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.”
Decimus turned dark glaring eyes on Magnus. “I heard a different tale. I heard that you took the earl of Culberry’s life in your dungeon.” He looked past Magnus to Reena. “Culberry tortured you did he not?”
Reena sat straight and placed a hand over her husband’s arm. “He tried but my husband rescued me.”
“Really? I heard it was the dog who rescued you.” Decimus threw Horace a scrap of meat.
Horace remained sitting beside Reena. He made no move to take the meat.
“A wise and obedient animal. I may have use for him.”
“Horace is mine and will remain so,” Reena said in a tone that had everyone at the table staring at her.
Decimus leaned his arms on the table and kept his dark eyes on her. “Foolish or brave; I cannot decide which one you are.”
“I have been known to be both.”
Decimus laughed and tension eased. “You speak with honesty.”
“To a fault at times, so I have been told,” Reena said.
“There is no fault in honesty.” Decimus turned to Magnus. “Your husband can learn a lesson from you.”
Reena was quick to defend. “My husband is a good, honest man.”
“Not when he harbors a heretic.”
Reena’s skin prickled from the seething anger that filled Decimus’s voice.
Magnus spoke up. “You have judged and condemned this woman without speaking with her.”
“She was raised by heretics, what would you expect?”
“Fairness.”
“Which I will offer her,” Decimus said.
“Marriage is fairness?”
“I give her a chance to renounce her evil ways and live a good, clean, holy life. She has the opportunity to marry a man who will deliver her from sin and lead her on a righteous path.” Decimus pounded the table with his fist. “You would be wise to pay heed to my words or I may think that you need a lesson in righteousness.”
Magnus gripped the arm of his chair and held his tongue. He could not defend his own opinions without causing a threat to the safety of those he loved.
Decimus calmed though his warning remained strong. “It would do you well to think on how my generosity would benefit Mary.”
“I will not see Mary harmed,” Magnus affirmed.
“Good, then we want the same,” Decimus said. “She will have a good life with me. I will teach her obedience and she will be a dutiful wife and serve me well.”
Decimus stood abruptly and his men followed suit.
“I will meet you at sunrise to inspect your dungeons.”
Without a word of gratitude for the meal or a kind good-night, Decimus pointed at his men. They turned and left the great hall, while he himself climbed the stairs to the bedchamber prepared for him.
“They obey like dogs to a master,” Thomas said.
“Like dogs fearful of their master,” Reena corrected, scratching Horace behind the ear.
“Decimus wields hefty power,” Magnus reminded them. “There is good reason to fear him.”
“It seems, then, that this woman has no chance of help,” Brigid said, sadly. “Decimus has sealed her fate.”
The two couples bid each other good night, Thomas and Brigid returning to their cottage and Magnus and Reena retiring to their bedchamber.
Reena sat on the edge of the bed. “I feel helpless just like I did when I thought there was no hope for my starving village.”
Magnus sat beside her, taking her hand in his. “But you found a solution.”
She smiled and rested her head on his shoulder. “I found you.”
He kissed her hand. “And glad I am that you did.”
Reena lifted her head to look at her husband; her blue eyes filled with sadness. “Mary has no chance of a rescue, does she?”
“Her rescue would mean the lives of many.”
“I cannot bear to think she will suffer to save us.”
“I have a week before she must be turned over to Decimus,” Magnus said.
“You do not sound hopeful.” Reena grasped his hand in her hands. “This must be so very difficult for you.”
Magnus rested his forehead on hers and closed his eyes. “Her parents have been constantly in my thoughts since I have received this news. I did not want their suffering to be for naught. I gave my word to them that I would see their daughter kept safe, and they trusted my word; they trusted me.”
Reena took his face in her hands and his eyes drifted open to look at her. “Good lord, Ree, I love you so much. I could not bear to see you suffer, and I would rather die than lose you.”
“I would not want to live without you,” Reena said and kissed him.
Magnus wrapped his arms around her and they fell back upon the bed; their kisses grew heated. But Reena pulled away, their breathing heavy, their hearts beating wildly.
“I feel guilty loving you, lying here in your arms, feeling your touch, your warmth. And I grow sad and angry to think Mary will never know such a love.”
Magnus gripped her arm. “I know you well, Ree, do not be foolish and think you can outsmart Decimus. He is cunning, shrewd, and more powerful than the king himself.”
“Then does Brigid’s words ring true? Has Decimus sealed Mary’s fate?”
“I have always entered a battle with one thought in mind—victory, that has not changed.” He rubbed her arm where his fingers had dug into her flesh. “I do not know what I will do, though I do know you will not be harmed.”
“We must put our heads together to solve this problem.”
Magnus tapped her head. “You will keep your pretty head out of this.”
“I fear I cannot give you my word on that.”
With a swift roll Magnus was on top of her, pinning her arms to the bed. “You are a stubborn woman.”
She laughed. “This is not something you just learned.”
“Ree so help me—”
“That is exactly what I plan to do, help you.”
He shook his head.
“I give you my word, I will be careful.”
“You think to appease me.”
“I do not want you to worry,” she said. “And I wish to be truthful.”
“Promise me you will not put yourself in harm’s way,” Magnus said, reluctant to capitulate.
“I am stubborn, not foolish.”
“That could be debated. Now, promise me.”
She wiggled beneath him. “If you release my arms I will promise you and seal it with a kiss.”
“Are you trying to seduce me?”
“Am I succeeding?”
Magnus laughed, released her, and rolled over taking her with him so that she was now on top of him.
“I am all yours.”
“I love it when you surrender to me.” She kissed him quick.
“I did not surrender.”
“You did.” Her kiss turned slow.
“I never surrender.”
“Then you would do well to prepare for defeat,” she laughed.
Hours later Magnus left his sleeping wife with a smile on his face. He went to his solar so as not to disturb her. Sleep eluded him, his thoughts on Mary and his promise to her parents.
“What troubles you, my friend?”
Magnus jumped out of his chair and turned to see the Dark One walk out of the shadows.
“Your presence is a most welcome relief,” Magnus said, catching himself before he reached out to greet him with a handshake. No one ever touched the Dark One.
“I imagined it would be when I saw who visited with you.” He slipped back toward the shadows, movement the only indication that someone was present.
“I did not anticipate Decimus’s arrival.”
“No one ever does.”
“Tell me of Mary,” Magnus said, concerned for her safety more so now than ever before.
“She is safe and I intend to see that she remains so. No one will hurt her; I will not allow it.”
Magnus detected a difference in his tone. He was adamant about seeing to Mary’s safety as though he was personally responsible for her. In the short time he had come to know the Dark One, Magnus realized that he never displayed his emotions. He was like a true warrior who rode into battle with determination and indifference to all but victory. Now, however, he sounded as though Mary came before all. What had happened?
Had Mary penetrated this warrior’s shield? She had a kind heart, a gentle manner, a soothing voice, and she took pleasure in life, enjoying every precious moment.
When Magnus had visited her on occasion he could not understand how she found such pleasure in all she did. No matter the task at hand, she approached it with a smile or a song and suffered no complaints. He wondered if her light heart had been made heavy with all she had gone through recently.
“I want the same for her,” Magnus said.
“Good, then it is imperative that I remove her from the area at once. With Decimus close by I’m concerned that he will discover our whereabouts. I swear he has the nose of a bloodhound.”
“He knows I sent you after her.”
“I thought as much. What does he demand?”
“Mary’s surrender,” Magnus said.
“Obviously, but what is it he really demands?”
“He wants Mary as his wife,” Magnus said, cringing at his own words.
“His wife?” the Dark One asked in disbelief. “He intends to wed a woman he claims is a heretic?”
“He intends to rid her of her evil ways and turn her into an obedient wife, showing all how righteousness can vanquish evil.”
“He is mad.”
“And a madman is not easy to deal with,” Magnus reminded.
“He has threatened you?” the Dark One asked. “But of course he has. How else would he expect you to surrender Mary?”
“He has given me a week’s time.”
“Do I hear defeat in your voice?”
“Do I hear anger in yours?”
“Mary has suffered enough and asks for little. She bears her burden with strength, courage, and humility. She deserves to be free of Decimus, not wed him.” The Dark One spit the name from his lips.
“I do not argue, but I do not know how to make this happen without my wife and my friends suffering.”
“So Mary is to suffer for all?”
“I want no one to suffer,” Magnus said forcefully.
“Decimus has placed us in a maze and expects us to stumble about in confusion, unable to find our way out. But there is always a way out.”
“Then I suggest we find it fast.”
“I will be in touch,” the Dark One said and then was swallowed by the shadows in the corner.
Chapter 16
The days sped by thanks to Roarke’s company. He always had a tale to tell or an interest to share, and Mary, having finally regained her voice, was ready to converse about anything.
She did, however, miss Michael more than she had expected. It had been almost a week since he had taken his leave, and she had watched the edge of the woods every day, hoping to see the dark shadow emerge into the light.
“He should return any day now,” Roarke said, busy cleaning his sword.
“I hope he does; I miss him.”
“I have come to realize this past week how much you care for the Dark One.”
“You doubted my love for him?” she asked with a smile and shook her head. “I have never doubted. My love for him is bold and strong and forever.” She threw her arms to the heavens as if inviting their blessings.
“Bold and strong is what you will need to deal with what you will face.”
“You have continued to warn me of my feelings for him. I think you know something that you do not share with me.”
He shrugged. “I know the Dark One’s life is difficult, and love, on its own, may not be strong enough to overcome the o
bstacles you will meet.”
“I would like to believe that love is strong enough to perform miracles.”
Roarke stopped his work on the sword. “I suggest then that you hold firm to your belief, for you will need it.”
A chill raced through Mary and the old seer’s words echoed in her mind.
You will be the demise of Decimus.
She walked off toward the woods, her mind burdened with thoughts. A shout from Roarke reminded her not to go far. She acknowledged him with a wave and kept to the edge of the woods.
She had thought on her problem while Michael had been gone and had realized there was no easy solution. She was a hunted woman and that would not change, but then Michael was also a hunted man. What kind of life would there be for them? But what kind of life would there be without him?
She also realized the importance of Michael’s work. He would not simply walk away from so many tortured souls. He had made a vow and it seemed unfair to ask him to forsake it for her love.
With so many obstacles in their way, how then could she possibly believe they had a future together? How did she conquer evil so that she and Michael could be free?
Love will be your only weapon.
Her father’s warning was just as clear now in her head as it had been in her dream. How love could be a formidable weapon she did not know, but she would remember and hopefully strike with it when the time was right.
Mary enjoyed a good meal and a good conversation with Roarke that evening. They discussed many things but for some reason shied away from any talk of the Dark One. Mary sensed something was on his mind concerning Michael, and though she wished to question him about it she decided he would tell her in good time.
He did.
Just when Mary bid him good night, Roarke spoke up.
“I will be gone when you wake in the morning.”
“I will miss your company,” she said with sincerity and a twinge of joy, for his departure surely heralded Michael’s return.
“And I yours, but I know you miss Michael very much and will be happy with his return.”
She grew excited. “Will he arrive with your departure?”
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