Magnus’s silence once again filled the hall, and Reena realized he grew quiet when in thought. She waited.
“You could map the keep and the village. If I find it adequate, I will then consider your offer,” Magnus said, as if declaring it done.
His response was not good enough for Reena. “Time is of the essence for my village. I cannot waste time mapping for you if in the end you will only consider my request. I ask that if my skills prove adequate, my offer be accepted—not merely considered.”
Again he grew silent, but this time Reena did not wait.
“Time is a factor that can win or lose a battle. I will map your keep and the village in a day’s time, and you will then see how my skills can be used when time is of the essence for you.”
“You are sure of your skills.”
“I am.”
“One day’s time,” Magnus said.
“Tomorrow at this time I will present you with a map of your keep and the village, and you will let me know if my skills are adequate enough for me to be of service to you.”
She offered him her hand, binding their agreement.
He took it and held it for a moment. “Tell me if there is anything you need.”
Need.
There was so much that she needed, food for her village, protection for the villagers and hope—hope that once again life would be good for them all—and this man could provide it all.
“I have everything I need right now, thank you.”
She intended to get right to work, but Thomas stopped her with his question.
“What made you think the Legend was real? Some think Magnus a myth.”
“Nay,” Reena said with a soft smile that had both men staring at her oddly. “I never thought the Legend a myth. The tales spoke of his strength and courage, and while it was said he was feared by many, they never spoke of brutality. To me the Legend fought with honor and dignity—a difficult task in this brutal world.”
“And what do you think of him now that you have met him?” Thomas asked, looking from her to Magnus.
“You are not bound to answer that,” Magnus said. “It matters not what others think of me, and Thomas well knows this.”
“I do not mind answering,” she said. “I think you are a man of many mysteries.”
“What mysteries?”
Reena placed her elbows on the table and rested her face in her hands. “You are considerate and accommodating, yet demanding and commanding, and I find it easy to speak with you.”
Thomas’s whole body shook with a laughter he attempted to contain.
Magnus ignored his friend after giving him a rough shot to the side with his elbow. “There are not many who would agree with you on that.”
Reena yawned; with a full stomach and the warmth of the hall relaxing her, she was about ready to fall asleep. “They do not see you as I do.”
“You have only met me. What makes you think you see me more clearly than others?”
“I have a good eye, which is the reason why I am a skilled mapmaker. I see much and remember even more. Your face tells me much.”
Thomas wanted to hear more. “What does his face tell you?”
Another yawned attacked, and she moved her arms off the table to sit straight, as if the new position would keep her more alert. “Besides the obvious?”
“You mean that he is so handsome that women fall at his feet?” Thomas asked with a grin.
Both Thomas and Reena ignored Magnus’s scowl.
“Aye,” she said with a nod, then shook her head. Sleep was nipping at her heels fast and furious, and she had no time for it. She had to start mapping the keep now if she was to finish in a day’s time.
“Tell us,” Thomas urged.
“He is a man who respects honor and strength, and a man who commands with a demanding hand, and I sense compassion in his heart.”
Both men sat speechless, staring at her.
Thomas leaned forward. “You know him well.”
Reena smiled at the large man, and then at Magnus. “I see how you truly are a legend, and I hope you will help me in my time of need.” She stood, yawning. “Now, I must begin my mapmaking.”
“You are tired,” Magnus said with concern.
“It will pass.” Reena reached for her sack.
“Take time to rest.” There was that demand again.
She ignored him. “Nay, there is no time.”
“I say there is,” he challenged.
“I know otherwise.” She held firm to her annoyance and worry. “And I beg for you to understand my plight.”
He remained silent for a moment, and Reena held her breath.
“Go do as you will and know that when you grow weary there will be a sleeping pallet ready for you in front of the hearth.”
Reena could not contain the sigh of relief that rushed from her lips. “Thank you. I am free to look throughout your keep?”