Legendary Warrior Read Online Free PDF Page A

village?”
    “Nay,” she was quick to say. “I offer my mapmaking skills to you whenever you would need them.”
    “You would then be my official mapmaker.”
    “If that is what you wish in payment for your help, then so be it.”
    He considered her offer and she prayed hard—very hard that he would agree.
    “Why did the village send you and not a man?”
    She took no offense at his question. It was odd that she, a woman, and a small one at that, should journey on her own to request help from the infamous Legend. “The village does not know I have come here seeking your help, and if my father had known what I was about he would have forbidden me to come. He would be more upset with himself that he could not journey here himself.”
    “He is ill?”
    “He suffered a broken leg while hunting for food for the village. He now suffers a severe limp and is limited in his activities.”
    He leaned forward, bracing his elbows on the table. “You are a wee bit of a lass to be traveling these parts on your own.”
    “I can see to myself.”
    Thomas disagreed. “A good gust of wind would pick you up and carry you away.”
    “I would like to see it try,” Reena said defiantly.
    “She has courage,” Thomas said, looking to Magnus. “She did not fear me and spoke right up about wanting to see the Legend. Most quake in their boots before they meet you.”
    “I heard the Legend was feared but that he was also a fair man.” And seeing him now, the puppy asleep at his feet, offering her food and listening to her plight, Reena knew this to be true. But she also understood why he was feared. It was simple; he feared nothing. “Your skill is fighting, my skill is mapmaking. Think how much easier it would be for you if you knew the lay of the land before you proceeded into battle.”
    “I have men who supply me with that information.”
    “But you will have the information there in front of you for you to study again and again. You will know where paths and streams connect, where rivers flow and merge, and the boundaries of lands. It will all be at your fingertips whenever you wish to see it for yourself.”
    Magnus remained silent, though he kept an eye on her. He looked to be considering her offer, and again she prayed for a favorable decision.
    “How do I know this is your work?” Magnus asked.
    “A fair question,” Thomas said with a nod and broke off a chunk of bread.
    Reena agreed. “Aye, it is, and I will be glad to demonstrate my skills for you.”
    Magnus’s silence once again filled the hall, and Reena realized he grew quiet when in thought. She waited.
    “You could map the keep and the village. If I find it adequate, I will then consider your offer,” Magnus said, as if declaring it done.
    His response was not good enough for Reena. “Time is of the essence for my village. I cannot waste time mapping for you if in the end you will only consider my request. I ask that if my skills prove adequate, my offer be accepted—not merely considered.”
    Again he grew silent, but this time Reena did not wait.
    “Time is a factor that can win or lose a battle. I will map your keep and the village in a day’s time, and you will then see how my skills can be used when time is of the essence for you.”
    “You are sure of your skills.”
    “I am.”
    “One day’s time,” Magnus said.
    “Tomorrow at this time I will present you with a map of your keep and the village, and you will let me know if my skills are adequate enough for me to be of service to you.”
    She offered him her hand, binding their agreement.
    He took it and held it for a moment. “Tell me if there is anything you need.”
    Need.
    There was so much that she needed, food for her village, protection for the villagers and hope—hope that once again life would be good for them all—and this man could provide it all.
    “I have everything I need right now, thank you.”
    She intended to get right to work, but Thomas stopped her with his