Legendary Warrior Read online

  Reena could not help but laugh and watched as the plump pup scurried under the table when two servants entered the hall with trays of food. “He knows neither of them?”

  “Sadly, he knows them both, so I should amend my words and say he runs and hides by me any time anyone approaches.”

  Reena continued to laugh softly while the young servant girls stacked the table with meats, eggs, cheeses, breads and hot cider. She could not help but think how this abundance of food would be appreciated in her village, and she felt a twinge of guilt for being able to eat so well this day.

  “Your smile fades quickly,” Magnus said and began to pile her plate with an assortment of food.

  “I think of my village.” Sadness filled her words and sorrow filled her blue eyes.

  He piled his own plate high after filling their tankards with mulled cider. “The only thing you can do for them now is eat and stay strong.”

  Guilt swept over her. She thought of her mother and father and how Brigid was looking after them. She was probably finding it difficult to pretend that Reena was away on a mapping quest. Brigid would be able to hold out only so long before confessing the truth for her absence, and by then she hoped to be home—the Legend along with her.

  “Eat,” he urged.

  She bristled at his order. She had a good appetite and ate heartily when food was plentiful, but food had been far from plentiful and she had relinquished most of her share to the children. She knew she had lost much weight, and it was obvious he thought the same.

  He grew quiet, and she knew he gave thought before he spoke. “You do not need to rush with the mapping, you may—”

  She interrupted him quickly. “We made an agreement and I will keep my end. I expect the same of you.” With that she placed a piece of meat and cheese on a piece of the dark bread, topped it with another piece of bread, took a generous swallow of cider and stood. “I waste precious time.”

  She snatched her sack from the bench and slipped on her wool jacket. “When night falls, my mapping will be complete. I will see you then, and our agreement will be settled.” She walked to the great hall doors, stopped and turned to him. “Thank you for your generous hospitality.”

  She opened the door and Horace raced out from under the table, chasing after her, squeezing out the door just before it closed behind her.

  Magnus sat there grinning. She was a bundle of strength and determination for a skinny lass. She was right—looks do deceive. No one would credit her with strength, yet she possessed a remarkable amount. And while her skinny features did not attract, there was something intriguing about her. She did have beautiful hair, shiny black and long to the middle of her back and straight—not a wave or curl to any silky strand. Then there were her eyes—blue, the bright blue of a summer’s day. And there was the fact that she did not seem at all interested in him. The women he met either sought to catch his eye or cowered at the sight of him, yet Reena did neither. She spoke her mind with courage and conducted herself with respect.

  He had never encountered a woman like her and that itself presented a challenge to him.

  He would enjoy getting to know her better.

  Thomas entered the great hall shaking his head and laughing. He joined Magnus at the table, helping himself to Reena’s plate of food. “Horace is sticking close to Reena, especially since she is sharing her food with him.”

  Magnus cringed. “Now he will not only be a coward, he will be a spoiled coward.”

  “She is fast and accurate in her mapping skills. I watched her and was surprised by the details she included. I never noticed that cleric David stacks his wood in a particular order, but Reena did and drew it exactly how he stacked it. She also made certain to include where all weapons and tools were located.”

  “What you are saying is that her skills could prove useful to us?”

  Thomas refilled his plate. “Aye, very useful, since most maps are crudely drawn and lack detail, but Reena includes things one would not expect on a map. It is as though her eye must record whatever she sees. And your plans were to go to Culberry regardless of the plight of Reena’s village.”

  “It would not be wise for her to be aware of my plans.”

  “Or the truth behind them?”

  “That is for me alone.”

  Thomas shrugged and reached for a thick slice of bread. “Stubborn as usual.”

  His remark did not bother Magnus. “My stubbornness is my shield.”

  “Your stubbornness is your prison. Reena seems a good lass and her talents could prove useful. Why not just tell her you go her way, offer the assistance you know you will not deny her and give her a position as your official mapmaker—that would settle everything.”

  “I could do that, but I think what brought Reena to me was more than just help for her village.”

  “What else does she seek?”

  “Life.”

  “Then your plans do include her? For you can teach her much of life.”

  Magnus smiled. “Aye, my plans include her.”

  “I like her.”

  “Do you, now?” Magnus said.

  Thomas blushed a bright red. “Not that way. She is a nice woman and has courage.”

  Magnus leaned his arms on the edge of the table. “What you mean is that she was not intimidated by the sight of you.”

  Thomas shrugged, as if a woman’s reaction to him mattered not. “She faced me with courage and spoke her mind—and shortly after, she talked with me as though we were friends.”

  Magnus felt for his friend. While Thomas had known women, he had never known love. Deserted at the young age of five, he had been raised by the brutal innkeeper at the inn where he had been abandoned. The man had physically abused Thomas, breaking his nose several times. It was by chance—though Magnus often thought it was fate that he had stopped at the dismal inn—that Thomas had come to a much welcome rescue when a band of thieves had attempted to rob Magnus. Afterward they had shared several ales and talked well into the night; by morning Thomas had left with Magnus. That had been eight years ago, when Thomas had barely been twenty and Magnus twenty and three. They had been together ever since, their friendship growing stronger with the passing years.

  While Magnus never lacked for female companionship, coins were the only way Thomas could find a companion. Magnus hoped that one day his friend would find a woman who would accept him for who he was.

  “Reena is much like me,” Thomas said.

  Magnus found his remark curious. “How so?”

  “Many misjudge her. They think her weak because she is small and thin, like many think me stupid because I am large and ugly.”

  “Looks deceive,” Magnus said. He had been surprised to learn that Thomas was more intelligent than anyone could imagine and could even read and write. A man who had traveled extensively with a troupe of performers had stopped at the inn and taken a room. He had been penniless, and with no coin to pay the innkeeper, he had been put to work at the inn, and he and Thomas had formed a friendship. The man had taught him to read and write before sneaking off one night with a troupe of performers passing by.

  “Your looks deceive also.”

  “Aye, they do,” Magnus admitted. “My fine features make many think me a fine man.”

  “Until they see you dressed for battle,” Thomas said and shivered. “You put the fear of the devil in the devil himself. Your eyes turn cold and empty, your features grow taut and the air around you grows heavy with fear.”

  “It is who I am—the Legend.”

  “It is not who you are.” Thomas said no more. There was no need; both men knew and understood each other well. Their bond of friendship was strong, their insight into each other that of loving brothers.

  “It is who I am out of necessity.”

  “Aye, life does that to us all—teaches us to deal out of necessity.”

  Magnus turned silent and looked deep in thought.

  Thomas remained quiet for a few moments, giving him
time, then he spoke. “You knew it would come to this, it was but a matter of time.”

  “Aye, but I did not expect interference from a skinny young woman who prides herself on her mapmaking skills, and now—”

  Thomas laughed. “And now, for her own protection, she must become your official mapmaker.”

  Chapter 5

  Magnus 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 Reen
a 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.