by K. Dzr
Chapter Eighteen
D E S T I N Y
The Dracara abandoned his passengers on England’s shore, leaving the small band to travel through the woods on foot. Gavin led the way, telling stories of his days with the King. However, his words were barely heard by his guests, so amazed were they by this faraway land. They expected England to be different, but they were unprepared for an entirely new world. There were birds, but nothing like the birds in Elysi. The trees weren’t the same shape or shade of green. Instead of sandy turf, they walked upon lush grass and moist soil. Even the sun appeared distant, and didn’t shine as brightly in the strange grey sky. The air was cool as night and felt heavy and moist on their flesh.
Gavin pointed out England’s plants and animals, just as Tahir had done for him in Elysi not so long ago. Meelix and Oraden couldn’t understand what he was saying but they followed his hands as he gestured. The day hardly seemed to have begun before the sky turned dark and they were forced to set up camp. The night proved to be just as foreign; there were stars, but none in the familiar shapes found in the desert sky. Unseen beasts howled in the distance. No fairies flickered overhead. There were no soft neighs from unicorns or spritish songs to sing them to sleep. Yet England had a charm of its own and grand promises of glory on the battlefield. Those were the thoughts that guided them to sleep.
The morning air was crisp and cool—perfumed with the scent of a city not too far ahead. As they journeyed on, Gavin told them thousands of stories, painting hundreds of pictures with his words. Nothing, absolutely nothing, came close to describing the magnitude and grandeur of the castle before them. They stood on a small hill overlooking the city with its castle towering in the distance.
Guards patrolled as shopkeepers sold their wares to people busying through the streets. Horses and dogs trotted along, driven to work by their masters. People yelled and laughed. Tahir could hardly remember, but he didn’t think his village was this noisy. In fact, it was nothing like his village. The buildings here—tall and close together—were built from stone and an unfamiliar dense wood. With their pale skin and strange clothes, the people looked nothing like him. Tahir supposed if the sprites and gnomes were bigger, Rhykell would probably be a loud and busy place too. He suddenly didn’t feel so eager to stroll into such a strange and noisy place. With Gavin’s assurance, Tahir finally mounted Oraden and, with Meelix sitting in front of him, they nervously entered the city walls.
Tahir sat straight and proud; Oraden held his head high, wanting to look as though he belonged in such a place. They could feel the stares and hear the whispers of the people. Tahir swallowed hard and kept his eyes forward. Oraden’s eyes darted back and forth, and his ears tuned in to every word spoken, but he kept his head straight and high, intent on reaching the castle. Meelix never before felt so small; he was awestruck by the giant buildings and the even bigger castle looming in the distance. Gavin on the other hand, was thrilled by all the attention. He tried to keep the smug grin from creeping across his face, but not very hard.
One of the mounted guards trotted to intercept them. He stopped his steed in front of them, looking them over. After a moment he smiled at Gavin.
“Sir Gavin! Only you would stride in here like royalty.” he laughed. “Where have you been and how did you find such interesting company?”
“I have been where I was, and that is where I found my friends. It is good to see you again,” Gavin answered as he shook hands with the man.
“Are you staying or just passing through?”
“I will be here as long as I am welcome.”
“That won’t be long,” he joked. “I am certain His Majesty will want to see you. I will send a messenger ahead to inform him of your arrival.”
“Thank you.”
“I trust you'll be at the tavern before day’s end. There you can tell us what has kept you away so long.” The man nodded to Tahir and continued on to his duties. He seemed oblivious to Meelix.
“One of my students, long ago,” Gavin explained. They continued onward to see the King. The city was so large that it became an uncomfortable march to reach the distant castle; or maybe all the eyes on them made it feel that way. As promised, a messenger arrived before them, informing them that the King was already making his way down to greet them as Tahir, Meelix and Gavin dismounted their steeds.
Stable boys took Bounty by his reigns to lead him to water and feed, but they were unsure of what to do with Oraden. They were unfamiliar with this creature that had no reigns. Tahir and Oraden looked at each other, then at Gavin. They too, were unsure what they were supposed to do.
“Gavin, you old fool! How dare you enter my kingdom without warning me? You know I need time to hide my women and wine!” King Robert burst through the doors to greet his long-time friend.
“This is why I don’t tell you,” the two men roared with laughter.
“Sire, these are my friends. This is Tahir al-Din of the Nubian Desert, and this is Meelix of Rhykell.”
“Welcome to my kingdom, Tahir and Meelix. A friend of Gavin’s is a friend of mine.”
“Thank you, Your Grace,” Tahir said shyly.
“I must insist that you have dinner with the royal family tonight.”
“Ah, excellent! It’s been ages since I’ve had a decent meal.” Gavin rubbed his belly.
“I say! Is that a unicorn?” the King asked, turning his attention to Oraden. “And black as night! In all my days I have never seen anything like it. Where did you find such a beast?”
“We found each other,” Tahir explained.
“Oh, so it’s your unicorn?” he walked around the animal, running his hands over its silky coat. “Quite a find indeed.”
“Oh, no, he doesn’t belong to me. He’s my friend.”
The King gave Tahir a curious glance then looked to Gavin.
“It is true,” Gavin began to explain. “The unicorn, his name is ‘Oraden’ does not belong to the boy. They are friends; equals if you will.”
“What exactly does that mean?”
“The boy Tahir, well, he has a certain magic that allows him to speak with the unicorn and understand him. Actually, he can communicate with all animals and peoples alike.”
“So the boy is a wizard of some sort?” King Robert’s eyes darted to Tahir and back to Gavin. “What other magic does the boy possess?”
“None to my knowledge.”
“And the gnome?”
“Meelix? He’s as harmless as a butterfly.”
“But has he magic?”
“I know of no magic to the gnome. Why?”
“Gavin, why have you returned now after so many years? And why have you brought such strange company?” the King asked.
“It is not entirely my doing.”
“Why must I play these ‘question and answer’ games with you? Tell me what I want to know!”
“Right.” He exhaled deeply and cleared his throat. “Demetrius says hello.”
King Robert locked eyes with Gavin, absorbing his last comment. After a long pause he nodded his head.
“I see. Then there is much to discuss. After dinner you will tell me the whole story, including my part in it. But first…” King Robert turned from Gavin to address Tahir. “We will see that all of you are made comfortable. Tahir, tell me what accommodations would be suitable for your unicorn and little friend here, and I will see it done. I imagine you would like to clean up before dinner. I will arrange for some fine new clothes for you all. Oh…” King Robert paused as he looked at Meelix. “Ah, my apologies. I am afraid we may not have anything for the little gnome here. But, don’t worry,” he squatted down to speak directly to Meelix. “By morning my tailors will have an entire wardrobe for you—fine enough to be in the company of a King.”
Meelix smiled and nodded. He knew the King was saying something nice, but he had no idea what. He just hoped his nod was an appropriate response.
“Thank you, Your Grace,” Tahir offered, “that sounds wond
erful. I will let you know as soon as I ask Oraden where he wants to spend the night.”
“Don’t tell me, tell the stable boy. He will see it done. I will see you all fresh and dressed when the bells chime.”