Page 74 of Highland Queen

“Great Mother, Father Cernunnos, I consecrate this body and return your son back to you,” Banquo called. “May the flames lift his spirit to the stars. May his body replenish the earth. May he be reborn into a world full of love and life,” Banquo said.

He then lowered his torch, setting the wood on fire.

Madelaine sobbed.

Banquo circled the pyre. Orange flames flickered to life. The wood crackled and popped.

Banquo came to stand at Tavis’ head once more. His arms outstretched, he looked toward the sky. “Great Mother, Father God, receive his body. May his spirit ride on the winds. May the gods bless this man and provide him comfort until the day he is reborn. Tavis, long may you be remembered.”

Sparks flew as orange flame leaped up into the night sky.

The scent of pine and sage filled the air.

Madelaine watched the sparks twirl upward toward the heavens. The light of the flames bounced on her face, her cheeks slick with tears. Her eyes sparkled, and a calm washed over her features, her eyes softening.

We stayed for the longest time, keeping a watchful vigil over a man we had loved. In the end, only Madelaine, Banquo, and I remained.

“I will see him again in the next life,” Madelaine whispered. “We’ll be reunited once more. And next time, for the better.”

I kissed Madelaine on the cheek.

She took one last look, then turned and went back to the castle.

Banquo took my hand. “I will stay with him until the flame grows cold. But the fire of the dead can’t warm the spirit. Why don’t you go back inside?”

“I hate to leave you alone.”

“I am not alone,” Banquo said, motioning to the pyre.

“Come to me tonight.”

“But your guards.”

“Come anyway.”

Banquo nodded.

I turned then and headed back to the castle. I paused just once to look behind me. Banquo stood staring at the flames. At his side, for just a flickering moment, I saw Tavis.

Later that night, once he had finished with the rites and bathed, Banquo joined me in my chamber. Killian, who was keeping watch outside, gave me a puzzled expression when I answered the door. Killian looked from me to Banquo. I motioned for Banquo to go inside.

“My lady, is everything all right?” Killian asked.

“Yes. Goodnight, Killian,” I told him.

“I…Goodnight, Gruoch,” he said, inclining his head. I couldn’t help but notice the look of jealousy that washed across his face. No doubt he had heard the rumors. Perhaps he had hoped they weren’t true. Of course, if he had affection for me, he had no doubt wished they were untrue. But jealousy was a tricky thing. When I returned to Moray, Killian might need to stay behind.

I closed and bolted the door behind me.

“I would offer you wine…” Banquo said, pouring himself a glass. “But…”

I chuckled. “Alas, no wine for me. And it’s all your doing.”

“I would say I’m sorry, but I’m not,” he said then polished off his cup.

I slipped into bed, motioning for Banquo to join me.

Setting his drink aside, he slipped under the blankets with me and pulled me close. He kissed the back of my head then breathed in the scent of my hair.

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