Authors: Donna Fletcher
Thomas laughed. “And now, for her own protection, she must become your official mapmaker.”
M
agnus studied the maps with surprise and admiration. The young woman was skilled and possessed an eye for detail. He knew well his lands and had them guarded wisely, which Reena had seen and recorded accurately, even to the guard tower in a large tree west of the portcullis. Few realized it existed or knew that a guard was ever present, but Reena had seen and she had recorded the man—sleeping. He would see to that matter later, but for now, her skills could prove advantageous to him.
Reena stood silently in front of the table on the dais, nervously waiting for the verdict.
Thomas sat beside Magnus, his head bent over the maps as Magnus examined each paper. She was simply remarkable—even with poor-quality paper she produced an excellent and accurate map. He had not thought anyone capable of such talented mapping skills; most maps he possessed were crude and often inaccurate.
“You have done a fine job,” Magnus said, his interest still held by the maps in front of him.
“Fine job, you say?” Thomas tapped the one map with his finger. “That is more than a
fine
job, that is”—he tapped the map again—“that is—is—”
Magnus waited, amused. Thomas rarely had difficulty articulating his opinion—except around women. He would grasp for words that simply deserted him and be left floundering like a fish abandoned of water.
“The best map I have ever seen,” Thomas blurted.
Magnus slapped his friend on the back. “Then that settles it, Reena is my official mapmaker.”
Reena thought her trembling legs would fail her at that moment, but her courage kept her standing. She had done it; the Legend was returning with her and all would be well in the village. Tears of relief almost filled her eyes but she fought them back; she would show no weakness, only strength, in front of this man.
Magnus stood. “We leave tomorrow at dawn.”
Relief flooded her like a rushing wave and she braced her hand on the edge of the table.
“You need food and rest,” Magnus commanded. “Your day has been long and you have not eaten since the morning meal.”
“There was too much to be done—”
“And now that it is done, you will rest.”
It was a stern command and it took Reena a moment to realize that he had the right to command her, for she was now under his charge and direction. “As you say.”
“Come join us,” Magnus offered and pulled out the chair beside him.
Reena looked along the dais, which was empty but for Magnus and Thomas. The evening meal had long been finished, and now few men sat conversing near the hearth while several servant girls chatted at another table. She hesitated before joining the two men. The dais was for more important members of the lord and lady’s keep, not a mapmaker such as herself.
But Magnus had invited her, and besides, she was terribly hungry.
Reena helped herself to the fruit and cheese piled high on a silver platter in front of where Magnus sat. He moved the platter closer to her.
“What else would you like?”
“Cider, please.”
“No more food?”
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.”
“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.
R
eena 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.
Reena remained frozen where she stood, her mouth agape and her body trembling as she watched the Legend walk forward.
He wore complete black except for the silver studs that accented his leather tunic in a random design. But it was not his dress that left her speechless, it was his metal helmet, black as night covering nearly all of his face except for his eyes, mouth and jaw. It looked as though it had been made for him, rounding over his head and fitting snug to his face.
She shivered, for his appearance certainly helped make him a legend.
His eyes slowly canvassed the area, searching the sea of faces until his intent gaze settled on her.
He walked down the steps and toward her, and if she were not still frightened from the sight of him she would have run. Instead she clutched her sack to her chest like a shield, fought to keep her trembling legs from collapsing, and waited.
He stopped mere inches away from her, and while she was familiar with his height, he seemed taller, broader and more like a stranger. “Do you ride?”
She nodded, finding that her voice had deserted her.
He signaled, and two men on horse rode up to them. One man held the reins to a beautiful dark gray mare with a black mane. The other rider held the reins of a magnificent beast of a black horse that pranced and snorted and appeared agitated until he caught sight of the Legend. Then he calmed instantly.
The Legend took the reins of the gray mare and handed them to Reena. “She is yours, treat her well and she will serve you well.”
Before she could thank him he reached out, grabbed her by the waist, and hoisted her up on the horse. Her breath caught with the ease and swiftness of his actions. It was as if she weighed nothing to him. He could move her about like a simple reed in the wind with no effort at all. His strength suddenly intimidated, and she reminded herself to pay heed to it.
He mounted his own horse, the stallion’s demeanor obedient in the presence of the Legend.
“You will ride behind me and Thomas unless I order otherwise.”
She nodded again, her voice, she feared, lost forever somewhere in the depths of her trembling stomach. She followed behind him after Thomas rode forward and easily directed the horse behind the two men. She was a compliant mare, though not docile. Reena could feel the strength of her body beneath and against her legs, and she knew without a doubt that the mare possessed power.
Reena kept a steady eye on the Legend’s back, and it was not until at least an hour later that her body finally relaxed and her voice returned, though she remained silent. Her mind had a difficult time releasing the image of the Legend emerging from the keep.
He was as her father had so often described him—fearful to look at. A tactic that she was certain served him well in battle, but he was not presently in battle and still he was dressed as he was. No wonder he was so feared; he looked forever ready to battle. Who would dare oppose a man who was always prepared to fight?
She forced herself to remember Magnus and his fine qualities, but her urgings did little to comfort her. The dark-clad man in front of her was too imposing to even think that Magnus resided within him.
And she was indebted to this dark lord for six months. She sighed. Had she been too hasty? She shook her head, her answer obvious. Her village needed help and she needed to remain brave no matter how much she trembled.
Clouds continued to drift past the sun intermittently throughout the day. A chill autumn wind swept around the band of travelers, reminding them that winter was not far off and now was a good time for a journey.
If the weather held, they would have no trouble reaching her village in two days’ time. She was glad to be returning home. She had worried about family and friends even though she had been gone for a mere six days. It took only one day’s time for an incident to change lives completely.
Reena kept a steady eye on the Legend’s back. His dark side was necessary to her village. She wanted Peter Kilkern to pay for Brigid’s husband’s death, and she wanted him gone and the Legend to be the lord of their land. She hoped then that joy would return to Brigid, laughter to her village and the abundance of food they once shared to be theirs once again.
This was her hope, her dream, for then her village would never need to worry about survival—the Legend would forever protect them. If she had spoken of this to anyone they would have thought her foolish, for they would have insisted there was no way Kilkern land could belong to the Legend.
But then no one in the village would have believed that the Legend would have agreed to help her. Yet here she was returning to the village on a mare he had given her, a part of his legion.
Her being in service to him partly united him with her village. Marriage, however, was the only way to permanently keep her village under his protection, and who better to marry him than Brigid? She was beautiful, and he, handsome. They would have fine children and Brigid would be happy, having a home and a husband once again.
The thought had been a seed, restless in her mind, that had suddenly sprouted and flourished. With the two wed it would mean that she would not be alone in her service to the Legend. Her friend would always be near and then she could remain in his legion when her debt to him was fulfilled. And she would always have her best friend close by and well protected.
They stopped for a brief repose, though many of the men remained on guard around the group. Thirst and hunger were quenched, conversation punctuated with laughter—a common sound.
Reena sat alone, braced against a decaying stump, munching on an apple. She enjoyed the sights and sounds in front of her, for they reminded her of how her village had once been and how it would soon be again. In time she would get to know these people and make friends, but for now she preferred to watch and learn and, of course, sketch the sights in her mind.
She picked up a slim branch nearby and snapped it in two, choosing the pointed end that best fit her needs. She then began to draw the man and woman talking a few feet away.
Their interest in each other was obvious, and she smiled as she reproduced their faces in the dark soil in front of her.
“So your talent extends to drawing people.”
The familiar voice did not startle her, since the heavy crunch of fallen leaves warned her of someone’s approach. She was, however, relieved to see that Magnus joined her, the helmet removed and with it, the Legend.
He sat alongside her, giving her enough room to complete her drawing. “I think they favor each other.”
“Aye,” she agreed. “You can see it in their faces.”
“It is an excellent drawing. Why not commit it to paper?”
“My paper supply is limited and I must conserve it for mapping.”
“You map for me now. I will supply you with paper, quills, ink and paper enough to draw, besides map.”
She stopped, her eyes wide and her smile bright. She reminded him of a young girl who had just been surprised with the most wonderful gift yet doubted what she had heard.
“Truly, I will have paper to draw besides map?”
“Aye, you have my word.”
He was shocked by her actions that followed. She dropped the stick, turned, and flung her arms around him and hugged him tightly, her face pressed to his.
“You are wonderful and I am forever grateful.” She released him and gleefully scooped the stick up to return to her drawing. “I will draw anything you wish, a place, an object, a person.” She turned her eyes to him, the drawing stick idle in her hand. “Is there someone you favor who you wish me to draw?”
He thought she had startled him with her actions, but now her words gave him a start. To his own surprise, he answered her. “There is no one I presently favor.”
She looked delighted by his response and he assumed she was attracted to him, hence her probing question. Oddly, he found her appealing, though why he couldn’t say. She was too thin, with barely a shape to her, yet her creamy skin was flawless and looked soft to the touch. Her long silky black hair was forever escaping the combs that fought to contain it. She did not pretend or falter falsely; she was honest in word and action. She was a talented artist, and he had enjoyed the few conversations they had shared, finding her more knowledgeable than most women he had known.
And though he attempted to ignore it, he found himself easily aroused around her. He had tried to determine the reason, since usually he did not find plain features and a thin body attractive. But damned if he did not grow hard when near her.
He did not notice that while he was deep in thought she replaced the couple she had been drawing with the face of a startlingly beautiful woman.
When he did, he could not help but remark, “She is stunning.”
“Brigid, my best friend.” She smiled. “She is a loving and caring person and would make someone a loving wife. Children and a home are important to her, unlike me, who prefers to explore and map my explorations or draw the many wonders I see.”
Was she attempting to find her friend a mate? And was she considering him a good prospect? The thought annoyed him. Did she not find him attractive or interesting enough to pursue for herself?
Thomas approached and prevented further discussion.
The large man craned his neck to view the drawing. His breath caught and he stepped slowly around to view the face more clearly. “She is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.”
“Her friend Brigid, who is a loving and caring woman.” Magnus noticed his response pleased her. Did she think him interested?
Thomas continued to stare. “It shows in her lovely features.”
“She would make a good wife,” Reena said and looked to Magnus.
Thomas grinned, his eyes following Reena to Magnus. “A good wife, do you hear that?”
“I hear it well enough. Do you wish me to meet this friend of yours?” Magnus asked with a curtness that caused Thomas to raise his brow.
Reena paid no heed to his sharp tone. “If it would please you.”
He stood abruptly. “I am always pleased to meet a beautiful woman.”
Reena was overjoyed. “I will introduce you as soon as we reach the village.”
“You will ride beside me,” Magnus ordered her. “There are matters I wish to discuss with you.”
Reena nodded and reached out with the stick to erase her friend’s face.
“Nay,” Thomas said, his beefy hand grabbing the stick. “Leave her beauty for the trees and birds to admire.”
“Aye, she would like that, since she admires the trees and birds and considers them her friends.”
“Then she toils in the soil with enjoyment?” Thomas asked as they walked toward their horses.
“She loves digging, planting and growing, and she is an excellent cook.” Reena spoke loud enough for Magnus to hear, since he walked a few feet in front of them.
“I already have an excellent cook,” Magnus called back to her.
“Then that gives her time to stitch, since she is an artist with needle and thread.”
“Is there anything she cannot do?” Magnus nearly shouted.
Reena was quick. “Defend herself.”
Magnus shot back just as quickly, “A weakness in all women.”