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)
Tears ran down Reena’s cheeks. “When did you discover the answer?”
“That moment before he was to die. I realized that he was not the one who ran and hid in fear. It was those who hunted him that were running and hiding in fear.”
“You tell me the true tale; what is the gossip that preceded you home?”
“It was said I confronted evil and without fear destroyed it and that only a man of strong conviction and honor, a legend, could do what I did. The tale traveled far and wide and I was hired by many monarchs to deal with their battles and wars, and I was substantially rewarded.”
“And all feared you because they thought you capable of turning on a friend and killing him without thought or remorse.”
“Aye. I was the Legend, a warrior without a heart or soul, a formidable commodity to those looking for protection from their enemies.”
“You told no one the truth?”
“No one would believe it, and I would place myself in danger if it were known I did it to save them from suffering. And my teacher would have expected no less from me, for instinctively he realized what would happen after his death, and that would mean his death was not in vain.”
“You would live to help others, while those in power thought you helped them.”
“Helping those in power allowed me to help others who were less fortunate, and it helped me to grow in my own strength and power until I became a force of my own.”
“I will tell no one the true tale, but . . .” She lowered her voice to a whisper. “I wish you to teach me the understanding of instinct.”
He stared at her for a moment. She was so very different than the women he had known. Her interests were more similar to his, wanting to understand all that she could.
“You practice much of it already.”
“Do I?” she asked, surprised.
“Aye, you do. The first part of understanding instinct is awareness. You must be aware of your surroundings and see all. You do that when you sketch.”
“I see everything and keep it clear and strong in my mind,” Reena said with pride.
“That is a good beginning in understanding instinct.”
They remained in discussion until they reached their destination.
Reena immediately understood why the area was important to him. “Guards could be posted here without being noticed, and the rise in the distance would give a clear view to anyone who approached.”
“I thought the same when we first passed through here, but I wanted a more thorough mapping of the area.”
“We should investigate the areas heavy with foliage.” She pointed out one or two. “The information may prove useful.”
A couple of hours were spent walking the surrounding area. Magnus and Reena remained by each other’s side, each sharing their opinions and thoughts about the land. His strong hand was there every time the terrain became more demanding with hills and ruts and fallen trees. He made sure of her footing and her safety.
Reena talked continuously even as Magnus lifted her about the waist to assist her in mounting her horse. She offered excellent suggestions to him and he listened carefully, though he could not ignore his growing need for her.
What surprised him the most was that while he desired her and wanted very much to make love to her, his need for her sprang more from the fact that she filled his life with joy and love. He could not think of what a day would be like without her. She was so very much a part of him now that he could not imagine her not being in his life.
The thought frightened him, a man who supposedly knew no fear. Yet he feared not having Reena by his side. He was hopelessly in love, and it was time he did something about it.
They camped for the night in a small clearing. They enjoyed a meal of roasted rabbit and good conversation. It was not long after that Reena found herself alone with Magnus. They sat by the fire, next to each other, and Reena wondered if their solitude was intentional.
Today she had come to understand the Legend more than she’d ever thought possible, and she had realized that Magnus and the Legend were truly one and the same. His dark and imposing helmet instilled fear in many, but it was actually meant to conceal his caring nature. While many believed the Legend brought harm and suffering, others thought of him as a savior. He had saved her village from further suffering, he had saved the elderly couple from certain suffering, and he had saved his teacher and his family from a horrible suffering.
The Legend was a man with a tender heart and soul, and she loved him more than she ever thought possible. She loved him for his strength and courage, and she loved him for his tenderness, and she was annoyed at herself for not realizing his true nature the very first time they met. A man who could love and protect a small cowardly pup had to have a tender heart.