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Out of breath, he fast delivered the news. “Kilkern is in sight, and he has Reena with him.”
Magnus issued orders to Thomas to ready the men. He instructed Brigid to alert the villagers to the situation, especially Reena’s parents, and have them all gather in front of the keep.
Tension and worry soon filled the chilled air as the villagers hurried to obey their new lord, and the sky overhead darkened, causing many to whisper of ominous possibilities. They huddled together as thunder rolled in the distance, and Brigid, along with Reena’s parents, stood in front of the crowd, anxious to see that Reena was unharmed.
Warriors lined the battlements, their bows and arrows in hand and ready for battle. A circle of warriors protected the villagers and the keep, and more were dispersed in the woods, where they could not be seen but their arrows would soon be felt.
Magnus stood in front of the villagers. His garments were all black, except for the silver metal studs that crisscrossed over his leather tunic, and his long hair framed a face that, while handsome, looked devoid of emotion. He appeared ready to destroy anything that stood in his path—even the devil himself.
Peter Kilkern approached at a slow gait with several of his men following behind. Reena walked beside his horse with a trembling Horace in her arms. It was not until they were close enough that Magnus saw the bruise on the side of Reena’s mouth.
His hand curled into a fist at his side.
Kilkern stopped a short distance from Magnus, and when he did, Reena kept walking forward.
“I gave you no order to leave my side,” Kilkern shouted at her.
She ignored him and kept walking with her head held high, straight to Magnus.
He wanted to grab her and hug her close to him, so relieved was he that she had returned safely, proud that she was confident in his ability to protect her.
“My lord,” she said with a bow of her head, purposely honoring him in front of Kilkern. She then walked past him and joined Brigid and her parents, giving them a glance that warned they were not to fuss over her but to remain as they were, a show of true strength to their new lord.
Peter Kilkern dismounted, along with a few of his men. Dressed in his usual rich finery, his dark eyes alert to all around him, he approached Magnus with arrogant confidence, laughing as he removed his brown leather gloves, three of his men following close behind him.
Magnus remained as he was, forcing Kilkern to come to him, refusing to step forward and display any sign of welcome.
Kilkern felt the insult and lashed out. “I have come for my tenants, you have no right—”
“Youhave no right to starve them.”
“Let them grow more food.”
“So you can raise the tenant fees and take more from them?” Magnus’s expression remained cold. “Their yearly fees are paid to you, and they owe you no more. They are free to go where they choose.”
Kilkern appeared angry—very angry. He stepped forward again. “They have no rights. They belong to me and you will return them.”
Magnus’s words were for Kilkern’s ears alone. “Make me.”
Kilkern grew even more agitated. “One tenant fee has not been paid in full to me. That tenant will return and fulfill her obligation.”
“Who is this you speak of?”
“Brigid.”
Gasps rumbled throughout the villagers, and Reena quickly squeezed her friend’s hand in reassurance.
“I will pay what she owes you,” Magnus said and motioned to one of his men.
Kilkern was adamant. “Nay, she will serve out her obligation to me; I will have it no other way.”
“Brigid remains here. You can leave with her fee paid or without it, but that does not change the fact that Brigid will not leave with you.”
Kilkern spit out his words like venom. “Want her for yourself?”
Magnus’s slow smile was like a warning. “What I want, I always get. Remember that.”
Kilkern seemed at a loss, though he recovered his composure quickly. “Pay me her fee, but you will be sorry for taking this lazy lot; they are worthless.”
