Total pages in book: 108
Estimated words: 99206 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 496(@200wpm)___ 397(@250wpm)___ 331(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 99206 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 496(@200wpm)___ 397(@250wpm)___ 331(@300wpm)
Horace ran up to Reena and sat beside her, waiting for any morsel of food. She couldn’t resist him, and besides, she wasn’t as hungry as she had thought. Reena brushed the crumbs from her hands after feeding the remainder of her meal to Horace.
“Kilkern did not bother you while I was gone?” Reena asked, concerned for her friend.
“Nay, there was gossip that he had traveled to see the king in regards to his property, but we could not be certain, and no one wished to approach his keep to see if there was truth to the gossip.”
“You need not worry any longer, you are now under the Legend’s protection.”
“So Thomas informed me.” Her smile returned. “He is such a tender man, I enjoy talking with him.” She laughed softly. “Though I do most of the talking and he listens; he is a good listener, and since John died I have not known a man who would listen so patiently to my endless chatter. He even listened to me tell him about the garden I wish to plant in the spring, and he promises he will till the soil well for me.”
“Aye, Thomas is a good man and I am glad you befriended him, since many fear his size and looks or they ignore him completely.”
“The villagers will accept him once they get to know him. Old Margaret claims he is a special man. She insists that any man as large as he who can cradle a tender seedling and do it no damage has a loving touch.”
Reena looked past the flames at her friend. “I am so glad to be talking with you again.”
Brigid hurried over beside Reena and hugged her. “I worried so about you.” She squeezed her friend’s hand. “But I tell you true, Reena, a part of me prayed you would succeed, for I feared my fate with Kil-kern if you did not.”
“I did not intend to fail.”
“And you did not—you returned a heroine to our village, and everyone is grateful to you, though many remain fearful of Kilkern, for they know he will seek retribution.”
Shouts to break up camp and make ready for departure interrupted their conversation. The two women quickly saw to their area and assisted those who needed help.
Reena spoke with her parents briefly. Both understood that she now had duties that must be attended to, and they assured her there would be time to talk when they settled in their new cottage.
She received instructions that Magnus wished to see her. When she approached him where he sat on his horse, and she saw hers next to his, she knew she would ride beside him again, and she was pleased. She enjoyed his company and their conversations, and oddly enough she had felt content and safe falling asleep in his arms.
After a quick good morning from Thomas, the large man hoisted her onto her horse and mounted his own. The three led the procession of villagers and warriors as the journey began, though short it would be since they were already on Dunhurnal land and the keep was but a couple of hours’ ride away.
Magnus turned to her and said, “Tell me all you know about the surrounding land.” He paused his horse, cast an intense look around him, then turned to her once again. “Peter Kilkern approaches Dunhurnal land.”
Chapter 9
They arrived at the castle, and the villagers cheerfully sought out cottages for themselves. Even though most of the cottages were in need of repairs, it mattered not. They would have food, shelter and protection from the Legend.
The warriors and Reena were the only ones aware of Kilkern’s impending arrival, and Magnus intended to keep it that way. He wanted no fear to mar the joy of the villagers’ new home.
Upon their arrival, his men were positioned strategically. Many lined the battlements of the keep, while others covered the land. As soon as possible they would set to work mapping the area and making the village impregnable. It would take time and hard work, but Magnus had waited and planned for this, and he would not see it fail.
Reena’s skills were an added benefit, and he intended to take full advantage of her talent. She had already proved useful detailing Dunhurnal land. The specifics she had outlined in the maps helped him to position his men more favorably, and he would know when Kilkern was near.
He had removed his helmet and stood on the steps of the keep, looking out over his newly acquired land. Much was in sad neglect, but the fact that he was here filled him with a sense of accomplishment. He had achieved part of his desired goal; the rest would follow.
Thomas approached, shaking his head. “She helps everyone with the selection of their cottage and ignores her own need.”