Legendary Warrior (5 page)

Reena bristled at his remark. “I can defend myself well enough.”

“Can you now?”

Before Reena could blink, Magnus had turned and was upon her in an instant. He grabbed her by the shoulders and just as quickly took her to the ground, his legs straddling her while his hands had her shoulders pinned against the hard earth.

“Now can you defend yourself?”

“Aye, I can,” she said with a calmness that belied her quivering stomach.

He laughed.

“I only need to ask you to remove yourself from me.”

She forever startled him, whether in action or words. “And you think a foe would honor your request?”

“You are not a foe. I would not be so foolish as to ask a foe, but then I would not be so foolish as to place myself in a position of defending myself against someone more capable than me.”

“She defends herself well,” Thomas said with a laugh.

Begrudgingly Magnus agreed. “Aye, she does; she uses her intelligence and does not waste her strength in battling someone she cannot defend against.” He stood and offered his hand to her.

She took it and got to her feet, brushing off her cloak. “If I had no choice I would give a foe a worthy battle, though knowing full well victory would not be mine. I would not meet my demise without a fight.”

The thought that Reena would be in such a helpless situation and in need of defending herself infuriated Magnus. “You are under my protection now.”

The three continued toward the horses.

“I am grateful to know that, but I also know that each day can bring the unexpected and I must remain aware and keep my eyes wide and my ears alert.”

Magnus reached out suddenly, grabbing her around the waist and hoisting her up onto her mare. “You do that, but know that anyone who dares to harm one of mine will suffer my wrath.”

He walked over to his horse, mounted, and reached out to take his helmet from one of his men, who held it up to him.

Reena watched as the thoughtful and gentle Magnus disappeared and the fearsome Legend returned, and she shivered from the darkness that appeared to consume him.

A sharp yapping sound broke through her musing, and she looked to see plump little Horace running toward them. He stopped near her, plopped down on the ground for a second, then jumped up and down barking.

Magnus rode over. “Sit, Horace.”

The puppy jumped up and down several more times before he sat, his plump body leaning to the side and his tongue lolling out of the side of his mouth.

“I did not know you brought him along,” Reena said, delighted. She favored the pup, for he had followed her around yesterday like a dutiful guardian.

Magnus’s deep brown eyes peered at her through the slits of his helmet. “He has been riding in the wagon since our departure, too lazy to walk, and now he wants to join you on your horse.”

Horace seemed to understand and jumped up near Reena as if insisting she reach down and lift him up.

“He is welcome to ride along with me.”

Horace barked and continued looking to Reena, completely ignoring Magnus.

Magnus dismounted and leaned down to scoop the pup up, but Horace, upon seeing the large dark figure approach him, scurried like a frightened rabbit beneath Reena’s horse and whimpered.

“He is threatened by you,” Reena said sympathetically, understanding the small pup’s reaction.

Magnus grumbled for a moment, then ordered the pup out from under the horse. Horace whimpered louder.

“I will get him,” Reena offered.

“You will not.” Magnus was curt. “He will obey me.”

Reena defended the pup. “But he is terrified of you.”

“He must learn.” Once again he ordered the pup from beneath the horse.

Horace started to shiver.

Reena did not hesitate as she slipped off the horse, scooped up the petrified Horace, and looked to Magnus. “Fear teaches fear. Strength teaches strength.”

Magnus felt as if he had just been reprimanded and taught a lesson. He reached out to hoist Reena back onto her horse, and Horace hurried to bury his face in the crook of Reena’s arm. He shook his head and placed a heavy hand on her leg. “I need no reminding of how to handle my dog.”

She would have argued otherwise but thought better of disagreeing. She was in his service now, and that required obedience. Besides, the pup was safe and comfortable in her arms.

“I am sorry if I offended.”

Her apology seemed to irritate him even more, and he marched off without a word, leaving a decisive chill in his wake.

Reena hugged the pup to her. “Do not worry, Horace. Brigid will calm the Legend.”

Horace whimpered and snuggled closer to Reena, tucking himself soundly in her arms.

“Brigid will be good for him,” she whispered so only she could hear.

Why, then, did the thought upset her?

Chapter 7

R
eena sat by the campfire, perplexed. They were not that far from their destination, yet Magnus had ordered them to camp for the night. She had hoped they would continue and arrive near nightfall, but not so.

She huddled in the comfort of the brown wool cloak, grateful for its warmth, for the night had chilled considerably. Frost would soon be thick and heavy on the branches, and winter was not far behind. And a sorrowful winter it would have been if she had not enlisted the Legend’s help.

She knew even at this moment that while she sat warm, her stomach full, many in her village huddled before a dying hearth, their stomachs aching for a scrap of food.

A good reason why they should have continued on and not camped for the night when they were so close. Her village could have had food tonight and eased the torment they had suffered.

Thomas joined her, draping a wool blanket around her, adding more warmth and much more guilt. It hung heavy on her shoulders.

“Why do we stop? Why not go on? The village is so close.” She heard her own annoyance.

Thomas simply shrugged as he stretched out on the opposite side of the fire from her. “I do not question his decisions. They have always proven to be wise.”

“My people are hungry.” Her annoyance was replaced by a sense of defeat. What if she failed one person by being so close and not arriving on time? Losing one was as bad as losing ten, for they were all connected—they all cared for each other, thus one survival meant everyone’s survival.

“Do not worry yourself,” Thomas urged. “This night will make no difference to anyone in your village. If one should die of hunger, our arrival would not have saved him for he was too close to death to save. What matters is that tomorrow your village will have an abundance of food once more and the winter will see no one go hungry. Magnus will make certain of it.”

Reena stretched out on her pallet. “Thank you, Thomas, your words help.”

“Good, now sleep, for tomorrow we rise early and there will be much work to do when we arrive at your village.”

“Aye, much,” she agreed and smiled to herself. She would help distribute the food and assist the healers with the ill, but first she would hug her parents to her—and Brigid as well. Tears threatened her eyes, but she fought them with a deep strength, as she had so many times in the last few months. It would do her no good to show weakness. After all was settled and everyone taken care of, she would go to a place of solitude and release the abundance of tears that needed shedding—alone, where no one could see or hear her. Only then would she allow herself to cry.

Reena rose with the sun, happy that it was a beautiful day for her homecoming. The camp rose as well and packed in mere minutes, no food being cooked or distributed. Magnus had given orders that they would share the morning fare with the village.

He approached her with strong and hasty strides where she stood beside her horse, and she fought the urge to retreat. He intimidated when dressed for battle, especially when he wore his helmet. He resembled the dark lord of the underworld who rose from the earth to instill fear.

He stopped beside her, so close that his arm brushed hers. His slight touch sent a shiver through her, the likes of which she had never felt before. And it perplexed her, for she had tasted fear on more than one occasion and his touch felt nothing like fear.

“You are chilled?”

She focused on his eyes, for in them, beyond the helmet, was Magnus. “Nay, I am fine and eager to return home and see my family and friends.”

“I need not remind you that your loyalty is now with me?”

She nodded. “I understand.”

“Then no matter my edict you will follow?”

She hesitated a moment. What was he asking of her? She gave his words thought and then spoke up. “As long as it brings no harm to my village.”

He smiled and she had to fight down the shiver that raced over her, for his expression looked ominous framed by the dark helmet.

“You have courage and you are honest with your word—I would ask nothing of you that would bring you dishonor.”

“Then I will follow your command without hesitation.”

His hands went to her waist, but before he hoisted her up on her horse he bent his head and whispered, “Trust me.”

She had no choice but to trust him. Her fate and the fate of the village were in his hands.

He swung her up onto her horse and walked off to mount his own horse and lead his troop. All followed him without hesitation, as did she.

Reena rode beside the Legend, and she grew anxious on their approach to the village. Everyone knew of her absence, Brigid having told them she was on a mapping expedition that could possibly provide the village with another source of food. They would be relieved to see her, but cautious of the troop she rode with.

From what she could see at first glance nothing much had changed. The village looked as she had left it—defeated and on the verge of utter starvation.

The villagers eyed the entering troop with suspicion and caution, whispering among themselves. A few hurriedly crossed themselves in protection, uncertain of their fate and fearful of the iron masked man who led them.

She called out to a few and waved to others, alerting them to her presence. While they responded in kind, they continued to keep a suspicious glance on the man in the iron helmet.

“Reena,” Magnus said, catching her attention. “A place where I can address your people.”

She nodded and called out to the people to meet them in the center of the village, for she had important news to share with them. All followed, eager to hear from Reena and whoever it was she had brought to them, though they kept a safe distance from the stranger on the large black stallion.

“Introduce me, Reena, so that the villagers’ needs can be seen to.”

Reena nodded, proud that concern glared in his dark eyes, Magnus’s eyes, but it was the Legend she introduced.

“I left here but five days ago to seek help for our village. I have returned with that help. I bid you all welcome to our home . . . the Legend.”

Gasps and cries rang loudly in the air, and the children, having heard tales of the infamous warrior, scurried behind their parents in fright. Reena caught sight of Brigid. Her friend was helping her father, who leaned heavily on a crutch, and her mother, who looked more pale and thin than when she had left. Her father’s eyes widened in shock, though they softened quickly enough, and tears followed a smile as he looked on his daughter with pride.

Magnus made no move to dismount; he sat in complete silence, waiting as the crowd quieted to a hush and silence once again reigned.

“Your village is truly blessed to have one so brave among it. Reena came to me and offered her mapping skills in exchange for protection of her village.” He did not wait for the rushed murmurs to settle before he continued, “I accepted her offer, her mapping skills having been proved worthy of such an exchange.

“My people have food for you and healers to help the ill. After you have feasted I shall speak with you all again.” He turned to his troop. “See to all their needs.” He then looked down at Thomas, who stood beside his horse. “Place guards with extras in the tall trees to the north.”

“It will take Kilkern time to learn of our arrival, since he appears a poor leader with no extended sentinels in watch of his lands.”

Magnus lowered his voice. “By then we will be gone.”

Thomas nodded and walked off to see to his orders.

Reena walked up to his horse. “I would like you to meet my parents and my friend.”

Magnus dismounted, slipped his helmet off, and handed it and the reins to one of his men, who stepped forward without a word having been spoken to him. Curious and cautious eyes followed him and Reena as they approached her parents. A few brave souls nodded and whispered their thanks, though none looked directly at him.

“Magnus, may I present my mother, Anona, and my father, Patrick.”

Magnus gave a curt bow to her mother. “Your daughter is an exceptional woman, and I am pleased to have her in my service.”

“Thank you, sir, for such kind words.”

Magnus turned to her father and extended his hand. “Your daughter speaks highly of you and your talent.”

Patrick accepted his offer of friendship, giving his hand a firm shake. “She far surpasses my meager skills and does me and mine proud.”

Reena was quick to introduce her friend. “This is Brigid, my friend since forever.”

Reena had not wasted a moment in introducing her friend to him. Brigid was as beautiful as her drawing. She had hair the color of freshly sown wheat, eyes that mirrored the blue skies, and a faint blushed skin that looked petal soft, with a body that captured a man’s breath.

But it was her all too skinny friend who stood beside her that caught his attention, especially since he caught her shiver and thought for sure he heard her stomach grumble. She required food and rest, but he had learned fast that Reena put others before herself. He would soon change that.

“I am pleased to meet you and I look forward to becoming better acquainted, but right now I am sure you all must be looking forward to the morning fare.” He turned to Reena. “Take your family and friend and feast. We will talk when you are finished.”

“I am grateful for your generosity,” she said before walking with her parents and friends toward the wagons, where the women were busy arranging blankets on the ground and handing boards filled with breads, cheeses, meats and more to the crowd to take and eat in the bright sunshine.

“Reena.”

She turned and hurried over to him.

He placed a finger under her chin and gave it a slight lift. “You make certain you eat well.”

She smiled. “I will try, but I am so happy to be home, I do not know if I could eat a morsel right now.”

“I expect you to eat more than a morsel.”

“Is that an order?” she asked on a laugh.

“You are too skinny, and I require strength in those who serve me.”

She bristled. She knew her unintended weight loss made her appear frail, but her determination kept her strong.

“Do not underestimate my strength. I will serve you well.” She turned and walked away without waiting for him to dismiss her.

“Damn,” he murmured. His concern was for her, and yet he’d made himself appear selfish. It disturbed him to know that she had gone without food and shed weight, which had left her looking thin and frail. And it disturbed him even more to think that she thought him a better match for her friend Brigid, never thinking that he would find her attractive.

“Damn,” he said beneath his breath once more. What was it about her that he found attractive? The thought plagued him, and he would not rest easy until he discovered it for himself.

He walked off to find Thomas and set his plans in motion.

Merriment returned, if only briefly, as bellies were filled, tales were told, and hope filled hearts once again. Reena was thanked over and over again as she joined her village in a feast the likes of which they had not shared in far too long.

But merriment turned to serious discussion when many spoke of the repercussions Peter Kilkern would inflict on them when he learned of the Legend’s interference. After all, this was Kilkern land, and the Legend had no right here. What then?

Reena wondered herself, and her concerns grew when she realized that food was not being distributed to cottages but kept in the wagons. What were the Legend’s intentions?

It was not long before she had her answer.

Thomas informed her to gather the villagers once again, for the Legend wished to address them.

Children were still stuffing their mouths with honey cakes as they leaned against their parents and stared in awe at the Legend. Women openly admired him, though they kept their eyes from his. The men waited with caution, though less caution than before, since their stomachs were full.

Reena remained by her parents’ side. As she glanced around the crowd, she could see that many villagers had food in their hands, fearing that if they did not hold on to every morsel they could once again be close to starvation.

Magnus raised his voice for all to hear. “I will make this brief and easy for you all to understand. I have no right to this land and I cannot force the earl of Culberry to treat you fairly.”

Sighs were heard and tears soon fell.

“He rules this land as he sees fit, fair or unfairly. But you have a choice.” A sudden silence descended over the crowd. “You can stay and tenant his land for unreasonable fees, or you can tenant my land for reasonable fees.”

Grumbles and whispers rushed like a gust of wind through the gathered crowd.

“We have paid our tenant fee for the year,” one man called out.

“And you have nothing left for yourself. How will you feed your family?” Magnus asked.

“How do we pay you when we have nothing left?” asked another man.

“I will take no fee from you for one year’s time. You will have time to till the land, and I will provide food and shelter for you while you work the soil.”

“And in return?” asked a man suspiciously.