Dark Warrior (26 page)

Reena grabbed Mary's hand. “You cannot mean to kill Decimus. It is too dangerous.”

Brigid agreed. “He sees everything, knows everything. He will surely find out.”

“
Extremely
dangerous is what I told you my plan would be.”

The two women looked ready to argue, but Mary spoke up.

“It is not the danger you think and what I am about to reveal you must swear never to speak of, not even in a whisper.”

The two women shivered and nodded their heads.

“The seer's words made no sense and frightened me until I discovered the Dark One's true identity. The Dark One and Decimus are one.”

R
eena and Brigid were stunned, neither woman able to speak. They sat and stared with wide, bewildered eyes at Mary.

“I was just as shocked,” Mary said. “I actually thought that Decimus had played a trick on me when he pulled off the black shroud to reveal himself. It took little time for me to realize he spoke the truth, though it has not been easy to merge the two men as one. Decimus continues to appear the cruel, unforgiving torturer of innocent souls and yet within him is the Dark One, the man who fights for and frees the innocent.”

“So with Decimus's demise, the Dark One lives,” Reena said, Mary's plan making more sense.

“Michael lives,” Mary said with a smile. “He is who I know and love.”

“And his plans for you are?” Reena asked.

“That I appear ill throughout my pregnancy and just before the babe is born, I die. Decimus would see to the burial arrangement and the Dark One to my escape, saying his last goodbye to me when he turned me over to the safety of his friend Roarke.”

“Roarke healed well and left with us, though we separated along the way,” Reena said. “He expressed the need to return and help the Dark One.”

“I will need Roarke's help as well.”

“What is your plan?” Reena asked.

By the time they finished discussing what Mary had in mind, it was decided that Magnus and Thomas would not be told of anything until the very last minute. The women feared the husbands would attempt to dissuade them or change the plan to one they deemed more suitable and safer for the women.

Mary entered the hall to find Decimus speaking with Magnus and Thomas. They all wore frowns, and she could only imagine what her husband discussed with them.

“Your visit will be short. I have work to do,” Decimus said and turned, almost colliding with his wife. He grabbed firm hold of her arms. “Should you be out of bed? You have not been well.”

“I am feeling much better,” she said, her head bowed in respect.

“Visit with your friends now for they will not be staying long.” Decimus released her and marched off, expecting his orders to be obeyed.

Magnus approached her. “Are you all right, Mary?”

“I was feeling ill when you arrived, but a sound night's sleep, though it was more like a full day's sleep,” she said with a laugh, “has seen to reviving my health.”

He stepped closer to her. “Reena advised me of your note and request for help. What is it we can do for you?”

“There are some things that I will need of you, though I cannot discuss them with you now.”

“We will be here for you,” Magnus assured her.

“I appreciate your help and patience in this matter.”

Thomas stepped forward. “I stand beside my lord in all matters.”

She smiled. “You are true friends and we will talk soon, but now I must see to another matter that needs my attention.” She thanked them again and left the hall.

“Something more goes on than she tells us,” Thomas said to Magnus.

“I agree and I think it involves your wife and mine.”

Mary hurried out of the fortress to see if she could find her husband. He was chastising a group of his men in the center of the courtyard. She approached slowly, keeping her demeanor that of an obedient wife.

Decimus turned, his tongue sharp. “I am busy, wife, what brings you to me?”

“A private question, my lord.” She trembled to show fear, though the act was not difficult. His dark, penetrating eyes could put the fear in anyone. She had to remember he was the man she loved.

He dismissed his men with the wave of his hand. And while he kept his expression stern he spoke in a soft whisper that only she could hear.

“You are feeling well?”

“Aye, my lord,” she said, bowing her head to keep up appearances.

“I am sorry to send your friends away, but the longer they remain the more careful I must be, and I selfishly want what time I have left with you, without worry of discovery.”

“I feel the same and I ask that they be allowed to remain here until the end of the week.”

He waved his hand as though he dismissed her remark and said, “I see no problem with that.”

“One other thing,” she said, softly. “Reena told me that Roarke had returned part of the way with them and then left to find the Dark One. Have you heard from him? I wish to know that he is well and safe.”

“He waits for me in the woods, where we will begin to formulate a plan for your death and escape.”

“May I go to him?” She intended to find him whether given permission or not. But she did not want Decimus to know that.

He hesitated a moment. “Take Reena or Brigid with you so that it looks like you are taking a walk in the woods.”

“I will see you later,” she said and bowed her head.

“Be gone,” he shouted. “I have no time for nonsense, take your walk and leave me be.” He turned and walked over to his men without another glance.

Mary found Reena but left Brigid who was already busy securing the items necessary for the escape.

“Roarke will not speak to me in front of you,” Mary said, when they had almost reached the area where he waited for Decimus.

“I will wander off on my own,” Reena assured her, making it known in a raised voice that she went in search of feathers for quills and that Mary was to relax and enjoy the beautiful summer day.

Roarke stepped out from behind a tree as soon as Reena had disappeared into the woods. “Reena knows you meet me. She did not need to leave.”

“You are too perceptive,” Mary said with a smile. “But I needed to talk with you alone and Reena understood.”

“She and Brigid took good care of me,” he said and reached out his hand.

Mary took it and he helped her to sit on a fallen tree, and joined her.

“They are good friends, like you.”

Roarke's handsome face brimmed with a smile. “You want something from me.”

She nodded and looked out on the beauty of the woods, so alive with new summer growth, the bright sun shining down and a gentle breeze wafting around them. It was peaceful here and that is what she wanted for Michael and herself—peace.

“Have you spoken with Michael since your return?”

“Briefly,” he said. “He told me you are aware of his identity and I hear congratulations are in order.”

She placed her hand to her stomach. “He will be a father come winter.”

“He is pleased, though . . .” Roarke did not finish.

She saw he was upset and she prayed he felt the same as she. “He deserves a life, Roarke.”

“I have told him this time and time again. His family, especially his sister, would not have wanted him to surrender his whole life for them.”

“But he feels they surrendered theirs for him, does he not?”

“No matter how much I tell him it was not his fault, he believes otherwise,” Roarke said.

“So he continually surrenders himself for others, with the dream of saving his family over and over. Yet now, with his child inside me, he continues the family, what his mother and sister would wish for him. Their persecutors cannot rob Michael of his bloodline.”

“He feels committed to save as many people as he can.”

“Do you think he has not saved enough? Do you not think it is time for him to fight in another way? Do you not think it is time for him to live?” She sounded as though she pleaded her case, but it made no difference, she was pleading for the life of the man she loved.

“He is a stubborn man and I have often told him that he cannot go on forever living a lie; he will be caught.”

“Do you not tire of this life yourself?” Mary asked. “Would you not like a wife and family?”

Roarke rocked back and glanced up at the heavens. “Peace, I would love some peace in my life.”

She reached out and touched his hand. “Then help me free Michael and finally lay his revenge to rest so that his family may rest, and you may know peace yourself.”

“You are a courageous woman, Mary.”

She grinned. “I am a woman deeply in love.”

“Michael is a lucky man.”

“He may not agree with you, especially after I tell you what I have planned.”

“Your plan will free him of Decimus and the Dark One?” he asked.

“Only Michael will live.”

“Tell me what you have in mind.”

They huddled in discussion with Roarke making a few suggestions that would help secure the plan's success. They plotted date and time, Roarke agreeing it must be done immediately or they would risk someone learning of it. He also agreed that Michael might be angry with her at first.

“I am prepared for his wrath; I am not, however, prepared to live my life without him,” Mary said stubbornly. “In time he will come to realize the wisdom of my actions.”

“When he holds his newborn in his arms, he will be grateful to you.”

Mary sighed softly. “As I will be grateful to see him hold his son or daughter and know that his family continues on within the tiny babe.”

They heard heavy footsteps and Reena talking to herself much too loudly.

“Reena lets us know of her approach,” Roarke said with a laugh.

“She will be pleased that you help us.” Mary waved to Reena to join them when she caught sight of her.

She hurried over.

“He joins us,” Mary said with joy.

“Good, now all that is left is for us to finalize the plans and choose a day,” Reena said, relieved.

“We have chosen a day,” Roarke informed her. “We carry out the plan the day after tomorrow.”

“Brigid and I will tell Magnus and Thomas that morning.”

“I think it wiser if I discuss the plans the night before with them. Timing, actions and illusion will be vital to the success of this plan. They must be fully aware of what they must do. We cannot waste a minute nor hesitate. Decimus must be taken by surprise.”

“From what Mary has planned I think he will be stunned,” Reena said.

“Giving us all the time to do what we must.” Roarke smiled. “Do you wail well, Reena? It is a vital role you will be playing.”

“For my small size I have a loud wail,” Reena said with pride.

The three laughed and parted ready, yet nervous that if all went well, in a day's time Decimus would be no more.

Mary rolled over in bed that night to hug her husband, her hand roaming down the length of him teasing him into attention.

He responded immediately growing large in her hand.

“You have not been well, I thought not to disturb you.”

She squeezed him hard and he grabbed her hand.

“Be careful, you make me want you with a need so strong—”

She squeezed him harder, her need as desperate as his.

In a flash he had her on her back and he was slipping over her and into her as he ravished her mouth with demanding kisses. She responded with the same demand and hungry need, welcoming him into her and holding tightly to him as they loved strong and hard.

Their joining left them breathless, their bodies damp, and their hearts beating wildly. They held hands, lying on their backs and staring at the ceiling as their breathing calmed and their bodies cooled.

Neither spoke, their minds on opposite thoughts.

Decimus felt the heavy weight of their future parting on his heart. Each day they spent together was one day closer to their last day. How would he ever let her go? How would he be able to live without her?

His mind reeled with the tormenting thoughts, but he would not let her know. He had to see that she and his child were safe and free from harm and able to live a good life. And that meant he could not remain with them.

He loved her with all his heart and she would take his heart with her when she went, for he would never love again.

Mary thought of the day after next and how they would be free to live and love. She would not let her plan fail. She was even more determined now after making love with him. She could not think of a future without him beside her. Whether making love, snuggling together in bed, holding hands as they did now, she could not bear the thought of their binding love not continuing.

She thought him admirable for wanting to continue to help the innocent but not at the cost of their love. He could do more by living his life, having a family, and teaching the innocent to defend themselves.

He rolled onto his side and stroked a finger along her face. “Never forget how much I love you.”

“You need not worry that I would ever forget you or your love.” She smiled and gently touched his face while silently adding.
I take both with me
.

M
ary entered the hall early the next morning to find it a buzz of activity. The servants rushed about and Decimus's men ate with a hurried flourish. One look at Reena and Brigid and she knew there was a problem.

Decimus walked up to her before she reached the dais. “I will be leaving after the noon meal.”

Mary ignored the decorum of a proper wife and demanded, “How long will you be gone?”

Her husband turned a sharp tongue on her. “Do not question my actions, wife.”

She continued to defy him, needing to know if it was but hours or days that he would return. “I have not been feeling well and you, my husband, should be concerned and not ride off for days.”

Decimus glared at her and she knew he attempted to warn her to hold her tongue. “Whether days or weeks, it concerns you not.”

“It does,” she said with a shout and fled the hall.

Decimus followed her to their bedchamber slamming the door shut. “What is wrong with you, challenging me like that in front of my men?”

“I do not want you to go away,” she said, anxiously ringing her hands. “How long will you be gone?”

He walked over to her and took her trembling hands in his. “A week at least, perhaps longer. I have been summoned to address a church council.”

That was not good. They could not wait a week to carry out the plan. Decimus had already made it known that Magnus's visit was to be brief. And without everyone's help, the plan was not possible. If she did not free Michael now, she did not know when she would get another chance.

He looked concerned. “Are you not feeling well, Mary?”

She shook her head. “Just anxious about your absence. I wanted us to have all the time together we could.”

“I will do my best to return as soon as possible.” He kissed her cheek. “Rest and visit with your friends, but they must be gone before my return.”

His words settled it for her. It was today or never.

She wrapped her arms around him, held him tight, and whispered in his ear, “Remember, no matter what, I love you.”

A knock at the door interrupted them.

“I love you too,” he said softly and with a worried look he stepped away from her and raised his voice. “You will obey me, wife, and I will hear no more of your foolish tongue.” He flung open the door and one of his men stood there. Decimus stormed out of the room, leaving the stunned man to close the door behind him.

Reena and Brigid arrived at her bedchamber shortly after Decimus left.

“We do this today,” Mary said before anyone could speak.

“What of Roarke?” Reena asked.

“Someone will need to go and tell him the plan has been changed and that it is urgent we implement it before Decimus can leave.”

Reena volunteered since she knew where Roarke could be found in the woods. Brigid was left to inform Magnus and Thomas.

“They will have no choice but to help us,” Reena assured her friend. “And do not let them batter you with questions and demands. Tell them what they must do and if they refuse, or attempt to dissuade or change the plan, then remind them that all of our lives will be in danger.”

“Decimus told me they leave after the noon meal, so that is when we attack,” Mary said. “His men will be gathered in the hall to eat before departing. The servants will be about, we will have a good crowd to witness my husband's and my confrontation.”

“We finish here in the bedchamber,” Brigid confirmed. “I will make certain the blood is available and all evidence cleaned away afterward.”

“Where will you go?” Reena asked, close to tears.

“I do not know. I only know that Michael and I will be together.” Tears pooled in her eyes. “If I do not get a chance to thank you or bid you both farewell, know how much I appreciate all you have done for me.”

The three women hugged and rushed off knowing little time was left for them to set the plan into action.

It was not long before Magnus burst into her bedchamber and forcefully shut the door behind him.

“You cannot be serious about this plan,” he said, walking up to her.

Dressed all in black and his eyes aglow with anger, he looked like a demon about to descend on her. But Mary held her ground, her chin high and her stance firm.

“I will not lose the man I love. I will set him free with or without your help.”

His eyes lost some of their heat. “You should have come to me and I—”

“There is no time to think of what I should have done. I made my choice, and now you must make yours. Do you help me or not?”

“You know I will help you,” he said exasperated. “How could I not?”

“When this is done you will have fulfilled your promise to my parents. You will finally see me safe. No one will ever hunt me again—I will be dead.”

“If all goes well.” Magnus sounded doubtful.

“You must have faith.”

“I would have more faith if Decimus, the Dark One, Michael, whomever he is, had been made aware of this plan so that he could play his part as well as everyone else involved.”

“He would have protested.”

“Do you not think the choice his?” Magnus asked. “I was shocked to learn of Decimus's true identity and more shocked to realize how much of a chance the Dark One had taken all these years. Do you expect him to simply walk away from it all?”

“I am not asking him to completely forsake his vow to help the innocent. I but ask that he change his battle plan so that he may save more than merely a few. When he realizes the wisdom of my plan, I think he will be less likely to judge me foolish.”

“I have had little time to digest all Brigid has told me, but in an attempt to understand your reasoning I see that this choice comes from the heart. Have you thought this through clearly? Are you certain this is best for you both?”

“Minds and hearts often war with each other when decisions are necessary. I can only tell you I feel this is the right choice for us both. And since you know true love yourself, could you live life without Reena?”

Magnus did not hesitate. “I will do all I can to make certain this plan of yours succeeds.”

Mary hugged Magnus, grateful for his support, then stepped away to wipe the tears from her eyes. “I cry too much of late.”

“You have been through much. You have the right to shed tears.” He took her hand. “Tell me where you plan to settle with Decimus.”

She shook her head. “I do not know, though it must be far enough away, where Decimus will not be recognized.”

“His reputation extends far and wide.”

“But not all have seen him, they have only heard of him.”

“Far to the northwest there is an island few know of,” Magnus said. “The clan there remain much to themselves and accept few outsiders. But I know them well and, if I advise them of your predicament, I do not think they would mind if you and Decimus joined them.”

“You are generous and I hate to ask more of you—”

“Ask me, Mary, I wish to help.”

“There is a small village the Dark One had brought me to. The people were very kind. I fear for their safety once the chaos of Decimus's death settles.”

“Ask no more. I will see them all safe,” he promised.

She hugged him again. “Thank you. You are a wonderful friend.” She grasped his arm. “You will let no one touch the bodies? It is so very important no one is allowed near them.”

“No one will come near any of you, I give you my word,” Magnus said with a strength that made Mary smile.

“I think I have covered everything,” Mary said, running through the mental list of all that she had planned.

“I will meet with Roarke when he returns with Reena and finalize the details, then there is nothing more to do but wait and act our parts.”

“You have been a good friend, Magnus. May you and Reena know much joy.”

“I wish you and Michael much luck and a long life together.”

They hugged and parted, knowing that they might never see each other again. Mary was grateful that the Legend had been in her life.

Noon approached and Mary stood in her bedchamber looking around, making certain all was in readiness. She had tied back her long blond hair with a ribbon and had donned a pale blue linen dress, knowing the blood would appear more horrifying against a light color.

Everyone had to believe her dead and with blood pouring from her they would not want to look too closely. She gave the room one last glance and left knowing the next time she returned here, she would leave a dead woman.

The noon meal was a hurried affair, Decimus making it known he wished to be on his way as soon as possible. He lovingly squeezed Mary's hand beneath the table, letting her know he cared.

She squeezed his in return, praying that Decimus's demise would go well.

One of Decimus's men rushed into the hall and Mary knew the plan had been set into motion. She looked to Reena and she nodded, letting her know that Brigid, Thomas, and Roarke were ready for them.

“The Dark One has been spotted entering the fortress.”

Decimus stood with a jolt, sending his chair toppling backward. “I will have his head this time. He will not escape or—someone else's head will roll.”

Mary knew he was confident that it was someone's foolish imagination that made him think he saw the Dark One, and he used it to his advantage. She was about to do the same.

She stood with a flourish, her eyes wide and anxious, and turned on her husband, screaming, “No, I love him.”

Decimus was stunned silent.

“I
will not
let you hurt him,” she wailed and pounded on his chest. “I carry his child. Not yours.” She moved away from him as if he were a vile creature, her hand extended out to keep him from approaching her. “Do you hear me, Decimus? It is the Dark One's child I carry.”

The hall turned dead silent as they all waited for Decimus to make his move.

Decimus regained his senses and grabbed her arm. “Whore!” He shouted, and glared at her with confusion as he dragged her from the room and up the stairs.

“What are you doing?” he asked angrily as they climbed the stairs.

“Giving us a future,” she said as he opened the door to their bedchamber.

He looked bewildered and even more so when he entered the room to see Thomas, Brigid, and the Dark One waiting for them.

He pointed to the dark shrouded figure. “What goes on here?”

“Forgive me, Decimus, for I must take your life so that Michael may live,” Mary said and stepped away from him, knife in hand.

He stared at her shocked. “You cannot do this.” He caught a movement from the corner of his eye and easily deflected Thomas's fist while landing a solid punch to the large man's jaw, sending him stumbling backward.

“It is a chance for us,” Mary pleaded.

“I have a duty—”

“To me and your unborn child.”

“To people who suffer and die needlessly. But your elaborate plan will serve us well,” he said with anger. “It will be an unfaithful wife who dies this day.”

She grabbed his arms. “No, I will not lose you.”

“You never had me,” he said coldly.

She glared at him as though he had struck her. “Afraid, Decimus?” She all but spit the name. “Afraid to love instead of hate. Hate is so much easier. It demands nothing of you and gives nothing in return, whereas love gives endlessly and returns endless love. Your mother knew that when she urged you to leave and fight. She did not expect hate from you for she knew, as your sister did, in love there was power. They understood the power of love. Can you not see what you can do by loving instead of hating?”

He laughed with an anger that chilled. “Do you not hear how foolish you sound? You think love will prevent the torture and suffering of innocent people?”

“The
absence
of love is what causes the torture and suffering of innocent people.”

Her words struck him like a fist to his face.

“My father taught me that in knowledge there is power. Teach the people how to survive in the absence of love. You will save many more lives than you do now.”

Decimus remained speechless, words failing him.

“I intend to survive with love,” Mary said softly and with a tear of courage slipping down her cheek, she gave a brief nod.

Decimus turned ready to deflect Thomas's blow, but Roarke quickly stepped in and grabbed Decimus's arm. The hasty intervention gave Thomas just enough time to land a solid blow to Decimus's jaw and he collapsed to the floor.

“Hurry,” Mary urged, fighting the need to make certain her husband was all right. “We have wasted precious time.

Everyone sped into action.

Roarke did a good imitation of Decimus's voice, screaming vicious threats at Mary. She matched his screams, claiming over and over again her love for the Dark One.

Those in the hall did not know what to do and some of the men inched closer to the staircase ready to fight if their lord should need them.

Magnus and Reena pushed past them to keep them at bay a bit longer and to be the first to reach the room when the signal was given.

In the meantime, Brigid and Thomas set to work staging the triple murder. Decimus lay on his side, his garment ripped to look as if he had fought and had been stabbed in the heart, the bloody knife lying nearby. Mary lay on her stomach, blood pouring out from beneath her as though she were stabbed in the stomach. The Dark One's hood had been pulled back to reveal Roarke and blood covered him everywhere so that no one would look too closely and see that no wounds actually existed.

When all was ready, Brigid went to the door, stepped outside the room along with Thomas, and let out a bloodcurdling scream. Reena and Magnus rushed up the steps, Decimus's men following close behind.

After making certain Decimus's men saw them, Thomas and Brigid hurried back to the room before Magnus and Reena. Thomas immediately bent down beside Roarke to protect him, his huge body making it nearly impossible to see anything but his face.