by K. Dzr
* * * * *
“Ramah!” The owl stretched its wings and flew to a lower limb. “Looking for me?”
“Yes. Hello, Alexander. My family is in need of Demetrius’ wisdom regarding my son’s future. He is anxious to become an adventurer…”
“Hmmm.” The owl cocked his head. “Yes, yes. I have been watching young Oraden for some time now.”
“You have?”
“Bring your offspring, as well as the human, to the house at midday tomorrow. Their futures will be determined then.”
“Thank you, Alexander.”
“Farewell.” the owl flapped its wings and disappeared into the trees.
“Farewell,” Ramah whispered to the stars.
Ramah returned to the heart of Elysi to find Oraden asleep under the large acacia at the edge of the stream. He paused to watch his son’s gentle breathing. It was dark and quiet in Tahir’s tree house; he assumed the boy was asleep as well.
Sleep however, would not come for Ramah. The sun would soon rise in the meadow. They would leave on the journey that would decide Oraden and Tahir’s fate. This meeting was their last chance. Demetrius would not possibly approve of Oraden leaving the protection of Elysi. Surely he would know what is best for his son.
Diamond awoke at first light. She walked over to her mate and drank from the cool stream. She knew what was keeping Ramah up all night. She shared his concern, but she also knew that they would not be able to keep Oraden in Elysi forever if he were destined to do otherwise. She could sense the ever-watchful eyes upon him; it gave her great relief. She knew her son was the one the legends spoke of and that he would one day fulfill his purpose. She knew even before he was born, for the dreams during her captivity told her so. Her feelings were affirmed when Tahir appeared; this strange boy who could speak to animals. How was it he could so quickly see and hear all that Elysi offered? She suspected there might be legends about him as well. Oraden would be taken from her, either by his own will or at the hand of a great wizard. One way or another, destiny would have her way. It had all been foretold and was finally coming to pass. Who was she to stand in the way?
“Wake them up, Diamond,” Ramah commanded. “We have far to travel.”
They traveled deep into the woods most of the morning. Ramah and Diamond deep in thought as the youngsters trotted behind, so enthralled in their chatter about becoming adventurers that they hardly noticed their parents’ contemplative dispositions. Before long however, they did notice they were beyond the protective borders of Elysi. Many times they’d traveled far beyond the fairies’ protective shroud, but this area was unfamiliar. Yet, Oraden still felt surrounded by magic.
“Where are we, Father?”
“I am not certain. But I know this is the correct way.”
“To where?”
“We are going to meet with a powerful wizard, the same wizard that came to rescue us,” Diamond explained. “He’s going to tell us your destinies.”
“Did you hear that, Tahir?” Oraden pranced about. “This is the ultimate adventure! We’re going off into these mysterious woods to meet a wizard! With my parents! We’ve never been on an adventure together before!”
“A real wizard! What do you think he’s going to be like?”
“What’s his name, Father?”
“His name is Demetrius…”
“Demetrius? THE Demetrius?” Oraden interrupted. “Demetrius and Alexander saved you?”
Diamond and Ramah stopped in their tracks.
“How do you now about Demetrius and Alexander?” Ramah asked.
“Fairies told me,” he answered.
Tahir looked back and forth from Oraden to his parents.
Ramah glanced at Diamond and saw that she was also surprised to hear that Oraden knew of his magic, even if he did not understand it. He continued leading the way through the woods.
As they followed, Oraden told Tahir everything he knew about Demetrius and Alexander. They whispered their excitement and speculated about what their visit with wizards would be like. Ahead, Diamond and Ramah talked similarly, sharing the uncertainties about what the future would hold for their son.
The sun was high when they heard distant sounds and the smell of food cooking. Through the trees Tahir saw a naked man chopping wood. He looked like no man Tahir had ever seen. His skin was like that of a ghost. Slightly curly, wispy dark hair hung down just past his ears and lifted in the light breeze. His body was wiry but muscular. Thin hair covered his arms and chest. His face was stern and unfriendly, with thick hair covering his cheeks and chin. Something about this man was strangely familiar, though. His eyes. Tahir had seen them before; they were the same icy blue as those of the man who rescued him all those years ago. Like that stranger, he stared intensely, as though he could see everything.
The man watched the visitors approach. One corner of his mouth curled up into a half smile. He looked up at the sky and gauged the time.
“Ramah, Diamond. You are early.” The man brought the blade of his axe down into the wood.
“Hello, Alexander. We didn’t want to keep you waiting.”
Alexander cocked his head and peered behind the two older unicorns to look at Tahir and Oraden. “Hiding behind your parents? That is not the way of a warrior.”
“No, Sir,” they answered in unison; ashamed that they’d already disappointed Alexander. They shyly stepped forward to greet the wizard.
“Much better,” he said looking them over. “Come, Demetrius is eager to meet you,” he picked up his firewood and led the visitors toward the meager hut in the clearing. He carried the large load of wood with ease, and his bare feet moved silently over twigs and leaves.
Tahir was surprised to see such a modest house; it was built similarly to the homes of his village—with a single window and a door haphazardly hung by two ropes. He was expecting something far more elaborate, with beautiful arches, fountains, multiple rooms and servants. Alexander reached the door and stood to one side.
“Tahir, would you mind please?”
Tahir stepped up and held the door for the three unicorns and Alexander. Upon entering the small house, he was astonished by how much room there was inside. It was filled from floor to ceiling with books. All three unicorns had plenty of space to walk about freely without fear of bumping into furniture or knocking anything over. Tahir stuck his head back out of the door. How was it possible for the inside to be bigger than the outside?
Demetrius’ hearty laugh brought him back into the house.
“Not everything is what it would seem now is it, Tahir?” he laughed. “Come on in, young man. Join us. It is good to see you all. I am Demetrius. Allow me to introduce my good friend, Li’Ang, and apprentice Kraven.”
“I am very pleased to meet all of you,” Li’Ang said with a bow. Her voice was soft, and every syllable of every word was precisely articulated. Her gestures were small, her expressions slight, but it was clear in her mannerisms that she was pleased to meet them. She was a beautiful woman with long straight hair darker than Oraden’s coat, a stark contrast to her skin, pale as the full moon. Her small eyes, like Alexander’s, seemed to be able to see everything, but lacked his intensity. Rather than being intimidating and cold, they were warm and comforting.
Kraven, on the other hand, appeared disinterested in the meeting. His skin was also very light, and his face held eyes like the sea. He was thin and wiry, but lacked Alexander’s athleticism and ruggedness. Instead, his beard was neatly trimmed and his silver hair perfectly in place. His clothes were of a finer quality and he moved with deliberate poise.
Demetrius, unlike his associates, looked like the Arabian men Tahir saw trading in his village from time to time. Nothing unusual, nothing that would indicate he was as old as time or as wise and powerful as the wizard of Oraden’s tales. He squinted constantly, and moved about using his hands to guide him.
“Well now, let’s get to why we are all here, shall we? Come, let me look at you Oraden.” Demetrius h
eld the unicorn’s face in his hands and peered into his eyes. “Hmmm.” While Alexander clothed himself in a silk kimono, Demetrius walked slowly around Oraden, examining him from head to tail with his hands. He stroked the black coat and tail, and lifted each hoof.
Abruptly, he turned and felt his way across the room to a bookshelf. He searched until he found the particular book he was looking for, and then he flipped through a few pages. He held the book a breath away from his face and read a segment. He slammed the book shut and faced Oraden again.
“So, here stands before me the black unicorn I have heard so much about.”
“You’ve heard about me?” Oraden lit up.
“Oh, yes indeed. You are intelligent, courageous, and energetic—with an insatiable curiosity. You also have a fiery temper and a disregard for rules, which often gets you into trouble. Ah, and very little patience it would appear.”
“Oh,” Oraden replied, lowering his head in shame.
“And I hear you want to see the world; go on adventures, fight evil monsters and become a heroic warrior.”
“Yes!” Oraden answered, his eyes lighting up again.
Demetrius then turned to Tahir and examined him the same as he had with Oraden, but did not require reference from a book.
“I am truly sorry about your parents. When they died, part of you died. I can sense that you are no longer whole. But one day, Tahir, you will be whole again. No one can replace your parents; this is true. But you are smart, strong and determined. You have been blessed with everything you need to be whatever you choose. You will go to England where you will find your destiny and become a warrior. A powerful and respected warrior.
“Ah, but do not let revenge cut into your heart,” he shook a pointed finger at Tahir. “Anger, hatred, revenge, greed, all of these will make you foolish. And transform you into someone you were not meant to be. Become a warrior to help the weak. Do not let what happened to you happen to others. You survived the attack on your village because God has blessed you. Do not let His blessing be a waste. We have chosen you because we believe in you. Don’t just become a warrior, become a knight. Live by a code of chivalry, respect and honor; and you will fulfill your destiny. Remember my words.” Demetrius smiled and placed both hands on Tahir’s shoulders. Ramah and Diamond smiled, too; proud and happy that Tahir would fulfill his destiny. Li’Ang nodded her approval. Demetrius then turned back to Oraden.
“As for you, Black Unicorn, Tahir will become a knight, and you his steed. You will be his protector, advisor, assistant, teacher, pupil, companion and friend. And he will be yours. Stay together; you will be a powerful team because your power comes from each other. It is determined. Oraden, you will do your traveling and become a hero to many, and you will love every minute of it.
The emotions that allow us to love and hate, laugh and cry, are alive and are a part of us. But they must not be allowed to control us. You must control your emotions just as you control your body. Childlike moods and temper tantrums make you foolish and weak. How will you control your destiny if you cannot control your temper? Think about it. Work on it. Remember my words,”
he smiled and patted Oraden’s neck before turning to face the room again.
“Alright, enough serious talk,” he announced, clapping his hands twice. “It is time to eat. Oh, forgive me. Are there any questions?”
“I have a question, Demetrius, please.”
“Of course Tahir, what is it?”
“Well, you said you chose me. What do you mean?”
“Oh, how silly of me; I didn’t explained our part in all of this did I? You see, we’ve been watching you both for some time. We saw something special in you, Tahir. So, when Alexander found your village destroyed, he rescued you from the wreckage.”
“That was Alexander who saved me?”
“Yes, of course.”
“But he looks nothing like—that man.”
“As you have already learned, things are not always what they seem. Anyway, Li’Ang has the power of influence. It was she who led Oraden to you, and it was Alexander who led you to Oraden.”
“You mean…everything since that day…I had no control over?”
“Not true. Not at all. Let’s see… Have you ever had a feeling that you should do something? Maybe an instinct, or a small voice saying ‘go that way’?”
“Yes, I think so.”
“Well, that was Li’Ang. All she did was influence you to come to Elysi. In fact, it was her that led you here today. Other than that, you were on your own.”
“Why was it so important that I reached Elysi?”
Demetrius burst into laughter.
“Don’t you know? You never would have made it alone without the assistance of those you’ve come to know during your years in Elysi.”
“Oh, um,” Tahir mumbled shamefully.
“I would expect you to find comfort in this revelation, Tahir.” Alexander said. “You have never been truly alone, never truly in danger. I walked with you in the desert that day you left your village. I even allowed you to see me so you wouldn’t feel so lonely.”
“But no one was there when…” Tahir paused to remember the days he felt so alone. “You mean the little fennec fox? That was you?”
Alexander nodded.
“You’ve been watching me the whole time?”
Although it was nice to know someone had been protecting him all these years, he was uneasy with the thought that he never had any privacy. He wasn’t fond of the idea of being led to Elysi either. Just how much of his life had been controlled by these wizards? And for what purpose?
“I have yet to gain the ability to be in two places simultaneously. While there were certainly times I’ve found your antics…entertaining, to say the least, there are often more important matters I must attend to. Nonetheless, I am never too far away.”
“Wait,” Diamond interrupted. “If you’ve been watching them, why didn’t you help when the hyenas attacked? They could’ve been killed.”
The wizards burst into laughter. Diamond and Ramah found nothing amusing about an altercation with a pack of hyenas.
“They were never truly in danger,” Alexander explained.
“Alexander was one of the hyenas,” Kraven revealed through a smug grin.
“What?” Diamond was outraged. “You would attack my child?”
“That is unacceptable!” Ramah bellowed.
“While Alexander and I do not always agree upon methods, I do trust his judgment. He has nothing but Tahir and Oraden’s best interests in mind,” Demetrius explained, trying to soothe their aggravation.
“I never attacked. I was near when I saw the hyenas approaching, so I joined the pack,” Alexander explained. “Yes, I watched them fight, and I barked and nipped at them to foster the chaos, but I never touched any of them. They want to be warriors, yes? They want to go to a faraway land and protect others. But their courage has never truly been tested. What would they do in the face of danger? Would they freeze in terror? Abandon the sprites and Roddy? Would they fight? Before I agreed to send them to a strange land to battle strange creatures and people, I needed to know how well they would handle danger in their own environment where they were comfortable and familiar. Before I could send them to protect strangers, could I trust them to protect those they called friends?”
“Although I would never intentionally throw Oraden or Tahir into unnecessary danger, on this I agreed with Alexander. We had to know if they were ready,” Demetrius said. “They put themselves and their friends in danger. We needed to know they could get themselves out of it. It seemed the perfect test; if hyenas posed too big of a threat, then England was most certainly out of the question.”
“As I said,” Alexander continued. “They were never truly in danger. At any moment I could have destroyed the entire pack with a single thought.”
“But…look at them,” Diamond insisted. “They were seriously injured. Oraden could hardly walk for days! They were covered in
bruises and open wounds.”
Alexander smiled. He turned his head so she could see the side of his face, and with his finger he traced the scar from his temple to beneath his jaw. Then he opened his kimono to expose his muscular chest slashed with jagged gouges from claws and fangs, and patches of taut, rippled flesh burned by wizards’ fire and lightning.
“What is a warrior without a few battle scars?” he asked.
“As a parent,” Ramah cleared his throat, “it’s not the type of thing you like to hear, but I see your point. He’s right, Diamond.”
Diamond shook her head. She understood; she didn’t like it, but she understood.
“Now, shall we eat?” Demetrius asked. “We’ve prepared a grand meal fit for a variety of guests. Let’s move outside where our quadruped friends will be more comfortable.”
Li’Ang led them through a long hallway and out the back door. In the clearing sat a large, square table suitable for six humans. It held a variety of fruits, cooked meats, bread and wine. Next to it, a lower table without chairs was set for five. Three settings were large, colorful dishes garnished with fancy grasses and filled with delicately sliced fruits and vegetables. The other two settings simply held a plate with a crude raw flank of some poor animal.
“Beautiful, Alexander!” Demetrius praised. “I knew all it needed was your fine touch.”
“It is very lovely,” Diamond offered.
“Where are Star and Swift?” Li’Ang asked. “I am certain they will not want to miss this.”
“I threatened to burn their whiskers off if they did not stay out of the way,” Alexander confessed.
“I will burn more than that if you harm my precious babies. Star! Swift! Come!”
Demetrius and Alexander tried to hide their laughter.
Seconds later, two white tiger-like animals with feathery wings came bounding from the other side of the house. Li’Ang squatted down to greet them. The large cats nuzzled and purred as she pet them and whispered in their ears.
“Don’t let that mean wolf-man frighten you. I won’t let him hurt my babies.”
“You know I wouldn’t harm them,” Alexander turned to the frightened unicorns. “We’re all friends here; like family. No one is going to hurt anyone else. The sabers are very intelligent, they will not harm you, I promise. Now please, take your places and enjoy. Jubó, come join us.”
The unicorns were still slightly uncomfortable having a meal with such large carnivorous animals.
“Will someone please tell them to relax, and explain that I have no interest in eating them?” Swift requested.
“Wow! He can talk too?” Tahir exclaimed.
The unicorns were bewildered by his question. They’d heard nothing but a growl from the beast.
“Tahir? Haven’t you figured it out yet?” Demetrius asked.
“Figured out what?”
Demetrius and Alexander looked at each other.
“Perhaps we have made a mistake with this one,” Alexander said with a raised brow.
“No, no. He’s just…well…it’s very confusing. Especially without a proper teacher,” Demetrius replied. Alexander rolled his eyes while Kraven chuckled to himself as he placed a napkin on his lap and began cutting his meat.
“Figured out what, Demetrius?”
“What your magic is. I would have thought you’d at least have an idea by now.”
“What? What magic do I have?” Tahir was on the edge of his seat.
“I don’t know anyone else who had to be told what their magic was, but I suppose your circumstances are a bit different. Still, given the nature of your…”
“Demetrius!” Li’Ang scolded. “Would you please just tell him?”
“Yes, of course, but first, perhaps a test?”
Li’Ang nodded. While she trusted Demetrius’ judgment, she was still not convinced this boy was worth their efforts. Demetrius nodded to Alexander.
Immediately, Alexander transformed into the most demonic-looking creature he could think of. The three-headed dog with a mane of hissing snakes leapt over the table towards Tahir. Each frenzied head barked madly and foamed at the mouth. The unicorns reared and neighed, scattered from the table and vanished. Tahir fell backwards out of his chair and screamed as the dog landed on top of him. Oraden, still invisible, galloped toward the monster as Tahir scrabbled in the leaves and grass; This was the most terrifying thing he’d ever seen. He truly thought his heart was going to explode out of his chest. Oraden’s heart pounded, too, as he leapt over the monster’s back. His front hooves barely hit the ground when he fired his hind legs back and kicked the monster as hard as he could. Alexander went flying before he crashed and tumbled on the ground. He sat up and turned to look at Demetrius and Li’Ang, cocking all three heads as if to ask, ‘Satisfied?’
“What happened to Tahir? Where is he?” Oraden demanded as he materialized, eyes and horn glowing brightly.
Alexander resumed his human form with both hands pressed against his back. Li’Ang and Demetrius nodded their approval.
“Well done.” Demetrius applauded.
Tahir looked down to see if he was bleeding or injured. He saw nothing. He was invisible.
Oraden trotted to the spot he thought Tahir should have been and pawed the ground.
“Tahir?” Oraden neighed. “You disappeared. Where are you?”
“Over here!” Tahir stood up and giggled. As his fear subsided, he slowly became visible again.
“My apologies for scaring you so,” Alexander said while tying his kimono. “We had to see what you’ve learned. That was quite a kick Oraden.”
The unicorn smiled proudly.
“But,” Alexander continued, “If you ever do it again I will break your legs.”
“Alexander!” Li’Ang and Demetrius scolded in unison.
“Excellent work, both of you. Your courage is commendable,” Li’Ang said reassuringly.
“How long have you been able to do that?” Diamond asked as she and Ramah nervously returned to the table.
“I, I don’t know.” Tahir stammered. “I didn’t know I could. Cooyah! I have magic like the unicorns!”
“Yes, well to some extent,” Demetrius explained. “Please everyone sit. I assure you there will be no more tests, at least not of that nature. In addition, Tahir, you have the magic of universal language. You are able to communicate with every living thing.”
“Tahir! That explains the mers!”
“And all the voices I’ve been hearing. I’m not crazy after all!”
“No, you’re not crazy. But someone out there thinks you’re stupid,” Oraden said, reminding Tahir what caused their fight. They doubled over in laughter.
At last, everyone began to enjoy the meal. The adults made light conversation while Tahir and Oraden entertained themselves with thoughts of the future; of all the things they would see and do as a powerful, warrior team.
“That was absolutely delicious,” Diamond commented. “What an amazingly delicious variety of food.”
“It sure was. I ate so much I probably won’t be able to eat again until the next full moon,” Tahir said, patting his stomach.
“I am pleased you enjoyed it. Perhaps we will have the opportunity to enjoy each other’s company again,” Alexander said.
“Thank you all for coming to visit me,” Demetrius said as he stood and clapped his hands. “Tahir, Oraden, I am sending you on a mission. Tomorrow you are to leave Elysi by way of the eastern passage. Be assured, your journey will be a safe one. Continue east into the desert and follow the river for three days. You will find a small village; look for a man named Gavin. Li’Ang has guided him there as she guided you here. He will help to prepare you for your journey. When he is finished with you, come back to your family. When you are ready to leave for England, return to me.”
They agreed and thanked Demetrius.
“It is getting late. Go now and rest well. You have a long way to travel tomorrow.” They quickly said their goodbyes and h
urried back to Elysi. The four wizards sat for some time, quietly contemplating the day’s events.
“What do you think, Li’Ang?”
“He shows great promise, as you have said Demetrius. But he is so young; they both are: So unrefined and naïve. The hour is so close. But they are eager. Yes, I believe we may have found just who we have been looking for.”