Legendary Warrior (Warrior 1)

“I know you have heard many tales of me. Now you hear the truth.”

She nodded, as if reaffirming she was ready to hear whatever it was he had to tell her. And she wanted to hear every word, she wanted to know all she could about the Legend and understand all she could about him. The Legend was, after all, Magnus.

He hesitated a moment as if weighing the wisdom of his choice.

She smiled and reached out to rest her hand on his arm, the gesture one of comfort and support, letting him know she cared for him no matter his words.

He glanced down at her hand on his arm and raised troubled eyes to hers. “The legend began when I killed one of my teachers and his entire family.”Chapter 23Her hand fell away and she was stunned silent. One of his men called to him, letting him know they approached an area he had designated for mapping.

The Legend turned to Reena. “I expect your duties as my mapmaker to be carried out no matter the circumstances. This episode will then put your abilities to the test.”

“I will map,” Reena said firmly. She was actually grateful for the interruption, for she needed time to think on what he had just told her. He had been blunt, offering no excuse for his actions, and his words seemed to defy her to understand. Or did they beg her to understand?

The horses were brought to a halt and Reena dismounted before the Legend could assist her. At the moment she wanted no one’s assistance; she preferred relying on herself and she preferred solitude. Solitude to draw and to think.

She walked around her horse to the Legend. He stood where he was, a glint of anger in his dark eyes. She assumed he was annoyed with her for dismounting on her own. Her actions did give the impression she did not wish him to touch her, but she would deal with that later. Now she needed time to herself. “What do you wish mapped?”

He pointed. “The area seen from the crest of that hill.”

She nodded, took her charcoal and paper from the satchel strapped across the back of her horse, and walked to the crest of the hill. She stood silent, staring at the land spread out before her. It looked as empty as she felt, and she forced herself to take a closer look. Her mind rebelled, noticing none of the new spring growth about ready to blossom or the way the land rolled like a gentle green wave cresting over each hill, nor did she see the birds busy foraging for material to build suitable nests in which to lay their eggs. She heard only the Legend’s words repeated over and over in her head.

What would cause a man to kill an entire family?

And not any man but his teacher, who had willingly shared his wisdom with his student.

She feared that he could provide no justifiable answer. If not, what then would she do?

Her mind needed settling. She could do nothing now, but later she would question him, and she would expect an answer. She began to draw, and in no time her hands flew fast and furiously and her mind numbed; she was lost in her mapping.

They rode on to another area, little conversation passing between them, and stopped for a light midday fare. They rested near a stream, spreading out a cloth that held meat and bread. The Legend had walked off, leaving Reena with his men. She did not share in their conversation but listened to humorous tales of their adventures.

An elderly man and woman looking worn from traveling on foot approached them cautiously. The woman appeared ready to collapse, and Reena was quick to stand and offer them rest and sustenance.

The man repeatedly thanked Reena for her generosity, and the woman looked ready to weep as they eagerly walked over to Reena. But a sudden abruptness halted their steps and fear filled their eyes, and Reena knew that the Legend had walked up behind her.

The man slipped his arm around the trembling woman, and with a courteous bow of his head he whispered, “My lord.”

A strong command left no doubt as to what they should do. “Join us.”

Reena thought about making conversation with the pair to help alleviate their fear, but the two ate as if they had not eaten in weeks and kept their eyes lowered, though they did remain huddled close to each other.

“Your destination?” Magnus more demanded than asked.

Reena admired the way the man met Magnus eye to eye, though his voice trembled some.

“My wife Beth and I search for a home. Being older and my hands—” He stopped and looked at his wrinkled and gnarled hands as if he did not recognize them. He shook his head. “I cannot create the fine bows and arrows I once did, so I am useless.”