Dark Warrior (Warrior 2)

“If there is nothing else, I wish to take my leave,” Mary said, making an attempt to act the obedient wife.

“Where do you go?” Decimus asked.

As far away from you as possible. How she wished she could walk out of the hall and keep going. She would walk all the way to freedom no matter how long it took her.

“Reena and I need to talk with the cook in regards to the wedding feast.”

Reena stepped forward. “She is waiting for us.”

“I grant you permission to leave,” Decimus said and marched out the door.

Mary turned to Reena. “I care naught about the food for the wedding.”

“Do not worry, it is being seen to,” Reena said. “You are free to do as you wish.”

Mary nodded and walked to the front doors. She peered out searching for signs of Decimus. Not seeing him, she left the hall and made her way through the village.

She made her way past the cottages, smiling every now and again at those people brave enough to look her way and return her smile. Most of the villagers averted their eyes, pretending they did not see her. She understood their fear, not of her but of Decimus and his power. She kept her distance, not wanting to add to their concern.

She turned down a narrow dirt path that wound its way into the woods, and when she found a secluded spot she sat on the hard ground and braced her back against a thick spruce tree.

Forever.

The thought that she was committed to Decimus forever caused her stomach to churn. According to his beliefs she would be wed to him, not only in this lifetime, but when they passed beyond. They would be forever one.

Her stomach protested and she rested her hand on it.

She had not given as much thought to her wedding day as she should have, but for a good reason. If she dwelled on her wedding she would need to face the consequences of her wedding night.

Michael had reminded her before they had made love that she would face the consequences of her decision. She had not given much thought to her wedding night. She had not wanted to. The idea of sharing intimacy with Decimus turned her stomach, so she had ignored it.

If he ranted so badly over a wedding dress, how would he react to an impure wife?

Mary rubbed her temple, a slight ache starting. She felt so very alone and had for a very long time. It was not until Michael had entered her life that her loneliness had vanished.

She smiled. It was odd to think that a shadow had brought light and love into her life. She was so grateful to him and did not regret for a moment loving him, no matter the consequences.

She did not know what her future would bring. She hoped it would be with Michael, someday, somehow. But for now she had to take one day at a time and survive.

Mary raised her head at the sound of footsteps and suddenly Horace came bounding out of the woods to plop down next to her. The dog was a loveable one, big floppy ears and a mixture of colors. He loved to be hugged and rubbed. She wondered where he had been of late.

Horace barked once and looked to the woods. A man large in girth walked out, leaning on a walking stick as he took slow steps toward them.

“He knows I cannot keep up with him and always gets ahead of me.” The man stopped in front of Mary. “I am Patrick, Reena’s father.”

Mary was about to get up.

“Nay, do not disturb yourself. I will join you. I need a rest.” He lowered himself slowly to the ground beside her. “Horace has been staying with my wife and me. Decimus ordered him gone from the keep. Guess he is afraid of the animal.”

Mary thought that odd. A man like Decimus afraid of a dog?

“I heard you were a storyteller,” Mary said smiling.

“And you look like you need to hear a story.”

Horace seemed to understand the word story and settled down between the two to listen.

An hour later Mary knew all about the Legend and Reena and the way she had saved her village from starvation, and how the pair had fallen in love despite Reena’s efforts to have him wed her best friend, Brigid. And how in the end Reena suffered the torture of the rack while Magnus fought to free his love. So they lived happily ever after.

Until Decimus and Mary.

“What tale will you tell of me?”

“That is up to you,” Patrick said. “Your tale has yet to be written.”They parted ways when they reached the keep, Patrick and Horace returning to their cottage and Mary reluctantly heading to the keep.

How would her tale end, she wondered? Would she be its author or would another?