Legendary Warrior (Warrior 1)

But what did she really know of the Legend?

His infamous exploits had earned him his name, but how had it all begun? He had not set out to become the Legend. Had life circumstances forced the roll upon him?

She suddenly became quite curious. “How did you become a warrior?”

He kept his eyes on the road ahead of him and answered, “Out of necessity.”

She waited for further explanation. When none was forthcoming, she continued her query. “What necessity?”

“Survival.”

His short answers gave the impression that he did not wish to discuss the topic, but Reena was persistent. “For yourself or others.” She purposely did not mention his mother, but she felt that perhaps the woman had helped determine her son’s fate.

He turned to look at her, and she swallowed the nervous lump that rose in her throat. His dark eyes glared, and his helmet concealed, and his lips, which she often thought tasted like warm honey when he kissed her senseless, were set tight.

She had asked a question that appeared not to please him, and she thought perhaps he would not answer her.

After several silent moments he spoke. “Are you certain you wish this discussion now?”

He had warned her about learning about the Legend. Was she ready? Or did she really have a choice? Was it not time she knew all about the man she felt she loved?

“Aye.”

Another moment of silence was followed by a frustrated sigh, and then he began. “Life was difficult after my mother and I made our escape. Our coins went quickly, especially since my mother had a tender heart. The group of people we joined was accepting and generous with what little they had, but one woman in particular was ill and required much care and what healing potions could be found. Though we had traveled as far from Dunhurnal land as we could, my mother could not take the chance and be seen. She remained at the campsite while others went out and scavenged for food and things we needed, as well as going to purchase potions for Lena, at least until our coins ran out.

“Stealing food at times was the only way we did not starve. I did well, being young and lightweight and quick on my feet, until one day I stole from the wrong person.”

Memories silenced him momentarily, and Reena waited for him to continue.

“I attempted a theft from a wealthy man protected by four guards who had just left an inn. I was caught and they were beating me rather badly when a warrior happened upon the scene and rescued me. I knew when I watched him effortlessly defend himself against the four men that I wanted to be as powerful a warrior as he.

“His name was James, and he returned me to my campsite bruised and bloodied. When my mother rushed to my side to care for me, he grabbed her arm and ordered her to leave me be, that I was a man and would lick my own wounds for being so foolish.

“That was the beginning of my warrior’s training. When James learned of our plight, he took me aside and told me that it was my duty to see that my stepfather paid for what he did to my mother and to my honor as a man.”

“He taught you then?” Reena asked.

“He taught me well and all I thought would be necessary to know to become a great warrior.”

“Not so?”

He shook his head. “Not near enough. He told me that patience and gratitude were the most important attributes a warrior could possess. I did not understand him, but I was soon to find out. He sent me away to learn from his friends, and that is when I became a true warrior. I learned combat skills I never knew existed, and I learned just how patience could save not only my own life but also the lives of many, and how gratitude for all that I had learned could greatly benefit me, that taking nothing for granted would win me wars and wealth, and my reputation grew.”

“Until?”

He hesitated. “Do you really wish to hear this, Reena?”

“You have told me nothing that makes me think differently of you. You did what was necessary to survive. There is nothing wrong with that. You learned skills that proved beneficial to you and others. You are a warrior.”

“I am the Legend.” He sounded as if he admitted to a heinous crime. “And the legend began far from here and followed me over sea and land and grew after my return.”

“Are you telling me there is more to the Legend than I have heard?”

He simply stared at her with pain-filled eyes.

“Tell me.” She fought down the nervous lump that tried to rush up in her throat. “Tell me how the Legend was given birth.”

His somber laugh sent a chill through Reena.