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 hung her cloak on the peg by the door and sat. “Her heart still hurts.”
“Thomas heals her heart and she will realize this soon enough. It took you time to see that your friend needed a strong yet gentle man like Thomas. He suits her well, unlike me.”
Reena was ready to disagree, but he prevented a reply.
“I have not an ounce of gentleness in me.”
Reena thought otherwise and with a hasty tongue let him know her thoughts. “That is not so—”
He would not allow her to finish, and this time his words chilled. “A man who can order the torture of others possesses no gentleness.”
Remembering the cold, dark belly of the keep, with its prison cells and torture chamber, gave her reason to pause and consider his words. She could not think of Magnus issuing such horrendous orders, but the Legend could, and the thought set her legs to trembling.
She chose to move away from the subject, giving herself time to reconcile the two men into one, if she ever could. “Your friend took his leave?”
“Aye, and I appreciate your discretion in the matter. Are you hungry?”
His hasty change of topic warned her he did not wish to discuss the Dark One. “I am hungry enough to eat all of this.”
He piled her plate high with an assortment of food. “I was thinking that the mapping of the keep is near done. Spring is but a mere three or four weeks away. As soon as the weather clears we should map my property. It may take a few days, but it is important that I am familiar with my land and the land that surrounds me.”
Reena felt a thrill of excitement at the prospect of mapping land once again. “A good thought, especially with Kilkern property being so close. It is important you know your boundaries.”
Magnus filled his own plate. “It is more important Kilkern knows his boundaries, though he feels he has none.”
“His boundaries are defined well enough.” Reena paused in taking a bite of her food. “If I may inquire? How did you come by Dunhurnal land? Land is either inherited or—”
“Granted for a favor done,” Magnus finished.
She wondered over the favor he had provided to the king to win him land. “If the king himself granted the land, how can Kilkern think to protest?”
“A foolish trick on his part.” Magnus poured them more wine.
“Do you know of this Brian Conor, earl of Dunhurnal? This keep was empty when my parents settled as tenants on Culberry land, and it has remained empty since that time. Gossipy tongues spoke of an earl who had taken ill and died leaving no heirs to inherit, so it remained vacant these many years.”
He shrugged as if he knew or cared little about the previous occupants, though his voice held conviction as he reached for a thick slice of dark bread. “I know the land is mine and it will remain mine. Kil-kern is angry that I robbed him of his tenants and land he feels is his, so he strikes out in blind vengeance. A mistake that will cost him dearly.”
“Do you feel he will attack the keep?”
“Nay, it will serve no purpose and only gain him the wrath of the king. He must make it appear that I took what was rightfully his, though my concern does remain for Brigid. He would not hesitate to use her to get revenge.”
“You speak as if you know him well.”
“I know his kind, but enough of Kilkern. There is a matter I wish to discuss with you.”
Reena grew attentive after taking a sip of her wine. She had grown to look forward to their discussions. They often talked well into the night, sitting before the fire in his solar, he talking of faraway lands and she asking for specific details. He had detailed a place so vividly once that she had drawn it for him. He was amazed at her accuracy, so she listened well now, eager to hear what he had to say.
He sat tall in his seat, his chest expanding the dark leather of his tunic and his features growing firm and intent in expression. “I wish you to pay close attention to what I have to say.”
The Legend spoke—she detected it in his commanding tone and the way his eyes focused directly on her. Here was the part of him she wished to capture on paper. The warrior intent on command, intimidating in stance and tone, and her drawing would reflect it all.
Her hands itched, her creative passion soared, and she could not contain herself. “Wait a moment.”
He looked startled when she jumped up and made a dash for her desk, quickly gathering paper and charcoal and returning with the same haste. She moved platters of food out of her way and positioned her drawing tablet on the table before her. With charcoal in hand and a steady eye on him she said, “You may continue.”