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“Reena is strong and not at all demanding.”
Magnus gave a quick laugh. “I think Reena can demand when she wants to.”
“She defends, not demands.”
Magnus grinned. “You have a way with words—you make them go your way.”
Thomas ignored his remark. “You have been alone too long.”
“So have you, so when you find a woman, then so will I,” Magnus challenged. His tone turned serious. “Besides, Reena has much to learn about me yet, and when she learns, she may fear me as most do.”
“I think Reena is wiser than most.”
“We will find out soon enough.”
Reena climbed beneath the clean bedding and snuggled comfortably under the wool blanket, a roaring fire in the fireplace adding to her warmth. And though she yawned with fatigue she found her active thoughts keeping her awake.
The Legend confused her. She could see how many believed him a fearsome man who frightened and intimidated people, for she had thought the same of him at first. But there was more to Magnus the man. It was as if he were two men in one.
He seemed a true friend to Thomas and was generous with her. He made her feel welcome in his home, and she had not expected that from the Legend, especially after their first encounter. She had trembled and shaken with fear and had been worried about asking for his help. And while he continued to intimidate her at times, she also felt a sense of ease with him. How? Why? She simply did not understand.
She quickly raised her head, listening to a noise that caught her attention, a scratching sound, a faint whine and then more scratching. She reluctantly got out of bed and went to the door. No sooner did she ease the door open to peek out than a round ball of black fur came rushing into her room and hurried to the bed.
Horace stood next to the bed, wagging his tail even faster as Reena approached. He pounced at her legs, jumping up and down.
She scooped him up and put him on the bed, returning to the warmth of the wool blanket. The pup waited until she was comfortable and then snuggled next to her chest; after a quick lick to her nose he went to sleep.
“The Legend’s own pup is docile and pays no heed to his commands.”
The little animal was one of few who did not fear the Legend. But was that fear not why she was here, to hire the infamous Legend to do what he did best—make men fear him. She wanted Peter Kilkern to fear him and leave her village in peace.
She no longer needed to worry about that, for Magnus would see to it. They had struck a bargain, her mapping skills in return for his protecting her village. He had given his word, and that was all she needed, for in all her father’s stories the Legend was a man of his word, and meeting him she could see the truth of it.
Her body relaxed, and she knew sleep would soon claim her. That was fine. She was anxious for the morning to come and eager to return home. She hoped all was well in the village and that Brigid did not overly worry about her.
She missed her friend and her family, and she would probably miss them even more when the time came to leave with the Legend. She had not given the idea much thought; if she had, she would have hesitated in her decision. Her whole life had been her village. Now she was the official mapmaker to the Legend. She would live at his keep, travel with him and obey his commands.
Life was certainly going to be different.
Chapter 6
Reena stood on the keep’s steps, clutching her makeshift satchel in her arms and watching with excitement as the Legend’s men prepared to embark on their journey. It was an orchestrated effort, everyone working together in unison. They were an organized and practiced troop, impressive in size, mostly large men, bulky with muscles and superior strength. They were clad in dark brown shirts covered with black leather tunics and black leggings. Swords, bows and arrows, and battle-axes were being strapped to horse and man alike.
She could see how the sight of them could intimidate, though she felt not the least frightened by them. They were pleasant and well mannered toward her. One man had even handed her a brown wool cloak, explaining that the Legend’s troop all wore the same distinguishing colors—brown and black.
She had wrapped it around her immediately, pleased that she was so easily accepted by them. And pleased that soon she would be on her way home.
Wagons were packed, their drivers ready, reins in hands, and several women, in brown cloaks, stood alongside prepared to walk. How this large troop had managed to prepare for a journey in one day’s time certainly spoke highly of their skills and dedication to their leader. They seemed prepared to follow him anywhere.
She wondered why women were joining the troop, since it seemed like the men were preparing to go off to battle. But then, the Legend had his way of doing things, and she was not one to judge them.
Thomas suddenly walked out of the keep, and all the men quickly mounted their horses. He was dressed as the others, though his bulk and bald head made him appear much more intimidating. He went to his horse and mounted, then all eyes turned to the keep’s open door.
Reena smiled knowing they all waited for the Legend.
Her smile vanished in a flash as she took several hasty steps back from the dark figure that emerged from the keep.
Complete silence filled the cool autumn air, not a voice was heard, not a bird sang, and the bright sun hurried behind a dark cloud.
