Chapter 2
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The trip to Scone had so far been uneventful. Other than the matter of what should be done with Macbeth's armies (the soldiers followed Malcolm to Forres, and conscripts were sent home), no decisions had to be made and no fighting was done. This was perfectly fine with Malcolm, who as he sat astride his horse was becoming increasingly anxious about the responsibilities of the crown. He was twenty-three years old; he had no experience in, for example, setting taxes or diplomacy. He knew that there would be advisers to help at every turn, but to constantly rely on them would not set the example of calm, confident leadership that Scotland sorely needed.
Macduff was better but still too injured to attend the coronation. He had delegated someone to look after Fife-his lands-while he recovered. There was not a lot to be managed, as Macbeth had sent out soldiers to kill every man, woman, and child living in Macduff's castle. This had included Macduff's wife and children, as well as any servants and townsfolk that could be found. However, the thane himself had escaped their fate because he had already fled to join Malcolm in England.
The search for Banquo's son Fleance had so far proved fruitless. Banquo was a commander, along with Macbeth, of King Duncan's army, and the two men were friends. However, Macbeth ordered assassins to kill both Banquo and Fleance as they rode through the forest near Forres one night. Banquo was killed, but Fleance's body was not found by search parties. There were reports by soldiers that he had been seen near Macbeth's body on the battlefield, but there had been no trace of him since.
"Finally!" Donalbain's voice jerked Malcolm out of his thoughts. He looked quizzically at his younger brother.
Donalbain pointed at the horizon. "We're there."
Malcolm squinted at the horizon. He thought he could make out the towers of a castle through the mist, but he wasn't sure. That was the problem with scottish weather, it was foggy all the time.
Malcolm cursed silently. He did not want to take up the responsibilities of the throne just yet. But he could not avoid the task; handing it to someone else would only cause further turmoil. Not that there weren't upsides to being king. In fact, it would be exhilarating.
The brothers rode down the hill, with the army strung out behind them. After seeing to it that their men were camped for the night, they headed to the castle where the lord greeted them with open arms. However, they were too exhausted by the three-day ride and the events of the previous day's to do more than thank him and head straight to their chambers.
The next day he donned his robes quickly, sparing a glance at the mirror as he walked out. Staring back at him was a young man with a round face surrounded by close-cropped dark brown hair and beard. He looked no older than sixteen.
During the coordination Malcolm looked into the crowd and for a moment he thought he saw three old women staring at him with the oddest look on his face.
The feast was the highlight of the day. It provided a welcome diversion from the business of trying to look regal, as even kings were allowed to gorge themselves at these events.
"Baldwin." he said to the man across from him, "Was there any word on Banquo's son?"
"Not that I heard," replied Baldwin, leaning across the table so he wouldn't have to shout over the noisy thanes. "But my warriors were handling the horses, so news would probably not have reached me."
"I hope he is found soon."
"Aye." Baldwin's attention was suddenly lost to the servants bringing out the next course.
AN: Sorry this chapter was so short. Please remember to review.