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“Aye.”
Another moment of silence was followed by a frustrated sigh, and then he began. “Life was difficult after my mother and I made our escape. Our coins went quickly, especially since my mother had a tender heart. The group of people we joined was accepting and generous with what little they had, but one woman in particular was ill and required much care and what healing potions could be found. Though we had traveled as far from Dunhurnal land as we could, my mother could not take the chance and be seen. She remained at the campsite while others went out and scavenged for food and things we needed, as well as going to purchase potions for Lena, at least until our coins ran out.
“Stealing food at times was the only way we did not starve. I did well, being young and lightweight and quick on my feet, until one day I stole from the wrong person.”
Memories silenced him momentarily, and Reena waited for him to continue.
“I attempted a theft from a wealthy man protected by four guards who had just left an inn. I was caught and they were beating me rather badly when a warrior happened upon the scene and rescued me. I knew when I watched him effortlessly defend himself against the four men that I wanted to be as powerful a warrior as he.
“His name was James, and he returned me to my campsite bruised and bloodied. When my mother rushed to my side to care for me, he grabbed her arm and ordered her to leave me be, that I was a man and would lick my own wounds for being so foolish.
“That was the beginning of my warrior’s training. When James learned of our plight, he took me aside and told me that it was my duty to see that my stepfather paid for what he did to my mother and to my honor as a man.”
“He taught you then?” Reena asked.
“He taught me well and all I thought would be necessary to know to become a great warrior.”
“Not so?”
He shook his head. “Not near enough. He told me that patience and gratitude were the most important attributes a warrior could possess. I did not understand him, but I was soon to find out. He sent me away to learn from his friends, and that is when I became a true warrior. I learned combat skills I never knew existed, and I learned just how patience could save not only my own life but also the lives of many, and how gratitude for all that I had learned could greatly benefit me, that taking nothing for granted would win me wars and wealth, and my reputation grew.”
“Until?”
He hesitated. “Do you really wish to hear this, Reena?”
“You have told me nothing that makes me think differently of you. You did what was necessary to survive. There is nothing wrong with that. You learned skills that proved beneficial to you and others. You are a warrior.”
“I am the Legend.” He sounded as if he admitted to a heinous crime. “And the legend began far from here and followed me over sea and land and grew after my return.”
“Are you telling me there is more to the Legend than I have heard?”
He simply stared at her with pain-filled eyes.
“Tell me.” She fought down the nervous lump that tried to rush up in her throat. “Tell me how the Legend was given birth.”
His somber laugh sent a chill through Reena.
“I know you have heard many tales of me. Now you hear the truth.”
She nodded, as if reaffirming she was ready to hear whatever it was he had to tell her. And she wanted to hear every word, she wanted to know all she could about the Legend and understand all she could about him. The Legend was, after all, Magnus.
He hesitated a moment as if weighing the wisdom of his choice.
She smiled and reached out to rest her hand on his arm, the gesture one of comfort and support, letting him know she cared for him no matter his words.
He glanced down at her hand on his arm and raised troubled eyes to hers. “The legend began when I killed one of my teachers and his entire family.”
Chapter 23
Her hand fell away and she was stunned silent. One of his men called to him, letting him know they approached an area he had designated for mapping.
The Legend turned to Reena. “I expect your duties as my mapmaker to be carried out no matter the circumstances. This episode will then put your abilities to the test.”
“I will map,” Reena said firmly. She was actually grateful for the interruption, for she needed time to think on what he had just told her. He had been blunt, offering no excuse for his actions, and his words seemed to defy her to understand. Or did they beg her to understand?
The horses were brought to a halt and Reena dismounted before the Legend could assist her. At the moment she wanted no one’s assistance; she preferred relying on herself and she preferred solitude. Solitude to draw and to think.
She walked around her horse to the Legend. He stood where he was, a glint of anger in his dark eyes. She assumed he was annoyed with her for dismounting on her own. Her actions did give the impression she did not wish him to touch her, but she would deal with that later. Now she needed time to herself. “What do you wish mapped?”
