The sun was setting as we came to Forres and Macbeth's castle. We gave our horses to the stable keeper and made our way inside. We were greeted by Lady Macbeth and led to our chambers and then to the dining hall. As merry as the occasion was; I was distracted by thoughts. What nobody knew is that while I was in captivity; I was visited by these three weird sisters and they told me of not only my forthcoming rescue but they had told me one of those men was destined to be my husband. I laughed at first at them until one said "Laugh not my dear; an army captain is your destiny. You shall be indebted to him and can repay the favor by saving his life and that of his son."

"Would not this man have a wife" I asked, confused by this revelation. "She is no longer of this earth. She left it after her son was born" another revealed to me. I left that memory and remembered those that had rescued me. I knew it could not be Macbeth as he was already married which left Ross and Banquo as one of my destined husbands. I knew the thane of Ross had no children as he had not taken a wife yet but he was still young and would probably take a wife when he felt it was time. The only other possibility was Banquo and he is a captain which was what the witches had told me but I had no idea if he had a son. I suddenly heard a voice call "Mariana" and I looked up to see Malcolm looking over at me. "Is everything well Mariana" he asked.

"No; I apologize but I need to retire early to my chambers. I am weary still from the time in captivity" I replied. All bade me a good night as I left the dining area and made my way to my chamber. As I made my way down the hall; my legs ached from the pain I had endured but I finally made it to my chamber and changed into a nightgown and dressing robe. This visit by these sisters had secretly consumed my every thought. I lay in my bed, trying to silence the thoughts rushing through my aching head. I finally walked over to my window, adjusted the cushion in the window seat, and sat down, staring out of the window and looked out into the night at the dull light of the moon.

Banquo's P.O.V

It was well into the night and my son, Fleance was standing watch. "How goes the night boy" I asked. "The moon is down; I have not heard the clock" he answered, looking toward the clock tower. "And she goes down at twelve" I commented. "I take't 'tis later sir" Fleance replied. We both looked toward the castle and all lights were out and the moon was hiding its light. Macbeth approached and we spoke a moment after I confessed I had dreamt of the weird sisters. Macbeth told me that he did not think of them but we could talk about it if I was willing. "At your kind'st leisure" I answered, preparing to retire. "Good repose the while" Macbeth told me and Fleance. "Thanks sir; the like to you" I replied as I headed inside with Fleance.

We were on our way to our chambers when Fleance asked "What has bothered you tonight father?" "Those weird sisters you heard me speak of have told me of remarriage and giving you a mother. I have not forgotten your mother but our family hath been broken for too long" I answered. "Have they given you any idea of who she is" Fleance asked. "No; they vanished before I could question them. I wish though for it to be Duncan's maidservant, Mariana though I dare to notice he treats her not like a maid but as his own" I answered. Fleance seemed to be in thought and replied "It would be an honor to have one to call mother." I was relieved my son approved and said "Go on to bed then. I shall see thee at sun up."

I was on my way to my chamber when I heard soft singing from a room. I stopped and a door stood slightly ajar. It was Mariana's room and she was sitting in the window seat, looking disheartened. "Pray Mariana; I hope I did not disturb thee. May I enter" I asked, opening the door slightly. "I would be grateful for thy company if it is at thy leisure" she replied, looking up at me. I entered her chamber silently and closed the door. "Captain Banquo; what matter lies on thine heart" she asked as I crossed over to where she sat and joined her.

"The truth good maiden; a few things have consumed my thoughts and one was an encounter Macbeth and I had before you came with Ross and Angus. These three weird women appeared and foretold Macbeth of being called Thane of Cawdor and that he would be king sometime in the future. How soon; I know not but then they told me I would receive a bride in the future. Before I could ask anything; they vanished" I told her. "This interests me captain but be not surprised when I tell you that I too have encountered the same weird sisters of which you speak" she replied. "Pray; before you continue, would thou mind just calling me by name? You need not be so formal" I told her.

She seemed surprised by that instruction but replied "As thou ask of me Banquo." I noticed she turned rouge as she spoke and I asked "You were about to tell me that you too have encountered the weird sisters. What did they tell you?" She hesitated a moment before replying "They too foretold me that I would be married to a Scottish army captain that would save me from captivity who had raised a blessing from the heavens in the form of a son whose mother left the earth after he was born. I would be indebted to him until I could repay the favor by saving both this gentleman's life and his son as well."

I was presently surprised by this information but I asked "Was it possible the weird sisters were talking of me?" "You did rescue me and you are a captain but do you have a son" she asked. "Aye madam; I do. My son is Fleance" I told her. "I saw him around base camp a few times practicing his combat" she replied, blush painting her cheeks. I finally asked "Then I ask one thing Mariana. Wilt thou consider an offer of courtship?"

She was silent a moment and replied "I shall consider it. Thou must know that I never have been asked before. Can I know thy intentions toward my heart are true?" "I shall prove my intentions toward thy heart are honest as the light of the moon" I replied. She smiled softly and I asked "Should you be at rest now?" She only nodded as I held her in my arms and I laid her in her bed and covered her up. I left her chamber knowing now that I had found the answer to my destined wife but I had no idea that betrayal was in the air.