Whispers rushed like a sharp wind through the gathered crowd and turned to a sudden silence when Decimus and his men were spotted. They were in the distance, but fear that their words could reach his ears made everyone hold their tongues.
Horace growled, standing at full alert, and Reena ordered him to sit and be still. He sat, but a low growl continued deep in his throat.
Decimus approached on a fine black steed, the horse dressed in silk finery. A purple face mask and a gold blanket with two large purple crosses on either side were draped over the animal and pronounced the rider royalty of the Church.
Many villagers kneeled as the horse passed by them, not daring to gaze upon the man who rode him.
Decimus stopped in front of the steps of the keep, dismounted, and tossed his reins to a man that rushed to his side. He remained where he was, glancing around at the crowd. His dark eyes settled on the group waiting on the steps.
Reena found herself unable to take her eyes off him. If the devil had climbed out of hell, he would surely look like this man. Black hair the color of a starless night sky was drawn tightly back away from his face. His eyes were just as dark and could very well resemble the recesses of hell itself. His skin looked weathered by the sun yet his face held not a line or wrinkle and no expression marred his darkly disturbing features. And yet once your gaze rested on him, it was hard to pull away. It was said that Decimus could see your soul, and if it were not pure you would suffer his wrath.
He was tall and slimmer than Magnus and looked fit in form. He was dressed in fine silks and linens of black and purple and he wore two rings, one a blood-red garnet and the other a dazzling blue sapphire.
He turned a slow gaze on the surrounding crowd and they bowed their heads, with some falling to their knees, their hands clasped in prayer. He nodded, pleased by their supplication, then advanced up the steps with a confident gait.
Decimus stopped in front of Magnus, ignoring those around him.
“We have matters to discuss.”
“May I offer you food and drink first?” Magnus asked in an attempt to be civil to the devil.
“Have it served in your private solar; this matter is between you and I.”
Decimus bumped Magnus’s shoulder as he pushed past him and entered the keep.
Magnus looked to Thomas whose face grew red with anger over the insult to his lord. “You heard him. It is between him and me. Keep the warriors alert and make certain Decimus’s men are confined to one area.”
Reena caught her husband’s arm, preventing him from entering the keep. “Give him what he wants and send him on his way; he is evil.”
“I will.”A servant directed Decimus to the solar, hastily left a platter of food on the table, then scurried out. Once outside the room, the young lass crossed herself and whispered a series of prayers as she hurried down the steps.
Magnus entered a few moments later, filled two goblets with wine, and handed one to Decimus. He then gestured for him to sit in one of the two chairs near the fireplace.
“This matter can be settled without difficulty or suffering; it is up to you.”
“I have done nothing that should bring me difficulty or cause me suffering,” Magnus said confidently.
“Are you certain of that?”
Magnus drank his wine, purposely delaying his reply to demonstrate to Decimus that he did not fear him. “Quite certain.”
“What of Mary?”
“Mary?” Magnus inquired.
“Do not think me a fool, Magnus. You know of whom I speak. I have learned that you have protected her these many years, but no more. You will surrender Mary to me or you and that quick-witted wife of yours will suffer.”
Magnus stared at him.
“You wonder how I know about your wife’s sharp wit. There is not much I do not know. I have eyes and ears everywhere.”
“Yet you cannot find Mary.”
The only indication that Magnus’s remark angered Decimus was a slight flaring of his nostrils. “But I have found her. You have her and you will give her to me.”
Magnus kept a tight rein on the anger that was slowly rising in him. He detested being backed into a corner, yet how could he honor his vow to Mary’s parents to protect her and protect his wife at the same time?
“I will be generous and allow you a week to surrender Mary to me,” Decimus informed him.
“And if I do not?”
Decimus shrugged as if it made no difference. “Then I will interrogate your wife. I hear she is adept at mapping and drawing.” He stared at the wine in his goblet. “I wonder where her skills originated?” His dark eyes shifted to Magnus. “And what type of drawings does she do? There is much I can question her about, and if I don’t like her answer—” Another shrug. “I will work with her until I receive an acceptable one.”