Legendary Warrior (Warrior 1)

Brigid returned to seeing that the great hall was ready for the special occasion, and Reena marveled at her friend’s talent to handle a multitude of tasks all at once. Brigid had planned the wedding feast, seen to the stitching of the wedding veils and dresses, and she now saw to the great hall and filling it with flowers and garland greenery and a multitude of white candles.

Reena slipped unnoticed out the door, leaving the chaotic scene behind. She was not alone, though; Horace followed on her heels. He had grown from a tiny, plump, and cowardly pup into a large protective beast of a dog. And ever since that day in the dungeons, he had remained by her side wherever she went, Magnus pleased and proud of the courageous animal.

Reena took a deep breath of fresh air and grew excited about her walk. Perhaps she would find quills for drawing or find an area of land she wished to draw. The next hour or so belonged to her, and she intended to enjoy it.

She had not walked far when she heard laughter in the near distance. It sounded like a couple that had sneaked off for a moment of private fun, and she thought to turn around and walk in another direction, not wanting to disturb them.

“Who goes there?” the voice demanded harshly.

Reena jumped, startled that the laughter had stopped so suddenly and that the man should hear her. She approached, intending to make herself known to someone she probably already knew then be on her way.

She was surprised when she entered the small clearing a few feet away and did not recognize the couple standing there, the man in a protective stance, with sword in hand, in front of the woman.

She did not think to fear the man though he was large and powerfully built. His long, dark hair was heavy with gray, and his face was handsome.

She greeted them warmly, feeling them no threat. “I am Reena, and you are on the Legend’s land and most welcome.”

The woman quickly stepped out from behind the large man and rushed toward her. She was tall and slim and more beautiful than Reena thought possible. Pure white long hair, smooth, almost wrinkle-free skin, and dark eyes that looked ready to burst into tears.

“Reena,” she cried and opened her arms wide to throw around Reena for a hug. “I have been so looking forward to meeting you.”

The man walked up behind her. “Then let her go before you smother her, she’s just a wee bit of a thing.”

The woman stepped back but took solid hold of Reena’s one hand, as if making certain Reena remained by her side.

“Magnus has told us much about you, and you are as beautiful as he claimed,” the woman said.

Reena was momentarily stunned silent, then she realized the woman beside her had to be Magnus’s mother, her son having inherited her dark eyes. She meant to introduce herself properly, but instead she asked, “Magnus told you I was beautiful?”

“Aye, he did,” the man said and stepped forward. “I am James and pleased I am to meet you.”

The woman released her hand, and Reena’s small hand disappeared into his large grasp.

“And the woman who almost hugged you to death is—”

“Catherine, Magnus’s mother.” And she hugged Reena again with the same abundant enthusiasm.

Reena was pleased to meet them both and overjoyed that they had come here for the wedding. “I was not told of your impending arrival.”

“A surprise for you,” Magnus said.

Reena turned around to find him standing directly behind her. She had not heard his approach, but then she’d been too busy speaking with the couple to pay heed to anything else.

She immediately went into his outstretched arms.

“Are you certain you feel well enough to walk the woods? Brigid told me your intentions, and I worried that your ankles may still pain you.”

She stepped out of his embrace but took hold of his hand, his warmth and strength comforting and his concern touching her heart. “I am fine, there is no need for worry.”

Magnus nodded, though concern remained evident on his handsome face. They both knew that her one ankle would be left with a scar, forever reminding her of her ordeal. It had upset him when Old Margaret had told him of this, but it did not bother Reena. She had simply pronounced the scar her badge of courage, which she would wear proudly.

“I am very pleased with my surprise,” Reena said. “I have been impatient to meet your mother.”

“And I you,” Catherine said, walking over to her son and kissing his cheek. “When we arrived this morning he did nothing but talk of you—”

“Sing her praises is more like it,” James said with a grin.

“Aye,” his mother said, her grin as wide as James’s. “He told us of your strength and courage and your many talents.”