When Reena's village falls into the hands of a brutal landlord, she seeks the help of a warrior known only as The Legend. She should have been afraid after all the stories she's heard at her father's knees, but from the moment she meets him, it is not fear she feels but fierce passion. Magnus has never known a lass brave enough to look him in the eye, let alone one who would plead for his help. Yet here was a sweet–spirited woman who inspires a deep yearning within him. He is willing to save her people, for a price. But once Reena uncovers his secrets, will she regret making a bargain with the devil, or find a sinful passion in his arms .? When Reena's village falls into the hands of a brutal landlord, she seeks the help of a warrior known only as The Legend. She should have been afraid after all the stories she's heard at her father's knees, but from the moment she meets him, it is not fear she feels but fierce passion. Magnus has never known a lass brave enough to look him in the eye, let alone one who would plead for his help. Yet here was a sweet–spirited woman who inspires a deep yearning within him. He is willing to save her people, for a price. But once Reena uncovers his secrets, will she regret making a bargain with the devil, or find a sinful passion in his arms .? Part of the fun in writing, Donna Fletcher admits, is doing the research. But it is with her characters that she has the most fun. She loves giving life to fresh characters and feels their excitement as they face the pleasures and pitfalls of falling in love. Donna's own adventures have taken her to England, Ireland, and Scotland. She has walked the fields where battles were fought centuries ago, toured haunted castles, stood where beheadings were commonplace, explored the mystic mounds of long ago, and collected a plethora of memories and research that will live long in her heart and mind. She also loves exploring and photographing old abandoned homes, and she often takes long walks in the woods with camera in hand. She feels her life is rich and full, having three terrific sons, two fantastic daughters-in-law, an endless supply of friends, a loving dog, and a crazy, black, one-eyed cat named Bear. Legendary Warrior By Fletcher, Donna Avon Books ISBN: 0060538783 Chapter One "You cannot do this, Reena," Brigid beggedher best friend. "It is not a wise choice." "It is the only choice I have." Reena stopped packing the cloth sack with the few food items she hadmanaged to scrounge together. With a heavy sigh,she lowered herself to the wooden chair at the tablein front of the hearth -- an empty hearth -- leavingthe small cottage cold, though it was but early autumn.What would happen when winter set in withall its force and fury? "The villagers are starving and there is notenough firewood for the winter --" Reena suddenlygrew silent. "It is not your fault," Brigid insisted. "The newearl has caused our hardships." "True, but who in the village is strong enough tostop him from causing more harm? And who is left toprotect you?" Brigid sat and fought the torrent of threatening tears that ached to spill. "I cannot believe my John isgone." Reena said nothing, the memory of Brigid'stragedy fresh in both their minds. The tragic day had brought a horrible change totheir prosperous village. All had been well in thesmall earldom of Philip Kilkern, earl of Culberry.He had been generous to the tenants who farmedhis land, and the land had prospered along with thevillagers. But two summers ago, the day after Reenahad celebrated her twenty-year, the earl had takenill and died within the week. With no immediateheirs of his own, his land passed to his nephew. Peter Kilkern arrived in the village that fateful dayin early afternoon. The sun was bright, the sky a brilliantblue and the crops grew fat in the fields, which meant there would be a bountiful harvest and morethan sufficient food for the winter. The villagers had gathered to share the middaymeal, talk, laugh and hear Patrick Cullen tell a taleor two. They watched as Peter Kilkern rode in on afine steed, looking as if he was prepared for battle,wearing fine body armament of leather and metal.He had dismounted his horse with ease and stoodtall and straight, his six feet or more height impressiveas well as the strength of him, his bulk beingmore muscle than fat. He had sharp features, hisnose narrow and ending in a defined point, his lipsthin and his dark eyes intent, as though with oneswift glance he could take in all and know all. Reena remained by her father's side, though heblocked much of her slim body with his bulk. Sheappreciated her father's protective stance, for sheshivered at the sight of the new earl. Peter Kilkern introduced himself and announcedin a clear crisp tone what he expected from his tenants."I care not how hard you work or what revelryyou make, but my fee for farming my land will beseventy-five percent of all harvested crops." The crowd had gasped, and he in turn h