A Charm for a Unicorn

by Jennifer Macaire

  "Thank you,” said Renaldo. The crutches looked a bit dusty, as if they'd been sitting in a shed for a while. Cook bustled over and wiped them with a damp cloth, all the while chattering about nothing in particular. But Renaldo found the gentle chit-chat about the cow, the rose hip tea, the garden, and the early frost soothing.

  Sylvain came downstairs and Cook treated his bites too. He'd been bitten on his hands and on his legs. He winced as Cook bandaged him up.

  "How is she?"

  "I don't know. The magician chased me out of the room.” Sylvain sighed. “I'm sure she'll be all right."

  "How are you?"

  "All right, I suppose.” Sylvain made a face. Sir Casper said he'd send for a Crow Caller so we can tell our parents what's going on. Our mother is probably mad with worry."

  Evening turned to night, and the night deepened. The Crow Caller came and took the princes’ message to the king and queen of Windtide. Renaldo's worry about Leonie did not abate. Then Sir Casper came into the kitchen. Renaldo noted that he'd changed his robe and washed.

  "How is she?” he asked, for what seemed the hundredth time.

  The wizard sat at the table. “Her face will be scarred, but otherwise she is all right. Here, let me see your arm."

  Sir Casper gently unwrapped the bandage and examined Renaldo's wounds. His expression never changed, but Renaldo could sense his fury. Two red spots appeared on his otherwise pale cheeks as he replaced the bandage. “The muscle is torn, but it will heal with no complications,” he said, his voice faltering. He looked at Sylvain's bites too, and then put his hands on their shoulders.

  "Thank you for saving my daughter. Without you, she would have been torn to pieces. Sir Wulfe has made a grave mistake. Tonight I will draft letters to the magicians’ guild. I also need to speak to your father. I will summon him tonight with one of my whirlwinds. It would be best if I did it while your mother is still in Querel. You can give him your version of the story alone."

  "I sent a message by Crow Caller, but I agree that it would be best to talk to him in person.” Renaldo's whole body began to tremble. He put his hands flat on the table and pressed down hard. “Can I see her?"

  Sir Casper nodded. “If you wish. She's asleep. I gave her a potion."

  "I'll take him upstairs, sir,” said Cook. She put a pile of dishes on the table and motioned for Renaldo to follow her. To Sylvain she said, “I'll be right back down to fix you some dinner. You look famished."

  The crutches were a bit short for him, and his arm still hurt, but Renaldo managed. The stairway was wide and the stone steps shallow. A long, red and blue rug covered the floor in the upstairs hallway. It was worn in the middle. Cook led Renaldo to a gray wooden door with a crystal doorknob.

  Renaldo turned the knob and pushed the door open. On a narrow bed beneath a tall window, Leonie lay without moving. The curtains were drawn; soft light came from the fireplace in the corner of the room, and from lamps set on the table at the foot and at the head of her bed. There were two chairs in the room. Ann sat in one, and in the other was a tall, pale man with a thatch of straw colored hair and pale blue eyes.

  "How is she?” Renaldo asked Ann.

  Ann's eyes were swollen and her cheeks were sticky with tears, but she managed a smile. “Don't look so worried. She's going to live."

  The pale young man stood. In a low voice, he said, “Here, take my seat, Renaldo."

  "Thank you.” Renaldo paused. “Have we met before?"

  "I'm Claude. The mouse.” The man gave a crooked grin.

  Renaldo blinked. “You were in Sylvain's pocket. Did Leonie's father change you back?"

  "Yes, he did. And he gave me some clothes.” He tilted his head up and sniffed the air. “That smells like dinner. If you'll excuse me, Lady Ann, I think I'd like to go wash up."

  Only then did Renaldo notice his bloodstained hands. Seeing the direction of his gaze, Claude said, “I'm a magician, so I helped Sir Casper."

  "You did a marvelous job, thank you,” Ann said. She stood and said, “Renaldo, I'm going to show Claude to his room and get him settled. Will you watch Leonie for a while? If she starts to wake up, call for my father."

  "Of course.” Renaldo moved the chair closer to Leonie. When the door closed behind Ann and Claude, he leaned over to look at her carefully. Her face was heavily bandaged, as were both her arms. One of her hands was bandaged, but the other was not, so he reached over and took it, holding it as carefully as he could. Her hand felt warm, but terribly fragile. He felt tears running down his cheeks, but didn't care. He didn't care about anything except Leonie. He knew his mother and father would be frantic with worry, but that made no difference to him either. Even his lost leg seemed unimportant. A leg he could afford to lose, but not Leonie. How could he go back to his kingdom without her? As he held her hand and gazed at her, it occurred to him that he simply could not.

  From outside, he heard the unmistakable sound of a whirlwind. He stood, leaned carefully over Leonie's bed, and parted the curtain. Her room overlooked the courtyard. In the dark, it was hard to see who had arrived. But then the front door opened and yellow light spilled out.

  Renaldo drew his breath in. His father stood in the courtyard. King Miles was red of hair, ruddy of cheek, and notoriously short of temper. Renaldo had always been a little afraid of his powerful father, all the while doing everything to please him. The king hesitated a minute. Obviously he had been summoned by Sir Casper's whirlwind, and that form of transportation was reserved for emergencies. Renaldo could understand his father's unease. Also, he'd never concealed his contempt for the wizard of Windtide.

  Sylvain appeared on the steps and his father looked up, an expression of relief on his face. They embraced, and went into the manor.

  After what seemed a very short lapse of time, Renaldo heard footsteps on the stairs, and the door opened. His father strode in, followed by Sir Casper.

  "Leave us,” said King Miles, not even glancing at the wizard.

  The wizard bowed, and left, closing the door softly behind him.

  "Father.” Renaldo stood, balanced on his one leg.

  His father's face turned ashen. “I heard you'd lost your leg. But seeing it is altogether different. What happened? Why did you fight in a war that didn't concern you?"

  "I had no choice at first. Sir Wulfe banished me with a whirlwind, and sent me far to the north of Querel. A recruiter found me, and it was either join the fight, or lose my life. I preferred to take my chance on the ship."

  "But, afterward, you could have told the captain!” His father's voice rose, and Leonie stirred, moaning softly.

  "At first I was afraid I'd be ransomed, and I didn't want that.” Renaldo spoke in a voice barely above a whisper. He sat back on the chair and looked at Leonie. She was motionless except for the slight movement of her chest as she breathed. “I got to know the men on board. I fought with them, and they were my comrades in arms. After a while, I couldn't tell anyone who I was, because I didn't want to abandon my friends. Can you understand that?"

  His father pulled up the other chair and sat in it, leaning toward him. “Yes, I think I can. I fought too, you know. When Bromley took the south of Windtide, I was there. We lost more than just land. We lost many good men. I've always rued losing the south of Windtide, but losing my men hurt more. Good men are impossible to replace.” He paused. “I heard you'd come here to ask for this woman's hand in marriage. Is that true?"

  Renaldo took a deep breath. “Yes. This is Leonie."

  His father shifted on his chair, making it creak. “Sir Casper told me what happened. I agreed to back his complaint with the wizards’ guild."

  "Thank you, Father."

  "I did it also for you. Sir Wulfe overstepped his bounds."

  "Has my mother returned yet?"

  "No, she'll be returning by coach. The queen's guard is with her. She will be safe,” he said, anticipating Renaldo's next question.

  Renaldo nodded. For a while they sat in silence.
Then he took a deep breath, and said, “Father, did you know that Leonie's mother had a charm of wild magic upon her?"

  His father gave a start. In the firelight, his eyes glittered. “I heard it only after she died.” He twisted his hands together. “The charm held me in its sway. I would have given up my kingdom for her. Luckily, my parents and advisors convinced me that my duty lay with my country."

  Renaldo looked at Leonie, lying as still as a wax statue on the bed. He reached over and took her hand. “How did the negotiations go in Bromley?"

  His father shrugged. “I didn't get to finish."

  "Thank you for coming."

  His father looked at him sharply. “I thought to arrange a marriage for you with one of your cousins. But the news about Querel stopped me."

  "Stopped you? Why?"

  His father leaned his elbows on his knees. “I will fight for Windtide. I won't let Bromley swallow us whole. When I heard that the princes of Querel had ceased fighting, I closed my own negotiations. Bromley isn't interested in peace. It wants all of Windtide, then it will turn its attention to Querel. So far, the only thing protecting Querel is the mountain range."

  "How did you hear about the princes?"

  "Your mother sent a Crow Caller to me with the news. She said it was Sylvain's doing, somehow."

  "It was.” Renaldo gave a soft chuckle, then sobered. “I will fight for Windtide as well. I can still sit on a horse, and battle holds no fear for me."

  "We haven't declared war yet, and I'll put it off as long as possible. If Bromley wants to make trouble, it will, but I've abandoned hope of recovering the southern lands we lost. The negotiations were getting nowhere. All they want is to put your cousins on my throne. I refused."

  Renaldo thought for a minute. “Does that mean that the succession has been altered?"

  The look his father gave him seemed to penetrate right through his skull. “Yes. It means Sylvain will be next in line. Why? Have you second thoughts about becoming king?"

  "Yes.” It was always best to be direct and truthful with his father.

  "Has she inherited her mother's charm then?"

  "Yes, but it doesn't matter,” said Renaldo. “I fell in love with her, and her charm has no effect on me, except, perhaps, to make me love her more."

  The fire in the chimney was dying, and the light became redder. The lamps had long ago flickered and gone out. Moonlight filtered through the white curtains and fell on the bed, illuminating Leonie's bandaged face and arms. Everything else was in shadow.

  His father stirred, then said irritably, “A king is not an easy position, but it's the position you've been trained for. I know better than to tell you what to do. Your sense of duty will dictate your actions. I will wait for you downstairs. I have things to say to Sir Casper. We're leaving as soon as I finish.” He rose, and without waiting for any reply, left the room.

  "Leonie?” Something told Renaldo she was listening to them.

  Her eyes opened. They were clear, like rainwater, and in the moonlight, seemed almost silver. Blood still matted her hair, and no one had changed her dress. It was still the torn and tattered silk robe. Pain clouded her eyes, and there was sorrow too. Renaldo thought he knew why.

  "How are you feeling? Should I get your father?"

  "No. I want to talk to you first.” Her words were muffled by bandages.

  "About what?"

  "Thank you for saving me."

  He wasn't expecting that. “I don't know if I did."

  "I won't let you give up your responsibilities to Windtide,” she said. Her hand tightened on his.

  "I would never do that, but there are different ways of shouldering one's responsibilities. Besides, my father is still the king. He has many years before him. Now that the house of Bromley has no more claim to our throne, Sylvain will have to be trained to rule. My parents will be busy. As for me, there are other lands beyond the Isle of the Three Kingdoms. I think perhaps, it is time someone thought about opening trading routes and finding strong allies in case Bromley decides to conquer all of Windtide."

  "Is that what you'd like to do? Open trading routes?” Leonie spoke softly.

  Renaldo looked at her. “And find allies. I'd like to go explore other lands. I've taken a liking to sailing, and the world is vast. Windtide will need more allies if Bromley decides to push past our boundaries again. I intend to secure a treaty with Querel. But perhaps I'll let Sylvain take care of that. He seems gifted in diplomacy."

  "That sounds like a good idea,” said Leonie weakly. As she spoke, the door creaked open and Claude came in. It was still a shock to Renaldo to see the mouse as a human.

  "I thought she'd be awake by now.” He lit the lamp at the foot of her bed and said, “Will you excuse me, Renaldo?"

  Renaldo got up and hopped over to the other chair. He watched as Claude sat down and delicately took the bandages off Leonie's face. “Is she healed already?” Renaldo asked.

  "No, of course not. But the bleeding has stopped and it's best to leave it alone for now. The bandages will only rub the cuts and make them worse."

  Renaldo felt his stomach tighten as he saw Leonie's face and arms. Her face would never look the same. It was scarred, he saw, disfigured forever. Her arms were badly bruised and cut as well. Luckily, the two magicians had enough power between them to accelerate the healing process and ease her discomfort.

  "Tomorrow you can bathe and change your clothes. But tonight, you must lie still and rest. Cook will bring you some soup in a few minutes.” Claude said, patting her hand.

  "Aren't you afraid to fall under her charm?” Renaldo blurted.

  Claude smiled sadly. “She is injured and her charm spell is so faint as to be almost evaporated. But I've no doubt it will return when she recovers."

  Renaldo's heart leapt. “What I feel for her has nothing to do with the spell. I knew it! I love her, and can't live without her."

  "And yet you must.” Leonie's voice was clear.

  "What do you mean?” Renaldo got up and almost took a step, remembered his missing leg just in time, and tightened his grip upon the back of his chair.

  "You are the crown prince of Windtide, whether you like it or not. You have a duty to your kingdom."

  "I have no intention of shirking,” Renaldo said. He hopped to her bed. Looking down at her he said, “I intend to marry you. Perhaps we won't see each other as much as we'd like, but I can't imagine life without you. Knowing you're here, waiting for me wherever I may be will give me courage to do my duties despite being nothing but a one-legged prince. I will always be prince of Windtide,” he said. “But my heart is here, with you."

  "But I don't want to marry anyone,” said Leonie. Her eyes shimmered with tears but they didn't spill over to her cheeks. “I want to be free. I don't want to live anywhere. As soon as I can, I want to return to the forest."

  Claude shook his head. “That is the unicorn speaking. I remember clearly being a mouse, and for a while it will be hard to stop craving cheese.” He gave a crooked grin. “Tomorrow, you will be more like Leonie.” To Renaldo he said, “I think it would be best if you accompanied your father to your own castle. You must let Leonie recover. She is still part unicorn."

  Renaldo, looking into her strange, silvery eyes, knew that Claude was right.

  Renaldo bent down and brushed a kiss as light as moth wings upon Leonie's forehead. “Farewell, Lady Leonie. Know that I love you, and I will be back."

  "I love you, too,” she said. But her mouth trembled violently as she said it, and endless forests appeared in the depths of her eyes. Renaldo turned away, his heart heavy.

  [Back to Table of Contents]

  Chapter Twenty Two

  Enchantments and Apologies

  Leonie watched him leave, her own heart beating painfully. She hadn't seen him after his accident, and watching him hop slowly out of the room on crutches tortured her. She wanted to leap from the bed, hug him, and tell him she'd always love him. But part of her shied from that
thought and strained toward the perfect freedom she'd known as a unicorn.

  Besides, her wounds were too severe. Even if she tried, she couldn't move. She had to keep still and heal. She felt her father's and Claude's magic coursing through her; knitting flesh together, realigning bones and tendons, and soothing bruises and cuts. She closed her eyes. Her own magic had been nearly depleted when she'd called the whirlwind to save herself and Renaldo from the hounds. The dogs had been enchanted by Sir Wulfe. She'd been able to feel that. Why should Sir Wulfe hate her? But he did, she had felt that, too. He'd wanted to crush her to dust. And yet, he claimed to love her!

  He acted as if he owned her, when no one owned her. Nobody did.

  A violent shudder racked her body. Even the thought of Renaldo owning her made her feel ill. Why did men and women have to marry anyway? She didn't feel like eating. She wanted to turn back into a unicorn and flee the house. The covers were too heavy, the walls too close to her. She felt trapped.

  Then the door opened and Cook entered, bearing a tray. She set it carefully on the chair and fussed over the fireplace, adding tinder and logs until the yellow tongues of flame lit up the room. Then she turned the lamps up, chasing the last of the shadows away.

  With gentle, deft hands Cook propped pillows behind her, sitting her up in the bed so that she could eat. But her arms and hand hurt too much, so Cook stayed and fed her.

  Leonie stared into Cook's mellow, amber eyes and asked, “Do you miss being a goat?” It was the first time she'd ever mentioned the enchantment to Cook, but Cook's regard didn't waver the slightest.

  "No, I don't miss it at all. My life as a goat wasn't as full as this one. I prefer being Cook. There is not a day that passes I don't thank your father for enchanting me. The same goes for Bob. Most enchantments feel the same. Why? What is it, child?"

  "I miss being a unicorn.” Leonie was suddenly afraid to look at her. What would she think?