by K. Dzr
Chapter Nineteen
H U M A N S
Tahir’s treehouse was built a short walk from the castle walls. Following Meelix’s instructions, the King’s men were able to complete it in a single day. It was a grand treehouse in comparison to the one the gnomes built for him in Elysi. This one had wooden rails surrounding a small balcony, a retractable ladder, a window with a latch that he could open and close, and to his amazement, it was furnished with a small bed, an even smaller one for Meelix, and a table and two chairs. Upon the table sat a single lantern. It was truly worthy of a place to call home.
In the days that followed their arrival, Gavin spent most of his time in the castle or the tavern discussing politics, sharing stories and re-acclimating with royalty. Tahir, Meelix and Oraden entertained themselves by exploring their new surroundings.
Tahir was intrigued by the variety of plant life in this exotic landscape. He examined the trees, grasses, flowers, and bushes—which the Englanders called hedges. The gardens were ingeniously arranged to provide varied foods: fruits and berries, roots and grains, stalks and vines dripping with fat pods. He became acquainted with the small creatures in the forest and meadows, assuring them he was a friend and meant no harm.
Oraden instinctively shied away from the humans despite Tahir’s insistence that there was no reason to avoid them. If they were going to remain here for any length of time, they were going to have to get used to human beings.
Tahir was very friendly in his interactions with the humans. He introduced Oraden as a companion, much the same way a man would introduce his favorite horse. He never mentioned magic or revealed that he could talk to Oraden. The unicorn played the part of an ordinary animal; he stood by, seemingly disinterested in conversation, and allowed himself to be petted.
Meelix, however, did not want to be petted, though he didn’t object when children wanted to touch him. He smiled and played with the children as much as their parents would allow. Most people heard of gnomes. Some even claimed to have seen them deep in the woods. This prompted Meelix, Tahir and Oraden to go in search of gnomes, but if the small people were there, they were impossible to find.
On occasion, Destiny joined them in the garden or invited them for tea. Tahir would tell her all he knew of magic and dragons and unicorns. She’d ask endless questions, fascinated by every detail.
Since Tahir was too old to be a page, and missed much of what he should have learned as a child, Destiny took it upon herself to teach him rhetoric, reading, philosophy, literature and religion in exchange for his tales of Elysi. Most of it was easy, especially learning Latin and how to read, but even when he struggled to understand philosophical concepts, she never seemed to tire of him. During such lessons, she and Tahir strolled through the gardens alone. He could spend all of each day answering her endless questions and listening to her teachings.
“Tahir, you are so unlike any of my father’s other guests,” she said during a break from reading the teachings of Pliny.
“How so?”
“Most men would spend their time in the castle, partaking of food and drink, agreeing with my father on issues of politics and religion, trying to win his favor…or bidding for me. You don’t seem to be interested in any of those things.”
“I don’t know much about your politics, and my religion is different from yours—not that I remember very much of it. I’m afraid I’d only embarrass myself. It’s all still very complicated to me.”
“Is there nothing in the castle that fascinates you?” she asked. She stooped to smell a rose, still peering at Tahir from of the corner of her eye. Tahir pondered the question as he watched her pluck the rose and walk toward him.
“You have such an eye for beauty, Tahir. I listen to you describe in great detail the grace and majesty of a creature ready to devour you; of sunsets, animals, flowers and even the cold stone walls of my castle. But none for me? Do you not think I am pretty?”
“Yes, yes, of course I do, I mean, no…I mean…” His cheeks burned.
“You do not say it.” she held the rose up to his face. “A hundred times you have complimented my father’s flowers, but not his daughter.”
His mind raced for the right words. Sudlin would know the perfect thing to say.
“My Lady, all the beauty of the unicorns and flowers of Elysi…the stars and sun and moon over Africa, the birds and butterflies and waterfalls and rainbows I have seen could not prepare me for your beauty.” he raised an eyebrow and waited to see if his words were good enough.
She smelled her rose again and then turned and continued on, smiling back at him over her shoulder. She weaved through the garden, delicately running her fingertips over rose petals as she went. Tahir followed, taking a more direct route. He smiled to himself, proud of how he handled her request.
“What good is a compliment if it must be taken like taxes from the townspeople?”
“I may not know what is proper to say to a Lady, but that doesn’t make my words any less true.”
They returned to a small table already set with tea and luxurious deserts. Tahir hurried to help her into her chair as he saw the servants do, and then he poured the tea.
“How fortunate you are, Tahir,” she said between sips, “to have seen so much of the world. I have been given everything appropriate for the daughter of the wealthiest king of all kingdoms; but it is a life trapped behind these walls. I have all but what I truly want: to see; to know, to experience. To not have to imagine from someone else’s story; I want to have my own story.”
Tahir couldn’t image living his life without adventure; to be a prisoner in his home—even a home as nice as the castle. Sure, it was massive, with extensive grounds, even so, there was only so much one could explore. Then he had an idea.
“Come, My Lady,” he said as he rose from his seat. “I will give you your story.”
She hesitated, not quite understanding what he meant.
“It’s okay, we’re not going far,” Tahir added as he held his hand out to her.
She looked around to see if anyone might be watching. Seeing no one, she quickly took his hand and they ran into the woods, giggling.
Once they neared the treehouse, they slowed to a walk and Tahir gave a sharp whistle. Destiny was dumbfounded when movement and rustling of leaves and dirt came closer and closer until a galloping black unicorn appeared before her eyes. It trotted right up to Tahir and made strange noises, pawing the ground and tossing its head. Tahir chuckled and rolled his eyes. She couldn’t believe hers.
“Destiny, this is Oraden, my best friend I’ve been telling you about. Oraden, this is Lady Destiny.”
“I know who she is. She’s all you’ve talked about since we’ve been here,” Oraden teased.
“Be quiet!”
“She can’t understand me, anyway.” he snorted.
“He’s so beautiful, Tahir. May I…pet him?”
“You can do one better. Would you like to ride him?”
“R-Ride him? I- I’ve never…I mean, I don’t know. Is that okay?”
“Ride me?”
“Yes.” Tahir paused for a moment. “Is that okay, Oraden?”
“I guess so. Yes, it’s probably a great honor to give a ride to royalty. Great warrior-adventurer horses do those things, right?”
“Of course.” Tahir turned to address Destiny. “He said he’d be honored to give you a ride.”
“But I don’t know how to ride a unicorn.”
“It’s just like riding a horse.”
“But…without a saddle or stirrups…how…?”
“I don’t know. You just jump up on him like this.” Tahir demonstrated. “See?”
“For fairies sake, Tahir, look at her: all those funny clothes and shoes. She probably can’t jump,” Oraden explained as Tahir dismounted. “I’ll kneel down for her.”
“Good idea.”
Destiny’s eyes lit up with joy. “Oh, thank you Oraden. You are such a gentleman.” She patted his forehe
ad. Tahir took her hand to assist her in mounting Oraden and steadied her as the unicorn rose to his feet.
“Okay, just hold onto his mane and you’ll be fine,” Tahir instructed.
“Is she ready?” Oraden looked behind him to see Destiny smiling anxiously atop his back. “Oh, yes, she’s ready,” he laughed to see her excitement and began trotting about. He lifted his knees high and held his head and tail up straight, walking the way he thought a royal steed would.
Destiny followed Oraden’s lead by sitting up as straight as she could, proudly riding a unicorn through the royal forest. She tried to look poised and majestic, but she could not stop grinning.
“This is wonderful, Tahir!
“Hey, Tahir. Do I look like a royal steed?”
“You both look great!” Tahir said between giggles. Actually, he thought Oraden looked ridiculous trying to walk so properly. Oraden stopped mid-gait when he saw Tahir laughing.
“You think I look stupid! What do you know? This IS how royal steeds walk.” Oraden snorted defiantly. Tahir could not stop giggling.
Oraden tossed his head in defeat. “Fine. Hop on, Tahir, let’s show this Lady some real fun!”
“Okay!” Tahir stopped laughing and jumped on Oraden’s back behind Destiny. He reached around her to grab the mane. She squealed in delight as Oraden reared up, neighing and kicking the air.
“Oraden! Don’t forget Meelix!” Tahir shouted.
They galloped toward the treehouse with Tahir shouting for Meelix. The gnome looked out and saw them approaching. Whatever they were up to, he didn’t want to miss. He scrambled over the rail of the balcony just in time to jump down into Tahir’s arms without Oraden even breaking stride.
“Good catch, Tahir! Where are we going?”
“I don’t know.”
The three sped through the woods on Oraden’s back. Oraden was definitely reaping the benefits of his months of training with Gavin. He easily leapt over fallen trees and small ravines, splashed through creeks, dashed between trees and up and down hills as though they weren’t even there. He felt invincible, and neighed as he leapt over a small creek and changed directions to follow it toward the meandering river.
A race through the woods on the back of the light-footed unicorn had long ago lost its magic for Tahir. What made this particular ride memorable was his company. He took the opportunity to examine her pale skin and the delicate fabric of her clothes. He leaned sideways to catch a glimpse of her face. She squinted her eyes as Oraden’s long mane whipped in her face. Despite the fact that she was on the adventure of her life, she couldn’t help but notice Tahir observing her. The corners of her mouth curled upward as she peeked behind to lock eyes with him. Not even on the back of the kingdom’s fastest horse had she ever ridden so fast—and never bareback. She had no fear of falling with Tahir’s strong arms around her waist. Oraden slowed to a canter when they reached the place where the creek met the river.
“Let’s stop here for a little while, Oraden,” Tahir suggested.
“Yes, I want to go swimming!” Meelix announced. He climbed from Tahir’s tunic and slid down Oraden’s tail to the ground. Tahir jumped from Oraden’s back and then took Destiny by the waist to lower her to the ground.
“Thank you,” she said, staring at the ground as she straightened her dress.
“You’re welcome,” he answered, quickly pulling his hands away. “Oraden, Destiny said thank you.”
Oraden tossed his mane and trotted toward the river.
“The water looks so clear. I think that’s a good idea,” Tahir replied.
“What?” Destiny asked, looking back and forth from Oraden and Tahir.
“Oh, I forgot. Meelix suggested we go swimming. Come on!” Tahir shouted as he, Meelix and Oraden started toward the water.
“Swimming? In the river?”
“Of course.” he stopped, and turned to her and asked, “Do you know how to swim?
“No, no. Of course I can swim” she shook her head as if to dismiss such an idea. “I just…”
“Cooyah! It’s so cold!” Meelix shouted. “I’ve never been in water like this!”
Destiny and Tahir watched Meelix and Oraden splash each other.
Why shouldn’t I have fun too? Destiny thought. No one is around to see. Tahir obviously knows nothing of royal etiquette or the proper behavior for a lady…
Oraden’s neigh interrupted her thoughts. He and Meelix came out of the water and were gesturing excitedly toward some tall rocks on the riverbank.
Destiny looked quizzically at Tahir. He explained Oraden and Meelix’s excitement. “See those rocks there, hanging over the river? We once played a game where we climbed high up on the head of a dragon and dove off into the water. Oraden couldn’t do it because he’s too big, but he thinks he can dive off the rocks here. Let’s go, it’ll be fun, you’ll see.” Meelix and Oraden were already running toward the rocks.
“Wait, you guys. I’ll check to make sure the water is deep enough!” Tahir yelled. He kicked off his sandals, whipped his tunic over his head, and ran toward the rocks. After jumping into the water and diving deep below the surface several times, he returned to the riverbank where Destiny waited.
“I’ll do it. I will jump into the water, Tahir,” she said proudly, though her voice shook. Tahir smiled broadly and helped her climb to the top. Meelix and Oraden cheered and urged them on. The four of them stood silently at the edge of the cliff looking into the water.
“Jeverre’s not quite this tall, I don’t think,” Meelix said nervously from Oraden’s back.
“Jeverre is definitely not this tall,” Oraden confirmed.
“Let’s all jump together. On the count of three,” Tahir suggested.
They looked back and forth at each before nodding their consent. Tahir took Destiny’s hand tightly in his left and gently patted Oraden’s mane with his right. Meelix tightened his grip on Oraden’s mane.
“One…” Tahir began the count.
“Two…” they counted together in four different languages.
“Three!” they screamed, and jumped, kicking and neighing into the water. One by one their heads popped to the surface.
“Oh! Heavens!” Destiny gasped. “Never in all my life have I done anything so thrilling!”
“That was great!” Meelix shouted. They continued to chase each other around in the water; laughing, splashing and talking about how thrilling the jump was.
“Let’s do it again!” Destiny squealed.
“Let’s race to the top!” Tahir yelled back, already heading toward the shore. They raced up the rocks and plunged into the river again and again. As they played, Tahir noticed an odd purplish smudge on Destiny’s face. At first he thought it was some sort of reflection, but as it darkened he became concerned.
“Destiny, there’s something on your face…”
She quickly threw her hands up to cover her cheeks and scrambled out of the water.
“It’s just a leaf or something,” he offered, following her. “You don’t have to leave. Let me see.”
“NO!” she shoved him back into the water. “Leave me alone! I have to go…I’m sorry,” she called back as she ran into the woods, leaving the others perplexed.
“Should we follow her?” Meelix asked.
“I don’t know,” Tahir muttered as he scrambled back to his feet, watching as she disappeared behind the thick foliage.
She was gone. They ambled back to the castle, trying to figure out what made her so upset and how she managed to disappear so quickly.