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)
Her pace slowed as reality cooled her emotions, and she realized there was more for her to give thought to before she shared any intimacy with him.
Magnus eased a hand to her waist, guiding her up the stairwell and feeling her tension build with each slow step she took. He sought to ease her concern. “You will be able to draw me in the light.”
Her step faltered slightly, though his strong hand kept her firmly in place.
“I am eager to draw you.” She heard her own relief. Why, then, did disappointment nip at her senses?
He opened the door to his solar and guided her with a firm hand inside. An overcast sky prevented any sunlight from entering through the windows, and the roaring fire in the hearth was the only source of light, leaving shadows to lurk in the corners.
“We will need much more light in here if I am to draw you,” Reena said.
“Light no candles,” came a raspy, menacing voice from the shadows.
Reena jumped, and Magnus was quick to shove her behind him. His hand went to the hilt of the knife tucked in its leather sheath. “Show yourself.”
“Send the woman away.”
Reena’s hand rested on Magnus’s back, and she could feel his muscles tighten at the stern command. He was accustomed to issuing orders, not receiving them.
“I say for the last time, show yourself or suffer the consequences.”
A chill ran through Reena. Magnus left no doubt that he was in command. Was she prepared to watch two men battle? And what if Magnus was wounded? She suddenly was ready to defend, not herself but Magnus.
“I remain here.”
The strength of her voice radiated throughout the room, and Reena could have sworn she heard the intruder laugh.
Magnus moved his hand off his knife. “Come out of the shadows.”
Reena stepped to the side, peeking out from behind Magnus, relieved that he seemed to know the intruder.
A laugh, a shuffle of movement, and from the shadows emerged another shadow. A man draped entirely in black. At first glance one might think him a priest, with his hood pulled down over his head so that no portion of his face was visible. But on a second look it was not a cleric’s robe he wore.
In an instant Reena realized who stood before them, and she tensed. Whispered tales were told of him, though no identity or name was known. He was simply called the Dark One.
Chapter 17
“A drink?” Magnus offered, no tension evident in his voice, his body at ease as he moved away to fill three tankards of ale from the pitcher that was kept full on the small table near the window.
It appeared as though Magnus was acquainted with the Dark One. While relieved, Reena remained where she stood, staring at the cloaked figure, her heart beating rapidly and her hands itching to draw his ominous shape. She dared not look too closely, for it was whispered that whoever looked upon his face perished from fright. He blended with the shadows so skillfully that he could be present in a room without anyone’s knowledge. And with that skill he was able to accomplish remarkable feats, appearing and disappearing without a trace and taking with him whoever he chose.
It was whispered that kings hired him to rid them of enemies difficult to dispose of and of mistresses no longer in favor. But then there were tales of his exploits in helping the less fortunate, so few knew the truth, and the only truth truly known was that you did not want the Dark One to appear before you, for it meant that you would soon disappear.
“You are the mapmaker.”
His voice startled her from her thoughts. It was a harsh whisper, a mask of sorts that concealed his true voice, and Reena wondered why he hid. Was his face as hideous as believed? She suddenly realized he knew of her mapping skills.
“You know of me?” she asked curiously.
His voice rose above a whisper, though the harsh tone remained. “I have heard of your skills and of those who fear you.”
“Fear me? Why would I be feared?” She actually laughed asking the question. The thought that anyone would think her a threat was simply laughable.
Magnus laughed along with her. “You are becoming a legend.”
The Dark One laughed along with them, though the harsh sound prickled the skin.
“I find it as amusing as you both do, but I do not understand,” Reena said.
Magnus handed the tankard to the Dark One and he reached for it, his hand covered in black leather.
Reena trembled, for there was no light to this man; there was only complete darkness.
Magnus explained, handing Reena a tankard. “You open up the land and expand people’s knowledge. They can see before their eyes mountains, valleys, rivers and streams that they may have heard existed but never saw for themselves. Suddenly their world is not so small, and many become adventurous, wanting to see for themselves and thinking perhaps they would find a better life elsewhere.”