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She shook her head, her mouth full with a bite from a juicy apple.
“Tell me more of this village of yours.” Magnus poured her the cider.
She quickly finished the apple and downed a mouthful of cider, anxious to tell him all she could about her village. “The villagers have made Culberry a prosperous land. We have worked hard to produce hardy and abundant crops, and our animals are healthy. The cows provide us with tasty milk, and the sheep, fine wool for spinning.”
She paused a moment to nibble on a piece of cheese and then resumed talking with a bright smile. “My father is the village storyteller. He entertains everyone with exciting and marvelous tales. Midday you will find many gathered in the village to hear a story. Brigid and I would rush from wherever we were to listen, even if we had heard the tale again and again. My father finds a way of making a redundant tale new and exciting so no one tale ever sounds the same.”
“Brigid is a friend of yours?” Magnus asked.
Reena laughed softly and Magnus was caught by the beauty of the delicate sound, like soft chimes ringing in a warm breeze. And the pleasantness of her smile amazed him; it radiated over her entire face.
“We are best friends. Growing up together we would get into mischief, fight mythical dragons in the nearby woods and of course search for those ever elusive wood fairies that all children attempt to find.”
Her smile faded. “Brigid was married to a wonderful man, but Peter Kilkern caused his death, and now she mourns a husband and a life that is no more.”
“Magnus will see to Peter Kilkern,” Thomas said with certainty.
Reena felt assured by Thomas’s declaration, and the long day fast caught up with her. If she rested her head back she was sure to fall asleep, and a yawn surfaced to prove it.
“You need a full night of sleep,” Magnus said.
“Aye, that I do, especially since we leave early tomorrow.”
“I had a room prepared for you.”
“The sleeping pallet I used by the hearth last night will suffice.”
“You are in my employment now and as such will do as directed.”
He spoke with authority, and Reena, now being in his service, had to accept that. But he also had to accept that she would speak her peace, in a respectful manner, of course. “I am grateful for the opportunity to map for you in return for protecting my village, but I must ask how long this will indebt me to you.”
“A fair enough question. I will expect six months’ time from you in return for my services, and then you may decide if you would like to remain in my service for a fair coin.”
Reena thought that was more than fair; he actually was being generous with her. And she would accept his generosity with a simple, “Thank you.”
“You are most welcome, though know that I will expect much from you and you will have little time for much else but mapping for me.” Her skills would serve him well for what he had planned.
“I understand and I will serve you well; you will not be disappointed.”
Magnus summoned a servant with a wave. “Show Reena to her room.”
She bid the two men goodnight and followed the servant from the hall.
“She is a good and brave lass and deserves a good man,” Thomas said. He stared at Magnus for several moments.
“What is it?”
Thomas nodded as if agreeing with himself. “Reena would be good for you and you for her.”
“And why is that?”
“You do not like women who have a need for attention. They annoy you.”
“You know this, do you?”
Thomas nodded again, though agreeing with Magnus this time. “I have watched you with women, hoping to learn your skills with the fairer sex so that if I am lucky enough to attract one I will know well what to do. And I have learned that women who demand attention and praise irritate you.”
“You are right,” Magnus admitted freely. “I cannot abide a demanding woman or a weak-willed woman, for that matter.”
