“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.”