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“What made you think the Legend was real? Some think Magnus a myth.”
“Nay,” Reena said with a soft smile that had both men staring at her oddly. “I never thought the Legend a myth. The tales spoke of his strength and courage, and while it was said he was feared by many, they never spoke of brutality. To me the Legend fought with honor and dignity—a difficult task in this brutal world.”
“And what do you think of him now that you have met him?” Thomas asked, looking from her to Magnus.
“You are not bound to answer that,” Magnus said. “It matters not what others think of me, and Thomas well knows this.”
“I do not mind answering,” she said. “I think you are a man of many mysteries.”
“What mysteries?”
Reena placed her elbows on the table and rested her face in her hands. “You are considerate and accommodating, yet demanding and commanding, and I find it easy to speak with you.”
Thomas’s whole body shook with a laughter he attempted to contain.
Magnus ignored his friend after giving him a rough shot to the side with his elbow. “There are not many who would agree with you on that.”
Reena yawned; with a full stomach and the warmth of the hall relaxing her, she was about ready to fall asleep. “They do not see you as I do.”
“You have only met me. What makes you think you see me more clearly than others?”
“I have a good eye, which is the reason why I am a skilled mapmaker. I see much and remember even more. Your face tells me much.”
Thomas wanted to hear more. “What does his face tell you?”
Another yawned attacked, and she moved her arms off the table to sit straight, as if the new position would keep her more alert. “Besides the obvious?”
“You mean that he is so handsome that women fall at his feet?” Thomas asked with a grin.
Both Thomas and Reena ignored Magnus’s scowl.
“Aye,” she said with a nod, then shook her head. Sleep was nipping at her heels fast and furious, and she had no time for it. She had to start mapping the keep now if she was to finish in a day’s time.
“Tell us,” Thomas urged.
“He is a man who respects honor and strength, and a man who commands with a demanding hand, and I sense compassion in his heart.”
Both men sat speechless, staring at her.
Thomas leaned forward. “You know him well.”
Reena smiled at the large man, and then at Magnus. “I see how you truly are a legend, and I hope you will help me in my time of need.” She stood, yawning. “Now, I must begin my mapmaking.”
“You are tired,” Magnus said with concern.
“It will pass.” Reena reached for her sack.
“Take time to rest.” There was that demand again.
She ignored him. “Nay, there is no time.”
“I say there is,” he challenged.
“I know otherwise.” She held firm to her annoyance and worry. “And I beg for you to understand my plight.”
He remained silent for a moment, and Reena held her breath.
“Go do as you will and know that when you grow weary there will be a sleeping pallet ready for you in front of the hearth.”
