The Maze

by Trudie Collins

  As the time passed and Brin and Sam moved further and further away from safety, Tor began pacing. When Oak reported that they had moved deeper into the plains yet again, he lost the slight control he had on his temper and swore loudly.

  “Frack. What do they think they are doing? They agreed not to actually enter into the unicorns’ land.”

  It was a rhetorical question, but Oak answered it anyway.

  “In their defence, it is impossible to tell where our land ends and theirs begins. They may still be safe.”

  “Like hell they are. I am not going to let them risk their lives any more. I am calling them back.” Without giving anyone the chance to try to change his mind, he stomped up to his horse and jumped onto its back and galloped off. Ellen called after him, saying he was being hasty, but he either did not hear her or pretended not to.

  “Get back here right now you idiots,” he yelled out as he was halfway down the hill.

  What attracted their attention, whether it was Tor’s shouting or the smell of his horse, Brin did not know, but as he turned to look at who was calling out, he saw movement out of the corner of his eye. Whipping his head back round he was horrified to find the entire plains were filled with unicorns, all galloping towards him, heads lowered, horns pointing forwards like a knight aiming his lance.

  “We may want to get out of here,” he whispered to Sam, slowly stepping backwards.

  “Run,” Tor ordered as his horse unexpectedly skidded to a stop. As he turned and headed back up the hill, Brin pulled on Sam’s arm, urgently calling for her to move.

  “Go,” she instructed, pushing him away. “I’ll be okay.”

  Caught between staying by her side or picking her up and hoping he could carry her away before the unicorns reached them, Brin found himself unable to move. He would not leave her behind, but he was not sure he would be able to save her. Fear travelled down his spine as he watched the line of horns growing rapidly closer. Looking behind him, he realised that if they had run they would never have had made it in time. They were about to die, but at least they would do it facing their enemy rather than being gored in the back while running away.

  From the top of the hill, Tor watched in anguish. He too knew what was coming, but found himself unable to look away. Bracing himself for the attack, Brin started to move in front of Sam, but she pushed him aside and held up her hand, palm outwards, and shouted at the approaching animals as if commanding them to stop. To his amazement, it worked.

  They halted less than ten paces away, pawing the ground and staring at her, confused. Slowly one approached, whinnying. Sam replied. “I think I surprised them by speaking in their own language,” she whispered out of the corner of her mouth. She frantically conversed with the stallion, while the rest of the herd regarded her the way a cat regards a mouse, making Brin feel very uncomfortable. Sweat began to trickle down his neck and he twitched his legs nervously, wondering if he would be able to move if the unicorns charged once more; not that it would really have mattered as there was no way he was going to be able to outrun them. However terrifying seeing so many galloping towards him had been, seeing the spiralled horns so close was worse. A sword or an arrow could easily kill, but this weapon was designed to maim, making the kill slow and painful.

  Sam bowed low to the unicorn then pointed towards Brin. Hearing her say his name, he too bowed, making sure he did not take his eyes off his adversary. To his surprise, the unicorn crossed one of its front legs over the other and lowered its head.

  “Did he just bow to us?” Brin stammered.

  “Yes. He is welcoming us. He has never been able to converse with a human before so has agreed not to kill us.” She grimaced at him. “At least, not yet.” Brin gulped, but betrayed no other reaction to the dread that ran through his body. Sam gestured towards the lead unicorn. “This is Prince Spike,” she said, by way of introduction. “His real name cannot be translated so I called him Spike. I thought it rather fitting.”

  Brin stared at her in astonishment. Here she was, standing in front of the most magnificent creature he had ever laid his eyes on, one that may kill them both without any warning and she was calling him Spike! He was in love with a mad woman.

  As Sam and Spike continued their conversation, Brin studied him. He looked so much like a horse that, if the horn had not been visible, there would be nothing to suggest the creature before him was anything else. Except for the colouring. He was brilliant white, with a long mane and tail, both shining golden. What made him really stand out though was the deep green of his eyes; they radiated intelligence. Looking about him, Brin noticed that all of the other unicorns looked remarkably similar, the only real difference being the Prince’s height. While the others were about the size of an average horse, he towered above them.

  Eventually Sam turned to Brin once more. “I have done all I can,” she explained. “I have told him all about Tor’s quest and why we wish to cross his territory. He agreed with the logic of our request and is pleased that we have asked instead of intruding. He is going to permit us to leave unmolested. He would like to meet with every member of our team that wishes to cross. No horses though.”

  “What has he got against horses? Surely they are related.”

  “It is not just him; all unicorns despise horses. It is because they are so closely related that they cannot bear to even see them. They think they are degrading their species by working for humans.”

  There was nothing Brin could really say to that statement, so he remained silent. They turned their backs on the unicorns, aware that, if the Prince did not stick to his word, they would be dead before they reached the hill. Despite the desperate urge they both felt to run as fast as they could, they walked slowly, afraid that sudden movements would startle the unicorns, causing them to charge. At the top of the hill, Tor had dismounted and was pacing up and down, silently urging them to hurry.

  As soon as she was within reach, he grabbed hold of Sam and pulled her towards him, hugging her tightly. “Do not ever do that to me again,” he commanded. “I thought you were both going to be killed.”

  “You are not the only one,” Brin said quietly.

  Tor delayed asking questions until they had all walked back to the camp site, where Sam relayed Spike’s message. There were mixed reactions. Predictably, Dal was eager to meet the unicorns, but others, including Ban, were wary. They had heard too many tales of mutilations to willingly enter the Sha-Na plains. It was decided that it was probably best if only a few at a time met with the unicorns; too many at once could appear threatening and the last thing anyone wanted to do was upset them. Dal, Patrick, Ria and Ellen agreed to be the first to go with Tor. Sam, of course, accompanied them as translator.

  “Wow.” Dal exhaled loudly as he crested the hill and laid his eyes on the herd for the first time. “What a magnificent sight.”

  “You may think differently when you see how sharp their horns are,” Patrick said grimly. “Those beasts have murdered a number of my friends over the centuries.”

  Sam grimaced. “Probably best if you don’t call them beasts. I don’t think they understand our language, but I wouldn’t take that risk if I was you.”

  “Good advice,” Tor agreed. “We all need to be polite and a little humble. We will be talking to a Prince remember.”

  Dal had to be held back as he almost ran down the hill. Reluctantly he allowed Sam to lead, followed by Tor. The unicorns did not appear to have moved since Sam had left them. She strode purposefully up to Spike and bowed to him once more. “Prince Spike, may I introduce you to Prince Tor.” Upon hearing his name, Tor, who had understood nothing else of what she had said, bowed low.

  “Please tell him I am honoured that he has done me the courtesy of permitting me to enter his lands so we can talk.” Sam did as instructed and Spike inclined his head in acknowledgement. She introduced the others, who all remembered to bow or curtsey when their names were mentioned, though Patrick kept his small.

  Spike stamp
ed his foot in anger, asking what the problem was. Sam explained about Patrick’s unique issues with death, that he had lived for a very long time, and that the unicorns had brought about the death of a number of his friends. She purposely avoided the word murder. Spike surprised her by accepting this explanation. He understood Patrick’s animosity, but pointed out that unicorns never hurt anyone outside of their territory and experience had shown that any intruders were only there to hunt them down to either kill or enslave them, therefore they were acting purely in self defence.

  “Kill first, ask questions later?” Patrick asked when Sam had finished translating.

  “And exactly how do you suggest they ask questions?”

  Patrick opened his mouth to reply, then closed it again when he realised he had no answer.

  They were interrupted by Spike asking Sam a question. She burst out laughing and looked at Dal, who was jumping from foot to foot with pent up excitement. He was desperate to ask a question, but was too scared. “Prince Spike wants to know what is wrong with the young one. I think that means you.”

  “Can I stroke him?” he nervously asked, then realised what he had just said. “Oh no, that is not an insult is it?”

  “I’m sure he will understand. I will ask him.” Spike was a little taken aback by the question, but Sam soon talked him round, pointing out that it was something humans do when they make friends with an animal. The unicorn consented and lowered his head. Dal’s arm was shaking as he moved it forwards, placing the hand on Spike’s head, just between the ears. He gently stroked downwards, removing his hand just before he reached the nostrils. He repeated the actions a few times before Spike raised his head slightly to look at Dal’s face.

  “His eyes are shining with joy,” the unicorn said in amazement.

  “You have made him very happy,” Sam confirmed.

  “Maybe we have misjudged mankind. You have given us much to think about. We will hold council with our leaders and discuss your request to cross our lands. We will return in the morning with an answer. You will be permitted to leave in peace, but we request that you do not venture into our territory again until we return.”

  Sam agreed and, without any command from Spike, the entire herd turned and galloped from view.

  “They will be back in the morning with an answer,” Sam translated.

  “Then we should return to camp. With any luck, Seth will have food ready soon.”

  The next morning, the same volunteers headed over the hill once more. The sun had not been up long, but a few unicorns were already waiting for them. They appeared at ease and Spike walked forward to welcome them.

  “Good morning Prince Spike,” Sam greeted him. “I trust you slept well.”

  Spike looked at her in puzzlement. “Unicorns have no need for sleep.”

  “Oh. I did not know that. I meant no disrespect.”

  Spike moved his top lip, showing his teeth. Tor, taking this to be a threat, stepped forward and motioned for Sam to move behind him.

  “It’s okay,” she assured him. “I think he is smiling.”

  Behind Spike, a couple of young unicorn foals were prancing about, attempting to move forward without their Prince noticing. They had heard him discussing being stroked with other adults and had expressed an interest in giving it a try. Dal yelped with joy when this was relayed to him, making the two young animals jump back in fright. They soon calmed down and allowed Dal to approach them. They found they enjoyed the feel of his hand running down their noses and before long they were fighting over whose turn it was.

  “Calm down,” he instructed. “I have got two arms you know.” Sam translated and they moved either side of him so he was able to pay them both an equal amount of attention.

  “That is the young ones occupied for a while,” Tor observed. “The fact that Spike allowed the foals to accompany him is a good sign. Are we going to be permitted to cross the plains?”

  Sam asked Spike and a smile spread across her face as she listened to his answer. However, it quickly turned to a frown. She did not look happy as she passed the answer on to Tor.

  “We will be permitted to cross, but they have reserved the right to assess each member of the party individually. They will consider everyone, but if they dislike any one of us for any reason, that person must immediately leave their lands and never return.”

  “Sounds fair. What is the problem?”

  “No horses.” Sam said no more; there was no need.

  “How the frack are we supposed to cross without horses? Walk? That will take us just as long as riding around.” Patrick was shouting, either unaware or not caring that he was upsetting the unicorns that were now surrounding them.

  “I know. I have pointed this out to him,” Sam said soothingly, trying to calm him down.

  “He seems upset,” Spike called to Sam.

  “He is,” she explained. “While we are all highly honoured by your kind agreement to allow us access to your lands, and, under other circumstances, we would gratefully accept, but time is currently of the essence and if passing through your territory will not help us attain our goal quicker then we will not intrude upon you or your herds. We thank you for your courtesy and will now leave to collect our belongings and horses and continue our journey without disturbing you further.”

  Spike gazed at her thoughtfully, assessing both the woman who stood in front of him and the words she had spoken. She did not move while under his scrutiny.

  “Well spoken,” he finally said. “We were not sure how you and your people were going to react to our refusal to allow your horses onto our lands. I am pleased to see that you are able to remain civil, even when so deeply disappointed.” Sam inclined her head, acknowledging what he said, unsure where it was leading.

  Spike looked at the other humans before continuing. “It was decided at council last night that, should I deem you worthy, we will take you across our lands on our backs.”

  Sam was so surprised by this statement that she was unable to speak. “And do you deem us worthy?” she asked when she finally managed to find her voice.

  Spike looked over his shoulder to where Dal was playing with the unicorn foals. “Some,” he cryptically replied.

  “I do not know what to say,” Sam stammered, aware that Tor, Patrick, Ellen and Ria were all watching her, unsure what was taking place. “Words seem inadequate at the moment.”

  “What is going on?” Ria whispered out of the corner of her mouth.

  “Prince Spike has just informed me that some of us will be allowed to ride the unicorns. We get to take the short cut after all.”

  Upon hearing this news, both Tor and Patrick turned to Spike and bowed low. “We are eternally in your debt mighty Prince,” Tor said formally.

  “And I hope during our journey I can learn more about you and your kind. It seems that you are very misunderstood by the world,” Patrick added.

  Sam translated and all of the unicorns reared up, tossing their heads about and neighing loudly. “I think they would like that,” she said to Patrick.

  “We should go and tell the others,” Ellen said.

  “Spike will meet us here when the sun is as its fullest to assess each member of our group who wishes to cross the plains.”

  “Then we should go and find out if everyone is willing,” Tor advised. “Dal, we are leaving,” he called out.

  “Can I stay here?”

  Sam looked at Tor, who shrugged. She asked Spike, who nodded his head. “The unicorns are okay with it if you are.”

  “Behave,” he called out to Dal then started towards the hill behind which they had set up camp, Patrick, Ellen, Ria and Sam in tow.

  They had not walked far when Spike called out to them. They stopped, apprehension running through them. He gave some last instructions to Sam, who nodded her head, smiling.

  “What was that about?” Tor asked her as they began to climb the hill.

  “He said no carts. While the unicorns are prepared to permit us to rid
e them, they will not be used as pack horses.”

  Patrick laughed. “I never imagined they had a sense of humour. I think I am going to enjoy this leg of the journey.”

  Chapter 19

  “Are you crazy?” Seth yelled when Tor explained that Dal was still with the unicorns. “You left him alone with an entire herd. Who knows what they are doing to him.” He started off towards the hill, but Sam grabbed his arm.

  “Come with me,” she ordered, dragging him away so they could talk in private while Tor filled everyone else in on the unicorns’ offer.

  “Calm down,” she said once she was sure they were far enough away to not be overheard. “He is fine. When we left he was playing with a couple of foals.”

  “How do you know he is still alright? They could be tearing him to pieces as we speak,” Seth retaliated angrily. Samson, who had followed them, whined. He did not like to see his friends upset.

  “I thought you and Dal agreed to be just friends,” Sam stated, giving Seth a puzzled look.

  “We are,” he snapped. “That does not mean I do not care about him.”

  “Then stop overreacting. Do you really want the others to start getting suspicious of your true feelings? Samson agrees with me, don’t you boy?”

  The wolf sat down on his haunches and nodded. Seth also sat down. “Is he really alright?” he asked in a quiet voice.

  “We wouldn’t have left him there if we had even the slightest doubt,” Sam assured him. “We all care for him, Tor especially. They are family, or had you forgotten?”

  When Seth had composed himself, the three of them returned to camp.

  “Good timing,” Tor said as he saw them approaching. “We were just discussing what to do with the cart. As we can only take the bare necessities through the plains with us, I feel someone should take the cart, the horses and all the rest of our supplies, the long way round. It will take a lot longer, but we can always leave a message at the inn if we have to leave before they arrive.”