Total pages in book: 108
Estimated words: 99325 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 497(@200wpm)___ 397(@250wpm)___ 331(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 99325 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 497(@200wpm)___ 397(@250wpm)___ 331(@300wpm)
With a nod from Magnus, his men separated and disappeared over hills and around trees to see if anyone lurked in the shadows.
Reena stood silent and searched the area with thorough eyes, taking into memory all she could. Magnus remained near when she followed a barely visible path, and the only sound in the crisp air was the crunch of snow-covered leaves beneath their feet.
Magnus did not care for what he saw. This land would need careful watch. In the spring he would order trees cut down, opening the area to a clearer view from the battlements. He had an uneasy feeling about the area, and he heard Old Margaret’s words whisper in his head.
Someone watches.
His men returned and reported seeing nothing. Magnus wanted to take immediate leave of the area; it was not safe. With few men to fight and the vulnerability of surprise, protecting Reena could prove difficult, and the thought that she was not safe here increased his unease.
He looked to see her venturing further up a hill. He caught up with her as she stopped on the rise and looked around.
“It is time to go.” He took her arm as if to protect.
Reena studied the area with such an intense glare that it gave Magnus the chills.
“Is something wrong?” he asked.
“What do you see?” She kept her sight focused directly in front of her.
A hand signal brought two of his men up the hill behind and to the sides of them. His hand went to the hilt of his sword at his side before he answered her.
He attempted to view the area as intently as she appeared to be doing. “Fresh snow covers everything, no tracks of any kind, animal or man, and no scent that is foreign to the air.”
Reena nodded. “True enough, but look more closely.”
Magnus and his men studied the area for several silent minutes, and it was James who spoke first.
“Several thin branches are broken off some trees.”
Reena nodded and waited for more.
Magnus was next. “There is an indentation beneath the snow near the large stone.”
Philip followed. “There seems to be a piling of sorts, leaves or sticks not far from the indentation.”
Again Reena nodded and looked to the men. “Someone has been here.”
“Only one person?” James asked.
“Aye,” she confirmed.
“How can you be sure?” Philip asked.
“One indentation in the snow, slim branches broken off trees to create a fire sufficient for only one person and small enough so as not to be seen.” She turned slightly. “And look in the distance from this hill.” She pointed. “Through the opening in the trees.”
All the men looked and stared with wide eyes at a perfectly clear view of the keep.
“Gather several men and return here and cut down the trees in this area so that there is no place for anyone to hide,” Magnus ordered.
Reena offered her assistance. “A few specific trees will open this area quite nicely.”
“Then you will direct the men,” Magnus said and took her hand. “Right now we return to the keep to gather more men.”
“He is only one man,” Reena said, as though there was no reason to fear.
The four men laughed, and it was James who spoke.
“Magnus is but one man, and I watched as he alone conquered fifteen men.”
“I have no doubt as to the ability of one man to conquer many, but knowledge and intelligent action can almost guarantee victory,” Reena said. “However, I do not think this man means anyone harm right now. He watches, but does he watch for himself or for someone else?”
“So he gathers information now,” Philip said.
“Aye,” Reena said, “but the question remains—”
Magnus finished for her. “Is it one of Kilkern’s men or someone else?”
Chapter 14
Winter set in strong and hard in the following weeks, mostly cold, harsh weather, with one snowstorm that dropped enough snow to linger for a week. A stinging coldness now filled the air, and the villagers remained in their cottages. The animals had been given shelter in a stone and thatched building that needed much repair, but for now it would keep them safe from the inclement weather.
The village folk were also aware that they were being watched, and in return they watched and reported any suspicious movement near the surrounding area. So far, no stranger was spotted, nor did any stranger approach the village for shelter.
Guards were posted along the battlements and surrounding the keep. All was in readiness if there should be an attack, and all felt safe with the Legend’s ability to protect them.
Reena and Magnus spent day after day together. She would go over an area of the keep with Magnus in the morning, and in the afternoon she would map, then in the evening they would go over the map she had worked on to see if it needed further detailing.
Conversation flowed easily between them, laughter was plentiful, and even silence between them was comforting. They worked well together, each almost knowing the other’s thought or action.