Legendary Warrior (Warrior 1)

She stepped away from him and pounded her fisted hand lightly to her chest. “By making me aware of everything that goes on, by trusting me, by loving me.”

“I do trust you and love you, but I believe that there are things you should not know for your own safety, and that is the way it must be. You must understand that and accept it.”

She stared at him and refused to shed the tears that gathered like a raging storm in her eyes. She could not speak, the lump in her throat constricting her voice, her stomach growing upset. She shook her head, choked back her tears, and fled the room as if being chased.

Magnus did not try to stop her; when she calmed down she would come to understand his decision and accept it. He thought on the wisdom of her words and realized how deeply she loved him, and he hoped that when she thought on his words she would realize how deeply he loved her.

Her tears blurring her vision, Reena could barely see the steps down which she fled. She was grateful when she entered her room and latched the door behind her. She flung herself on the bed and let herself cry long and hard, hoping the tears would ease her aching heart.

She did not hear the first tap on the door. The second was more a knock, and she sniffled, coughed and wiped away the last remnant of tears before answering it. Her hand was on the latch before she realized it could be Magnus, and at the moment she did not wish to speak with him, especially after crying. She did not care if her eyes were swollen from her torrent of tears—she cared that he would know that their disagreement upset her terribly.

“Who is there?” she asked, keeping her voice as clear and calm as possible.

“Brigid. Let me in.”

Reena had never heard Brigid demand, and she immediately opened the door to her friend and stepped back, turning away toward the fireplace so that Brigid could not see her red-rimmed eyes.

“What is wrong?” The demand remained in Brigid’s tone. “Magnus entered the great hall only moments ago more temperamental than I have ever seen him, snapping and yelling at his men. He even became annoyed with Thomas, and I have never known him to do that.”

Reena turned with a flourish, a faint smile on her tear-stained face. “He was upset?”

Brigid rushed to her friend’s side. “You have been crying. What is wrong?”

More tears gathered in Reena’s eyes and she wiped at them with annoyance. “I am in love and about to wed.”

“And this causes tears?” Brigid shook her head. “You must explain, for I am confused, though happy.” She scratched her head. “Should I be happy for you?”

“Aye, you may be happy, but you can tell no one of the wedding. I am certain that all in the keep and village will know soon enough, but the wedding must remain a secret.”

Brigid reached out and hugged her friend. “I am happy for you and I will tell no one of the plans for you and Magnus to wed, but can you tell me why?”

Reena sat in one of the two chairs near the hearth, and Brigid took the other, ready to listen.

Reena detailed the events that had led to the decision to keep their wedding a secret, and by the time she finished, Brigid was nodding her approval.

“A wise decision for sure. Kilkern would see that he used such information to his advantage.”

“True enough, that was why I thought to postpone the wedding, but Magnus insists that we wed along with you and Thomas.”

Brigid pressed a hand to her chest. “Reena, it would be wonderful to share a wedding day with you and Magnus. Think of the celebration. And Thomas and I can wait until things settle down and this matter is seen to.”

“Magnus is certain this matter will be resolved shortly and that there is no reason to delay wedding plans.”

“You think otherwise?”

Reena jumped out of the chair and began pacing in front of the hearth. “He places himself in danger by going to Kilkern.” She bit at her bottom lip, knowing she could not reveal all she knew to Brigid: she had given her word. “He will be sure to imprison Magnus or, worse, kill him.”

“Magnus is the Legend. Kilkern would be a fool to think that he could capture the Legend,” Brigid said.

Reena stopped pacing and stared down at the flames. No one understood that Kilkern did not see Magnus as the Legend but as his half brother who was depriving him of land he felt rightfully belonged to him. This was about brother against brother and revenge, the worst kind of battle, for neither would settle in agreement. Blood would certainly be spilled.