Dark Warrior

by Donna Fletcher

“I was more tired than I thought and meant to rest only a moment. I am sorry for delaying our discussion.”

  He seemed appeased by her apology, though she never actually apologized to him. She regretted wasting precious time on sleep more than she regretted speaking with him and discovering anything she could that might help free her of him.

  “We will talk here,” he said and turned his back to her. “Finish dressing.”

  She made haste to don the dark green tunic Reena left lying across the foot of the bed and snatched the soft tan leather boots from the floor to slip on. She ran her fingers through her damp hair, knowing there was not much that could be done with it, and finished by knotting a thin leather belt around her waist.

  “May I offer you a drink or food?” she asked, letting him know she was now presentable.

  “Wine,” he said and took a seat by the fireplace.

  She handed him a goblet of wine.

  He took it, stared at the red liquid, sipped, then sipped again before he said, “You may sit.”

  Mary knew patience would be her strongest ally when dealing with Decimus. And she would need to remind herself daily of it. She chose the small stool nearer the hearth, feeling chilled.

  Was it her own mixed emotions that caused the shivers? Or was it Decimus?

  “It is good you know your place.”

  “Perhaps you should define my place,” she said, hasty to add, “so that I know for certain what is expected of me.”

  “Obedience in all things.”

  His dark eyes heated with pleasure at the thought, and she noticed then how richly defined his features were, with high cheekbones that appeared sculpted, a narrow face that defined a rounded chin and narrow lips that showed not a sign of a smile. If he were not so loathsome a creature, he would be a handsome man.

  “It is good that you are attentive,” he said, mistaking her introspection for attentiveness. “It is one less thing you need to be taught.”

  “Why wed me if I burden you?”

  He leaned forward, his face close to hers. “Did I give you permission to ask questions?”

  He spoke with a cold harshness that chilled and unnerved. Her shivers increased and she dropped her hands to her sides to grasp the edge of the stool. She hoped the fire’s warmth would at least toast her trembling hands and send warmth through the rest of her body, easing her shivers.

  When she dutifully remained silent, he leaned back in his seat. “You are nothing compared to the burdens I carry.”

  “Why then?” She bit her tongue after the query slipped from her lips, and hoped her mistake would not cost her.

  His dark eyes glazed with a fiery pleasure. “To cleanse your soul and prove to all that sinners can be made righteous.”

  She did not need to ask why, she understood. If he wed a sinner and changed her into a dutiful wife, his power would know no bounds and he would be untouchable. Neither he nor his work would ever be doubted.

  You will be the demise of Decimus.

  She hoped the seer’s words proved true for she could not be responsible for Decimus growing in power and in position. It would mean more innocent people would die.

  Again he took her silence as submission.

  “I have made arrangements for our wedding. Two weeks from tomorrow we will wed here at Magnus’s keep.”

  “You have discussed this with him?”

  He glared at her as if she were daft. “I have no need to discuss it with him. I will tell him of my decision. Besides, I thought he would like to be present at your wedding, after all he was your protector.”

  Mary bit her tongue. He would have the wedding at Magnus’s keep to prove that he had been victorious over the mighty Legend.

  “The wedding will be a dignified affair followed by a festive celebration. All will participate in this joyous occasion. There will be an extended church service and you will kneel beside me in prayer.”

  Mary wanted to remind him that she did not believe as he believed, but it would not be wise of her. Silence was her ally, she reminded herself over and over.

  “Make certain an appropriate wedding dress is sewn for you, a gown that signifies my status in the Church. I will not have you appear a dowdy bride. Remember we are exchanging vows and you are committing yourself to me forever.”

  “Forever?” she asked, the awful thought setting her legs to trembling.

  “Of course,” he said as if she seemed ignorant. “We wed before God and man. We become man and wife for eternity.”

  Man and wife, not husband and wife. He would rule her as he saw fit, but Michael would not. He would be a true husband to his wife. She missed him terribly, and more so since she had dreamed of him. It was as if he had been there with her, touching her, holding her and loving her.

  She chased Michael from her thoughts for fear of bringing tears to her eyes.

  “Your silence is good. I will not abide a wife who speaks when she pleases. You will speak when spoken to.”

  That was definitely going to be a problem. She could chatter a day away without difficulty. Michael liked her chatter.

  Stop.

  She grabbed the edge of the stool tightly, her silent warning echoing in her mind.

  Decimus handed his empty goblet to her. “Get me more wine.”

  Mary feared her hand would tremble when she reached for it, but she was quick and snatched the goblet away from him. She walked to the table to pour him another.

  “Now that we are finished with the wedding plans, there is something else I want to discuss with you.”

  She walked toward him with the filled goblet.

  “Tell me of the Dark One.”

  The silver goblet dropped out of her hand and fell to the floor.

  “How clumsy of you, Mary.”

  Much too clumsy, she thought. He had tricked her and she had fallen for his trickery. He now knew that it was the Dark One who had rescued her, and he intended for her to supply him with information.

  “Clean it up,” he ordered.

  She did as he commanded, reminding herself that she had to be more aware of his devious tactics or she would chance getting Michael caught.

  She finished the chore and returned to her stool, handing him the refilled goblet.

  He once again purposely took his time sipping the wine before speaking.

  Her hands no longer trembled. It was imperative she remain aware and alert so she did not accidentally give Decimus information that would lead him to capturing Michael.

  “I will capture the Dark One. Like your capture, his is only a matter of time.”

  Her capture. This was what she wanted to hear about. She remained silent, hoping it would encourage him to talk.

  “Magnus is a worthy opponent, but I knew I would find you if I were patient. He could not hide you forever. And there is always someone who will, for a coin, or if forced to, divulge information I seek.”

  Someone betrayed her?

  “I will be patient and wait. Someone will give me the Dark One.”

  He had to be a fool to think she would betray the man she loved, but then he did not know she loved the Dark One, and he must never learn of it. He would use her to force Michael to surrender. She had to be careful, very careful, or she would be the demise of the Dark One, not Decimus.

  “What do you think of the Dark One?”

  She shrugged. “I know nothing of him.”

  “I am not a fool, Mary. The Dark One freed you from my prison cell, and I believe he killed one of my men, since he never returned after tracking you. And his body has never been found.”

  “Perhaps the man chose his own freedom.”

  “Watch your tongue with me, woman,” he warned sternly. “I will not tolerate caustic remarks from you.”

  She bowed her head as though demonstrating obedience when she actually bowed so he would not see her squeeze her lips shut to keep from lashing out at him.

  “I only ask a question once, and yet I find I have asked a question
twice of you. If an answer is not forthcoming immediately, you will feel a heavy hand.”

  It would be foolish to continue to deny any knowledge of the Dark One. It was what knowledge she divulged that was important. “I never saw him.”

  “That was not what I asked. I asked what you thought of him.”

  He is brave, unselfish, and I love him. The words remained silent on her tongue, instead she said, “He is a man intent on his mission.”

  “Rescuing people God has judged to be sinners? Does this seem like a noble cause to you?” he asked annoyed.

  “I believe the Dark One a noble man. He fights for his beliefs.”

  “You sound as if you admire him.”

  “It takes courage to be different,” she said softly.

  “And the Dark One certainly is different, hiding in darkness like a demon fearful of the light. He serves an evil lord and you should go down on your knees and give thanks I rescued you.”

  “I am thankful,” she said. For Michael’s love, for no longer having to hide, for a chance to one day truly be free.

  “Good, now you are on the path of righteousness,” he said with satisfaction. “Now, what of this man Roarke who brought you here?”

  She had not thought of Roarke, and how it would appear with him escorting her here. But he did not know that, or did he? And where was Roarke? She had been so caught up in seeing Magnus again she had not given Roarke any thought, not that he could not take care of himself, but she wished to know he was safe.

  “I know nothing of the man Roarke. I met him along the way.”

  “You lie.”

  “Nay, I do not,” she insisted.

  “You expect me to believe this man Roarke just happen to be going your way?”

  “Farther than my destination, but I told him that Magnus was generous to travelers and would feed him a decent meal.”

  “And he will attest to this, if asked?”

  Could she get to Roarke before Decimus? She had not thought of the consequences of Roarke helping her. And why had she not considered his safety? She continued her bluff followed by a silent prayer.

  “It is the truth,” she said.

  He stood and went to the door.

  Mary was surprised to see one of his men standing outside the door.

  “Bring me the man Roarke,” he ordered and shut the door.

  What had she done? She had placed Roarke in jeopardy. Now what?

  Decimus returned to his seat. “You never once saw the Dark One’s face?”

  She shook her head and clasped her hands together to keep them from trembling. She should have given more consideration to her response. She had warned herself to be careful, and she had not been careful. If he discovered that Roarke was a friend to the Dark One, he could use him against Michael.

  “I have not found a soul who knows the Dark One’s identity, though perhaps Roarke will know something.”

  She had never considered that Roarke actually might know the Dark One’s true identity. Was it possible? Could Michael have confided in Roarke? Was he more a friend to him than she knew?

  Her heart pounded in her chest and her trembling hands grew icy cold. What had she done? Had she carelessly betrayed both men?

  “I warn you, Mary, to be truthful with me, for you will suffer at my hand.” He glared at her accusingly.

  She placed her cold hands between her knees for warmth and to stop them from trembling. She raised her chin feigning confidence, though she felt none.

  “The Dark One confided nothing in me.”

  His fist pounded the arm of the chair. “What of help? No one helped him?”

  Mary recalled the people in the small village who were so generous. She would never betray them even if it meant her suffering. She attempted to appease him.

  “I saw no one, though there were times he left me alone.”

  Decimus leaned forward interested in the bit of useless information. “Where did he leave you alone and for how long?”

  “We traveled mostly at night so I could not say where it was exactly he left me, or how long he was gone. During his absence I slept heavily, exhausted from our walking.”

  “He must have people who help him, and I intend to find them and make them pay for aiding a sinner.” Decimus leaned back in his chair as though worn out from battle. He folded his hands and rested them near his mouth, his eyes focused on the flames in the hearth.

  Mary was glad his interrogation of her was done. She had erred enough with Roarke. She did not wish to cause further problems for anyone. And what of Roarke? Good lord, she prayed she would not be the cause of him suffering.

  A knock sounded at the door.

  She remained where she was, her heart beating madly and her stomach churning.

  Decimus looked at her as if to let her know her time had come.

  He stood and called out, “Enter.”

  The door opened and the man who had stood guard entered alone.

  Mary wanted to jump for joy. He had not located Roarke, perhaps there was still time for her to find him.

  “Where is he?” Decimus asked sharply.

  “I have been informed that the man Roarke has continued on his journey.”

  “When did he leave?” Decimus asked.

  The man appeared nervous when he answered, “I do not know.”

  Decimus looked ready to choke the man. “Did you not think to ask?”

  The man hesitated. “I will find out,” he said and was about to leave when Decimus set a glare on him that would chill a man down to his soul.

  “You dare to leave my presence without permission?”

  The man shivered and quickly sank to his knee in front of Decimus. “Forgive me, my lord, in my haste to correct my error I insulted you.”

  “I will not tolerate such a hideous mistake again.”

  The man kept his head bowed in submission.

  “Stand,” Decimus ordered.

  The man quickly got to his feet.

  “You will take one other man with you, and you will go find this Roarke and return him to me.”

  Mary could only hope they would not find Roarke and she prayed for his safety.

  The man hurried to the door and stopped when Decimus said, “Do not return without him, or you shall suffer for your failure.”

  The young man squared his shoulders. “I shall not fail you, my lord.”

  Found or not, someone would suffer. Would it be Roarke or this young man? Mary knew then and there that there would be peace for no one until Decimus was dead.

  You will be the demise of Decimus.

  Mary finally believed the seer’s prediction.

  Chapter 22

  Mary woke early the next morning annoyed that she had fallen asleep before she could warn Roarke. After leaving her bedchamber, Decimus had lingered outside her door. He was speaking with someone, and while she waited she had fallen asleep. Exhausted from her travel and her first night with Decimus, she had slept straight through until morning.

  She hurried to find Magnus; he would know Roarke’s whereabouts.

  The keep was just waking and she was afraid Magnus might still be abed, but as she entered the great hall he was walking to the open front doors. Sunshine streamed in, flooding the hall with light.

  “Magnus,” she called out.

  He turned and greeted her with a smile.

  She hurried over to him. “We need to talk.”

  “I walk the small rise just outside the village almost every morning. Would you care to join me?” He offered her his arm.

  She took it and they left the keep.

  The village was a buzz of activity yet all took time to bid good morning to their liege lord.

  They passed the last cottage and were near the small rise when Magnus said, “I am sorry to make you walk a distance after all the traveling you have done, but I felt privacy was called for.”

  “You are right,” she said, glad they were away from the keep and away from prying eye
s and ears. “It would be best that no one heard our discussion.”

  Magnus led them to an area where they could sit on the edge of the rise and look down upon the keep and the surrounding village.

  While the view was beautiful Mary had no time to spare to enjoy it. She gave a quick glance over the land to see that Decimus’s men were gathered for breakfast around their campfire. She had not spied Decimus and assumed he was still asleep, at least she hoped he was.

  “Do you know where Roarke went?” she asked.

  “He said nothing to me about his destination. He made mention that it was safer for you both if he left before anyone realized he was gone.”

  “I made a terrible blunder last night. I thought to protect Roarke and foolishly made matters worse for him.” She told him what she had done and how Decimus had ordered two of his men to go after Roarke.

  Magnus did not appear disturbed by her news. “I would not worry. Roarke can take care of himself. I suspect that he is a difficult man to track, let alone find. What presently concerns me are the plans that Decimus discussed with me last night.”

  “Our wedding.” She sighed.

  “At least you will wed here among friends. And two weeks gives me time to see if other arrangements can be made.”

  “Death would be the only thing that frees me from Decimus.”

  “That can be arranged.”

  “I thought about faking my demise, but I believe somehow Decimus would know and that would make matters worse.”

  “I will do all I can, Mary.”

  “You have, Magnus, and I am so very grateful. Fate holds me in her hands now, and I pray she will be generous to me.”

  They heard someone approach and Mary wished it was Michael, though she knew otherwise. She would not have heard his approach; he would have merely appeared.

  She wanted to cringe when she spotted Decimus, but she kept her disappointment to herself. His dark manner always made him appear angry, and he looked more so now as he approached them.

  She turned away to look out over the village and keep. She did not feel like dealing with his arrogance. She was also annoyed with his dress. He donned garments that were impeccably tailored and fit for royalty. He favored dark colors right down to the deep red garnet and blue sapphire rings on his fingers. How he could adorn himself in such riches won off the souls of innocent people she did not know.