“I did what was necessary for the good of all.” Reena did not wish to discuss herself and quickly changed topics. “I have a favor I need of you. I have ideas for the tower room and would like your help.”
“I would love to help you. Tell me your ideas.”
The two women discussed the room until several yawns alerted them to the late hour. Brigid bid her goodnight, excited and ready to start the project they had discussed.
Reena was filled with excitement of her own, and though several yawns warned she was not far from slumber, she decided to finish a few details on the map she’d worked on.
A surprising growl from Horace, who lay curled in front of the hearth, alerted her to a late-night visitor. The flickering shadows in the room, the sound of crackling fire, the lateness of the hour and Horace’s steady growl gave her a sudden unease.
The knock eased her worry, though she called out, “Who is it?”
“Magnus.”
Her concern faded completely at the sound of his strong voice.
She bade him entrance.
“I saw the faint light under your door and could not believe you remained awake at this hour, and still working. And was that a growl I heard from my dog?”
Reena giggled. “I think he grows courageous with age.”
“But he growls at his master,” Magnus said with a laugh and a shake of his head.
Horace had already returned to his sound slumber, ignoring them both.
“You have worked since I left you?”
“Nay, Brigid visited, I wish only to finish a detail or two.”
“Brigid is good?” Magnus approached her desk.
Reena repeated her friend’s words. “She is at peace with life.”
“I am glad to hear that. She is a good woman.”
Reena thought to try once again and see if there was a chance for Magnus and Brigid, though she hesitated for a moment and wondered over her reluctance to speak.
“Do you not look for a good woman to take as a wife?”
“I seek a woman to love to take as my wife.”
“Can love not come later in a marriage?” Reena asked.
“It is always possible, but then without a spark of love, a bit of interest or at least an attraction, indifference and hate can also come later.”
He walked around the desk, slowly lowered his lips to hers, and kissed her softly. “Goodnight, and while you sleep, think of who you wish to love.”Chapter 16An unusually harsh winter hit the land, and much time was spent indoors by all. Reena visited with her mother and father when she could, though oftentimes when she did, her father was busy entertaining the village children with heroic tales.
Life was good for all right now even though eyes were kept wide and strangers watched carefully. Safety was not taken for granted. Kilkern could not be trusted. He waited and planned, and eventually he would make himself known.
Reena hurried down the stairs to the great hall. She was starving and looking forward to talking with Brigid. They’d made plans to meet this morning and discuss the remaining work that needed finishing in the tower room.
She caught sight of Brigid at a table close to the fireplace. Thomas sat beside her and Magnus stood, his look angry. Something was wrong. She hurried over to the trio.
“What has happened?” Reena asked, a sense of dread descending on her.
Magnus answered. “I received a message from Kilkern that Brigid is to be turned over to him for theft from his property.”
“Brigid stole nothing from him,” Reena argued.
“He claims otherwise and demands a punishment fitting the crime. He refuses any compensation, insisting the object was invaluable.”
“What is it he claims she stole? And why wait until now to accuse?” Reena was furious and stood beside her friend, her hand on her shoulder. She could feel Brigid tremble with fear, and she squeezed her shoulder in reassurance.
Silence hung heavy in the air and Reena wondered over it, glancing from one to another in search of an answer.
Magnus spoke. “He claims he only recently realized he no longer possessed the object and that he was with Brigid when he last saw it.”
“And this priceless object is?”
“A map.”
Reena shook her head. “A map? A map of what? And why would a map be so important to him?”
“Kilkern claims that this map shows that Dunhurnal land is actually Kilkern land and that it was divided unlawfully and given to one Brian Dunhurnal. Dates and boundaries on the map and the signature of the king would prove his claim. He insists that Brigid stole it for me.”
“That is ridiculous,” Reena said. “She did not know you until you arrived here with me.”
“Kilkern claims otherwise, and if I do not surrender Brigid, he warns that he will petition the king to have her turned over to him, in addition to the return of Dunhurnal land, which he says rightfully belongs to him.”