Thomas remained quiet for a few moments, giving him time, then he spoke. “You knew it would come to this, it was but a matter of time.”
“Aye, but I did not expect interference from a skinny young woman who prides herself on her mapmaking skills, and now—”
Thomas laughed. “And now, for her own protection, she must become your official mapmaker.”Chapter 5Magnus studied the maps with surprise and admiration. The young woman was skilled and possessed an eye for detail. He knew well his lands and had them guarded wisely, which Reena had seen and recorded accurately, even to the guard tower in a large tree west of the portcullis. Few realized it existed or knew that a guard was ever present, but Reena had seen and she had recorded the man—sleeping. He would see to that matter later, but for now, her skills could prove advantageous to him.
Reena stood silently in front of the table on the dais, nervously waiting for the verdict.
Thomas sat beside Magnus, his head bent over the maps as Magnus examined each paper. She was simply remarkable—even with poor-quality paper she produced an excellent and accurate map. He had not thought anyone capable of such talented mapping skills; most maps he possessed were crude and often inaccurate.
“You have done a fine job,” Magnus said, his interest still held by the maps in front of him.
“Fine job, you say?” Thomas tapped the one map with his finger. “That is more than a fine job, that is”—he tapped the map again—“that is—is—”
Magnus waited, amused. Thomas rarely had difficulty articulating his opinion—except around women. He would grasp for words that simply deserted him and be left floundering like a fish abandoned of water.
“The best map I have ever seen,” Thomas blurted.
Magnus slapped his friend on the back. “Then that settles it, Reena is my official mapmaker.”
Reena thought her trembling legs would fail her at that moment, but her courage kept her standing. She had done it; the Legend was returning with her and all would be well in the village. Tears of relief almost filled her eyes but she fought them back; she would show no weakness, only strength, in front of this man.
Magnus stood. “We leave tomorrow at dawn.”
Relief flooded her like a rushing wave and she braced her hand on the edge of the table.
“You need food and rest,” Magnus commanded. “Your day has been long and you have not eaten since the morning meal.”
“There was too much to be done—”
“And now that it is done, you will rest.”
It was a stern command and it took Reena a moment to realize that he had the right to command her, for she was now under his charge and direction. “As you say.”
“Come join us,” Magnus offered and pulled out the chair beside him.
Reena looked along the dais, which was empty but for Magnus and Thomas. The evening meal had long been finished, and now few men sat conversing near the hearth while several servant girls chatted at another table. She hesitated before joining the two men. The dais was for more important members of the lord and lady’s keep, not a mapmaker such as herself.
But Magnus had invited her, and besides, she was terribly hungry.
Reena helped herself to the fruit and cheese piled high on a silver platter in front of where Magnus sat. He moved the platter closer to her.
“What else would you like?”
“Cider, please.”
“No more food?”
She shook her head, her mouth full with a bite from a juicy apple.
“Tell me more of this village of yours.” Magnus poured her the cider.
She quickly finished the apple and downed a mouthful of cider, anxious to tell him all she could about her village. “The villagers have made Culberry a prosperous land. We have worked hard to produce hardy and abundant crops, and our animals are healthy. The cows provide us with tasty milk, and the sheep, fine wool for spinning.”
She paused a moment to nibble on a piece of cheese and then resumed talking with a bright smile. “My father is the village storyteller. He entertains everyone with exciting and marvelous tales. Midday you will find many gathered in the village to hear a story. Brigid and I would rush from wherever we were to listen, even if we had heard the tale again and again. My father finds a way of making a redundant tale new and exciting so no one tale ever sounds the same.”
“Brigid is a friend of yours?” Magnus asked.
Reena laughed softly and Magnus was caught by the beauty of the delicate sound, like soft chimes ringing in a warm breeze. And the pleasantness of her smile amazed him; it radiated over her entire face.
“We are best friends. Growing up together we would get into mischief, fight mythical dragons in the nearby woods and of course search for those ever elusive wood fairies that all children attempt to find.”