The scene opens in a Camp near Forres with Malcolm asking a bloody Sergeant to report what is happening at the battlefield to the King, Duncan. He reports how brave Macbeth and Banquo fought and defeated the Norwegian army and how Macbeth beheaded the rebel, Macdonwald. Duncan asks for the Sergeant to be treated then enters the thane of Ross who reports the treachery of the thane of Cawdor, who supported Norway. Duncan orders the traitor to be executed then proclaiming Macbeth thane of Cawdor.