“By torture and death?” Magnus was disgusted with the thought of Mary suffering.
“Nay, by making her my wife.”Chapter 15Magnus stared at the closed door. Surely Decimus was insane to think that he would surrender Mary to wed the evil likes of him. He could not condemn an innocent young woman to a life of such cruelty. But what choices did he have?
Magnus heard the creak of the door and watched as it opened slowly. He was relieved to see his wife peek her head in. He had no desire to speak with Decimus again so soon. The man sparked his temper with one arrogant glance.
Reena quickly shut the door and hurried to her husband’s side. He opened his arms and greeted her with a hug.
“Something is wrong,” she said and felt his reluctance to release her.
“Decimus wants Mary as his wife.” He shook his head and dropped down into the chair near the fireplace.
Reena sat on the footstool beside him, her hand reaching for his.
He took tight hold of her hand. “I know not what to do. He insists I surrender Mary to him in a week’s time. He will accept no excuses.”
“Or he will inflict his evil upon us?”
Magnus could not bring himself to tell his wife who Decimus would start with. The mere thought set his blood on fire, and he gritted his teeth to keep from swearing.
Reena understood his distress. “He threatened my safety, did he not?”
“You are too perceptive for your own good.”
“It is simple logic. Who else would he threaten that would stir you to such anger or force you to consider complying.”
He moved his hand to cup her face. “I will let no harm come to you.”
“I never doubted you would. But what of Mary? She cannot be condemned to suffer such a hideous fate.”
“I agree, though at the moment I have no idea of how to prevent it. And I have no idea of Mary’s whereabouts. The last message I received from the Dark One was that Mary was safe and in his care. I have no way of contacting him.”
Reena attempted to ease his concern. “The Dark One seems to know when he is needed. I am sure he will contact you soon.”
“I pray your words are true, for at the moment I can see no alternative to this problem.”
“We will find a solution together. There must be something we can do.”
“I would like to think there are possibilities,” Magnus said, his fingers interlocking with hers. “But it seems rather simple. I surrender Mary or you suffer, and when he is done with you he will continue his sadistic tactics on others. I cannot allow that; I protect what is mine. My people expect no less of me, and I expect no less of me.”
“And how will you deal with your honor, for I know it weighs heavy on your mind,” Reena said. “You gave your word to her parents that you would keep Mary safe and you are a man of your word.”
“I do not know.”
A knock on the door interrupted them and Magnus bid the intruder to enter.
It was Thomas, his wife Brigid clinging tightly to his arm.
“Decimus has ordered his men to make camp at the edge of the village, and he has made certain to let all know that he will be here for a week or more,” Thomas informed him.
“Everyone is frightened,” Brigid said with a shiver. “They fear his wrath and punishment.”
“Have you ordered all to stay clear of him and his men?” Magnus asked.
“Aye,” Thomas said, “though I do not think it was necessary. There is not a soul who would dare go near him or even dare look his way.”
“We need to talk, Thomas,” Magnus said and glanced at his wife.
Reena stood, kissed his cheek, and walked to Brigid. “Come, we will see what needs attention.”
“Evil cannot be trusted,” Brigid said.
“I agree,” Magnus said. “But rest assured that you have nothing to fear from Decimus.”Usually warriors filled the great hall for the evening meals but not this night. This night saw only a handful of the Legend’s men gathering for the meal. All others stood guard over the village, their presence a show of force to Decimus’s men and a show of strength to the villagers.
Decimus’s men, of which there were few, ate hearty and thought little of strength and force. It was obvious they knew that their leader held more strength than all of Magnus’s warriors. They were under Decimus’s protection, and Decimus was protected by the king and the Church. There were no others more powerful.
“Tomorrow I wish to inspect your dungeons,” Decimus said, reaching for his goblet of wine. “In case I have use for them.”
Magnus knew he baited him, but he would not be hooked. “Do as you will, though my dungeons are not in use.”