Kilkern did not care for her caustic warning, and with a simple pointing of his finger her chains tightened. She bit at her lip so she would not scream.
“Let her be, Peter, it is me you want,” Magnus demanded.
“Is this not what you did to my father?” Kilkern asked in anger.
“And what of your father’s actions against my mother?”
Kilkern shrugged. “She was a woman who did her duty and bore him a child. She served her purpose.”
“The purpose being Dunhurnal land,” Magnus said, remaining where he stood and glancing occasionally to Reena. When this was done he would see to tending her. He would wash away the blood, bandage her wounds, and ease her pain. He would do it himself; no one else would touch her. He alone would see to her care and make certain she healed and suffered no more, not ever again.
“I will not debate this issue with you, brother,” Kilkern said on a laugh. “Dunhurnal land will be mine, and you will pay for killing my father. You will pay with your life, and if you wish to save the life of the woman you love—”
Reena ignored her pain to warn Magnus. “He plans on killing me after I map the land for him.”
Kilkern grew furious and walked over to her, grabbing hold of her mouth and squeezing it until it pained her. “You are a brave one, though foolish.”
“Get your hands off her.”
Kilkern turned to face Magnus. “It is not wise to demand of me when I can cause Reena substantial pain.” He stepped away from her. “Shall we see how much pain she can bear?”
Magnus wanted to charge at Kilkern and break his neck, but the guards would reach him before he reached Kilkern, and then Reena would suffer for his stupidity.
“Tell me what you want so this will be done,” Magnus said, hoping to divert his attention away from Reena.
“You are quick to choose death.” Kilkern shrugged. “But then it will not be a quick death.” He took another step forward. “Bring me the marriage agreement and the map of Dunhurnal land.”
“Let Reena go first.”
Kilkern laughed, his men joining in. “You must think me a fool.”
“I know you a fool. Hurt Reena once more and I will kill you.” He stepped forward, his shoulders squared, his hands fisted at his sides.
He was a formidable sight, arrogantly confident of his skills and ability to take on three men and win. And his dark clothes made him appear like an avenging dark lord of the underworld ready to defend his mate and lair.
Magnus took another step forward; Kilkern took a step back.
“Get the map and wedding agreement now, for the longer you take the longer Reena suffers,” Kilkern warned. “And bring any of your men with you and Reena dies.”
“You think I would leave the woman I love to suffer while I submit to your demands? You truly are a fool. And you were even more a fool when you invaded my keep, for now it places you on Dunhurnal property, and I have every right to defend against those who invade my land.”
“You will die a coward like your father,” Kilkern all but screamed.
“It is a coward who shoots another man in the back with his bow and arrow, and a coward dies a coward’s death—like your father.”
“We shall see who is the coward.” Kilkern raised his finger. “And if you take another step forward I will have my man cut off one of her fingers.”
Reena answered. “How then will I draw your map for you?”
Kilkern looked ready to kill. Magnus knew his time was limited, but by now all should be in place—he need only give the signal.
“I will enjoy watching your tongue cut out of your mouth, then you will know your place as a woman,” Kilkern said through gritted teeth.
That was enough for Magnus to hear; he looked to Reena and gave her a barely noticeable nod. Then, in a strong, resounding voice, he said, “I love you.”
She understood and waited for all hell to break loose.
It did, though far differently than she would have imagined.
Horace led the attack, racing into the room growling, his teeth bared. The large dog leaped over Reena and straight for the man who had been causing her pain, going for his throat and knocking him to the ground. Reena heard the man’s screams and Horace’s snarls. He sounded as though he was tearing the man in two.
Thomas was quick to launch himself at the other man, wrestling him to the ground.
Reena quickly looked to see if Magnus was safe, and her eyes widened in fright. Magnus and Kilkern circled each other, knives in hand, preparing to battle.
“I am going to enjoy killing you as much as my father enjoyed killing your father,” Kilkern said with a confident grin.
“It appropriately ends here, Peter. You die where your father died and by my hands.”
Kilkern laughed like a madman and beckoned Magnus with his knife. “Come, let us see who dies this day.”
Both men were skillful fighters, and Reena watched in fear as they launched themselves repeatedly at each other, both striking blows that tore garments but did not puncture the skin.
Thomas was quick to release her from her chains after knocking his opponent unconscious, and Horace kept a snarling guard over his prisoner.
Reena was in no condition to move, though Thomas assisted her in her struggle to sit up to watch the man she loved fight for his and her lives.
Kilkern did not fight fairly, though Magnus instinctively knew his every move and blocked several blows. Kilkern grew frustrated with his useless attempts and lashed out at Magnus, missing his target.
After several moments it was obvious that Magnus toyed with Kilkern, and the man’s anger grew to a rage. The more Magnus inflamed that rage, the more careless Kilkern became until it was evident that Magnus need only reach out and end the battle.
But he did not. He toyed with Kilkern like a cat with a mouse, letting him think he had a chance, then showing him he had none. He was trapped and would die when Magnus so chose.
“For my mother,” Magnus said after slicing his cheek.
Kilkern grew more enraged. “Worthless whore.”
Magnus remained in control and lashed out again, slicing his other cheek. “For my grandfather.”
Kilkern grabbed for his face, the blood smearing on his hand. He gritted his teeth and raised his weapon. “You will pay.”
With a slice of his knife so fast that Reena did not see it, Magnus cut across Kilkern’s chest.
“For Reena,” Magnus said.
Stunned, Kilkern looked down at his chest and the blood that seeped into his white shirt. For a brief moment fear raced across his face. Then his face turned bright red as though his rage boiled over, and he launched himself at Magnus, knocking Magnus’s knife from his hand.
Reena’s heart stopped beating and her breath caught, and in that brief moment Magnus grabbed Kilkern by the wrist, shook the knife loose, twisted him around, and slipped his arm around Kilkern’s neck.
“This is for my father.” He snapped Kilkern’s neck with ease and let him drop to the ground.
Magnus did not waste a second glance on the dead man; he walked directly to Reena, though he spoke to Thomas. “Get rid of the stench.”
“With pleasure,” Thomas said and turned his attention to the two prisoners.
Magnus said nothing. He gently picked up Reena and cradled her as tenderly as he could, though he knew from her pained expression it was not tender enough. He cursed beneath his breath and took her out of the dungeon and up to his bedchamber, where Brigid waited with Old Margaret.
Tears came fast to Brigid’s eyes, but Old Margaret was ready to heal when she saw Reena’s bleeding wrists and ankles.
Magnus placed Reena carefully on the bed. Before the two women could reach her side, he announced, “I will not be needing your services. I will tend to Reena myself.”
Brigid attempted to protest, but Old Margaret placed a gentle hand on her arm.
“He needs to do this, let him be.”
The two women
left, promising to check on Reena later.
After locking the door and ridding himself of his shirt, Magnus returned to the bed. With a gentle touch he began to cleanse Reena’s wounds. He was grateful he had all he needed at hand, the two women having prepared well for Reena’s needs. A pitcher of fresh water, a bowl, a crock of salve and clean cloths to wrap her wounds were at his fingertips.
He would make certain she healed, seeing to her every need, helping to ease her pain and making sure she suffered no more. He was, however, not prepared for her tears. They cut at his heart.
He dropped the cloth into the bowl of water and carefully took her small hand in his. “I am so sorry, Ree, for not reaching you sooner, for you having to suffer for me. When I saw you there on the rack I thought my heart would split in two and I thought I would go mad.”
Her tears rushed from her like a dam that had burst, her sobs heavy and mournful and cathartic. “I am sorry,” she wept. “I cannot stop crying. I am so relieved that you are all right. I knew you would rescue me.”
“You had no doubt even when he chained you to the table?”
She shook her head. “I only knew I needed to survive until you came for me.”
“Listen to me, Ree,” he said calmly. “I have waited long for the day I could face Peter Kilkern and make him pay for all the hurt and suffering he has caused my family. But when I saw you on that rack nothing mattered more to me than you. I would have done anything, and that included letting Kilkern go free if it meant saving your life.”
Her tears quieted as he spoke.
He smiled and patted her wet cheek with the end of the blanket. “And my heart filled with love and relief when you threatened Kilkern upon my arrival. Your courage astounds me, and I feel so very lucky that you have chosen me to love.”
She sighed, and a smile crept across her face. “You never had a chance once I did fall in love with you. I am determined, you know.”
He laughed. “The Legend finally met his match.”
She gripped his hand. “The Legend finally found love.”
Chapter 33
“It is your wedding day, your wounds have yet to fully heal in the last three weeks, and you want to walk in the woods when there is much yet to be done here?” Brigid asked, then threw her hands up in the air. “Why should that surprise me?”
Reena wrapped a blue shawl around her shoulders, having dressed in an old skirt and tunic for her foray into the woods. Spring was pleasantly upon them, and a cool breeze joined a sunny sky. She looked forward to being outdoors, having been confined to her bedchamber and the keep while she healed.
Magnus had tended her well, being there to serve her every need, but now she wanted to be off on her own if only for an hour or so. Soon she would exchange vows with the man she loved and she would be on her own no more. She would be wife to the Legend, and the thought filled her with joy.
“It does not surprise you,” Reena said. “You understand me, Brigid, and you know I much prefer to walk the woods than plan a wedding. You, however, enjoy planning celebrations, and you have done an excellent job. I am grateful, but I need this time alone.”
“Go,” Brigid ordered with a gentle shove. “All is in good hands here, and when you return you need only dress for the ceremony and celebration.”
Reena sighed in relief. “You are truly a good friend.”
Brigid returned to seeing that the great hall was ready for the special occasion, and Reena marveled at her friend’s talent to handle a multitude of tasks all at once. Brigid had planned the wedding feast, seen to the stitching of the wedding veils and dresses, and she now saw to the great hall and filling it with flowers and garland greenery and a multitude of white candles.
Reena slipped unnoticed out the door, leaving the chaotic scene behind. She was not alone, though; Horace followed on her heels. He had grown from a tiny, plump, and cowardly pup into a large protective beast of a dog. And ever since that day in the dungeons, he had remained by her side wherever she went, Magnus pleased and proud of the courageous animal.
Reena took a deep breath of fresh air and grew excited about her walk. Perhaps she would find quills for drawing or find an area of land she wished to draw. The next hour or so belonged to her, and she intended to enjoy it.
She had not walked far when she heard laughter in the near distance. It sounded like a couple that had sneaked off for a moment of private fun, and she thought to turn around and walk in another direction, not wanting to disturb them.
“Who goes there?” the voice demanded harshly.
Reena jumped, startled that the laughter had stopped so suddenly and that the man should hear her. She approached, intending to make herself known to someone she probably already knew then be on her way.
She was surprised when she entered the small clearing a few feet away and did not recognize the couple standing there, the man in a protective stance, with sword in hand, in front of the woman.
She did not think to fear the man though he was large and powerfully built. His long, dark hair was heavy with gray, and his face was handsome.
She greeted them warmly, feeling them no threat. “I am Reena, and you are on the Legend’s land and most welcome.”
The woman quickly stepped out from behind the large man and rushed toward her. She was tall and slim and more beautiful than Reena thought possible. Pure white long hair, smooth, almost wrinkle-free skin, and dark eyes that looked ready to burst into tears.
“Reena,” she cried and opened her arms wide to throw around Reena for a hug. “I have been so looking forward to meeting you.”
The man walked up behind her. “Then let her go before you smother her, she’s just a wee bit of a thing.”
The woman stepped back but took solid hold of Reena’s one hand, as if making certain Reena remained by her side.
“Magnus has told us much about you, and you are as beautiful as he claimed,” the woman said.
Reena was momentarily stunned silent, then she realized the woman beside her had to be Magnus’s mother, her son having inherited her dark eyes. She meant to introduce herself properly, but instead she asked, “Magnus told you I was beautiful?”
“Aye, he did,” the man said and stepped forward. “I am James and pleased I am to meet you.”
The woman released her hand, and Reena’s small hand disappeared into his large grasp.
“And the woman who almost hugged you to death is—”
“Catherine, Magnus’s mother.” And she hugged Reena again with the same abundant enthusiasm.
Reena was pleased to meet them both and overjoyed that they had come here for the wedding. “I was not told of your impending arrival.”
“A surprise for you,” Magnus said.
Reena turned around to find him standing directly behind her. She had not heard his approach, but then she’d been too busy speaking with the couple to pay heed to anything else.
She immediately went into his outstretched arms.
“Are you certain you feel well enough to walk the woods? Brigid told me your intentions, and I worried that your ankles may still pain you.”
She stepped out of his embrace but took hold of his hand, his warmth and strength comforting and his concern touching her heart. “I am fine, there is no need for worry.”
Magnus nodded, though concern remained evident on his handsome face. They both knew that her one ankle would be left with a scar, forever reminding her of her ordeal. It had upset him when Old Margaret had told him of this, but it did not bother Reena. She had simply pronounced the scar her badge of courage, which she would wear proudly.
“I am very pleased with my surprise,” Reena said. “I have been impatient to meet your mother.”
“And I you,” Catherine said, walking over to her son and kissing his cheek. “When we arrived this morning he did nothing but talk of you—”
“Sing her praises is more like it,” James said with a grin.
“Aye,” his mother said, her grin as wide as
James’s. “He told us of your strength and courage and your many talents.”
“Claims you are the best mapmaker in all the world.”
“And that you can speak several languages,” his mother added.
“I speak the truth proudly of the woman I love,” Magnus said, squaring his shoulders as if ready to defend, though a smile showed he joined in the good-natured teasing.
Catherine slipped her arm around Reena’s. “I wish a moment with my new daughter.”
Magnus and James walked off, leaving the two women alone.
“I wanted to thank you,” Catherine said.
“For what?”
Tears pooled in Catherine’s eyes. “For loving my son.”
Reena smiled. “He is easy to love.”
“Not many would agree, and I had feared that because of all that had happened to him his heart would turn cold.”
“How could you think that?” Reena asked with surprise. “It is because of you he can love so strongly. You protected him, took him away from harm and kept him safe until he was old enough to protect himself. He never once doubted your love, and that love taught him to love with courage.”
“You are all that Magnus claims you are, and I am so proud that you will be my son’s wife.” Catherine hugged Reena tightly.
The two women returned to the men. James and Catherine joined hands and walked in front of Magnus and Reena.
Magnus and Reena locked hands. Magnus made certain they walked more slowly, when Reena suddenly stopped.
“You are all right?” he asked anxiously.
“Aye, but I have something to say.”
Magnus grew anxious; Reena’s tone was serious.
Reena took both his hands in hers. “The heavens shine brightly above us on this beautiful day, and I want to pledge my love to you here and now and let the heavens know that I will love you forever; and no matter what happens in our life my love for you will only grow stronger with each passing day. When my time is done here I will take my love to the heavens and wait for you, and never ever stop loving you.”
Magnus stood speechless, and tears threatened his eyes. He reached down and cupped her face in his hands. “You and I will go to the heavens together Reena, for I could not live one day without you, my love for you is that strong. I pledge that love here and now and forever.”
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