“You’re my familiar?” gasped Kazin. To be in the presence of such a beast was one thing; to have it as a familiar was beyond imagining.
“Yes, Kazin,” answered the unicorn. “You and I are bound by more than merely our magic. Our lives are bound together as well. I was first drawn to you long ago in your test in the Tower of Sorcery. We have been united ever since.”
“Then why didn’t you show yourself before this?” asked Kazin.
“The conditions for my appearance must be satisfied for me to appear to you or any other mortal for more than a fleeting moment,” said the unicorn. “I am not visible to anyone for long until seen in moonlight by one member of each of the races of man, dwarf, and elf. Those conditions are now met. You, Kazin, are the human element. The dwarf is just beyond those bushes to the left. He has been aware of my presence for some time now. The elf hides behind a tree to the right. She has sought me for many days now, and I have led her away from many dangers until last night, when I summoned you to help. Each of you was able to catch sight of me in the past, but none of you were able to catch up to me until now. Now you are all present and the conditions are met. I am fully in the world of mortals.”
Kazin nodded. No doubt the unicorn spoke of his companions, Harran and Della. He stroked the unicorn’s fleecy white neck softly.
“Well?” said the unicorn finally.
“Well, what?” asked Kazin.
“Aren’t you going to call the dwarf and elf out of hiding? Their eyes are boring holes into me.”
“Oh, sorry,” said Kazin. “Harran!” he called out to the bush. “You can come out now. It’s O.K. We know you’re there. You too, Della,” he said over his shoulder.
The bush rustled momentarily and Harran appeared, wielding his ice axe and grumbling about being discovered. Della appeared on the other side of the clearing and gave Kazin a curious look. Her bow was drawn and an arrow was fitted, but she gave no indication that she was going to shoot.
“I have to hand it to you, Della,” said the unicorn. “You’re an excellent tracker. Without my magic I would have been captured by you long ago.”
Della’s jaw dropped. “You can talk!” she gasped.
“Of course I can,” snorted the unicorn. “Why does that surprise everyone?”
“Didn’t she hear you talking with me?” asked Kazin. “Surely she must have heard.”
“No,” said the unicorn. “I only let whomever I speak to hear me. I haven’t spoken to Harran yet, so I’d better get it over with.” He turned his attention to the dwarf. “Good evening, Harran. Before you ask me—yes, I do speak.”
Harran stopped dead in his tracks. “Now I’ve seen everything,” he grunted.
“You are the sign I’ve been looking for,” interrupted Della. She was still in awe of the fact that the unicorn could speak. “My people must see you or they will not act. Already there are signs of danger in the outer edges of the elven territory. You must warn my people to fight before it is too late! It is so written in our ancient texts!”
The unicorn nodded in understanding. “So that’s why you’ve been tracking me so diligently. Unfortunately, I can’t be side-tracked right now. There is something evil pouring out on the land—I agree with you there—but it must be dealt with as soon as possible. After we have dealt with it at the source, I promise to return with you and warn the elves. They will be needed to aid the humans in some even more serious circumstances than you are presently experiencing. Why the elves always need a sign before they do anything is beyond me, though.”
Suddenly shouts could be heard.
“Our companions are looking for us,” said Kazin.
“Kazin, tell them I speak and that I’ve come to join you in your quest,” said the unicorn. “I’d rather they found out about me from you, if you don’t mind.”
Kazin nodded.
As Sherman and the rest of the companions neared, Kazin called out to them to draw them in the right direction. After a few minutes, Sherman and the others stepped into the wide clearing where the dwarf, elf, mage, and unicorn were gathered. Kazin quickly explained what had happened, including the fact that the unicorn could speak.
When the explanation was done, Milena suggested they return to their campsite to get a few more hours of sleep before morning, since they had a good deal of work to do. The unicorn asked what they were planning, and when he was told they were looking for horses, he shook his head meaningfully.
“Your horses are waiting for you at the foot of the Five Fingers Mountains. I led them to a safe place after you abandoned them in the Plains of Grief. I figured they might come in handy sooner or later.”
“You’re kidding!” exclaimed Sherman. “You led those horses through human territory and you weren’t seen or captured?”
“I used a combination of magic and darkness,” explained the unicorn. “It wasn’t too difficult.”
The companions were relieved to know they didn’t need to do a detour and after the short hike through the bush they settled down for a few hours of sleep.
Kazin remained awake, chatting softly with the unicorn. He was excited about the way things were coming together. He even pulled out the page of the Book of Prophesy that had signalled the joining of the companions. It was beginning to make sense now.
“It even mentions the ‘swift of hoof’ which probably refers to you,” said Kazin.
The unicorn snorted. “If that’s true, I’m mentioned last. That’s an insult! If I’m in that prophesy somewhere, why not the ‘head of horns’?”
“You only have one horn,” said Kazin. “If you’re mentioned last, maybe it’s because you’re the last one to join us. It has nothing to do with how valuable you are.”
“If I’m the last one to join,” responded the unicorn, “then who is the flying fire? I don’t see any dragons among us.”
Kazin sighed and shook his head. “You’ve got me there. I haven’t been able to figure that one out either. Somehow I think it refers to one of us. It says there are eight heroes, and including you, there are eight of us present.”
“It will make sense eventually,” said the unicorn. “I wouldn’t worry about it right now. It doesn’t tell us what we have to do anyway.”
“You’re right,” said Kazin, folding the paper and inserting it into his cloak. He was about to speak again but paused suddenly. “What’s your name? I don’t think you mentioned it.”
“What would you call me?” asked the unicorn. “I’m your familiar, remember?”
“You don’t have a name?” asked Kazin.
“I had no need for one until today,” said the unicorn.
“Well,” said Kazin, scratching his head. He looked up at the proud bearing of the unicorn. “How about Frisky? It was the name of a friend’s horse.”
“Frisky?!” retorted the unicorn. “What kind of a name is that? Surely you can do better!”
“Would you prefer King Edward the Third?” asked Kazin slyly.
“Third?! I’ve never been third in my life!” answered the unicorn angrily. “I always come in first!”
Kazin watched as the unicorn snorted in derision. Its breath looked frosty in the early morning stillness.
“How about Frosty?” suggested Kazin.
The unicorn looked at him. “You’re serious, aren’t you?”
“It was one of my closest friend’s nicknames,” said Kazin sadly. “His name was Max. He was very skilled in ice magic. He was killed by a dragon, but his ice magic helped me to defeat that same dragon. I sometimes feel guilty about forgetting him. By calling you Frosty, it will keep my memories of Max alive.”
“In that case,” said the unicorn, “I would be proud to be named after your friend.”
Kazin playfully slapped the unicorn’s neck. “Good night then, Frosty. I’ll leave you to keep watch fo
r the last shift, if you don’t mind. I think I speak for all of us when I say that we’re all tired and need the rest.”
“Good night, Kazin,” said the unicorn.
Kazin walked past the sleeping forms of his companions on the way to his own blankets but stopped suddenly beside one partly bundled form. It was Della. She lay with her blankets thrown carelessly aside. Kazin knew it was too chilly that morning to remain uncovered, so he bent down and gently pulled the elf’s blankets up around her and tucked her in. Then he wandered over to his own blankets and settled in for what sleep he could get. He never noticed the elf’s smile.
Chapter 40
The following morning the party of eight found a shallow area on the Silver River and carefully crossed to the opposite side. They were now at the foot of the Five Fingers Mountains. The sky overhead was blue and the sun shone brilliantly, but the summer heat was masked by the colder air flow coming off the mountains.
They followed the unicorn around the base of the first mountain and entered a shallow grove. It was calm and warm here, being sheltered from the wind on two sides. Several horses contentedly chewed grass by a narrow pool of clear blue water.
“Our horses!” exclaimed Sherman.
The horses immediately looked up at the warrior’s shout.
“My warhorse too!” said Harran.
The horses eagerly sauntered over to their owners.
“It’s good to see you again,” said Milena as she petted her horse. “You didn’t like those zombies much, did you?”
“The saddles are at the back of the grove,” said Frosty.
“Then what are we waiting for?” said Kazin. “Let’s mount up.”
The companions saddled their horses and Sherman swung onto his mount.
“There are more people than horses,” observed Milena. “Some of us will have to double up.”
“Rubin, you take my horse,” said Kazin. “I’ll ride Frosty.”
“What’ll ye do for a saddle?” asked the sailor.
“He won’t need one,” said Frosty. “I’ll make sure he doesn’t fall off.”
Everyone mounted except Della. She stood uncertainly nearby, debating who to ride with.
“Take your pick,” said Sherman, noticing her dilemma. “You can ride with anyone except the minotaur. I’m sure that warhorse has a full load.”
Della grinned and approached Kazin upon the unicorn. Kazin blushed and pulled the little elf up behind him. Frosty looked back questioningly and snorted.
“All set?” asked Sherman.
Everyone nodded.
The companions made good time that day and rode past the outskirts of Obend on their way to the Tower of the Sky. It was predetermined that they stop in Gilgen for supplies the following afternoon.
That evening was mild and fresh, and everyone sat cheerfully around the campfire. Sherman pulled out an old flute and blew a cheerful, if out of tune, song.
When he finished, the others applauded. Della immediately sprang up and opened her pack, producing a silvery, finely carved flute of her own. At once she began to play a soft, lilting lullaby. The others sat in breathless silence as she played.
When she finished, Milena rose with tears in her eyes. “That was lovely, Della! Absolutely wonderful!”
“Here, here,” said Sherman, applauding. “You have a talent that far exceeds my own!”
Della smiled. “It’s a flute from my father. He makes them for a living.” She sat down and began another tune. It was a faster, more playful tune, and Milena, Sherman, Rubin clapped in time. Della looked at Kazin as she played and he could not help but smile back at her and tap his foot to the rhythm.
Harran rose and began to dance comically to the music, causing the others to laugh at his antics.
Even Zylor seemed to be enjoying himself.
When the song was concluded, everyone was laughing and joking.
“I haven’t heard such elven music since a few years back at the king’s court,” exclaimed Harran, reseating himself by the fire. He was perspiring heavily from his dancing.
“I’ve never heard such music,” laughed Milena. “With all the fighting and danger lately, this was refreshing!”
“We’re almost there,” said Kazin. “Two days’ ride and we’ll be at our destination. It’s been a long, tedious trip, but most of it is behind us now.”
“Thank goodness,” said Milena.
Frosty looked over at the companions from his location near the horses. He knew the worst was still ahead for all of them, but he refrained from spoiling their fun. They needed some fun and recreation, and he wasn’t about to spoil it all with forebodings of doom. Let them relax now, he thought. Later there would be little time for such things.
The night passed uneventfully, and the following day they arrived in the border town of Gilgen, where they stopped for food and supplies. Less than two hours later they were on the road again.
In the evening of the following day they stood before the gates to the Tower of the Sky.
Unlike the picturesque towers run by the black and white mages, the grey tower was a simple square, grey structure. The only outstanding feature was its height. The Tower of the Sky lived up to its name. Easily twice as tall as the Tower of Sorcery, it stretched far above the heads of the companions, trying vainly to outgrow the Five Fingers Mountains in the background.
The building itself was a muted grey in colour, but its drab appearance was not uninviting, with its gardens and flower beds well maintained. Being further south, the tower’s garden was free to grow for most of the year, and the constant irrigation supplied by the mountains enabled the vegetation to take on a lush, fresh looking appearance.
A grey robed mage appeared and inquired as to their business.
“We’re here to recharge your communication orb,” said Kazin.
“Right this way,” said the grey mage. He led them to an inner courtyard and directed them past the dormitories to the stables. “Take your horses to the stable master and then come to the front door,” instructed the mage.
The companions left their horses with the stable master. As they turned to leave, Frosty groaned.
“Why did I bother coming in?” lamented the unicorn. “I could have waited outside.” He had made himself appear like a horse so as not to attract attention.
“What’s wrong?” asked Kazin when the stable master was out of earshot. He didn’t want the stableman to think he was crazy carrying on a one-sided conversation with a horse.
“Now I have to wait inside a smelly old stable for who knows how long,” complained the unicorn.
“I’ll try not to be long,” assured Kazin.
The stableman returned and assured the companions their horses would be well cared for.
“Be careful,” warned Kazin. “The white one bites.”
Frosty shot the mage a withering glance.
The stable master caught the white horse’s gaze and nodded. “I see what you mean. He looks to have a bad temperament.”
Kazin grinned and winked at Frosty. “He’s not so bad once you get to know him.”
Frosty turned away in disgust.
The companions arrived at the tower’s front door and were ushered in. The mage who initially greeted them came up to them and instructed another grey mage to take everyone but Kazin and Milena into a nearby room to wait. The grey mage gave the blue robed druid an appraising glance, apparently expecting a white robed cleric instead.
Milena merely smiled but said nothing.
The grey mage then escorted Kazin and Milena down a long hallway where several younger grey mages milled about aimlessly as though waiting for something to happen. A bell sounded dimly from far off and many of the young mages entered a nearby room.
“Students,” explained th
e grey mage. “With all the experienced mages in the war to the north, our classes are being held in larger rooms. The few teachers we have left have to teach students from the classes without teachers. It’s crowded and noisy, but we have to make do in these times.”
The three mages of varying colours approached a small railing enclosed area occupied by another grey mage. That mage lifted one portion of the railing so they could pass. They stepped onto a large, square tile in the center.
“Top level,” ordered the grey mage who was their guide.
The lift operator chanted a spell and the lift rose.
The first grey mage turned to his guests with a light smile. “It won’t take long to reach the top. That’s where the orb is located. The head mage has been notified and will meet us at the top.”
A moment or two later the platform stopped on the top level of the tower. The grey mage operating the lift raised a piece of railing barring their way and they stepped off the lift onto a narrow walkway. The guide led them along the walkway until they came to a large brass door. He knocked twice. The door opened, revealing a stern, middle-aged woman. She had brown hair and eyes, and an old scar on her left cheek. She smiled blankly and ushered them in, giving a cursory nod to the other mage.
The mage nodded back to her and returned to the platform lift.
The head mage closed the door behind them and turned to face them with a wan smile. “My name is Mara. I am the head of the grey tower. Welcome to the Tower of the Sky. Have you had a pleasant journey?”
“For the most part,” said Kazin. “I am Kazin. This is Milena.”
The grey mage nodded. “I understand you have come to recharge the communication orb.”
“Yes,” answered Milena.
“You are a druid,” observed the grey mage. “I thought a cleric was going to be sent.”
“I was a cleric when I was charged with the task of recharging your orb,” explained Milena. “Events following my departure from the Tower of Hope led to my transformation into a druid. Nevertheless, I can still perform the task given me by High Cleric Malachi.”
The grey mage nodded. “That explains why you’re a few days late, anyhow.”
Kazin's Quest: Book I of The Dragon Mage Trilogy Page 39