pride of lions3 by Unknown

Author:Unknown
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2012-08-08T22:30:50+00:00

Chapter Fifty-one

Life was increasingly hectic for Malcolm of Alba. He had begun delegating some authority to the mormaers to collect tributes and be responsible for the execution of the king’s law. But it was not easy for him to relinquish power, even to those he trusted. He spent much of his time traveling from one region to another to assure himself the king’s word remained absolute in Alba.

Another of Malcolm’s worries was the lack of a son. As the years passed, he had become obsessed with securing for his grandson, Duncan, the throne he must someday vacate. Mindful of the disaster whereby the Battle of Clontarf had destroyed Brian Boru’s plans for an inherited and stable monarchy, he had even discussed

the situation with Gormlaith during her visit. Talking together long into the night, they had agreed on the most pragmatic course of action.

In 1020, Malcolm put their plan

into effect. Having slain Kenneth the Second to gain the kingship, he now had the grandson of his predecessor killed. By this deed he satisfied himself there were no stronger claimants for the throne than young Duncan. He was unfortunately unaware that the murder victim left a daughter, Gruoch, who was betrothed to a young Scot called Mac Beth, Mormaer of Moray, a man also of royal descent.

With the murder of Kenneth’s grandson, Malcolm’s hands felt no more bloody than they had before. “Kingship,” as he had remarked to Gormlaith, “is only for the able.”

Although he doubted she any longer had the mental capacity to understand, early in the year 1020 he sent Gormlaith a letter. In it he wrote, “Our mutual plan for Duncan’s benefit is accomplished. Now I am prepared to turn my energies toward your son, as we agreed.”

Malcolm had been following Donough’s career with interest, welcoming every bit of news from Ireland. “Duncan will not have an easy time when he is king,” he told Blanaid. “I mean for him to have all the allies I can arrange, as I foresee the day he might need to call upon an army of the Irish Gael to keep his place on the king-seat. Therefore I want to be sure your brother is indebted to me.”

Blanaid had had her fill of kingly manipulations. Gormlaith had inserted a wedge between herself and Malcolm and she was no longer sympathetic to his political machinations. Nor did she like the idea of having her brother used.

She told Malcolm so in no uncertain terms, surprising him.

“What has become of my compliant wife?”

he asked, meaning to tease her.

Blanaid’s expression hardened. “She’s Irish,” was the reply, “and not as compliant as you think!”

Thereafter Malcolm did not confide in her listening ear. When he sent two more letters, first one to Earl Godwine and, sometime later, one to Donough Mac Brian, he neglected to tell his wife.

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