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)
“He waits,” Brigid said and gave Reena a slight push.
Reena caught sight of Thomas’s head near the peak of the roof and cast a glance his way. “He waits also.”
The two women hugged and reluctantly parted, neither ready to deal with men and love.
Reena hurried her steps, her legs trembling after catching sight of the Legend. His appearance certainly intimidated. He looked larger, broader, stron-ger and much more unforgiving. He seemed opposite of Magnus, and yet they were one.
He spoke not a word to her when she walked up to him; he simply grabbed her around the waist, lifted her up on her horse, handed her the reins, then mounted his own black steed. With his hand firm on his reins, he gave the signal to depart.
Two men led and two men followed.
Villagers waved farewells, children trailed along the side smiling and waving exuberantly, dogs chased at their feet, and laughter drifted in the crisp spring air. Reena then noticed the double guards at the barbican and that the portcullis remained descended a quarter of the way, reminding her that the keep was on alert, ready and waiting.
“You do not worry that Kilkern may cause us harm?” she asked.
The Legend kept his glance straight ahead. “We remain on my land and he knows better than to attack a lord on his own soil. He would have much to explain to the king. Besides, there are more of my men about than you know. Our protection is not in question.”
His imposing tone and arrogant confidence sent a shiver racing through her. Who was this man she rode beside? He sounded nothing like the Magnus she knew who treated his tenants fairly and was patient with a cowardly but loveable pup.
He was the Legend.
The man she had learned about listening to tales when she was young. The tale of the Legend had been the one that had caused her to huddle beneath the blanket in fright. She had promised her young self that she would keep her distance from the Legend, and here she was riding next to him and falling in love with him.
But what did she really know of the Legend?
His infamous exploits had earned him his name, but how had it all begun? He had not set out to become the Legend. Had life circumstances forced the roll upon him?
She suddenly became quite curious. “How did you become a warrior?”
He kept his eyes on the road ahead of him and answered, “Out of necessity.”
She waited for further explanation. When none was forthcoming, she continued her query. “What necessity?”
“Survival.”
His short answers gave the impression that he did not wish to discuss the topic, but Reena was persistent. “For yourself or others.” She purposely did not mention his mother, but she felt that perhaps the woman had helped determine her son’s fate.
He turned to look at her, and she swallowed the nervous lump that rose in her throat. His dark eyes glared, and his helmet concealed, and his lips, which she often thought tasted like warm honey when he kissed her senseless, were set tight.
She had asked a question that appeared not to please him, and she thought perhaps he would not answer her.
After several silent moments he spoke. “Are you certain you wish this discussion now?”
He had warned her about learning about the Legend. Was she ready? Or did she really have a choice? Was it not time she knew all about the man she felt she loved?
“Aye.”
Another moment of silence was followed by a frustrated sigh, and then he began. “Life was difficult after my mother and I made our escape. Our coins went quickly, especially since my mother had a tender heart. The group of people we joined was accepting and generous with what little they had, but one woman in particular was ill and required much care and what healing potions could be found. Though we had traveled as far from Dunhurnal land as we could, my mother could not take the chance and be seen. She remained at the campsite while others went out and scavenged for food and things we needed, as well as going to purchase potions for Lena, at least until our coins ran out.
“Stealing food at times was the only way we did not starve. I did well, being young and lightweight and quick on my feet, until one day I stole from the wrong person.”
Memories silenced him momentarily, and Reena waited for him to continue.
“I attempted a theft from a wealthy man protected by four guards who had just left an inn. I was caught and they were beating me rather badly when a warrior happened upon the scene and rescued me. I knew when I watched him effortlessly defend himself against the four men that I wanted to be as powerful a warrior as he.