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 would forage in the woods for feathers to make her quills while other women busied themselves making candles or stitching. People interested her, and she watched them speak, walk, bend, move about, and she would reproduce their movements on paper, making them appear alive.
And her mind flowed as creatively as her hand, conversation with her never being boring. The more time spent with her, the more time he wished to spend with her, and he was surprised that by winter’s end he had not yet made love to her. It was not that he had not thought about it; she was constantly on his mind, and he constantly thought of her naked in his arms.
Nay, it was that he wanted more than sex; he wanted Reena to love him, now and always. He wanted her as his wife. He wanted to spend all the rest of their days together, have children and grow old together. He wanted her forever by his side.
He loved her that much. He could not say when he had come to fully realize his love. It had developed naturally, starting from a mere interest in a small wisp of a woman and growing into a love he would forever cherish.
How he would proceed from here he was not certain. That they would wed he had no doubt. She would love him; he would have it no other way.
He laughed to himself as he entered the keep. He knew full well that Reena felt the same toward him as he did toward her. He felt it when she melted in his arms or when she was left breathless from his kisses or the way she responded to his intimate touch.
They would wed; it was simple. After they returned from this short excursion he would see to speaking with her father and settling the matter. He entered the great hall feeling pleased with himself and issuing orders that departure time was within the hour.
Reena was breathless by the time she reached Brigid’s cottage. Horace raced forward, jumping up and down around Brigid, who attempted to pet the bouncing dog.
“I heard you are leaving for a few days,” Brigid said, giving Reena time to catch her breath. “And aye, I will look after Horace and your parents and be watchful and careful.”
Reena laughed. “You know me too well, though you did miss one.”
Brigid gave it thought and shook her head. “I can think of no other.”
“Thomas perhaps?”
Brigid gave a hasty twist of her head toward the cottage roof. “Shhh, he will hear you. He works on repairs to the backside of the cottage roof.”
Reena stepped closer to her friend. “Have you not made mention of your feelings to him?”
Brigid kept her voice to a whisper. “I know not what to do or how I feel. One moment I feel myself in love with him, the next I feel guilty for even thinking I could love anyone other than John, and then sometimes. . . .” She sighed heavily.
“You want him to hold you in his big arms.”
Brigid stared at her friend. “How did you know that?” Her eyes widened in realization. “You feel the same toward Magnus.”
“Minus guilt, add confusion.”
“And he toward you?”
“I think he loves me, but then I know nothing of love.” Reena sighed in frustration. “There are times when we have come close to—” She stopped, not certain whether to share the intimate details, then realizing she would learn nothing if she did not discuss it with Brigid, who was certainly more knowledgeable than she.
“Being intimate?” Brigid asked bluntly, making it less difficult for her friend to share.
“Aye, intimate, but love is never mentioned, and I know not what to do.”
“Do you love the Legend?”
Reena shivered and hugged herself. “That is another problem. I know Magnus well, but the Legend remains a mystery to me. I know they are one, and yet they appear to be two different men. While I feel comfortable with Magnus, I cannot help but feel a sense of unease, perhaps even a twinge of fear, when the Legend steps forth.”
“And who do you go with on this mapping quest?”
“Magnus.”
“Are you certain?” Brigid asked, her glance going past Reena, and her eyes rounding as she looked in the distance.
“The Legend waits for me?” Reena barely whispered.
“Aye, that he does in all his glory.” Brigid shivered. “I can understand your apprehension. His clothes are as black as the night, as is his helmet. I can understand how his enemies would think him a vengeful demon.” She lowered her voice to a hushed whisper. “I think it is time you get to know the Legend. Only then will you truly come to know Magnus.”
Reena nodded her head slowly, not certain if she actually agreed with her friend, but having no other recourse. Of course Horace peeking from behind Brigid and whining at what he saw did not help the situation.