nodded, considering. “That will brew another war. We should finish this one first. We’ll find another way.”

I raised an eyebrow at Macbeth. That was the first sensible thing I had heard Macbeth say in years.

“Agreed,” Banquo said.

At that, Macbeth smiled softly then turned to me. “And you? Are you in agreement?”

I gave him a steely gaze. What game was he playing? Or was he, too, trying to find a path forward. “Yes. For now.”

Macbeth nodded. “Thorfinn and Magnus have taken the fleet north, Magnus for his throne, Thorfinn for Ingibjorg.”

At that, Banquo chuckled.

“Do they expect any resistance?” I asked.

Macbeth smiled. “Only from Ingibjorg’s father. It will be easier to subdue Norway.”

At that, Banquo laughed. I could not help but grin, feeling glad for Thorfinn that he would finally be with the woman he so adored.

I cast a glance at Banquo who smiled gently at me. I returned the gesture.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Macbeth stiffen. “Well then. We’ll ride in the morning. I’ll see to the men now,” Macbeth said.

Banquo turned back to Macbeth. “Very good. I’ll inform you if any further news comes through from the field.”

“Thank you, Banquo,” Macbeth said then went to the tent flap. He paused. “Goodnight, Gruoch.”

“Goodnight,” I replied.

The tent flapped in Macbeth’s wake. I exhaled a deep sigh of relief.

“Let me get us some wine,” Banquo said as he rummaged through the supplies that had come from Moray. Digging into the trunk, he pulled out two goblets and a decanter, pouring a drink for us both. He handed one to me.

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