Legendary Warrior (Warrior 1)

Magnus shook his head. “Unfortunately not, since Kilkern claims another map exists that disputes my claim.”

“And by claiming that Brigid holds the map he puts pressure on us.”

“Aye,” Magnus agreed. “He knows I cannot prevent the king’s men from speaking with Brigid, for then I defy the king and make myself appear guilty. All will think that I had Brigid steal the map for me.”

“But you did not know Brigid, you only met her when you arrived at the village,” Reena said.

“It is for me to prove otherwise. Until then it is assumed she acted on my behalf.”

Thomas rubbed his chin, the look of concern heavy on his face. “Kilkern believes he has you in a chokehold.”

“Nay, not me—Reena.”

“I don’t understand,” Thomas said.

“Kilkern believes that I will come to him and willingly agree to map the land in exchange for Brigid’s safety,” Reena explained, then turned to Magnus. “He wishes to use me against you, and when he discovers we are in love and will wed he will be doubly pleased. Who knows of our intention to wed?”

“Thomas,” Magnus said with a nod toward his friend. “I thought that you would prefer to tell Brigid, so I have said nothing, and now I see that it would be better if it remained a secret.”

“Aye, our wedding must wait.”

“Nay,” Magnus said adamantly. “It will not wait. We wed in a few weeks’ time. Brigid can be trusted to keep the plans a secret, and I expect this matter to be settled by then.”

“I agree she can keep a secret, but what of the present problem? What happens when the king’s men arrive?” Her voice was filled with concern. She would not have her friend suffer; she would do whatever was necessary to prevent it, even if it meant mapping for Kilkern.

“I know your thoughts, Reena, and do not even think it,” Magnus warned. “No map, no proof that this land is his, and he discredits himself in front of the king when he cannot produce the map. He is shamed before all and stripped of any possessions, even the small piece of land granted the Kilkern name in the wedding agreement.”

“Then your revenge is complete?” she asked.

“Aye, for he will have nothing and can do nothing but beg for even a morsel of food.”

“As you did?”

“I want him to have a taste of the life he and his father forced on my mother and me. Perhaps in the end I will be merciful and let him die with a full belly.”

There was not an ounce of compassion in his words, and Reena realized he must know what she had discovered last night. She shivered at the thought.

“For now our concern is Brigid. Kilkern will more than likely attempt to abduct her in hopes that Reena will barter for her safety. He had also made mention to the king that he would be lenient with Brigid if she returned the map to him, having her serve her punishment as service in his keep.”

Thomas snorted. “Service him is what he means.”

“True enough,” Magnus agreed, “but his leniency makes him appear a better man to the king. After all, she was a mere tenant on his land. Her punishment could be death for stealing from him.”

“But she is your tenant now and under your protection,” Reena said.

“But she is accused of stealing from one lord for the sake of another. That makes it another matter—the king’s matter, which Kilkern knew it would come down to in the end. I would present my map and wedding agreement to the king and my land would be returned to me. He approaches the king first with false accusations that allow him time to formulate a plan and produce a map that will dispute mine and in the end have Brigid for himself.”

“Where is Brigid now?” Reena asked.

“In the kitchen with Maura happily discussing food for our wedding,” Thomas said. “Two guards watch over her, though she does not know it. And all guards are on full alert to strangers or strange happenings.”

“Kilkern seems self-assured of victory,” Reena said with a brief shake of her head. “Almost as if he knows something we don’t.”

“He will prove himself a fool,” Magnus said with assurance.

“What of the king’s men?” Reena asked, worried.

“Kilkern will not allow it to go that far, for then Brigid would be useless to him after torture, and she will not be able to confess the location of the map, proving that no map ever existed. He wants us to snap at his bait so that he may hook his catch and feast off the victory.” Magnus grew silent a moment. “That will never happen. He will pay, pay as dearly as his father paid.”

“For now we wait?” Thomas asked.

“Why?” Reena said before Magnus could answer. “Waiting places Brigid in danger. Why not—”