Dark Warrior (14 page)

M
agnus's protective instincts had him moving to step in front of Mary, but his wife's hand held him firm.

“She will face him with courage,” Reena whispered to her husband, and they both moved aside.

Mary approached Decimus with her head held high, though her legs trembled. He intimidated even with the distance that separated them. He was taller than she had thought him to be and his features were dark, his black hair lustrous. His garments were rich in texture and in colors that befitted royalty, gold and red. He looked fit, in fine shape for a man who did nothing but condemn and torture.

He remained braced against the edge of the table in an arrogant stance, as though annoyed that he had to wait for her approach. The closer she got the more she realized that it was his eyes that held the most power; dark and menacing, cold and calculating, a heartless man devoid of a soul.

“Do you intend to keep me waiting all day?”

His voice was strong, filling the great hall with a thunderous rumble.

Mary did not hasten her step, she could not, her legs trembled far too much; she felt lucky she was able to remain upright. To others she appeared confident and proud, and she intended to keep it that way. No one knew of her trepidation.

She stopped a few feet in front of him. “I am Mary, you requested my presence.”

Decimus assessed her with a cold stare, rubbed his chin, then shook his head as if he found her lacking in some way.

Mary chose silence, knowing her tongue would only get her into trouble.

He straightened. “I thought you might find my proposal acceptable.”

“You gave me little choice.”

“I was generous in my offer,” he said.

Mary shrugged. “That is a matter of opinion.”

He lunged at her, causing her to jump back. He halted only inches in front of her. “I will teach you obedience, and you will learn.”

“As you say,” she said with a curt bow of her head.

“Docile so soon.” He frowned and circled her. “You think me a fool?”

“I do not know you, sir, therefore I cannot say for certain.”

He leaned in close to her. “Watch your tongue, Mary, I can easily have it removed.”

He summoned Magnus with a snap of his hand. “Have her cleaned up and brought to my bedchamber. She looks a sight covered with dirt and grime.”

“I cannot send Mary to your bedchamber,” Magnus said adamantly. “It is not proper.

“You challenge my authority?”

“Your intentions,” Magnus said.

Decimus looked ready to spew forth his anger.

Reena sought to quell tempers. “Perhaps the solar would do.”

Decimus gave a quick nod, then turned to Mary. “When you are made more presentable, we will talk.”

He strode off, sniffing the air with disgust as he passed Mary.

Reena walked up behind her husband and waited until Decimus left the hall to say, “That is one way to keep him away from you, remain disheveled.”

“A good thought,” Mary said. “Though I expected him to demand more from me.”

“Give him time,” Magnus warned. “He does nothing without purpose.”

“Come with me,” Reena said. “I will see to a bath and clean garments for you.”

Mary looked to Magnus before following Reena. “Has Decimus made mention of when he intends for the wedding to take place?”

He shook his head. “I am sure he will speak to you of it soon.” He squeezed her arm gently. “Go eat and wash up and do not rush. Decimus will wait.”

“Will he?” Mary asked in a way that had them all wondering.

A tray of food and a full tub awaited her in her bedchamber. Mary wasted not a moment. She shed her garments and climbed in, a grateful sigh spilling from her lips as she sank into the hot water.

The heat soaked into her bones; she relaxed and her mind drifted. It would be difficult keeping her feelings for the Dark One hidden. Magnus was an astute judge of character, and Reena seemed curious and not averse to asking questions. She would need to be careful.

After eating far too much food, Mary found herself sleepy. She lay on the bed for a brief rest. She no soon as closed her eyes than she thought she heard someone whisper her name.

It was a harsh, familiar whisper, and then she felt the familiar feel of a leather-clad hand touch her face.

Michael
.

She instantly became concerned that he should be there. It was too dangerous, yet he stroked her warm cheek with his cool leathered touch, and it felt so very good and so very right.

He ran his hand slowly down her body.
I miss you
.

She wanted to reach out and touch him, know he was real, not a dream, but he denied her.

Lie still, I cannot stay
.

She wanted to cry out not to leave her that he should take her with him, but even in her dream her choice remained the same.

“Come back,” she whispered.

I am not far
.

She reached out and took hold of his hand. He was solid, real, not a shadow. But then he was no longer a shadow to her, not since they had made love. Though faceless he was a man of flesh and blood.

What did he look like?

She wanted to see him, know him for who he was; it seemed imperative.

She tried to turn.

Nay!

He denied her. Why did he deny her? Her own safety? It seemed not to matter to her. What mattered most was that she saw him for who he was.

“Please, Michael.”

Do as I say, and you will be safe
.

She tried to turn and felt as if someone held her down.

“Let me see you.” She struggled with the weight that held her.

You fight yourself. You fight the truth
.

Mary grew agitated not understanding what he meant. The more she struggled, the heavier her burden felt.

She thought she heard him drift away and still she could not move.

“Michael?”

No answer, she panicked and fought against the weight that imprisoned her. She wanted to see him, know he was there, not a dream, lord she did not want it to be a dream. She wanted him there beside her.

She woke shouting, “Do not go!” with the light wool blanket twisted around her and her hair tangled and half-covering her face. A sense of emptiness filled her. Sitting up, she tried to free herself of the blanket and gasped when she spotted a shadow near the window.

“M
issing someone?” Decimus stepped out of the shadows.

Mary glared at him. “My parents.”

“Your tongue is quick.”

She amended his accusation. “My tongue is truthful.”

He stepped closer, his dark eyes narrowing, his nostrils flaring. “You have much to learn.”

“We all do.”

He walked over to her, his hands grabbing her by the shoulders. “You will learn the truth once you wed me.”

“The truth defines itself.”

“As you will learn.” He shoved her away from him. “You have kept me waiting.”

“I was more tired than I thought and meant to rest only a moment. I am sorry for delaying our discussion.”

He seemed appeased by her apology, though she never actually apologized to him. She regretted wasting precious time on sleep more than she regretted speaking with him and discovering anything she could that might help free her of him.

“We will talk here,” he said and turned his back to her. “Finish dressing.”

She made haste to don the dark green tunic Reena left lying across the foot of the bed and snatched the soft tan leather boots from the floor to slip on. She ran her fingers through her damp hair, knowing there was not much that could be done with it, and finished by knotting a thin leather belt around her waist.

“May I offer you a drink or food?” she asked, letting him know she was now presentable.

“Wine,” he said and took a seat by the fireplace.

She handed him a goblet of wine.

He took it, stared at the red liquid, sipped, then sipped again before he said, “You may sit.”

Mary knew patience would be her strongest ally when dealing with Decimus. And she would need to remind herself daily of it. She chose the small stool nearer the hearth, feeling chilled.

Was it her own mixed emotions that caused the shivers? Or was it Decimus?

“It is good you know your place.”

“Perhaps you should define my place,” she said, hasty to add, “so that I know for certain what is expected of me.”

“Obedience in all things.”

His dark eyes heated with pleasure at the thought, and she noticed then how richly defined his features were, with high cheekbones that appeared sculpted, a narrow face that defined a rounded chin and narrow lips that showed not a sign of a smile. If he were not so loathsome a creature, he would be a handsome man.

“It is good that you are attentive,” he said, mistaking her introspection for attentiveness. “It is one less thing you need to be taught.”

“Why wed me if I burden you?”

He leaned forward, his face close to hers. “Did I give you permission to ask questions?”

He spoke with a cold harshness that chilled and unnerved. Her shivers increased and she dropped her hands to her sides to grasp the edge of the stool. She hoped the fire's warmth would at least toast her trembling hands and send warmth through the rest of her body, easing her shivers.

When she dutifully remained silent, he leaned back in his seat. “You are nothing compared to the burdens I carry.”

“Why then?” She bit her tongue after the query slipped from her lips, and hoped her mistake would not cost her.

His dark eyes glazed with a fiery pleasure. “To cleanse your soul and prove to all that sinners can be made righteous.”

She did not need to ask why, she understood. If he wed a sinner and changed her into a dutiful wife, his power would know no bounds and he would be untouchable. Neither he nor his work would ever be doubted.

You will be the demise of Decimus
.

She hoped the seer's words proved true for she could not be responsible for Decimus growing in power and in position. It would mean more innocent people would die.

Again he took her silence as submission.

“I have made arrangements for our wedding. Two weeks from tomorrow we will wed here at Magnus's keep.”

“You have discussed this with him?”

He glared at her as if she were daft. “I have no need to discuss it with him. I will tell him of my decision. Besides, I thought he would like to be present at your wedding, after all he was
your protector
.”

Mary bit her tongue. He would have the wedding at Magnus's keep to prove that he had been victorious over the mighty Legend.

“The wedding will be a dignified affair followed by a festive celebration. All will participate in this joyous occasion. There will be an extended church service and you will kneel beside me in prayer.”

Mary wanted to remind him that she did not believe as he believed, but it would not be wise of her. Silence was her ally, she reminded herself over and over.

“Make certain an appropriate wedding dress is sewn for you, a gown that signifies my status in the Church. I will not have you appear a dowdy bride. Remember we are exchanging vows and you are committing yourself to me forever.”

“Forever?” she asked, the awful thought setting her legs to trembling.

“Of course,” he said as if she seemed ignorant. “We wed before God and man. We become man and wife for eternity.”

Man and wife, not husband and wife. He would rule her as he saw fit, but Michael would not. He would be a true husband to his wife. She missed him terribly, and more so since she had dreamed of him. It was as if he had been there with her, touching her, holding her and loving her.

She chased Michael from her thoughts for fear of bringing tears to her eyes.

“Your silence is good. I will not abide a wife who speaks when she pleases. You will speak when spoken to.”

That was definitely going to be a problem. She could chatter a day away without difficulty. Michael liked her chatter.

Stop
.

She grabbed the edge of the stool tightly, her silent warning echoing in her mind.

Decimus handed his empty goblet to her. “Get me more wine.”

Mary feared her hand would tremble when she reached for it, but she was quick and snatched the goblet away from him. She walked to the table to pour him another.

“Now that we are finished with the wedding plans, there is something else I want to discuss with you.”

She walked toward him with the filled goblet.

“Tell me of the Dark One.”

The silver goblet dropped out of her hand and fell to the floor.

“How clumsy of you, Mary.”

Much too clumsy, she thought. He had tricked her and she had fallen for his trickery. He now knew that it was the Dark One who had rescued her, and he intended for her to supply him with information.

“Clean it up,” he ordered.

She did as he commanded, reminding herself that she had to be more aware of his devious tactics or she would chance getting Michael caught.

She finished the chore and returned to her stool, handing him the refilled goblet.

He once again purposely took his time sipping the wine before speaking.

Her hands no longer trembled. It was imperative she remain aware and alert so she did not accidentally give Decimus information that would lead him to capturing Michael.

“I will capture the Dark One. Like your capture, his is only a matter of time.”

Her capture.
This was what she wanted to hear about. She remained silent, hoping it would encourage him to talk.

“Magnus is a worthy opponent, but I knew I would find you if I were patient. He could not hide you forever. And there is always someone who will, for a coin, or if forced to, divulge information I seek.”

Someone betrayed her?

“I will be patient and wait.
Someone
will give me the Dark One.”

He had to be a fool to think she would betray the man she loved, but then he did not know she loved the Dark One, and he must never learn of it. He would use her to force Michael to surrender. She had to be careful, very careful, or she would be the demise of the Dark One, not Decimus.

“What do you think of the Dark One?”

She shrugged. “I know nothing of him.”

“I am not a fool, Mary. The Dark One freed you from my prison cell, and I believe he killed one of my men, since he never returned after tracking you. And his body has never been found.”

“Perhaps the man chose his own freedom.”

“Watch your tongue with me, woman,” he warned sternly. “I will not tolerate caustic remarks from you.”

She bowed her head as though demonstrating obedience when she actually bowed so he would not see her squeeze her lips shut to keep from lashing out at him.

“I only ask a question once, and yet I find I have asked a question twice of you. If an answer is not forthcoming immediately, you will feel a heavy hand.”

It would be foolish to continue to deny any knowledge of the Dark One. It was what knowledge she divulged that was important. “I never saw him.”

“That was not what I asked. I asked what you thought of him.”

He is brave, unselfish, and I love him.
The words remained silent on her tongue, instead she said, “He is a man intent on his mission.”

“Rescuing people God has judged to be sinners? Does this seem like a noble cause to you?” he asked annoyed.

“I believe the Dark One a noble man. He fights for his beliefs.”

“You sound as if you admire him.”

“It takes courage to be different,” she said softly.

“And the Dark One certainly is different, hiding in darkness like a demon fearful of the light. He serves an evil lord and you should go down on your knees and give thanks I rescued you.”

“I am thankful,” she said.
For Michael's love, for no longer having to hide, for a chance to one day truly be free.

“Good, now you are on the path of righteousness,” he said with satisfaction. “Now, what of this man Roarke who brought you here?”

She had not thought of Roarke, and how it would appear with him escorting her here. But he did not know that, or did he? And where was Roarke? She had been so caught up in seeing Magnus again she had not given Roarke any thought, not that he could not take care of himself, but she wished to know he was safe.

“I know nothing of the man Roarke. I met him along the way.”

“You lie.”

“Nay, I do not,” she insisted.

“You expect me to believe this man Roarke just happen to be going your way?”

“Farther than my destination, but I told him that Magnus was generous to travelers and would feed him a decent meal.”

“And he will attest to this, if asked?”

Could she get to Roarke before Decimus? She had not thought of the consequences of Roarke helping her. And why had she not considered his safety? She continued her bluff followed by a silent prayer.

“It is the truth,” she said.

He stood and went to the door.

Mary was surprised to see one of his men standing outside the door.

“Bring me the man Roarke,” he ordered and shut the door.

What had she done? She had placed Roarke in jeopardy. Now what?

Decimus returned to his seat. “You never once saw the Dark One's face?”

She shook her head and clasped her hands together to keep them from trembling. She should have given more consideration to her response. She had warned herself to be careful, and she had not been careful. If he discovered that Roarke was a friend to the Dark One, he could use him against Michael.

“I have not found a soul who knows the Dark One's identity, though perhaps Roarke will know something.”

She had never considered that Roarke actually might know the Dark One's true identity. Was it possible? Could Michael have confided in Roarke? Was he more a friend to him than she knew?

Her heart pounded in her chest and her trembling hands grew icy cold. What had she done? Had she carelessly betrayed both men?

“I warn you, Mary, to be truthful with me, for you will suffer at my hand.” He glared at her accusingly.

She placed her cold hands between her knees for warmth and to stop them from trembling. She raised her chin feigning confidence, though she felt none.

“The Dark One confided nothing in me.”

His fist pounded the arm of the chair. “What of help? No one helped him?”

Mary recalled the people in the small village who were so generous. She would never betray them even if it meant her suffering. She attempted to appease him.

“I saw no one, though there were times he left me alone.”

Decimus leaned forward interested in the bit of useless information. “Where did he leave you alone and for how long?”

“We traveled mostly at night so I could not say where it was exactly he left me, or how long he was gone. During his absence I slept heavily, exhausted from our walking.”

“He must have people who help him, and I intend to find them and make them pay for aiding a sinner.” Decimus leaned back in his chair as though worn out from battle. He folded his hands and rested them near his mouth, his eyes focused on the flames in the hearth.

Mary was glad his interrogation of her was done. She had erred enough with Roarke. She did not wish to cause further problems for anyone. And what of Roarke? Good lord, she prayed she would not be the cause of him suffering.

A knock sounded at the door.

She remained where she was, her heart beating madly and her stomach churning.

Decimus looked at her as if to let her know her time had come.

He stood and called out, “Enter.”

The door opened and the man who had stood guard entered alone.

Mary wanted to jump for joy. He had not located Roarke, perhaps there was still time for her to find him.

“Where is he?” Decimus asked sharply.

“I have been informed that the man Roarke has continued on his journey.”

“When did he leave?” Decimus asked.

The man appeared nervous when he answered, “I do not know.”

Decimus looked ready to choke the man. “Did you not think to ask?”