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)
She had good memories here, but it was time to take them with her to her new life.
Reena’s mother held out her hand to take her daughter’s small satchel as she approached the wagon.
Reena smiled, seeing the plump little pup curled in her mother’s lap, fast asleep. He had exhausted himself making new friends and begging for food, which all willingly shared with him.
“You will ride with us? You look fatigued,” her mother said, taking the bundle from her. “It will be good to talk with you at length.”
“That is up to Lord Dunhurnal,” her father said.
The title gave her a start. He was a lord and she could no longer call him Magnus. The thought upset her, for she had fast considered him a friend, enjoying his company and his smile.
Smile?
Feeling flustered and considering her father’s words, she excused herself so that she could locate her new lord and seek his permission to walk alongside her parents’ wagon. She would not ride in the wagon when there were many who needed it more.
All was in readiness, and excitement was high in the air. Laughter, smiles and children’s giggles were heard, and Reena’s heart swelled with joy, for merriment had returned to her people.
She found Magnus in the lead, his warriors dispersed throughout the line of villagers. Her horse waited next to his, and she realized he expected her to ride beside him.
What surprised her was that Brigid stood speaking with Magnus, and while she was pleased that her plan to put them together had taken little effort on her part, she felt a strange ache in her stomach. She ignored it and thought on how well they looked together, Brigid beautiful, and he handsome—a perfect pair.
“You are very kind, my lord,” Reena heard Brigid say as she approached. Both of their smiles widened when they caught sight of each other. It was so good to be back with family and friends, and she could not wait to be alone with Brigid and ask her what she thought of their new lord.
Magnus summoned Thomas with a wave, and it was brief and hasty orders he issued. “Thomas, assist Brigid with her needs.”
The big warrior hesitated a moment, as if debating Magnus’s instructions, then he lowered his head, stepped aside, and waited for Brigid to lead.
“Your name is Thomas?” Brigid asked, stepping closer to him.
“Aye, Thomas,” he repeated.
Reena watched them together. Thomas was obviously uncomfortable in front of Brigid, but her friend would see to his unease, and she was sure they would be friends in no time.
“I am pleased to meet you and grateful that you will help me,” Brigid said and walked slowly so that he would walk along with her.
Reena looked to Magnus. “All is ready for departure, my lord?”
He studied her for a moment. “You will call me Magnus.”
“As you wish.” She was relieved that he did not insist she use his title. She felt more at ease, more of a friend, referring to him by name.
He raised his hand slowly, all the while keeping his eyes on hers as he tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear. “You have gone without sufficient sleep these last few days and require rest.”
His touch was cool and feather light so that she barely felt it, yet it affected her like no other touch. “We all require rest; we have all worked hard.”
Had he taken a step closer to her? He felt nearer to her somehow, and yet she did not recall him moving.
“My concern is for you.”
“No need,” was her hasty response.
His hands went to her waist and rested there, pausing over hers and squeezing gently, as if it were a common touch they often exchanged. Their eyes remained on each other, and for a brief moment in time the world seemed suspended around them. Then the spell was broken and he lifted her and placed her on her horse. “You will ride beside me.”
He mounted his horse, put his helmet on, and directed his stallion beside her. “You will tell me all you know of Dunhurnal land.”
She wondered if she would ever grow at ease with the change the helmet brought. Magnus was easy and enjoyable to converse with, but the helmet hid this side of him away from her; his dark eyes were more ominous behind the metal holes, his look more fearful, and he, more unapproachable.
“Something troubles you?”
She focused on his dark brown eyes, hoping she could see Magnus in them and thus put herself at ease. “My thoughts but wander.” She immediately turned her attention to his command. “Dunhurnal land is rich in soil and the woods wealthy with game. The keep is in disrepair, though a fine size. It was built on a small rise and situated so that from the battlements all approaching directions held clear views, thus no enemy could approach without Lord Dunhurnal’s knowledge. The tenant cottages surround the keep and are in need of repair, and the land itself is thick with useless vegetation. The previous lord passed, and no heirs stepped forth to claim the property.”