Magnus continued through the great hall, down and around a narrow passageway and up spiral stone steps to come out into a large room. Debris and cobwebs occupied the place, and a tattered tapestry hung on a wall. A large fireplace occupied a whole wall and was made of thick round stones, the mantel being one solid beam of wood.
With his arms crossed over his chest, Magnus took a stance in front of the cold hearth.
Reena decided to offer an apology, hoping to avoid a confrontation. “I am sorry for not seeking your permission to leave the village. My only excuse, and a poor one at that, is that I have yet to grow accustomed to answering to anyone for my actions.”
She shivered, not certain whether she was chilled by the cold room or by his chilled expression.
He remained silent, an indication that he gave her words thought. She waited.
He closed the distance between them to stand directly in front of her, so close that she could feel the warmth of his body. It eased her chill and brought her comfort.
An odd thought, and one she pushed from her mind.
“Tell me what happened.”
“Kilkern’s men appeared out of nowhere, though I had been too busy taking note of the land—”
“—to pay attention to your safety.”
“Foolish, I know,” she admitted with a brief shake of her head.
“Then you spoke up without thinking.”
Her eyes went wide.
“I have learned you are not one to hold your tongue.”
“I can when necessary,” she defended. “But my confidence was strong, having the distinction of being the Legend’s mapmaker.”
“And this you told him.”
“Aye,” she said with her head high. “Straight and forward I was, letting him know that I was now under your protection.”
Magnus held firm to his anger; that Kilkern would strike Reena knowing she was under his protection infuriated him.
“Your name seemed to anger him as much as his presence angers you.” She hoped for an explanation, though she doubted he was ready to offer it.
“He lashed out at you.” Magnus reached up and gently touched the swollen corner of her mouth. “Perhaps Old Margaret can help alleviate your discomfort.”
His voice softened, his eyes showed concern, and his touch was light, like butterfly wings whispering across her cheek. Her legs trembled, her knees grew weak, and she fought the urge to rest her head on his chest.
Instead she stepped away from him. “I will see what Margaret can do, and I thank you for what you did for Brigid. I know you will find her to your liking, for she is a good and kind woman.”
“So are you.”
She laughed, though it sounded sad to his ears. “Did you not hear Kilkern? I am useless and not attractive to a man.”
“He is ignorant and blind.”
“I have grown thin, and my features are plain and will set no man’s heart to beating wildly.”
Magnus closed the distance between them once more. “You possess the skill, the strength and the courage to travel the land and map it. How many among us can do as you do? And as for your features?”
He paused and stared at her in silence.
Did words fail him? Were her features so difficult to describe that he could find no words? And why did the thought hurt her so? She had never allowed such silly nonsense to disturb her before.
He spoke then in a whisper, as if his words were meant for her alone. “The only beauty that counts is the true beauty that is seen by a true heart.”
Her laughter was soft, like a gentle breeze. “Then beauty escapes me, for a true heart will never find me. No man will love a woman such as I, and it is good that I know this, for I will not waste my time on useless dreams.”
She turned and hurried from the room, rushing down the steps and out of the keep.Chapter 10Winter nipped at the last few days of autumn, and preparation was well underway to make certain all in the village and keep were ready. In the two weeks since their arrival at Dunhurnal, the villagers and the Legend’s warriors had been busy repairing and preparing the cottages, the keep and the land. Much had been accomplished. Though more work was necessary, at least everyone would have a warm, comfortable cottage for the winter.
Warriors busily hunted game, while the women saw to smoking and salting the meat for storage. Wool cloth was distributed to the women, who immediately set to work sewing new garments. Wood was chopped and stored, and peat collected for a sufficient supply of fuel for the hearths.
Through all the activity Reena saw to it that Brigid was often thrown in Magnus’s path. And she made certain that he was aware of how talented Brigid was with a needle and thread and cooking.