Total pages in book: 104
Estimated words: 97127 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 486(@200wpm)___ 389(@250wpm)___ 324(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97127 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 486(@200wpm)___ 389(@250wpm)___ 324(@300wpm)
“Then does Brigid’s words ring true? Has Decimus sealed Mary’s fate?”
“I have always entered a battle with one thought in mind—victory, that has not changed.” He rubbed her arm where his fingers had dug into her flesh. “I do not know what I will do, though I do know you will not be harmed.”
“We must put our heads together to solve this problem.”
Magnus tapped her head. “You will keep your pretty head out of this.”
“I fear I cannot give you my word on that.”
With a swift roll Magnus was on top of her, pinning her arms to the bed. “You are a stubborn woman.”
She laughed. “This is not something you just learned.”
“Ree so help me—”
“That is exactly what I plan to do, help you.”
He shook his head.
“I give you my word, I will be careful.”
“You think to appease me.”
“I do not want you to worry,” she said. “And I wish to be truthful.”
“Promise me you will not put yourself in harm’s way,” Magnus said, reluctant to capitulate.
“I am stubborn, not foolish.”
“That could be debated. Now, promise me.”
She wiggled beneath him. “If you release my arms I will promise you and seal it with a kiss.”
“Are you trying to seduce me?”
“Am I succeeding?”
Magnus laughed, released her, and rolled over taking her with him so that she was now on top of him.
“I am all yours.”
“I love it when you surrender to me.” She kissed him quick.
“I did not surrender.”
“You did.” Her kiss turned slow.
“I never surrender.”
“Then you would do well to prepare for defeat,” she laughed.
Hours later Magnus left his sleeping wife with a smile on his face. He went to his solar so as not to disturb her. Sleep eluded him, his thoughts on Mary and his promise to her parents.
“What troubles you, my friend?”
Magnus jumped out of his chair and turned to see the Dark One walk out of the shadows.
“Your presence is a most welcome relief,” Magnus said, catching himself before he reached out to greet him with a handshake. No one ever touched the Dark One.
“I imagined it would be when I saw who visited with you.” He slipped back toward the shadows, movement the only indication that someone was present.
“I did not anticipate Decimus’s arrival.”
“No one ever does.”
“Tell me of Mary,” Magnus said, concerned for her safety more so now than ever before.
“She is safe and I intend to see that she remains so. No one will hurt her; I will not allow it.”
Magnus detected a difference in his tone. He was adamant about seeing to Mary’s safety as though he was personally responsible for her. In the short time he had come to know the Dark One, Magnus realized that he never displayed his emotions. He was like a true warrior who rode into battle with determination and indifference to all but victory. Now, however, he sounded as though Mary came before all. What had happened?
Had Mary penetrated this warrior’s shield? She had a kind heart, a gentle manner, a soothing voice, and she took pleasure in life, enjoying every precious moment.
When Magnus had visited her on occasion he could not understand how she found such pleasure in all she did. No matter the task at hand, she approached it with a smile or a song and suffered no complaints. He wondered if her light heart had been made heavy with all she had gone through recently.
“I want the same for her,” Magnus said.
“Good, then it is imperative that I remove her from the area at once. With Decimus close by I’m concerned that he will discover our whereabouts. I swear he has the nose of a bloodhound.”
“He knows I sent you after her.”
“I thought as much. What does he demand?”
“Mary’s surrender,” Magnus said.
“Obviously, but what is it he really demands?”
“He wants Mary as his wife,” Magnus said, cringing at his own words.
“His wife?” the Dark One asked in disbelief. “He intends to wed a woman he claims is a heretic?”
“He intends to rid her of her evil ways and turn her into an obedient wife, showing all how righteousness can vanquish evil.”
“He is mad.”
“And a madman is not easy to deal with,” Magnus reminded.
“He has threatened you?” the Dark One asked. “But of course he has. How else would he expect you to surrender Mary?”
“He has given me a week’s time.”
“Do I hear defeat in your voice?”
“Do I hear anger in yours?”
“Mary has suffered enough and asks for little. She bears her burden with strength, courage, and humility. She deserves to be free of Decimus, not wed him.” The Dark One spit the name from his lips.
“I do not argue, but I do not know how to make this happen without my wife and my friends suffering.”
“So Mary is to suffer for all?”
“I want no one to suffer,” Magnus said forcefully.
“Decimus has placed us in a maze and expects us to stumble about in confusion, unable to find our way out. But there is always a way out.”