Total pages in book: 108
Estimated words: 99206 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 496(@200wpm)___ 397(@250wpm)___ 331(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 99206 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 496(@200wpm)___ 397(@250wpm)___ 331(@300wpm)
Reena ignored her pain to warn Magnus. “He plans on killing me after I map the land for him.”
Kilkern grew furious and walked over to her, grabbing hold of her mouth and squeezing it until it pained her. “You are a brave one, though foolish.”
“Get your hands off her.”
Kilkern turned to face Magnus. “It is not wise to demand of me when I can cause Reena substantial pain.” He stepped away from her. “Shall we see how much pain she can bear?”
Magnus wanted to charge at Kilkern and break his neck, but the guards would reach him before he reached Kilkern, and then Reena would suffer for his stupidity.
“Tell me what you want so this will be done,” Magnus said, hoping to divert his attention away from Reena.
“You are quick to choose death.” Kilkern shrugged. “But then it will not be a quick death.” He took another step forward. “Bring me the marriage agreement and the map of Dunhurnal land.”
“Let Reena go first.”
Kilkern laughed, his men joining in. “You must think me a fool.”
“I know you a fool. Hurt Reena once more and I will kill you.” He stepped forward, his shoulders squared, his hands fisted at his sides.
He was a formidable sight, arrogantly confident of his skills and ability to take on three men and win. And his dark clothes made him appear like an avenging dark lord of the underworld ready to defend his mate and lair.
Magnus took another step forward; Kilkern took a step back.
“Get the map and wedding agreement now, for the longer you take the longer Reena suffers,” Kilkern warned. “And bring any of your men with you and Reena dies.”
“You think I would leave the woman I love to suffer while I submit to your demands? You truly are a fool. And you were even more a fool when you invaded my keep, for now it places you on Dunhurnal property, and I have every right to defend against those who invade my land.”
“You will die a coward like your father,” Kilkern all but screamed.
“It is a coward who shoots another man in the back with his bow and arrow, and a coward dies a coward’s death—like your father.”
“We shall see who is the coward.” Kilkern raised his finger. “And if you take another step forward I will have my man cut off one of her fingers.”
Reena answered. “How then will I draw your map for you?”
Kilkern looked ready to kill. Magnus knew his time was limited, but by now all should be in place—he need only give the signal.
“I will enjoy watching your tongue cut out of your mouth, then you will know your place as a woman,” Kilkern said through gritted teeth.
That was enough for Magnus to hear; he looked to Reena and gave her a barely noticeable nod. Then, in a strong, resounding voice, he said, “I love you.”
She understood and waited for all hell to break loose.
It did, though far differently than she would have imagined.
Horace led the attack, racing into the room growling, his teeth bared. The large dog leaped over Reena and straight for the man who had been causing her pain, going for his throat and knocking him to the ground. Reena heard the man’s screams and Horace’s snarls. He sounded as though he was tearing the man in two.
Thomas was quick to launch himself at the other man, wrestling him to the ground.
Reena quickly looked to see if Magnus was safe, and her eyes widened in fright. Magnus and Kilkern circled each other, knives in hand, preparing to battle.
“I am going to enjoy killing you as much as my father enjoyed killing your father,” Kilkern said with a confident grin.
“It appropriately ends here, Peter. You die where your father died and by my hands.”
Kilkern laughed like a madman and beckoned Magnus with his knife. “Come, let us see who dies this day.”
Both men were skillful fighters, and Reena watched in fear as they launched themselves repeatedly at each other, both striking blows that tore garments but did not puncture the skin.
Thomas was quick to release her from her chains after knocking his opponent unconscious, and Horace kept a snarling guard over his prisoner.
Reena was in no condition to move, though Thomas assisted her in her struggle to sit up to watch the man she loved fight for his and her lives.
Kilkern did not fight fairly, though Magnus instinctively knew his every move and blocked several blows. Kilkern grew frustrated with his useless attempts and lashed out at Magnus, missing his target.
After several moments it was obvious that Magnus toyed with Kilkern, and the man’s anger grew to a rage. The more Magnus inflamed that rage, the more careless Kilkern became until it was evident that Magnus need only reach out and end the battle.
But he did not. He toyed with Kilkern like a cat with a mouse, letting him think he had a chance, then showing him he had none. He was trapped and would die when Magnus so chose.