Final Test

by Dory Perlman

  The golden light continued to grow until Sheila and the others had to shield their eyes. Then it dimmed, and in the place where the eagles had been stood twelve strong warriors in leather armor, their long capes hanging around their broad shoulders. The most startlingly handsome of them was a man with dark shoulder-length hair caught back in a rough cord. His almost-black eyes flashed with energy as he looked around quickly. When he spied the object of his search, his face opened into a wide smile, and he stepped forward, holding out two strongly muscled arms.

  In an instant Illyria was enfolded in those arms. "My love, my love," she murmured as he stroked her pale hair The pair stood entwined, Prince Laric's red and gold cape wrapped around them. Laric closed his eyes, and his commanding features softened with joy. The two lovers hadn't had a chance to speak during the battle. But Laric had been there when Illyria needed him most—just as he always seemed to be.

  "Let these lovers coo," said Myno heartily to Laric's warriors. "We shook Dynasian's tree today and look what fell out of its branches." Myno pointed to the feast set out on the ground. "If anyone deserves to partake, it is you good soldiers who saved our hides from Dynasian's butchers."

  "The moon is full, so we will gladly make merry while we can," replied Cam, a stocky blond-haired man with a pug nose and twinkling eyes. The other men laughed happily at his words and set to eating and joking with the women. They were all good friends by now, having battled Dynasian side by side more than once.

  Sheila looked up at the full moon and then over at Laric, who was now talking quietly with Illyria in a comer of the grotto. What a sad love story, she thought. Through the course of their many nights spent talking around the campfire, Illyria had told her all about her romance with Prince Laric.

  Laric and his men had been cursed with one of Mardock's cruel spells and had been turned into eagles. Laric was a mage himself and had tried a counter spell, but he hadn't been fast enough to completely overturn Mardock's evil. Still, thanks to his efforts, Laric and his men were able to transform from men to eagles at will during the five days and nights of the full moon.

  Illyria had met him when she was just the simple daughter of a horse rancher. He had been beaten by Dynasian's soldiers, bespelled by Mardock, and left on the side of the road. Illyria nursed him and fell in love with him, thinking he was just a handsome stranger in need of her care.

  On the day that the moon waned and Laric saw what Mardock's spell had done to him, he left suddenly, unable to say good-bye to the girl he loved. He had sensed she would stay by him no matter what, and he had not wanted to ask such a sacrifice of her. He left Quiet Storm, the beautiful creature he had called up with his magic, to look after Illyria, and he flew off to find his men, who had also fallen under Mardock's wrath.

  He couldn't have known that fate would change his sweet love into the hard-riding, quick-witted Unicorn Queen. But one day he saw her again as he was soaring through the sky. She was riding with her women across a dusty plain, determined to reach faraway Campora and free the unicorns. That day he vowed to watch over her and protect her in any way he could.

  Pelu had begun playing her flute again, and the men and women were dancing, holding each other loosely around the waists in a dance that called for them to step out with one leg and then spin together three times. After each series of steps Pelu picked up the tempo. The couples spun ever faster until they broke apart, breathless with laughter.

  Darian came up beside Sheila. "Want to give it a try?" he asked.

  "I've never done that dance, but it's a little like the polka we learned to do in gym," she answered. "I'll give it a try." Darian clasped his hands behind her waist, and she did the same. Raising their right legs and stepping, they joined the other dancers, who were whirling and laughing.

  Sheila smiled at Darian as they turned, and he returned her smile. It was nice to be doing something fun with him—and it was nice having him so near. Sheila didn't want to admit it, but she realized that somewhere along the line—she couldn't say when—she had begun to think of Darian as being more than just a friend.

  "Whew!" she gasped when the dance ended. "That was fun."

  “Illyria and Laric shouldn't be so serious," Darian said. "I'm going to get them to join the dance."

  Darian and Sheila looked over at Illyria and Laric and thought better of the idea. The two were talking intently. Sheila saw Laric shaking his head no. Illyria wore an anxious expression and seemed to be insisting on something. Again Laric shook his head no. Sheila couldn't believe it. Where they actually having a quarrel?

  Laric held Illyria's wrist, but she broke loose and walked away from him over toward the fire, where the others were, eating and dancing.

  She put her hand on Pelu's shoulder to stop the music. Sheila glanced at Laric and saw that he wore an expression of exasperation as he looked at Illyria. "I'm sorry to halt the merriment," Illyria began in a serious tone. "Prince Laric has given me news that I believe is of utmost importance to my warriors.

  “Illyria, it is not your concern or theirs," Laric broke in.

  "Indulge me, my love," Illyria said gently. "When I lay out the situation before my warriors, they will be free to decide for themselves."

  Every eye was on Illyria as she stepped closer to the fire, the flames bathing her in golden light. "As you know, Laric has been searching his books of magic for a way to break Mardock's foul spell," she addressed the group. "Now he may have found a way to do it."

  A murmur of excitement rose among the men and women. "He tells me that during his time spent in the enchanted grove of the ancients, he spoke with the learned astrologers who dwell there-"

  "The what?" Myno broke in, puzzled.

  "The ancient women who have studied planets and who are descended from women who studied the planets before them, as did their mothers before them," explained Cam. "They watch the skies and keep records of how planets and stars move. They have records that date back almost to the beginning of time.''

  "It sounds like a peaceful life," observed Pelu.

  "Those old crones nearly scared me to death!" cried Gebart, a young man with short black hair. "They must have been over two hundred years old. I couldn't wait to get out of that grove."

  "Scared of an old woman?" Dian giggled flirtatiously.

  "They had hands bonier than my eagle talons," he told her.

  "These astrologers are wise," Illyria continued, "and they have told Laric that in two days hence there will be a full lunar eclipse."

  "So? We are not afraid of the dark," said Kara.

  "Laric has learned that Mardock's spell can be broken only during the darkness of a lunar eclipse."

  "We're free!" cried a large man with a full red beard.

  "It's nor that easy, Atmar," Laric spoke up. "To be free of Mardock's spell we must drink a potion known only to him while the moon is dark. We must somehow find that potion now, or we won't get another chance for many years.

  "And we will do everything in our power to find that potion, and to free our friends of this tyranny," Illyria said emphatically. A rumble of assenting voices swelled at Illyria's words.

  "I cannot ask you to do this," Laric protested. "There is a price on your heads, and you must give all your energies to freeing the unicorns.”

  "Are we not friends and allies?" Myno challenged.

  "And haven't you come to our aid many times?" Nanine added.

  "You see?" said Illyria, whirling around to face Laric. "My warriors feel as I do. We will face this together."

  "Do you all agree?" asked Laric with concern.

  "We agree!" came the unified voices of the unicorn warriors. Even the unicorns whinnied, seeming to take up the cry.

  "You are true friends, indeed," said Laric, putting his arm around Illyria. "I fear we must cut short this feasting if we are to accomplish this. The only place to find Mardock and uncover the spell is in Campora, which is a goodly ride from here. I am loath to take you back to that city, which is so dangerou
s for you. I will not blame anyone who chooses not to go.

  In silent answer to Laric's last statement, the women began to reassemble their gear, while Darian stamped out the last of the fire. Within a half hour all eight of the unicorn warriors, plus Lianne, were mounted and ready to go.

  Sheila suppressed a shiver of fear. She hadn't counted on returning to Campora so soon. She didn't welcome the possibility of facing Mardock again. But how can I refuse? she thought. Laric has been a great friend. And it would mean he and Illyria could have a real life together. I'll think about that and not about Mardock.

  Illyria embraced Laric, holding him tightly. Then he and his men underwent their awesome golden transformation back into eagles. The unicorn warriors waved as they ascended into the night sky. "Be safe, my Laric," Sheila heard Illyria whisper..

  Once the eagles were out of sight, the warriors were anxious to go. Illyria mounted Quiet Storm, who whinnied, sensing the excitement ahead, "Let's ride!" commanded Illyria in a voice that seemed to echo to the very stars in the night sky.

  Instantly eight unicorns sprang forward, their hoofs beating against the ground. The far slope of the mountain shuddered, as Illyria's warriors dashed toward Campora—and whatever unknown dangers awaited them there.

  Sheila gazed at the steep dirt trail that twisted down the mountain. It didn't matter how fast Morning Star ate up the distance, the path seemed to go on forever.

  "If you can't go any faster, let me pass!" Dian yelled crossly as she came up behind Sheila

  Sheila was about to holler an annoyed reply when she caught a glimpse of Dian's rock-hard expression. There was something beneath that definitive self-assurance. Something vulnerable. Something scared.

  She's scared to death, Sheila realized. And suddenly a flower of fear blossomed deep within Sheila as Morning Star carried her through the night, over the flat plain stretching endlessly before her. She had been on raids before, She had experienced plan-making, sneaking around guards, and all-out battles. These things had been hard and frightening, but they were nothing compared to the prospect of facing an evil wizard bent on revenge.

  As Pelu's unicorn pulled up beside Sheila and Morning Star, the healer gave Sheila a gentle pat on the back. Sheila felt a spark coursing to her from Pelu's touch. She looked up and saw the large eagles soaring across the bright, round moon. She had been so busy worrying, she had almost forgotten she wasn't alone in this. She had good friends—strong, protective, and loyal friends.

  "Ride to victory!” Sheila heard Nanine cry from behind her. The certainty and strength in Nanine's voice lifted Sheila's spirits.

  "Ride to victory!" Sheila yelled with all her might. The shout pierced the cool night air. Sheila saw one of the eagles dip low as if acknowledging her words.

  "Ride to victory!" Pelu took up the cry. Then Kara joined the shout. And Darian, and Dian, and Myno. Even Lianne, afraid and shivering behind her sister, raised her voice. "Ride to victory!" Soon the riders' voices were joined by the cries of the eagles above and the neighing of their own unicorns.

  "Ride to victory!" Illyria's voice rang above them all.

  Suddenly the hours of riding, the unknown struggle before them, didn't seem so overwhelming.

  Filled with renewed spirit, they rode hard through the night. Sheila focused on Morning Star's shiny horn as it bobbed up and down in front of her. What a magical creature Morning Star was! She never tired, and she seemed to know which way Sheila wanted her to go without any directing. They had become so close.

  Weariness began to seep into Sheila's bones as the first pink and golden ribbons of dawn-light streaked the sky. She realized she had been up for almost twentyfour hours.

  Illyria led them to the edge of the plain, which dropped off sharply all at once. The riders stopped beside her and looked into the distance at the towers that glistened in the early dawn light.

  "There it is," said Darian, riding quietly up beside her.

  Sheila looked at him and nodded. “Campora," she said simply.

  3

  The Decision

  As the unicorn riders dismounted in the hills above Campora, the gigantic wings of the eagles beat through the ever-lightening sky. As if on cue, the eagle warriors touched down, and their feathered bodies began to change. Within seconds eleven of the twelve birds had transformed into strong, able-bodied soldiers. But one eagle—Sheila realized it was Laric when she saw the special black marking on his forehead—was remaining in his eagle form. His steady amber eyes seemed to study everything before him with piercing accuracy.

  "What's he doing?" Dian whispered.

  "He's got some magic to work," Illyria explained quietly. "He can't accomplish it in human form."

  The women, the newly transformed men, and the unicorns watched with curiosity as Laric began a strange bird song. Emitting a series of low squawks, the young prince flapped his huge muscular wings. The black mark on his forehead seemed to glow.

  As the performance continued, Sheila felt herself being drawn into Laric's powerful magic. She couldn't take her gaze from him. Not that she wanted to—Laric's movements were both beautiful and mesmerizing.

  Suddenly Sheila was jolted out of her trance as the earth near her feet began to churn with activity. "Hey-" she shrieked.

  "Ye spirits!" Dian exclaimed, her terrified face mirroring Sheila's. "What kind of demons are these?"

  Then Sheila realized that it wasn't just a little plot of ground that was churning—a huge hole seemed to be opening up only inches from her feet.

  "Don't worry," Illyria whispered to the frightened girls. "This is Laric's doing. The magic is working."

  Suddenly a furry, round, sleepy-looking head poked its way up out of the earth. "Why . . . it's a mole!" Sheila exclaimed as the fat little creature climbed out of the newly dug tunnel. "Just an ordinary mole." The mole sniffed at Sheila a few times, then turned and ambled toward Laric.

  But . . . it wasn't just one mole. Slowly, not far from where the first one had surfaced, moles began popping out of the ground. Ten, twenty . . . Sheila figured there were at least a hundred of them!

  "By the gods!" Dian murmured, sounding stunned.

  "You can say that again!" Sheila agreed.

  Sheila felt a strong, reassuring hand pat her twice on the back. It was Laric—in human form. She had been so busy watching the moles, she hadn't even noticed his transformation. "Have no fear," he told her. "The moles are my friends. I used my mage's powers to summon them for help. Our little burrowing allies have dug a tunnel from here"-he pointed to the churned-up ground so near to them-"to Dynasian's palace. Dynasian's soldiers are on the alert for us. We would never be able to slip through the gates unnoticed."

  Suddenly one of the moles started snuffling loudly at Laric's feet. Laric nodded. "My little friend Mugdug says the end of the tunnel comes up right under Mardock's chamber. We'll just have to loosen some of the mortar around the stones in the floor to get inside,"

  "Our time is short. We must go through the tunnel and get the potion from Mardock!" Illyria said. She hefted her sword at her side for emphasis and walked bravely to the tunnel's opening. "Hmmm. Rather small," she commented as she peered into it. Then she squatted down and dangled her legs into the dark entrance. It was clear that there was no way the statuesque queen would fit through the opening.

  "Uh-oh. I think we're in trouble," Sheila murmured to herself.

  Illyria sighed hard, and Sheila watched her hide a dejected frown. Sheila could feel that same dejection coursing through her own body. "It looks as though the moles have failed us after all. We're going to have to find another way into the city-“

  "Wait!" It was Dian, striding toward the Unicorn Queen purposefully. "Let me try the tunnel, Illyria. I'm smaller than you are. Maybe I can fit." Not waiting for an answer, Dian got to her knees and lowered herself in. "Ungg," she groaned as the sides of the tunnel pinched her ribs. Still, slowly, she was sinking out of sight. With a few more grunts and groans, she disappeared. "Prett
y tight," Dian cried from below, "but I think I can do it!"

  Dian could be such a pain most of the time, Sheila thought, but she had to admit that the other girl definitely came through in a crisis. Dian was willing to go through discomfort and danger—all alone—with barely a thought.

  A frown crossed Illyria's face. "I can't let you go, Dian," she said thoughtfully. "I cannot send you on such a perilous mission all alone. Mardock may well be waiting at the other end of the tunnel."

  Dian pushed up out of the tunnel. “I'm a warrior-woman," she said. "I have to try, even if it means risking death!" Dian spoke bravely, but no one could ignore the quaver of fear in her voice.

  ''No,'' Illyria insisted. ''It is too dangerous. We will find another way.”

  Sheila watched, her mind racing. Whoever went down that tunnel would be walking right into Mardock's domain, practically giving herself into the miserable old magician's hands. Dian was willing to do it and do it alone. And yet, Sheila knew that if Dian could fit through the tunnel, so could she. Maybe IIlyria would agree to let them go if they went together.

  But …did she have the courage to volunteer? Mardock had vowed to get her and have his revenge in the most painful way. Should she tempt fate?

  Sheila squeezed her hands together hard, the nails of one cutting into the other nervously. "I'll go, too!" she shouted. "Together we'll have a chance."

  Illyria turned and a smile lit her strong, serious face. "You grow braver by the day, little one," she said, studying Sheila's face. "It's too much. We need a more experienced warrior.”

  "We fight as well as anyone else, why should this be any different?" Dian pressed. "We owe Laric and his men much."

  Illyria sighed. "You are right. The two of you have proved yourselves many times over. Still, I do this with great misgiving. You are both so dear to me… all right, you are the ones best-suited to this, and you are brave and capable. Go, but I beg of you, do nothing rash. Look around for the potion and get out." Sheila stared at Dian, her partner in this all-important mission. The two of them had feuded in the past, and though they had learned to tolerate each other, they definitely weren't friends. Not by a long shot. Now they would be depending on each other for their very lives! Dian was staring back at Sheila with a strange mixture of anger and relief on her face, I feel just the way you do Dian, Sheila thought to herself, I'm glad to have help on this crazy job, but why does it have to be you?