Legendary Warrior

by Donna Fletcher

  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.”

  A thought struck her silent. Lands passed to heirs; how, then, had the Legend become the new lord of Dunhurnal?

  “Did you travel to Dunhurnal land alone when you mapped the area?”

  “Aye, I did. It takes time to map the land and the buildings, and none in the village could spare the time to accompany me, but it was necessary for the village to know the land. We needed a place to hunt for food once Lord Kilkern forbade us to hunt on his property.” She paused, a frown on her face. “If the land had been mapped, my father might not have broken his leg.”

  “You blame yourself for your father’s injury?” he asked.

  “I know it may seem foolish, but I feel my skills in mapmaking can help in many ways, thus preventing unfortunate and sometimes dangerous results. That is why I detail my maps so precisely; you never know what might be helpful.” A yawn rushed up and out before Reena could stop it, and her shoulders slumped slightly, fatigue fast catching up with her.

  “You have done far too much, on far too little sleep.”

  He sounded annoyed, which frustrated her, since she was well aware that he thought her too skinny and weak and she did not wish him to think so. “I am strong and can do what is necessary.”

  “I did not question your strength.” His tone softened.

  Another yawn attacked her, and she realized that she would not be able to continue the journey without some sleep. It would be nightfall before they reached Dunhurnal land.

  Reena was about to admit her fatigue and seek the comfort of her parents’ wagon when she was suddenly plucked off her horse and deposited in front of the Legend.

  One of his men took charge of her mare, directing the animal away from them.

  “Lean back and rest,” he said with a sense of command, his face near to hers and his breath a warm, faint breeze on her cool cheek.

  She was startled by his unexpected action. What would everyone think? But then he had told her once that he did not care what others thought of him. He had just proved it. She was so tired that she succumbed to his order, and she realized as she rested back against him that her hand remained firm on his arm, which was wrapped around her waist.

  She thought to say something but could think of no words, especially since she felt comforted by the strength of him. Her eyes drifted closed, though she fought to keep them open; why, she did not know. He had ordered her to rest, but sleep? She needed to remain alert, needed to finish the conversation with him about Dunhurnal land, needed to discuss Brigid with him.

  The last thought startled her, but sleep was close to claiming her, and she could do nothing more but think of how she must look, wrapped in the Legend’s arms, to those around them.

  Brigid woke Reena the next morning, and she sat up with a start.

  She looked around, sniffed the scent of fresh roasted meat, and saw that everyone was enjoying a substantial morning meal.

  “I thought you would be hungry being you slept through supper,” Brigid said and handed her a slice of black bread with cheese and meat piled on it.

  Reena took it, her stomach
eager for sustenance.

  Brigid nibbled on a piece of cheese.

  After a bite or two Reena had to ask the obvious. “The last I remember was riding with Magnus on his horse. How did I get here?” Here was a soft bed of blankets beside a comforting fire that kept the chilled air at bay.

  “It was a sight for sure,” Brigid said excitedly. “First the Legend ordered that a fire be built and bedding spread for you, then he handed you to Thomas—a dear man with a huge heart—to hold while he dismounted. He then took you from Thomas, carried you to this bedding, which I prepared with haste, and lowered you ever so slowly and carefully, as though he thought you would break or perhaps he did not want to let you go. Then he covered you with a blanket and commanded that no one disturb you.”

  Speechless, Reena stared at Brigid.

  “There are whispers—”

  Reena would not allow her friend to finish. “Nonsense. The Legend but looks after his people, and besides, he has expressed interest in you.”

  “Me?” Brigid placed a hand to her chest. “Why ever would he be interested in me?”

  “You are beautiful, for one thing. And he is handsome beyond belief. You two would make a splendid couple, and I let him know this.”

  Brigid nodded, understanding her friend. “We shall see who interests him.”

  “I have no interest in him and he has none in me,” Reena said with a defensive edge.

  “We shall see.” Brigid smiled, though it faded slowly. “I am glad the Legend moves us to his land. I left much behind in the village, including painful memories.”

  Horace ran up to Reena and sat beside her, waiting for any morsel of food. She couldn’t resist him, and besides, she wasn’t as hungry as she had thought. Reena brushed the crumbs from her hands after feeding the remainder of her meal to Horace.

  “Kilkern did not bother you while I was gone?” Reena asked, concerned for her friend.

  “Nay, there was gossip that he had traveled to see the king in regards to his property, but we could not be certain, and no one wished to approach his keep to see if there was truth to the gossip.”

  “You need not worry any longer, you are now under the Legend’s protection.”

  “So Thomas informed me.” Her smile returned. “He is such a tender man, I enjoy talking with him.” She laughed softly. “Though I do most of the talking and he listens; he is a good listener, and since John died I have not known a man who would listen so patiently to my endless chatter. He even listened to me tell him about the garden I wish to plant in the spring, and he promises he will till the soil well for me.”

  “Aye, Thomas is a good man and I am glad you befriended him, since many fear his size and looks or they ignore him completely.”

  “The villagers will accept him once they get to know him. Old Margaret claims he is a special man. She insists that any man as large as he who can cradle a tender seedling and do it no damage has a loving touch.”

  Reena looked past the flames at her friend. “I am so glad to be talking with you again.”

  Brigid hurried over beside Reena and hugged her. “I worried so about you.” She squeezed her friend’s hand. “But I tell you true, Reena, a part of me prayed you would succeed, for I feared my fate with Kil-kern if you did not.”

  “I did not intend to fail.”

  “And you did not—you returned a heroine to our village, and everyone is grateful to you, though many remain fearful of Kilkern, for they know he will seek retribution.”

  Shouts to break up camp and make ready for departure interrupted their conversation. The two women quickly saw to their area and assisted those who needed help.

  Reena spoke with her parents briefly. Both understood that she now had duties that must be attended to, and they assured her there would be time to talk when they settled in their new cottage.

  She received instructions that Magnus wished to see her. When she approached him where he sat on his horse, and she saw hers next to his, she knew she would ride beside him again, and she was pleased. She enjoyed his company and their conversations, and oddly enough she had felt content and safe falling asleep in his arms.

  After a quick good morning from Thomas, the large man hoisted her onto her horse and mounted his own. The three led the procession of villagers and warriors as the journey began, though short it would be since they were already on Dunhurnal land and the keep was but a couple of hours’ ride away.

  Magnus turned to her and said, “Tell me all you know about the surrounding land.” He paused his horse, cast an intense look around him, then turned to her once again. “Peter Kilkern approaches Dunhurnal land.”

  Chapter 9

  They arrived at the castle, and the villagers cheerfully sought out cottages for themselves. Even though most of the cottages were in need of repairs, it mattered not. They would have food, shelter and protection from the Legend.

  The warriors and Reena were the only ones aware of Kilkern’s impending arrival, and Magnus intended to keep it that way. He wanted no fear to mar the joy of the villagers’ new home.

  Upon their arrival, his men were positioned strategically. Many lined the battlements of the keep, while others covered the land. As soon as possible they would set to work mapping the area and making the village impregnable. It would take time and hard work, but Magnus had waited and planned for this, and he would not see it fail.

  Reena’s skills were an added benefit, and he intended to take full advantage of her talent. She had already proved useful detailing Dunhurnal land. The specifics she had outlined in the maps helped him to position his men more favorably, and he would know when Kilkern was near.

  He had removed his helmet and stood on the steps of the keep, looking out over his newly acquired land. Much was in sad neglect, but the fact that he was here filled him with a sense of accomplishment. He had achieved part of his desired goal; the rest would follow.

  Thomas approached, shaking his head. “She helps everyone with the selection of their cottage and ignores her own need.”

  “Reena requires no cottage, she will reside in the keep.”

  “It is Brigid I speak of. She let Old Margaret have the cottage she herself first admired and then walked away from another, thinking it better left for a larger family even though she favored it.”

  Magnus pointed to a cottage close to the keep. “How about that one?”

  It looked as though it was tucked partially in the woods. The thatching on the roof needed repair and it was overgrown with weeds and brush, but it was a good size, and Magnus knew Reena would be pleased to have her friend close by.

  Thomas gave it a quick glance, then glanced from the keep to the cottage and back again several times. “Close,” he mumbled and hurried off.

  He returned in haste with Brigid in tow.

  “It is a good cottage for you, and close to the keep, where Reena will reside. Now have a look and claim it so that it will be done.” Thomas seemed adamant, so Brigid obliged him and looked over the cottage.

  A chill wind had arrived with the pending storm clouds. Brigid wrapped her dark green wool shawl more tightly around her and hurried into the cottage, Thomas waiting at the end of the path that led to the door.

  His thoughts centered on the work that was needed, and it was not long before the shutter to one of the two windows was thrown open, only to fall off the cottage wall and crash to the ground.

  Brigid laughed, looking out the window. “Thomas, this is perfect.”

  “Good, then it is yours. We will gather your belongings and move you in, and I will repair the roof—”

  “Tomorrow,” Magnus finished. “Brigid can stay in the keep until the cottage is ready; there are more important things that must be done this day.”

  Thomas nodded, understanding that protection of the village and keep was of the utmost importance; the rest would be seen to in time.

  “Find Reena, Brigid, and both of you move your belongings into the keep for now,” Magnus said.

&
nbsp; Brigid bit at her bottom lip, cast a glance to the ground, then turned around from the window. A brief second later she walked out of the cottage toward Thomas. She stood half behind him, as if seeking his protection.

  Magnus realized her reluctance to answer and instantly understood. “Where is Reena?”

  Brigid hesitated once again.

  “Answer me now,” Magnus snapped.

  Thomas looked to Brigid. “He protects what is his.”

  Brigid’s worry eased a little, and she answered. “A portion of Dunhurnal land was mapped by her father, and she wanted to make certain no changes had occurred since it had been mapped.”

  Magnus swore beneath his breath. “Do you know where exactly she went?”

  “Nay, but she seemed to feel it was imperative that she see to this area immediately.”

  Magnus wished he had Reena in front of him, for he would shake some sense into her. She must have thought it important to go off on her own when she knew Kilkern was not far off. Was she attempting to prove herself useful? “Has she been gone long?”

  “Aye,” Brigid answered with a nod.

  “Did she tell anyone else of her intentions?”

  Brigid shook her head. “But she is not alone. Horace went with her.”

  “That certainly relieves my concern,” Magnus said. “A pint-sized woman followed by a cowardly pup.”

  He was about to direct Thomas to send a group of warriors out to search for her when one of his men approached them on a run.

  Out of breath, he fast delivered the news. “Kilkern is in sight, and he has Reena with him.”

  Magnus issued orders to Thomas to ready the men. He instructed Brigid to alert the villagers to the situation, especially Reena’s parents, and have them all gather in front of the keep.

  Tension and worry soon filled the chilled air as the villagers hurried to obey their new lord, and the sky overhead darkened, causing many to whisper of ominous possibilities. They huddled together as thunder rolled in the distance, and Brigid, along with Reena’s parents, stood in front of the crowd, anxious to see that Reena was unharmed.