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His voice startled her from her thoughts. It was a harsh whisper, a mask of sorts that concealed his true voice, and Reena wondered why he hid. Was his face as hideous as believed? She suddenly realized he knew of her mapping skills.
“You know of me?” she asked curiously.
His voice rose above a whisper, though the harsh tone remained. “I have heard of your skills and of those who fear you.”
“Fear me? Why would I be feared?” She actually laughed asking the question. The thought that anyone would think her a threat was simply laughable.
Magnus laughed along with her. “You are becoming a legend.”
The Dark One laughed along with them, though the harsh sound prickled the skin.
“I find it as amusing as you both do, but I do not understand,” Reena said.
Magnus handed the tankard to the Dark One and he reached for it, his hand covered in black leather.
Reena trembled, for there was no light to this man; there was only complete darkness.
Magnus explained, handing Reena a tankard. “You open up the land and expand people’s knowledge. They can see before their eyes mountains, valleys, rivers and streams that they may have heard existed but never saw for themselves. Suddenly their world is not so small, and many become adventurous, wanting to see for themselves and thinking perhaps they would find a better life elsewhere.”
“Leaving those who rule without tenants to work their lands, less men to defend property and the possibility that some other lord or landowner will grow strong with those people who migrate elsewhere,” the Dark One finished.
“Knowledge is a powerful weapon,” Magnus said, “which is why those who rule keep the populace ignorant of the world.”
“How very sad,” Reena said. “Knowledge, even a little, could ease much heartache.”
Magnus raised his glass. “To three who are feared.”
Reena smiled and raised her glass high, adding her own sentiments. “And to three who shed light on the darkness.”
The Dark One added his opinion. “Even when it takes darkness to bring light to the world.”
For a moment Reena detected gentleness in his voice, and she found her fear of the shadowy figure dissipating and turning to curiosity. Who was this man who seemed friend, not foe, to Magnus?
Magnus confirmed the friendship when he turned to her. “Reena, I need time to speak with my friend alone.”
Reena placed her tankard on the table. “Of course, and besides, I have much work to do.”
“I will see you later,” Magnus said.
She nodded, and as she passed the Dark One, she said, “Good day.”
A hooded head bobbed briefly in response.
“Reena.” Magnus stopped her as her hand touched the door. “Tell no one of his presence.”
“As you wish.” She slipped out the door, closing it quietly behind her.
“What are you doing here?” Magnus asked, taking a seat by the fireplace.
The Dark One retreated to the chair in the shadowed corner of the room and slipped his hood off his head. His face could not be seen, and Magnus made no effort to look upon him.
“My skills have been requested by someone, and I am on my way to meet with him, but I was detoured by a request from the earl of Culberry, who appears heartbroken that the woman he loves is being detained by the Legend. He wishes for me to return her to him.”
Magnus laughed. “The fool believes he can lie to the Dark One? He is more of an idiot than I first thought.”
“Can I assist you in this matter?”
Magnus shook his head. “It is not necessary. Thomas watches over the woman Kilkern speaks of. She is but a piece of bait to him in his foolish trap.”
