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The messenger appeared average in height but thick in muscle and looked as if he could best many in a fight, yet the Legend gave him cause to mind his tongue and manner.
Still, he held his head high when he spoke. “The earl of Culberry wishes to meet with you.”
Reena furrowed her brow. Whatever good would a meeting between the two men accomplish?
Magnus gave no hasty reply; he waited as if giving thought to the suggestion. “Did Kilkern suggest a place for this meeting?”
The man stood straight. “He invites you to his home.”
Reena thought to laugh. That would be like having the prey walk into the hunter’s trap.
“When does he suggest this meeting take place?”
“Tomorrow.”
Kilkern did not think Magnus foolish enough to walk into his keep as if in surrender. Why then the invitation? What did he have planned? Magnus would not be fool enough to accept, or would he force Kilkern’s hand by placing himself in danger?
Reena grew concerned and placed a hand to her nervous stomach. A sudden thought that she could be with child filled her heart with joy and fear. Joy that they would be a family; she, Magnus and their child. Fear that Kilkern would kill him and she would be alone with their child—or completely alone, as Brigid had been when her husband had died. Reena felt an enormous loss for her friend, realizing now more than ever the hurt she had suffered.
She could not lose Magnus; she would not. She would do everything she could to keep him safe and protect him as he did her, even though he would protest. She would do what was necessary.
Magnus unfolded his arms and walked toward the man. The man retreated several steps before Magnus neared.
“What if I do not agree to his offer?”
The man’s voice trembled. “Then I am to deliver another message.”
“Which is?” Magnus demanded.
The man hesitated, swallowed as if gathering courage, then spoke. “I am to tell you that the earl of Culberry knows you for the coward you are; you being much like your own father.”
At that moment Reena wished to race at the man and pound him with her fists, which she kept tight at her sides, but he was only a messenger, a messenger who presently was sweating profusely.
Magnus remained calm, his voice deep and his speech articulate. “Tell Kilkern I accept his invitation.”
The man looked relieved.
“And—”
The man’s eyes widened and a drop of sweat hung from his brow over his eye.
Magnus took several steps toward the trembling man. “Tell him that a man who knows no honor dies in shame—like his father.”
The man’s eyes widened in fear, and any fool could see that he realized the message he delivered to his lord would earn his wrath. He gave a quick nod, turned, and fled the great hall.
Magnus exchanged words with Thomas, their voices low and not reaching Reena’s ears. They parted, and Magnus walked toward the staircase. She intended to stay where she was until he passed by. Once he was far enough up the stairs, she would take hasty steps to her room, explaining that she’d decided to map instead of discussing bridal veils.
She kept her breathing low and braced herself against the stone wall, the darkness completely swallowing her. No one would know that she was there. She was safe in the recesses of the dark.
Magnus passed by, and she could not help but smile. She waited, giving him time to climb the stairs, and when she was sure that all was safe, she walked out of the shadows and around the stone wall to race up the stairs.
Her foot never hit the step; Magnus stepped out of the shadows in the corner by the staircase and grabbed her around the waist.
She cried out in shock, then punched his arm—not that he felt her meager attempt at revenge. “You frightened me.”
“You should not have hidden in the shadows.”
“I wanted to hear for myself.”
