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)
“He is not like most warriors,” her mother said. “He is the Legend—”
“And legends are often created by wagging tongues.”
Her mother did not agree. “Legends are made by deeds done, and not always good deeds. Kate, the cook, and her helper Maura tell Justin many tales about the Legend, but it is different tales he hears from the men who come and seek his tanner skills. He shares the tales with your father in whispered voices, though they think me asleep.”
“And your hearing is good,” Reena said with a laugh.
“When you listen, you learn,” her mother reminded her.
“What did you learn?”
Her mother leaned closer. “Villagers desert their homes when they hear the Legend is near, men beg at his feet to spare their lives, he tortures without provocation and lives hold no meaning to him, whether man, woman or child.”
“That is pure nonsense,” Reena said, her voice harsh. “Look at what he has done for our village.”
“His village,” her mother corrected. “And glad I am to be part of it, for his reputation alone protects us and keeps us safe, and besides—” Her mother sighed. “I feel sorry for him. He must make decisions that affect many lives, and in the end someone will suffer. That is the way of battle and war. And I see that he cares for what is his and does what he must to protect; it cannot be easy for him.”
“Yet you sound as though you also fear him.”
“I would be a fool not to. The villagers speak of your return to the village with him. He was a fearful sight sitting astride that huge black beast of a horse, his face concealed by his helmet and his garments all black.” Her mother shivered at the memory. “I do not care to see him in that helmet; he intimidates.”
“He is the Legend.”
“Aye,” her mother readily agreed. “Without it he is Magnus, lord of Dunhurnal, a fair and protective lord.”
“But yet he is truly one man.”
Her mother shook her head. “Two men in one, and only the good Lord”—her mother crossed herself—“above knows how one can live with the other. We are all lucky we deal with Magnus. We all watched in shock as the Legend struck at Kilkern’s men without an ounce of fear and without hesitation when he saw that one of the men had injured you.”
Reena remembered how he had struck fast and hard, surprising everyone. His swift blows had sent three men to the ground in quick succession before anyone had thought to respond.
Her mother continued in French, a gentle smile surfacing. “I see how good Magnus is to you, and I am grateful you serve a protective lord. He will let nothing happen to you.”
“He treats all who serve him well.”
Her mother nodded slowly. “True, but I think Lord Dunhurnal treats you extra special.”
Reena sighed. “You have heard gossip.”
“Nay, you are my daughter, and I have watched and listened to you talk of him.”
Reena stared at her mother, speechless.
Her mother laughed softly. “This surprises you? Do you not realize your own feelings?”
“I am not sure what I feel.”
“That is a sure sign of love,” her mother said. “I was uncertain of my feelings toward your father after we met.”
“How then did you know you loved him?”
“I did not.” Her mother laughed. “I only knew that I did not want to live without him. He made me smile and laugh often. He always had kind words for me, and he never failed to let me know how beautiful he thought I was, even to this day.”
“What you are saying is that I will never be sure.”
“No one can be sure of love,” her mother said. “It is best that we follow our hearts, especially when it is obvious that a good, strong man cares for you. Let yourself feel, Reena, the rest will follow. Do not dwell on it, for it will serve no purpose. Now tell me, does your mapping go well? And what of your drawings?”
Conversation turned light, though Reena’s thoughts remained heavy. She could not help but dwell on her mother’s words and her feelings toward Magnus. While he was a fair and caring man, there remained that fear of the Legend. Or was it the fact that she knew so little of the Legend? She had learned much about Magnus but knew almost nothing of the Legend—but then perhaps Magnus preferred it that way.
The children around her father’s chair insisted on another tale when he claimed he was finished. He looked to Reena, torn between visiting with her and entertaining the children.
Reena understood and made his choice easy. “Have my father tell you the tale of the fairy king.”
The children’s eyes widened, and one little boy tugged at her father’s legging. “You truly met the fairy king?”
Her father grinned, sent her a wink, and was soon lost in a tale that had all the children mesmerized.