Lady Macbeth

Back in the great hall at Fife, Macbeth and Gilcomgan face off. Fergus urges Gruadh to watch the fight, especially Macbeth, to learn more about swordsmanship.

Gruadh considers the argument between the two men. She realizes that even if Gilcomgan hadn’t killed Macbeth’s father, Finlach, there would still be “cause enough for a blood feud” because of the complicated way that sovereignty is passed down, which opens up the claim to the throne to many prospective warlords.

Gilcomgan slices Macbeth across the jaw, but the fight continues. Macbeth hits Gilcomgan’s arm, splitting the chainmail and cutting into the skin, but still the fight continues. Next to Gruadh, a man catches her attention, and she is surprised to see Ketill, who she had assumed had been killed or injured when Bodhe recaptured her from Thorfin. Ketill says only that any wounds have healed and “peace and restitution have been made.”

The fight finally ends when Gilcomgan stumbles into Gruadh and Bodhe forces the men to stop. Dolina takes Gilcomgan to treat his wound, and Gruadh tells Bodhe that she will not marry him, because he is old and a murderer. Bodhe points out that Gruadh’s consent is not necessary for her to marry. Macbeth overhears, and asks Bodhe if it is true that Gruadh and Gilcomgan will wed.

Gruadh tells Macbeth that not only will she not marry Gilcomgan, she would not marry him either. Macbeth warns her again against an alliance with Gilcomgan, but Bodhe says the betrothal will happen soon nonetheless. Macbeth calls the pair of them fools and leaves the hall.

Bodhe explains to Gruadh that she must get married and this is the best match for her. She counters that it is only the best match for him.

Thorfin Sigurdsson interrupts them. Bodhe explains they have made their peace with him, but Gruadh still holds a grudge. Thorfin tells her he beheaded Harald, the man who assaulted her. Then Thorfin turns away and continues his conversation with Bodhe.