“Then I will follow your command without hesitation.”
His hands went to her waist, but before he hoisted her up on her horse he bent his head and whispered, “Trust me.”
She had no choice but to trust him. Her fate and the fate of the village were in his hands.
He swung her up onto her horse and walked off to mount his own horse and lead his troop. All followed him without hesitation, as did she.
Reena rode beside the Legend, and she grew anxious on their approach to the village. Everyone knew of her absence, Brigid having told them she was on a mapping expedition that could possibly provide the village with another source of food. They would be relieved to see her, but cautious of the troop she rode with.
From what she could see at first glance nothing much had changed. The village looked as she had left it—defeated and on the verge of utter starvation.
The villagers eyed the entering troop with suspicion and caution, whispering among themselves. A few hurriedly crossed themselves in protection, uncertain of their fate and fearful of the iron masked man who led them.
She called out to a few and waved to others, alerting them to her presence. While they responded in kind, they continued to keep a suspicious glance on the man in the iron helmet.
“Reena,” Magnus said, catching her attention. “A place where I can address your people.”
She nodded and called out to the people to meet them in the center of the village, for she had important news to share with them. All followed, eager to hear from Reena and whoever it was she had brought to them, though they kept a safe distance from the stranger on the large black stallion.
“Introduce me, Reena, so that the villagers’ needs can be seen to.”
Reena nodded, proud that concern glared in his dark eyes, Magnus’s eyes, but it was the Legend she introduced.
“I left here but five days ago to seek help for our village. I have returned with that help. I bid you all welcome to our home . . . the Legend.”
Gasps and cries rang loudly in the air, and the children, having heard tales of the infamous warrior, scurried behind their parents in fright. Reena caught sight of Brigid. Her friend was helping her father, who leaned heavily on a crutch, and her mother, who looked more pale and thin than when she had left. Her father’s eyes widened in shock, though they softened quickly enough, and tears followed a smile as he looked on his daughter with pride.
Magnus made no move to dismount; he sat in complete silence, waiting as the crowd quieted to a hush and silence once again reigned.
“Your village is truly blessed to have one so brave among it. Reena came to me and offered her mapping skills in exchange for protection of her village.” He did not wait for the rushed murmurs to settle before he continued, “I accepted her offer, her mapping skills having been proved worthy of such an exchange.
“My people have food for you and healers to help the ill. After you have feasted I shall speak with you all again.” He turned to his troop. “See to all their needs.” He then looked down at Thomas, who stood beside his horse. “Place guards with extras in the tall trees to the north.”
“It will take Kilkern time to learn of our arrival, since he appears a poor leader with no extended sentinels in watch of his lands.”
Magnus lowered his voice. “By then we will be gone.”
Thomas nodded and walked off to see to his orders.
Reena walked up to his horse. “I would like you to meet my parents and my friend.”
Magnus dismounted, slipped his helmet off, and handed it and the reins to one of his men, who stepped forward without a word having been spoken to him. Curious and cautious eyes followed him and Reena as they approached her parents. A few brave souls nodded and whispered their thanks, though none looked directly at him.
“Magnus, may I present my mother, Anona, and my father, Patrick.”
Magnus gave a curt bow to her mother. “Your daughter is an exceptional woman, and I am pleased to have her in my service.”
“Thank you, sir, for such kind words.”
Magnus turned to her father and extended his hand. “Your daughter speaks highly of you and your talent.”
Patrick accepted his offer of friendship, giving his hand a firm shake. “She far surpasses my meager skills and does me and mine proud.”
Reena was quick to introduce her friend. “This is Brigid, my friend since forever.”
Reena had not wasted a moment in introducing her friend to him. Brigid was as beautiful as her drawing. She had hair the color of freshly sown wheat, eyes that mirrored the blue skies, and a faint blushed skin that looked petal soft, with a body that captured a man’s breath.