“A skill is never useless,” Magnus said.
“A skill is only good if you can make use of it,” the man said with disgust.
“Then use your skill the one way you can.”
“How?” the elderly man asked, sounding hopeful that perhaps he was of some use after all.
“Teach what you know.” Magnus sent a signal to one of his men, who walked off into the woods without a word.
The man shook his head. “To who? Most villagers and lords have a bowman.”
“Skilled or not, there is always something to learn. I would be honored to have you share your knowledge with my bowman and do whatever you can to assist him. A cottage and food is included in the offer if you are interested.”
His wife cried softly, and the elderly man stood a little prouder. “I am John, and I accept your generous offer. I will do my share and serve you well, my lord.”
“I have no doubt you will. We must be on our way, but you are to wait here. Two of my men will return shortly and escort you to my keep. Once there, Thomas will see to your needs.”
“Bless you, Legend,” the woman said, her tears falling hard.
Magnus acknowledged her gratitude with a brief nod, then walked to his horse, ordering his men to mount.
Reena went to her horse realizing he’d left the food for the elderly couple to take with them. He lifted her to her horse, and as two of the Legend’s men walked out of the woods, the Legend, Reena and his men rode off.
She smiled, thinking of what a good man he was. Then she recalled his confession of murder, and she shivered.
“You are cold?” he asked. “A chill still clings to the air, spring has yet to fully blossom.”
“A slight chill, nothing more.”
“I have a heavy cloak if you need it,” he offered.
She looked over at him where he rode beside her, so large and terrifying all in black, his face mostly concealed by the helmet. Yet he was concerned for her well-being.
He cared for her and she cared for him. She could not be foolish and allow her doubts to cloud her emotions. She needed to seek her answers and understand. So her question was asked not out of curiosity but from a loving heart.
“Tell me about your teacher and his family.”
He stared at her for a silent moment, an indication he was deep in thought. Part of him wished he could remain there, in his mind.
Few knew the true story behind the tale that had earned him the title of the Legend. It was not something he wished to discuss or remember, and it certainly was not a tale he wished were true. By the time the story had traveled to his homeland it had grown into a legend—a legend that was far from the truth.
Could he trust Reena with the truth?
She had spoken not a word to anyone of his mother being the woman kept prisoner in the secret room. If she had he would have known, for the news would have run rampant through the keep, gossip being a way of life. But not a word was made mention; she had kept her word, keeping his secret.
Reena waited patiently, knowing he would speak when he was ready. And though he looked as if he warred with his own decision, she felt confident he would choose to share the past with her and free his tormented heart and soul.
He spoke low, his words for their ears alone. “William was a good man and was a master in understanding instinct. He explained that it was an important part of who we are and what we amount to. Instinct allows us to live with less fear and more hope. It allows for understanding and less ignorance. Instinct is an essential part of us all that is rarely acknowledged and barely used.
“He taught me that all creatures except man use their instincts to survive, for man’s arrogance causes him to ignore his instincts. At first his lessons seemed trivial and of no real importance to me until I began to realize the depth of his teachings. I spent a year with him, and it was a year I will never forget or regret.
“His thoughts and ideas were foreign to many, and he had moved his family several times to keep them from being persecuted, since there were many who believed he practiced dark magic. I asked him once why he did not keep his tongue silent so that he did not have to run and hide in fear. He laughed at me and told me that I should think about what I asked of him and when I had my answer I would need him to teach me no more.”
“Did you discover the answer?”