Dark Warrior (10 page)

“D
ecimus approaches the village.”

Magnus, earl of Dunhurnal crossed his arms over his broad chest. “Make certain the villagers see our force of strength so that they feel protected. I want every warrior's presence known.”

The warrior gave a quick nod and left to do his lord's bidding.

“What does Decimus want with us?” Reena asked as she walked up to stand beside her husband on the keep's steps. Her constant companion, Horace, a large hound, followed behind her.

“Go in the castle. Your presence is not needed here.”

She tilted her head to look up at the infamous Legend, a feared warrior whose exploits were well known throughout the Celtic lands. She sent him a smile to remind him that issuing orders did not work well with her. She would not run and hide while danger was about to descend on the village.

He shook his head. “I should know better.” Magnus took her chin between his fingers and rubbed at a smudge. “If you intend to make an impression, which you always do, it would be best not to make it with ink on your chin.”

Reena waited patiently while he rid her of the mark and felt her heart swell with love. That he was the infamous Legend did not matter to her, that he was a handsome man whose features could steal women's hearts, that he was a strong and courageous warrior were all unimportant compared to the fact that he loved her, Reena, a simple mapmaker.

“I love you.”

He kissed her. “And I love you more than you know.”

She laughed. “I know how much you love me.” She lowered her voice. “You show me every night.”

He spoke in a whisper. “And if the devil were not at my gate, I would show you how much I love you right now.”

She took hold of his arm, her smile fading. “What could Decimus want with us?”

He pushed a lose strand of her long black hair behind her ear and met her inquisitive blue eyes. “We will find out soon. Remember Decimus is a powerful man. He has the power of the Church and the king behind him and even they fear him. Tread lightly in his presence and hold your tongue.”

She nodded. “I will do as you say.”

Thomas approached, a giant of a man in height and width, a good friend to Magnus and husband to Reena's best friend, Brigid.

Villagers drifted up behind him, gathering in a crowd, seeking the strength and protection of their lord.

Thomas joined Magnus on the step below him. “They are frightened and there is gossip that even the Legend may not be able to protect them from Decimus. Do you know why he comes here?”

“I have a thought and it concerns
me
, no other.”

Reena was quick to object. “What concerns you concerns us all.”

“She is right,” Thomas agreed. “We stand together.”

“This might be one time we have no choice but to stand apart.”

Thomas and Reena had no chance to respond. The crowd had swelled to include nearly everyone in the village; her friend Brigid was sneaking up behind her husband and sending Reena a fearful look.

Reena understood her friend's apprehension. It was a day such as this when a new lord rode into their village and killed Brigid's first husband. The suffering was behind her now thanks to Thomas, but she imagined Brigid worried that sorrow would befall the village once again.

Whispers rushed like a sharp wind through the gathered crowd and turned to a sudden silence when Decimus and his men were spotted. They were in the distance, but fear that their words could reach his ears made everyone hold their tongues.

Horace growled, standing at full alert, and Reena ordered him to sit and be still. He sat, but a low growl continued deep in his throat.

Decimus approached on a fine black steed, the horse dressed in silk finery. A purple face mask and a gold blanket with two large purple crosses on either side were draped over the animal and pronounced the rider royalty of the Church.

Many villagers kneeled as the horse passed by them, not daring to gaze upon the man who rode him.

Decimus stopped in front of the steps of the keep, dismounted, and tossed his reins to a man that rushed to his side. He remained where he was, glancing around at the crowd. His dark eyes settled on the group waiting on the steps.

Reena found herself unable to take her eyes off him. If the devil had climbed out of hell, he would surely look like this man. Black hair the color of a starless night sky was drawn tightly back away from his face. His eyes were just as dark and could very well resemble the recesses of hell itself. His skin looked weathered by the sun yet his face held not a line or wrinkle and no expression marred his darkly disturbing features. And yet once your gaze rested on him, it was hard to pull away. It was said that Decimus could see your soul, and if it were not pure you would suffer his wrath.

He was tall and slimmer than Magnus and looked fit in form. He was dressed in fine silks and linens of black and purple and he wore two rings, one a blood-red garnet and the other a dazzling blue sapphire.

He turned a slow gaze on the surrounding crowd and they bowed their heads, with some falling to their knees, their hands clasped in prayer. He nodded, pleased by their supplication, then advanced up the steps with a confident gait.

Decimus stopped in front of Magnus, ignoring those around him.

“We have matters to discuss.”

“May I offer you food and drink first?” Magnus asked in an attempt to be civil to the devil.

“Have it served in your private solar; this matter is between you and I.”

Decimus bumped Magnus's shoulder as he pushed past him and entered the keep.

Magnus looked to Thomas whose face grew red with anger over the insult to his lord. “You heard him. It is between him and me. Keep the warriors alert and make certain Decimus's men are confined to one area.”

Reena caught her husband's arm, preventing him from entering the keep. “Give him what he wants and send him on his way; he is evil.”

“I will.”

A servant directed Decimus to the solar, hastily left a platter of food on the table, then scurried out. Once outside the room, the young lass crossed herself and whispered a series of prayers as she hurried down the steps.

Magnus entered a few moments later, filled two goblets with wine, and handed one to Decimus. He then gestured for him to sit in one of the two chairs near the fireplace.

“This matter can be settled without difficulty or suffering; it is up to you.”

“I have done nothing that should bring me difficulty or cause me suffering,” Magnus said confidently.

“Are you certain of that?”

Magnus drank his wine, purposely delaying his reply to demonstrate to Decimus that he did not fear him. “Quite certain.”

“What of Mary?”

“Mary?” Magnus inquired.

“Do not think me a fool, Magnus. You know of whom I speak. I have learned that you have protected her these many years, but no more. You will surrender Mary to me or you and that quick-witted wife of yours will suffer.”

Magnus stared at him.

“You wonder how I know about your wife's sharp wit. There is not much I do not know. I have eyes and ears everywhere.”

“Yet you cannot find Mary.”

The only indication that Magnus's remark angered Decimus was a slight flaring of his nostrils. “But I have found her. You have her and
you
will
give
her to me.”

Magnus kept a tight rein on the anger that was slowly rising in him. He detested being backed into a corner, yet how could he honor his vow to Mary's parents to protect her and protect his wife at the same time?

“I will be generous and allow you a week to surrender Mary to me,” Decimus informed him.

“And if I do not?”

Decimus shrugged as if it made no difference. “Then I will interrogate your wife. I hear she is adept at mapping and drawing.” He stared at the wine in his goblet. “I wonder where her skills originated?” His dark eyes shifted to Magnus. “And what type of drawings does she do? There is much I can question her about, and if I don't like her answer—” Another shrug. “I will work with her until I receive an acceptable one.”

Magnus remained silent, though his hand clenched at his side.

Decimus leaned forward in his chair. “You would love to kill me right now, would you not, Magnus?”

Magnus wanted to lunge at the man and choke him for threatening his wife's life.

Decimus leaned back in his chair, not a smile or snicker on his face, but with a subtle shift of his body that let Magnus know his word was law even in Magnus's own keep. And there was absolutely nothing Magnus could do about it.

“I almost had her, you know,” Decimus said quite irritated. “She was safely locked away in one of my dungeons when suddenly she disappeared. Would you have any notion how she may have made her escape?”

It was Magnus's turn to shrug and he forced himself to take a swallow of wine, hoping the liquid would prevent his venomous thoughts from reaching his lips.

“Logic tells me that she could not have made an escape on her own. She had given my men quite a chase, and when the idiots finally caught her they mistakenly made her suffer. Of course they suffered for their stupidity.
I
and
I alone
pronounce judgment and punish wicked souls.”

The man's arrogance astonished Magnus. He actually believed that he was a righteous man doing God's work.

Decimus leaned an elbow on the thick arm of the wooden chair and rubbed his chin. “How do you think Mary escaped?”

Magnus waited as if giving his question thought, then shook his head. “I do not know.”

Decimus lowered his hand. “I think you do. I think
you
sent someone to rescue Mary.”

Magnus refused to refute his accusation, after all it was true and they both knew it. He would not give him the satisfaction of denying it. His silence would speak for him.

“You were wise in sending someone rather than attempting the rescue yourself, but then I never thought you a foolish man. That is why I know you will not be foolish now. You will surrender Mary to me. You really have no choice. It is either her or your wife, then your friends until there is no one left but you.”

Magnus took another sip of wine to prevent his rage from spewing forth.

Decimus stood suddenly. “I did not know that the Dark One was an acquaintance of yours.” He walked to the table and refilled his wine goblet.

Magnus had already surmised that Decimus knew who helped Mary escape. The man obviously enjoyed playing games with his captive, hoping he would make an error and provide him with further evidence of guilt.

“You choose silence, another wise move.” Decimus returned to his chair. “Most people talk out of fear, hoping to convince me of their innocence until their foolish tongues help pronounce them guilty. But as I remarked before, you are not foolish, Magnus.”

Magnus waited for Decimus to continue. He obviously had more to say or this conversation would have ended by now. What else did Decimus expect from him?

“The Dark One is a thorn in my side that I will one day extract with pleasure. He will suffer more than he ever thought possible.”

Magnus had received word of Mary's successful rescue and her safety, and he knew that the Dark One would be in touch with him soon so that a decision could be made about her future. That decision had just turned more serious than Magnus ever imagined.

“He eludes me at every turn, which means he must possess powers far beyond the ordinary. And if that is so then you know what that means, do you not?”

Magnus shrugged.

“The man is obviously a cohort of the devil.”

He certainly had that one scrambled. If anyone was a cohort of the devil it was Decimus, and the Dark One the avenging angel here to destroy him.

“The devil always shows himself, you know, and that is when it is easy to snare him. The Dark One will one day be mine and I will torture the devil out of him, purifying his soul and setting him free.”

Magnus kept silent. He would never capture the Dark One, and if Decimus were not careful it would be the Dark One who sent his soul where it belonged—straight to hell.

“Enough of the Dark One,” Decimus said. “It is Mary that matters at the moment.” He stood. “One week, Magnus. You have one week to give her to me.”

“I may need more time.” He knew not where the Dark One had taken Mary, and, besides, he wanted time to see if there was another way to settle this problem.

“One week,” Decimus said and walked to the door. “I know it is not much time for you to make a choice, but then you have no choice.”

“What do you intend to do with her?”

Decimus stopped and turned. “I intend to save her soul and return her to God's good graces.”

“By torture and death?” Magnus was disgusted with the thought of Mary suffering.

“Nay, by making her my wife.”

M
agnus stared at the closed door. Surely Decimus was insane to think that he would surrender Mary to wed the evil likes of him. He could not condemn an innocent young woman to a life of such cruelty. But what choices did he have?

Magnus heard the creak of the door and watched as it opened slowly. He was relieved to see his wife peek her head in. He had no desire to speak with Decimus again so soon. The man sparked his temper with one arrogant glance.

Reena quickly shut the door and hurried to her husband's side. He opened his arms and greeted her with a hug.

“Something is wrong,” she said and felt his reluctance to release her.

“Decimus wants Mary as his wife.” He shook his head and dropped down into the chair near the fireplace.

Reena sat on the footstool beside him, her hand reaching for his.

He took tight hold of her hand. “I know not what to do. He insists I surrender Mary to him in a week's time. He will accept no excuses.”

“Or he will inflict his evil upon us?”

Magnus could not bring himself to tell his wife who Decimus would start with. The mere thought set his blood on fire, and he gritted his teeth to keep from swearing.

Reena understood his distress. “He threatened my safety, did he not?”

“You are too perceptive for your own good.”

“It is simple logic. Who else would he threaten that would stir you to such anger or force you to consider complying.”

He moved his hand to cup her face. “I will let no harm come to you.”

“I never doubted you would. But what of Mary? She cannot be condemned to suffer such a hideous fate.”

“I agree, though at the moment I have no idea of how to prevent it. And I have no idea of Mary's whereabouts. The last message I received from the Dark One was that Mary was safe and in his care. I have no way of contacting him.”

Reena attempted to ease his concern. “The Dark One seems to know when he is needed. I am sure he will contact you soon.”

“I pray your words are true, for at the moment I can see no alternative to this problem.”

“We will find a solution together. There must be something we can do.”

“I would like to think there are possibilities,” Magnus said, his fingers interlocking with hers. “But it seems rather simple. I surrender Mary or you suffer, and when he is done with you he will continue his sadistic tactics on others. I cannot allow that; I protect what is mine. My people expect no less of me, and
I
expect no less of me.”

“And how will you deal with your honor, for I know it weighs heavy on your mind,” Reena said. “You gave your word to her parents that you would keep Mary safe and you are a man of your word.”

“I do not know.”

A knock on the door interrupted them and Magnus bid the intruder to enter.

It was Thomas, his wife Brigid clinging tightly to his arm.

“Decimus has ordered his men to make camp at the edge of the village, and he has made certain to let all know that he will be here for a week or more,” Thomas informed him.

“Everyone is frightened,” Brigid said with a shiver. “They fear his wrath and punishment.”

“Have you ordered all to stay clear of him and his men?” Magnus asked.

“Aye,” Thomas said, “though I do not think it was necessary. There is not a soul who would dare go near him or even dare look his way.”

“We need to talk, Thomas,” Magnus said and glanced at his wife.

Reena stood, kissed his cheek, and walked to Brigid. “Come, we will see what needs attention.”

“Evil cannot be trusted,” Brigid said.

“I agree,” Magnus said. “But rest assured that you have nothing to fear from Decimus.”

Usually warriors filled the great hall for the evening meals but not this night. This night saw only a handful of the Legend's men gathering for the meal. All others stood guard over the village, their presence a show of force to Decimus's men and a show of strength to the villagers.

Decimus's men, of which there were few, ate hearty and thought little of strength and force. It was obvious they knew that their leader held more strength than all of Magnus's warriors. They were under Decimus's protection, and Decimus was protected by the king and the Church. There were no others more powerful.

“Tomorrow I wish to inspect your dungeons,” Decimus said, reaching for his goblet of wine. “In case I have use for them.”

Magnus knew he baited him, but he would not be hooked. “Do as you will, though my dungeons are not in use.”

Decimus turned dark glaring eyes on Magnus. “I heard a different tale. I heard that you took the earl of Culberry's life in your dungeon.” He looked past Magnus to Reena. “Culberry tortured you did he not?”

Reena sat straight and placed a hand over her husband's arm. “He tried but my husband rescued me.”

“Really? I heard it was the dog who rescued you.” Decimus threw Horace a scrap of meat.

Horace remained sitting beside Reena. He made no move to take the meat.

“A wise and obedient animal. I may have use for him.”

“Horace is mine and will remain so,” Reena said in a tone that had everyone at the table staring at her.

Decimus leaned his arms on the table and kept his dark eyes on her. “Foolish or brave; I cannot decide which one you are.”

“I have been known to be both.”

Decimus laughed and tension eased. “You speak with honesty.”

“To a fault at times, so I have been told,” Reena said.

“There is no fault in honesty.” Decimus turned to Magnus. “Your husband can learn a lesson from you.”

Reena was quick to defend. “My husband is a good, honest man.”

“Not when he harbors a heretic.”

Reena's skin prickled from the seething anger that filled Decimus's voice.

Magnus spoke up. “You have judged and condemned this woman without speaking with her.”

“She was raised by heretics, what would you expect?”

“Fairness.”

“Which I will offer her,” Decimus said.

“Marriage is fairness?”

“I give her a chance to renounce her evil ways and live a good, clean, holy life. She has the opportunity to marry a man who will deliver her from sin and lead her on a righteous path.” Decimus pounded the table with his fist. “You would be wise to pay heed to my words or I may think that
you
need a lesson in righteousness.”

Magnus gripped the arm of his chair and held his tongue. He could not defend his own opinions without causing a threat to the safety of those he loved.

Decimus calmed though his warning remained strong. “It would do you well to think on how my generosity would benefit Mary.”

“I will not see Mary harmed,” Magnus affirmed.

“Good, then we want the same,” Decimus said. “She will have a good life with me. I will teach her obedience and she will be a dutiful wife and serve me well.”

Decimus stood abruptly and his men followed suit.

“I will meet you at sunrise to inspect your dungeons.”

Without a word of gratitude for the meal or a kind good-night, Decimus pointed at his men. They turned and left the great hall, while he himself climbed the stairs to the bedchamber prepared for him.

“They obey like dogs to a master,” Thomas said.

“Like dogs fearful of their master,” Reena corrected, scratching Horace behind the ear.

“Decimus wields hefty power,” Magnus reminded them. “There is good reason to fear him.”

“It seems, then, that this woman has no chance of help,” Brigid said, sadly. “Decimus has sealed her fate.”

The two couples bid each other good night, Thomas and Brigid returning to their cottage and Magnus and Reena retiring to their bedchamber.

Reena sat on the edge of the bed. “I feel helpless just like I did when I thought there was no hope for my starving village.”

Magnus sat beside her, taking her hand in his. “But you found a solution.”

She smiled and rested her head on his shoulder. “I found you.”

He kissed her hand. “And glad I am that you did.”

Reena lifted her head to look at her husband; her blue eyes filled with sadness. “Mary has no chance of a rescue, does she?”

“Her rescue would mean the lives of many.”

“I cannot bear to think she will suffer to save us.”

“I have a week before she must be turned over to Decimus,” Magnus said.

“You do not sound hopeful.” Reena grasped his hand in her hands. “This must be so very difficult for you.”

Magnus rested his forehead on hers and closed his eyes. “Her parents have been constantly in my thoughts since I have received this news. I did not want their suffering to be for naught. I gave my word to them that I would see their daughter kept safe, and they trusted my word; they trusted me.”

Reena took his face in her hands and his eyes drifted open to look at her. “Good lord, Ree, I love you so much. I could not bear to see you suffer, and I would rather die than lose you.”

“I would not want to live without you,” Reena said and kissed him.

Magnus wrapped his arms around her and they fell back upon the bed; their kisses grew heated. But Reena pulled away, their breathing heavy, their hearts beating wildly.

“I feel guilty loving you, lying here in your arms, feeling your touch, your warmth. And I grow sad and angry to think Mary will never know such a love.”

Magnus gripped her arm. “I know you well, Ree, do not be foolish and think you can outsmart Decimus. He is cunning, shrewd, and more powerful than the king himself.”

“Then does Brigid's words ring true? Has Decimus sealed Mary's fate?”

“I have always entered a battle with one thought in mind—victory, that has not changed.” He rubbed her arm where his fingers had dug into her flesh. “I do not know what I will do, though I do know you will not be harmed.”

“We must put our heads together to solve this problem.”

Magnus tapped her head. “You will keep your pretty head out of this.”

“I fear I cannot give you my word on that.”

With a swift roll Magnus was on top of her, pinning her arms to the bed. “You are a stubborn woman.”

She laughed. “This is not something you just learned.”

“Ree so help me—”

“That is exactly what I plan to do, help you.”

He shook his head.

“I give you my word, I will be careful.”

“You think to appease me.”

“I do not want you to worry,” she said. “And I wish to be truthful.”

“Promise me you will not put yourself in harm's way,” Magnus said, reluctant to capitulate.

“I am stubborn, not foolish.”

“That could be debated. Now, promise me.”

She wiggled beneath him. “If you release my arms I will promise you and seal it with a kiss.”

“Are you trying to seduce me?”

“Am I succeeding?”

Magnus laughed, released her, and rolled over taking her with him so that she was now on top of him.

“I am all yours.”

“I love it when you surrender to me.” She kissed him quick.

“I did not surrender.”

“You did.” Her kiss turned slow.

“I never surrender.”

“Then you would do well to prepare for defeat,” she laughed.

Hours later Magnus left his sleeping wife with a smile on his face. He went to his solar so as not to disturb her. Sleep eluded him, his thoughts on Mary and his promise to her parents.

“What troubles you, my friend?”

Magnus jumped out of his chair and turned to see the Dark One walk out of the shadows.

“Your presence is a most welcome relief,” Magnus said, catching himself before he reached out to greet him with a handshake. No one ever touched the Dark One.

“I imagined it would be when I saw who visited with you.” He slipped back toward the shadows, movement the only indication that someone was present.

“I did not anticipate Decimus's arrival.”

“No one ever does.”

“Tell me of Mary,” Magnus said, concerned for her safety more so now than ever before.

“She is safe and I intend to see that she remains so.
No one
will hurt her; I will not allow it.”

Magnus detected a difference in his tone. He was adamant about seeing to Mary's safety as though he was personally responsible for her. In the short time he had come to know the Dark One, Magnus realized that he never displayed his emotions. He was like a true warrior who rode into battle with determination and indifference to all but victory. Now, however, he sounded as though Mary came before all. What had happened?

Had Mary penetrated this warrior's shield? She had a kind heart, a gentle manner, a soothing voice, and she took pleasure in life, enjoying every precious moment.

When Magnus had visited her on occasion he could not understand how she found such pleasure in all she did. No matter the task at hand, she approached it with a smile or a song and suffered no complaints. He wondered if her light heart had been made heavy with all she had gone through recently.

“I want the same for her,” Magnus said.

“Good, then it is imperative that I remove her from the area at once. With Decimus close by I'm concerned that he will discover our whereabouts. I swear he has the nose of a bloodhound.”

“He knows I sent you after her.”

“I thought as much. What does he demand?”

“Mary's surrender,” Magnus said.

“Obviously, but what is it he really demands?”

“He wants Mary as his wife,” Magnus said, cringing at his own words.

“His wife?” the Dark One asked in disbelief. “He intends to wed a woman he claims is a heretic?”

“He intends to rid her of her evil ways and turn her into an obedient wife, showing all how righteousness can vanquish evil.”