Meanwhile, in the Kingdom of Moray, MacBeth held the tribute purses of all Alba save McDuff’s in Fife.  MacBeth’s cousin Gille Frog employed fifty strong men as guard for their overland journey to Scone where they would meet Malcolm and Crínán.  As the guard lofted late in a barn, the cousins argued about tanistry. 

“Forget not our solemnity,” warned Frog, referring to their violent act against each other’s own fathers as young teenagers, “We have a pact, MacBeth.”

“A pox on your pact, you turd,” MacBeth answered with contempt.  “Your boyish fantastics are tiresome.  How can you expect to rule as king when you cannot even rule a house?  Your son laughs at you,” said MacBeth to his furious cousin as they entered the...

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