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)
It was not long before he brought his beast of a steed to a halt at the foot of the steps to the keep. After the horse settled under his skillful hand, he grabbed her arm and swung her off the animal, depositing her on the ground just as Thomas caught up with them.
The dark warrior dismounted his horse, handing the reins to a young lad who waited nearby. He walked up to Thomas. “I will see you and the lad inside.”
Thomas watched as the warrior walked up the steps and disappeared behind the massive wooden door. He then turned to Reena and with a grin said, “You have just met the Legend.”
Chapter 3
Reena’s legs trembled so badly that she thought she would not be able to take another step, but she did. The Legend already thought her a fool; she could not allow herself to appear even more foolish. He would never wish to retain her as his mapmaker.
She entered the great hall behind Thomas, giving a peek past his massive shoulders. The Legend motioned with his hand, and the few people in the hall emptied without protest. He pulled his helmet off his head and laid it on the table beside him before turning to face her and Thomas.
Her breath caught in anticipation, and she clung tightly to her meager sack. She almost gasped at the sight of him. She had expected a beast and instead saw beauty. She had not thought a man’s face could be beautiful, but his was a work of art—every bone, each muscle, the texture blended perfectly together.
She could imagine drawing his face, the ease with which the charcoal would flow, and all because he was crafted so magnificently. And coloring, his eyes were the deepest of browns, like the rich soil just before planting, and his long hair was a lighter shade of brown with streaks the color of golden wheat raging through it. And tall, he was so very tall, at least a head past most men. And his expression?
Thomas quietly voiced her thoughts. “He is angry.”
The Legend removed his black leather gloves and tossed them on top of the helmet before walking over to Thomas.
“The reason for this lad’s foolishness.”
It was not a question; it was a demand, and Reena suddenly wondered if she truly was foolish for thinking she could convince such a powerful man to help her. But then, she was here; she had made it this far into the Legend’s home, she could not retreat now.
She stepped from behind Thomas before the large man could answer, and she removed her cap, a gesture of respect and to clarify her gender. She did not wish the Legend thinking that she deliberately deceived him.
Her long hair spilled down around her shoulders, and she pushed the silky dark strands behind her ears, away from her face.
His response was to cross his arms over his broad chest and stare at her.
No simple stare, but one that intimidated her to the depths of her soul. Without speaking a word, he demanded an explanation.
She gathered every ounce of courage she had. “A lad fairs better on the road than a lass with no companion. A lad’s garb was as necessary as my journey here. I have come to ask for your help.”
The Legend looked her over. “What man in your village would allow a bit of a lass like you to journey on her own?”
“It was my choice,” she said, a defensive edge to her tone.
“Do you always make unwise decisions?”
She clung tightly to her cap to keep her hands from trembling and her anger from flaring. “I make necessary decisions. My village is starving. We have lost two people already; I will see no more die.”
He remained silent for a moment as though in contemplation. “Come join me in food and drink while we discuss this matter?”
The scent of the roasting lamb that cooked on the spit in the hearth had her mouth watering, as did the full platter of breads and cheeses, and she was hungry, having taken only a meager portion of food from her deprived village.
She could not deny her hunger, but the guilt of filling her belly while those she cared about starved caused her pain. “I would be grateful for your hospitality.”
The Legend walked to the table nearest the hearth, but before he sat, a plump little puppy came running into the great hall and jumped up and down in front of the dark lord, happy to see him. The Legend ordered him to sit, but the puppy ignored his edict and continued jumping.
The Legend attempted again to make the puppy obey, but it was futile; the plump animal intended to have his way. The Legend shook his head and sat with the puppy cuddling at his feet.