Legendary Warrior (Warrior 1)

“Every time?”

Magnus thought to confirm his query, when he remembered how she had been struck by one of Kilkern’s men because she had gone off on her own without his permission.

“Your hesitation is answer enough.” His laughter continued.

“You find this amusing. One day you will find a woman such as Reena for yourself, and you will laugh no more.”

His laughter subsided. “If I found a woman with the strength, character and honesty of Reena, I would never let her go. I would protect her with my last ounce of strength and gladly give my life for her. But we agree that women like Reena are rare and few. You have found an incomparable gem.”

An abrupt shuffle and movement in the shadows caused Magnus to stand.

“I remain too long. I must go.”

“You are always welcome in my home.”

A black-leather-clad hand emerged from the shadows. “Thank you, my friend.”

Magnus held firm to his hand. “If ever you need me—”

“I know where you are.” A firm handshake parted them, and Magnus knew not how the Dark One exited the room, he only knew that he disappeared. “Keep safe, my friend.”

A winter storm set in hard and fast by midday, and most sought shelter in their homes. With sufficient warmth and food, the villagers were content. Reena draped her warm wool cloak around her and hurried out of the keep to Brigid’s cottage, Horace tailing close behind.

She thought to keep her friend company and perhaps ease her worry concerning Kilkern, but when she arrived at the cottage she heard laughter and was surprised upon entering to see Brigid teaching Thomas to make bread. They were laughing because the large man looked quite odd with an apron around his wide girth and his thick fingers buried in dough.

Reena recalled Magnus’s words about looking more closely at Brigid’s own dreams and desires. Watching the two, she realized the unlikely pair worked well together and, oddly enough, complemented each other.

Thomas looked at Brigid with loving eyes, and she seemed attentive to the large man. Could they be falling in love? It was obvious they wished to be alone, though Brigid insisted she stay and have the evening meal with them. Reena declined, though Horace remained, the scent of baking bread too tempting to refuse.

Reena returned to the great hall to find it empty, and she realized most would be remaining in their cottages for the night. She felt a sense of loneliness and thought of visiting her parents or Justin. Then she realized that Justin would probably be with Maura and her parents probably were snuggled before the fire enjoying her mother’s delicious winter stew, and no doubt the children would gather round her father later and hear his tales.

Where, then, did she belong?

The question disturbed her, for she had always felt a strong sense of belonging and a connection to all in the village. But times had changed and she was no longer the little girl who sat in her father’s lap listening to exciting tales. She had actually created her own tales by living her life, and her life was her mapmaking and drawing.

Both filled her days and occupied much of her nights. Why did that thought fill her with a sense of loneliness? Did she suddenly want more? More of what?

Someone to share it with?

Her mother and father had each other. Brigid in a sense had Thomas to protect her and care for her. Justin and Maura spent all their time together, and several of Magnus’s men had fallen in love with women in the village.

Why did she think of this now?

And why did her thoughts now take her to Magnus?

He was her lord and she his servant. She mapped for him; there was much yet to be finished, and here she stood in an empty hall feeling sorry for herself. It would not do.

She hurried off to the cook area, passing through the enclosed passageway that kept the servants safe from the harsh weather when serving meals. She heard Justin’s and Maura’s voices before she entered the room.

Justin greeted her with a smile and a hug. “Join Maura and me for the meal. Everyone remains home.”

Reena saw that the couple was alone, Maura the only cook remaining for the night, the others home with their families. She decided they should have their time alone.

“I would love to, but I have much work to do and thought to fill a tray to take to my chambers.”

Maura hurried off the bench, where she sat at a table with Justin. “I will fix a tray for you.”

Maura piled freshly cooked venison on a plate, along with fresh baked bread, while Justin and Reena talked about the strides the village had made.

Maura finished the tray with several thick slices of soft cheese. “I can carry this to your chambers for you.”