Death of Kenneth III
Kenneth III, King of Scots, is betrayed and murdered by his own kin, Malcolm, in the Great Hall of Glamis Castle. The scene is tense as Malcolm, with the silent complicity of the Guard Captain, moves
Setting
Great Hall of Glamis Castle, a dimly lit stone chamber with high ceilings and narrow windows covered by heavy woolen drapes to keep out the winter chill. The hall is sparsely furnished, with a large central hearth struggling to keep the space warm. The stone walls are hung with faded tapestries depicting ancient battles, their colors muted by time and smoke.
Characters
Kenneth III
primary
An aging King of Scots, his once-powerful frame now gaunt with years of rule. His long, silver-streaked beard reaches his chest, and his deep-set blue eyes burn with a mix of wisdom and weary defiance. His hands, resting on the arms of his throne, bear the scars of old battles—knuckles swollen from decades gripping sword hilts.
Malcolm
primary
A lean man in his late 30s with sharp, angular features and piercing blue eyes that seem to gleam with calculated ambition. His dark brown hair is cropped short in the Norman style, and a neatly trimmed beard frames his jaw. His hands are surprisingly delicate for a warrior, but the calluses on his right palm betray years of sword practice.
Guard Captain
secondary
A burly man in his late 30s with a thick beard streaked with grey, his face bears the scars of past battles. His heavily muscled frame testifies to years of combat training, and his dark eyes are sharp with vigilance. His stance is that of a seasoned warrior ready for action at a moment's notice.
Bard
secondary
A middle-aged man with a lean, wiry build, his face marked by deep-set eyes that have seen much sorrow and joy alike. His long, graying hair is tied back with a simple leather thong, and his fingers, though calloused from years of harp-playing, move with delicate precision.
Servant
background
A young male attendant, perhaps in his late teens, with a slender build and pale complexion. His hair is shaggy and unkempt, falling just above his shoulders, and his hands are slightly calloused from menial tasks. His wide, fearful eyes are his most striking feature at this moment.
Dialog
Malcolm
The deer that strays too far from the herd finds the wolf's teeth at its throat, cousin. Will you walk with me to the chapel?
Kenneth III
I see no wolves here... only a pup snapping at his betters.
Bard
My lords, when Fergus MacEchdach feuded with his brother, the stones of Dunadd wept blood for a generation...
Malcolm
Your harp sings prettily, bard. But old tales won't stay my hand today.
Kenneth III
So the viper sheds his skin at last. Tell me, Malcolm mac Cináeda—does your new cloak sit heavy on your shoulders?
Malcolm
Heavier than a dead man's, I think.
Kenneth III
Then wear it in Hades' hall, traitor. My blood will poison that fine cloak of yours.