Total pages in book: 108
Estimated words: 99206 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 496(@200wpm)___ 397(@250wpm)___ 331(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 99206 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 496(@200wpm)___ 397(@250wpm)___ 331(@300wpm)
Brigid’s mouth dropped open. “You cannot mean to offer yourself to him?”
Reena laughed softly. “Do you really think he would want the likes of me?” She held her arms out from her sides and turned slowly. “My body is so thin that I fear a gust of wind will pick me up and carry me away.”
“You are a stubborn one, you would demand the wind release you,” Brigid said on a gentle laugh. “And you underestimate your beauty.”
“I do not think so and I do not care about beauty. I care that the villagers starve and that you are in danger. Something must be done.”
“Your strength and courage always amazed me. If it had not been for your strong support, I would never have survived John’s death. And even now it takes strength to go do what you plan. If your father or mother knew of your intentions, they would never allow you to go.”
Reena reached out and grabbed her friend’s arm. “You will not tell them. My father believes that I go off to map, and he hopes—” She could not continue.
“He hopes you find a new home,” Brigid said. “Your father and I talk, and you would be wise to listen to him—there is nothing here.”
“There is everything here; there is family and friends, and I cannot turn my back on them. We need help, all of us, and we need it before winter sets in. You know as well as I do that there is not a sufficient food supply for everyone. Many will starve, many innocent children. I cannot have that.”
Reena slipped on a wool jacket and tucked her hair beneath a cap. “You must promise me that you will tell no one of this.”
“And if you do not return with help?”
“I will,” Reena said adamantly.
“How long should I wait before I begin to worry over your safe return? Though you have not yet left I worry already, dressed like a young lad.” Brigid shook her head.
“A young lad traveling on his own is less likely to be bothered than a young lass on her own. These garments afford me protection; they are my armor. Now as to your waiting, from my father’s descriptions and my own calculations I do not think I have to travel far. I would estimate that if I do not return in two weeks’ time that I am in trouble, in which case there is nothing you could do.”
“I will come search for you,” Brigid insisted. “You are my friend; I would not leave you to another’s mercy.”
“You will, for I will not have you hurt. I do this of my own free choice, and whatever befalls me is the consequence of my own decision. You must promise me that you will not come after me. You are needed here. Who will look after my parents? Who will help the other women with their sick and hungry babies? Promise me, Brigid, please. I need this promise from you.”
She hesitated. “I give you my promise reluctantly and because I know that your stubbornness will help you to succeed in an impossible task.”
Reena smiled and hugged her friend tightly, the thought of possibly never seeing her again a distant worry in her mind. She would do as she must and she would succeed. She had to, or many would perish.
She grabbed her sack, slipping her arm through the opening beneath the knot that held all the necessary items for her trip. “Fret not. I go off to continue my father’s most famous tale—I go to meet the Legend.”
Chapter 2
Reena stared at the line of trees in front of her. They looked like a row of soldiers guarding the woods behind them; one after the other they stood, their heavy branches resembling arms stretched out, ready to prevent intruders from passing. It was odd that they should grow in a perfect line, for in their oddity they intimidated. They actually looked ready to attack anyone who dared attempt to pass them.
Reena gave a little shiver. The weather had chilled in the last two days, and she was glad for the wool leggings, tunic, jacket and leather boots. That she resembled a young lad mattered not to her; that she remained warm mattered greatly. The change in weather reminded her how very important her journey was. She simply could not fail.
She studied the line of trees; if her father’s mappings were accurate, she was standing at the border of the Legend’s lands.
A sudden wind rushed around her, swirling up leaves on the ground and sending a stronger shiver through her. The sky was heavy with clouds, making the woods darker than usual for early afternoon and making her wonder at the wisdom of her decision. But there was no going back—she had to find help for her village, or many would die this coming winter.