Her smile faded. “Brigid was married to a wonderful man, but Peter Kilkern caused his death, and now she mourns a husband and a life that is no more.”
“Magnus will see to Peter Kilkern,” Thomas said with certainty.
Reena felt assured by Thomas’s declaration, and the long day fast caught up with her. If she rested her head back she was sure to fall asleep, and a yawn surfaced to prove it.
“You need a full night of sleep,” Magnus said.
“Aye, that I do, especially since we leave early tomorrow.”
“I had a room prepared for you.”
“The sleeping pallet I used by the hearth last night will suffice.”
“You are in my employment now and as such will do as directed.”
He spoke with authority, and Reena, now being in his service, had to accept that. But he also had to accept that she would speak her peace, in a respectful manner, of course. “I am grateful for the opportunity to map for you in return for protecting my village, but I must ask how long this will indebt me to you.”
“A fair enough question. I will expect six months’ time from you in return for my services, and then you may decide if you would like to remain in my service for a fair coin.”
Reena thought that was more than fair; he actually was being generous with her. And she would accept his generosity with a simple, “Thank you.”
“You are most welcome, though know that I will expect much from you and you will have little time for much else but mapping for me.” Her skills would serve him well for what he had planned.
“I understand and I will serve you well; you will not be disappointed.”
Magnus summoned a servant with a wave. “Show Reena to her room.”
She bid the two men goodnight and followed the servant from the hall.
“She is a good and brave lass and deserves a good man,” Thomas said. He stared at Magnus for several moments.
“What is it?”
Thomas nodded as if agreeing with himself. “Reena would be good for you and you for her.”
“And why is that?”
“You do not like women who have a need for attention. They annoy you.”
“You know this, do you?”
Thomas nodded again, though agreeing with Magnus this time. “I have watched you with women, hoping to learn your skills with the fairer sex so that if I am lucky enough to attract one I will know well what to do. And I have learned that women who demand attention and praise irritate you.”
“You are right,” Magnus admitted freely. “I cannot abide a demanding woman or a weak-willed woman, for that matter.”
“Reena is strong and not at all demanding.”
Magnus gave a quick laugh. “I think Reena can demand when she wants to.”
“She defends, not demands.”
Magnus grinned. “You have a way with words—you make them go your way.”
Thomas ignored his remark. “You have been alone too long.”
“So have you, so when you find a woman, then so will I,” Magnus challenged. His tone turned serious. “Besides, Reena has much to learn about me yet, and when she learns, she may fear me as most do.”
“I think Reena is wiser than most.”
“We will find out soon enough.”
Reena climbed beneath the clean bedding and snuggled comfortably under the wool blanket, a roaring fire in the fireplace adding to her warmth. And though she yawned with fatigue she found her active thoughts keeping her awake.
The Legend confused her. She could see how many believed him a fearsome man who frightened and intimidated people, for she had thought the same of him at first. But there was more to Magnus the man. It was as if he were two men in one.
He seemed a true friend to Thomas and was generous with her. He made her feel welcome in his home, and she had not expected that from the Legend, especially after their first encounter. She had trembled and shaken with fear and had been worried about asking for his help. And while he continued to intimidate her at times, she also felt a sense of ease with him. How? Why? She simply did not understand.
She quickly raised her head, listening to a noise that caught her attention, a scratching sound, a faint whine and then more scratching. She reluctantly got out of bed and went to the door. No sooner did she ease the door open to peek out than a round ball of black fur came rushing into her room and hurried to the bed.
Horace stood next to the bed, wagging his tail even faster as Reena approached. He pounced at her legs, jumping up and down.
She scooped him up and put him on the bed, returning to the warmth of the wool blanket. The pup waited until she was comfortable and then snuggled next to her chest; after a quick lick to her nose he went to sleep.