Dark Warrior

by Donna Fletcher

  He rolled onto his side and stroked a finger along her face. “Never forget how much I love you.”

  “You need not worry that I would ever forget you or your love.” She smiled and gently touched his face while silently adding. I take both with me.

  Chapter 36

  Mary entered the hall early the next morning to find it a buzz of activity. The servants rushed about and Decimus’s men ate with a hurried flourish. One look at Reena and Brigid and she knew there was a problem.

  Decimus walked up to her before she reached the dais. “I will be leaving after the noon meal.”

  Mary ignored the decorum of a proper wife and demanded, “How long will you be gone?”

  Her husband turned a sharp tongue on her. “Do not question my actions, wife.”

  She continued to defy him, needing to know if it was but hours or days that he would return. “I have not been feeling well and you, my husband, should be concerned and not ride off for days.”

  Decimus glared at her and she knew he attempted to warn her to hold her tongue. “Whether days or weeks, it concerns you not.”

  “It does,” she said with a shout and fled the hall.

  Decimus followed her to their bedchamber slamming the door shut. “What is wrong with you, challenging me like that in front of my men?”

  “I do not want you to go away,” she said, anxiously ringing her hands. “How long will you be gone?”

  He walked over to her and took her trembling hands in his. “A week at least, perhaps longer. I have been summoned to address a church council.”

  That was not good. They could not wait a week to carry out the plan. Decimus had already made it known that Magnus’s visit was to be brief. And without everyone’s help, the plan was not possible. If she did not free Michael now, she did not know when she would get another chance.

  He looked concerned. “Are you not feeling well, Mary?”

  She shook her head. “Just anxious about your absence. I wanted us to have all the time together we could.”

  “I will do my best to return as soon as possible.” He kissed her cheek. “Rest and visit with your friends, but they must be gone before my return.”

  His words settled it for her. It was today or never.

  She wrapped her arms around him, held him tight, and whispered in his ear, “Remember, no matter what, I love you.”

  A knock at the door interrupted them.

  “I love you too,” he said softly and with a worried look he stepped away from her and raised his voice. “You will obey me, wife, and I will hear no more of your foolish tongue.” He flung open the door and one of his men stood there. Decimus stormed out of the room, leaving the stunned man to close the door behind him.

  Reena and Brigid arrived at her bedchamber shortly after Decimus left.

  “We do this today,” Mary said before anyone could speak.

  “What of Roarke?” Reena asked.

  “Someone will need to go and tell him the plan has been changed and that it is urgent we implement it before Decimus can leave.”

  Reena volunteered since she knew where Roarke could be found in the woods. Brigid was left to inform Magnus and Thomas.

  “They will have no choice but to help us,” Reena assured her friend. “And do not let them batter you with questions and demands. Tell them what they must do and if they refuse, or attempt to dissuade or change the plan, then remind them that all of our lives will be in danger.”

  “Decimus told me they leave after the noon meal, so that is when we attack,” Mary said. “His men will be gathered in the hall to eat before departing. The servants will be about, we will have a good crowd to witness my husband’s and my confrontation.”

  “We finish here in the bedchamber,” Brigid confirmed. “I will make certain the blood is available and all evidence cleaned away afterward.”

  “Where will you go?” Reena asked, close to tears.

  “I do not know. I only know that Michael and I will be together.” Tears pooled in her eyes. “If I do not get a chance to thank you or bid you both farewell, know how much I appreciate all you have done for me.”

  The three women hugged and rushed off knowing little time was left for them to set the plan into action.

  It was not long before Magnus burst into her bedchamber and forcefully shut the door behind him.

  “You cannot be serious about this plan,” he said, walking up to her.

  Dressed all in black and his eyes aglow with anger, he looked like a demon about to descend on her. But Mary held her ground, her chin high and her stance firm.

  “I will not lose the man I love. I will set him free with or without your help.”

  His eyes lost some of their heat. “You should have come to me and I—”

  “There is no time to think of what I should have done. I made my choice, and now you must make yours. Do you help me or not?”

  “You know I will help you,” he said exasperated. “How could I not?”

  “When this is done you will have fulfilled your promise to my parents. You will finally see me safe. No one will ever hunt me again—I will be dead.”

  “If all goes well.” Magnus sounded doubtful.

  “You must have faith.”

  “I would have more faith if Decimus, the Dark One, Michael, whomever he is, had been made aware of this plan so that he could play his part as well as everyone else involved.”

  “He would have protested.”

  “Do you not think the choice his?” Magnus asked. “I was shocked to learn of Decimus’s true identity and more shocked to realize how much of a chance the Dark One had taken all these years. Do you expect him to simply walk away from it all?”

  “I am not asking him to completely forsake his vow to help the innocent. I but ask that he change his battle plan so that he may save more than merely a few. When he realizes the wisdom of my plan, I think he will be less likely to judge me foolish.”

  “I have had little time to digest all Brigid has told me, but in an attempt to understand your reasoning I see that this choice comes from the heart. Have you thought this through clearly? Are you certain this is best for you both?”

  “Minds and hearts often war with each other when decisions are necessary. I can only tell you I feel this is the right choice for us both. And since you know true love yourself, could you live life without Reena?”

  Magnus did not hesitate. “I will do all I can to make certain this plan of yours succeeds.”

  Mary hugged Magnus, grateful for his support, then stepped away to wipe the tears from her eyes. “I cry too much of late.”

  “You have been through much. You have the right to shed tears.” He took her hand. “Tell me where you plan to settle with Decimus.”

  She shook her head. “I do not know, though it must be far enough away, where Decimus will not be recognized.”

  “His reputation extends far and wide.”

  “But not all have seen him, they have only heard of him.”

  “Far to the northwest there is an island few know of,” Magnus said. “The clan there remain much to themselves and accept few outsiders. But I know them well and, if I advise them of your predicament, I do not think they would mind if you and Decimus joined them.”

  “You are generous and I hate to ask more of you—”

  “Ask me, Mary, I wish to help.”

  “There is a small village the Dark One had brought me to. The people were very kind. I fear for their safety once the chaos of Decimus’s death settles.”

  “Ask no more. I will see them all safe,” he promised.

  She hugged him again. “Thank you. You are a wonderful friend.” She grasped his arm. “You will let no one touch the bodies? It is so very important no one is allowed near them.”

  “No one will come near any of you, I give you my word,” Magnus said with a strength that made Mary smile.

  “I think I have covered everything,” Mary said, running through the mental list of all tha
t she had planned.

  “I will meet with Roarke when he returns with Reena and finalize the details, then there is nothing more to do but wait and act our parts.”

  “You have been a good friend, Magnus. May you and Reena know much joy.”

  “I wish you and Michael much luck and a long life together.”

  They hugged and parted, knowing that they might never see each other again. Mary was grateful that the Legend had been in her life.

  Noon approached and Mary stood in her bedchamber looking around, making certain all was in readiness. She had tied back her long blond hair with a ribbon and had donned a pale blue linen dress, knowing the blood would appear more horrifying against a light color.

  Everyone had to believe her dead and with blood pouring from her they would not want to look too closely. She gave the room one last glance and left knowing the next time she returned here, she would leave a dead woman.

  The noon meal was a hurried affair, Decimus making it known he wished to be on his way as soon as possible. He lovingly squeezed Mary’s hand beneath the table, letting her know he cared.

  She squeezed his in return, praying that Decimus’s demise would go well.

  One of Decimus’s men rushed into the hall and Mary knew the plan had been set into motion. She looked to Reena and she nodded, letting her know that Brigid, Thomas, and Roarke were ready for them.

  “The Dark One has been spotted entering the fortress.”

  Decimus stood with a jolt, sending his chair toppling backward. “I will have his head this time. He will not escape or—someone else’s head will roll.”

  Mary knew he was confident that it was someone’s foolish imagination that made him think he saw the Dark One, and he used it to his advantage. She was about to do the same.

  She stood with a flourish, her eyes wide and anxious, and turned on her husband, screaming, “No, I love him.”

  Decimus was stunned silent.

  “I will not let you hurt him,” she wailed and pounded on his chest. “I carry his child. Not yours.” She moved away from him as if he were a vile creature, her hand extended out to keep him from approaching her. “Do you hear me, Decimus? It is the Dark One’s child I carry.”

  The hall turned dead silent as they all waited for Decimus to make his move.

  Decimus regained his senses and grabbed her arm. “Whore!” He shouted, and glared at her with confusion as he dragged her from the room and up the stairs.

  “What are you doing?” he asked angrily as they climbed the stairs.

  “Giving us a future,” she said as he opened the door to their bedchamber.

  He looked bewildered and even more so when he entered the room to see Thomas, Brigid, and the Dark One waiting for them.

  He pointed to the dark shrouded figure. “What goes on here?”

  “Forgive me, Decimus, for I must take your life so that Michael may live,” Mary said and stepped away from him, knife in hand.

  He stared at her shocked. “You cannot do this.” He caught a movement from the corner of his eye and easily deflected Thomas’s fist while landing a solid punch to the large man’s jaw, sending him stumbling backward.

  “It is a chance for us,” Mary pleaded.

  “I have a duty—”

  “To me and your unborn child.”

  “To people who suffer and die needlessly. But your elaborate plan will serve us well,” he said with anger. “It will be an unfaithful wife who dies this day.”

  She grabbed his arms. “No, I will not lose you.”

  “You never had me,” he said coldly.

  She glared at him as though he had struck her. “Afraid, Decimus?” She all but spit the name. “Afraid to love instead of hate. Hate is so much easier. It demands nothing of you and gives nothing in return, whereas love gives endlessly and returns endless love. Your mother knew that when she urged you to leave and fight. She did not expect hate from you for she knew, as your sister did, in love there was power. They understood the power of love. Can you not see what you can do by loving instead of hating?”

  He laughed with an anger that chilled. “Do you not hear how foolish you sound? You think love will prevent the torture and suffering of innocent people?”

  “The absence of love is what causes the torture and suffering of innocent people.”

  Her words struck him like a fist to his face.

  “My father taught me that in knowledge there is power. Teach the people how to survive in the absence of love. You will save many more lives than you do now.”

  Decimus remained speechless, words failing him.

  “I intend to survive with love,” Mary said softly and with a tear of courage slipping down her cheek, she gave a brief nod.

  Decimus turned ready to deflect Thomas’s blow, but Roarke quickly stepped in and grabbed Decimus’s arm. The hasty intervention gave Thomas just enough time to land a solid blow to Decimus’s jaw and he collapsed to the floor.

  “Hurry,” Mary urged, fighting the need to make certain her husband was all right. “We have wasted precious time.

  Everyone sped into action.

  Roarke did a good imitation of Decimus’s voice, screaming vicious threats at Mary. She matched his screams, claiming over and over again her love for the Dark One.

  Those in the hall did not know what to do and some of the men inched closer to the staircase ready to fight if their lord should need them.

  Magnus and Reena pushed past them to keep them at bay a bit longer and to be the first to reach the room when the signal was given.

  In the meantime, Brigid and Thomas set to work staging the triple murder. Decimus lay on his side, his garment ripped to look as if he had fought and had been stabbed in the heart, the bloody knife lying nearby. Mary lay on her stomach, blood pouring out from beneath her as though she were stabbed in the stomach. The Dark One’s hood had been pulled back to reveal Roarke and blood covered him everywhere so that no one would look too closely and see that no wounds actually existed.

  When all was ready, Brigid went to the door, stepped outside the room along with Thomas, and let out a bloodcurdling scream. Reena and Magnus rushed up the steps, Decimus’s men following close behind.

  After making certain Decimus’s men saw them, Thomas and Brigid hurried back to the room before Magnus and Reena. Thomas immediately bent down beside Roarke to protect him, his huge body making it nearly impossible to see anything but his face.

  Brigid kneeled beside Mary, sobbing uncontrollably.

  Reena entered and began wailing as soon as she saw the bodies. She threw herself down opposite Brigid to flank Mary’s body and to let no one near.

  It was Magnus’s duty to see to Decimus, and he kneeled beside him as the men poured into the room. After making it look like he had examined the body thoroughly, Magnus raised bloody hands as if in proof. “Decimus is dead.”

  Reena wailed her sorrow, rocking back and forth on her haunches, the blood beneath Mary catching the hem of her dress and growing into a large stain.

  One of the men pointed to Roarke and shouted, “Look, the man who escaped the fortress, he is the Dark One.”

  “Take his head, Decimus wanted his head,” another shouted.

  Thomas hovered protectively over Roarke.

  Magnus knew time was of the essence. Any moment Decimus could regain consciousness. He had to be moved immediately. And they needed to get Roarke away from the angry men.

  Magnus barked orders. “There has been enough blood shed this day. No more will be spilled. Go see to a wagon. We will take the bodies and bury them in the woods.”

  “Decimus deserves a decent burial,” one of his men said.

  “His reputation is known far and wide. Do you not think some would want to do harm to his grave and perhaps his body? His wife has been in my care before he wed her. I will see her properly buried on my land. The Dark One’s grave also needs anonymity.”

  “We keep the Dark One’s head to show the church council that he was c
aught and he will trouble us no more,” one man demanded.

  Magnus stood tall. “He will be buried with his head and his grave will be known to none.”

  The man’s hand went to the hilt of his sword.

  “Try it,” Magnus challenged. “And you will be dead before your sword leaves your sheath.”

  “He is the Legend,” the man behind the challenger warned.

  “Go prepare a wagon now,” Magnus ordered, stepping toward the men.

  They scurried like frightened rats and Magnus shut the door behind them.

  Mary raised her head. “Is Decimus all right?”

  “He is still unconscious and pray he remains so until we are away from the fortress,” Magnus said. “We will wrap the three of you in blankets and Thomas and I, along with a few of my men, will take you into the woods for burial.” He turned to his wife. “Gather our things as fast as you can and be ready to depart when we return.”

  Magnus bent down in front of Mary. “We cannot chance meeting with you again. You must flee immediately. Roarke has directions to the island I spoke of. Be safe, Mary, and be strong.”

  “Thank you, Magnus, I will never forget you.”

  “We must hurry,” Reena reminded, tears spilling down her cheeks.

  “Keep up your wailing, Reena, while we are carried out and placed in the wagon, in case Decimus should come awake,” Roarke said from where he lay on the floor. “My thanks and Godspeed.”

  The two made fast work of wrapping the bodies, though leaving enough room for them to breath. Decimus was the most difficult, being unconscious. Magnus sent Brigid to get a few of his men to help carry the bodies out. He would take no chances with Decimus’s men, though he expected opposition, which he got as soon as his men entered the hall carrying Decimus’s wrapped body.

  “We carry our lord,” one demanded and a dozen men stepped forward in support.

  Magnus was about to protest when he realized it would be good for them to feel the dead weight of his body. It would leave no room for doubt.

  “You are entitled that honor,” Magnus said and signaled his men to hand Decimus over.

  Reena wailed louder as they transferred the body and prayed that Decimus remained unconscious. It was only a short distance to the wagon, but anything could happen. The dead trio would not be safe until they were far away from the fortress.