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“Your village is truly blessed to have one so brave among it. Reena came to me and offered her mapping skills in exchange for protection of her village.” He did not wait for the rushed murmurs to settle before he continued, “I accepted her offer, her mapping skills having been proved worthy of such an exchange.
“My people have food for you and healers to help the ill. After you have feasted I shall speak with you all again.” He turned to his troop. “See to all their needs.” He then looked down at Thomas, who stood beside his horse. “Place guards with extras in the tall trees to the north.”
“It will take Kilkern time to learn of our arrival, since he appears a poor leader with no extended sentinels in watch of his lands.”
Magnus lowered his voice. “By then we will be gone.”
Thomas nodded and walked off to see to his orders.
Reena walked up to his horse. “I would like you to meet my parents and my friend.”
Magnus dismounted, slipped his helmet off, and handed it and the reins to one of his men, who stepped forward without a word having been spoken to him. Curious and cautious eyes followed him and Reena as they approached her parents. A few brave souls nodded and whispered their thanks, though none looked directly at him.
“Magnus, may I present my mother, Anona, and my father, Patrick.”
Magnus gave a curt bow to her mother. “Your daughter is an exceptional woman, and I am pleased to have her in my service.”
“Thank you, sir, for such kind words.”
Magnus turned to her father and extended his hand. “Your daughter speaks highly of you and your talent.”
Patrick accepted his offer of friendship, giving his hand a firm shake. “She far surpasses my meager skills and does me and mine proud.”
Reena was quick to introduce her friend. “This is Brigid, my friend since forever.”
Reena had not wasted a moment in introducing her friend to him. Brigid was as beautiful as her drawing. She had hair the color of freshly sown wheat, eyes that mirrored the blue skies, and a faint blushed skin that looked petal soft, with a body that captured a man’s breath.
But it was her all too skinny friend who stood beside her that caught his attention, especially since he caught her shiver and thought for sure he heard her stomach grumble. She required food and rest, but he had learned fast that Reena put others before herself. He would soon change that.
“I am pleased to meet you and I look forward to becoming better acquainted, but right now I am sure you all must be looking forward to the morning fare.” He turned to Reena. “Take your family and friend and feast. We will talk when you are finished.”
“I am grateful for your generosity,” she said before walking with her parents and friends toward the wagons, where the women were busy arranging blankets on the ground and handing boards filled with breads, cheeses, meats and more to the crowd to take and eat in the bright sunshine.
“Reena.”
She turned and hurried over to him.
He placed a finger under her chin and gave it a slight lift. “You make certain you eat well.”
She smiled. “I will try, but I am so happy to be home, I do not know if I could eat a morsel right now.”
“I expect you to eat more than a morsel.”
“Is that an order?” she asked on a laugh.
“You are too skinny, and I require strength in those who serve me.”
She bristled. She knew her unintended weight loss made her appear frail, but her determination kept her strong.
“Do not underestimate my strength. I will serve you well.” She turned and walked away without waiting for him to dismiss her.
“Damn,” he murmured. His concern was for her, and yet he’d made himself appear selfish. It disturbed him to know that she had gone without food and shed weight, which had left her looking thin and frail. And it disturbed him even more to think that she thought him a better match for her friend Brigid, never thinking that he would find her attractive.
“Damn,” he said beneath his breath once more. What was it about her that he found attractive? The thought plagued him, and he would not rest easy until he discovered it for himself.
He walked off to find Thomas and set his plans in motion.
Merriment returned, if only briefly, as bellies were filled, tales were told, and hope filled hearts once again. Reena was thanked over and over again as she joined her village in a feast the likes of which they had not shared in far too long.
