“Point and match to Lord Teddy,” the judge announced.
Teddy removed his mask and extended his hand for the final handshake, but Ranulf lunged at him. Teddy had to jump back to avoid an attack to his face.
“Ranulf!” the king shouted.
One judge tried to intervene, and Ranulf slapped him with the length of the blade.
Erik and several others ran to Ranulf, trying to wrestle the sword from his hand, but he managed to throw them off. Their intervention gave Teddy the chance to put his mask back on. He was ready as Ranulf escaped the others and came at him. Ranulf showed none of the caution or finesse he had when he did his best. Instead, he moved like one possessed, one intent on killing.
“Teddy, his point is sharpened,” Erik shouted in horror.
Teddy fought with all of his skill, trying to keep the deadly point from hitting its mark. He didn’t know what insight made him accurately parry attacks he didn’t see coming, but he managed to beat the point away repeatedly and advance close enough that Ranulf was unable to attempt a hit with his point.
In a quick movement, Teddy turned his weapon around so the pommel faced forward. He brought it up quickly with as much strength as he had left. It hit Ranulf hard at the base of the mask, knocking the prince onto the floor. Before Ranulf could collect his wits, Teddy put his foot on the prince’s sword arm to keep it still, and grabbed the pointed epee from his hand. Teddy dropped his own weapon and held Ranulf’s pointed at the prince.
Teddy backed away a few paces, the sword pointed at Ranulf.
“Get up!” he said angrily.
In his head he heard Fury’s voice as distressed as he’d ever heard it, saying, “Lord Teddy, you cannot harm the prince. It would mean your life.”
He didn’t know where the unicorn was or how he knew what was happening, but Teddy couldn’t afford to let his attention waver or Ranulf would wrest the sword from him. The prince seemed to have superhuman strength. Teddy knew he was too tired from the struggle to keep Ranulf from killing him if the prince got the sword again.
Slowly, the prince stood, pulling the mask from his head. He faced Teddy with a look of utter hatred.
“What are you waiting for? Kill me!”
“Turn around,” Teddy commanded.
“Oh, you’d stab me in the back. No one ever told me the great Lord Teddy was a coward.”
“Turn around!” he shouted.
The prince turned.
“Now, go to the king for mercy,” Teddy said.
The prince obeyed slowly. Teddy followed just far enough away that the sword did not touch the prince.
The king stood on the platform where his chair had been placed.
“Your Majesty,” Teddy said, “I apologize for the fight and any injury to your son. Punish me as you will. Here is your son for your safekeeping.”
“He deserves no safe keeping,” the king said. “Guards! Bind Prince Ranulf. Put him in irons in the tower until justice can be given.”
Teddy continued to hold the sword pointed at Ranulf until two burly guards had bound the prince’s hands behind his back and led him away. Then Teddy lowered the sword, turned it pommel out to the king with the blade over his non-fighting arm. Teddy bowed.
The king reached down and took the sword. Then he broke it over his knee, tossing the two pieces onto the floor between himself and Teddy.
“Lord Teddy, you have done a service to our realm. Prince Ranulf has ever been wild, but no one knew his anger had turned to insanity. He will be dealt with as we see fit. You are in no wise responsible for the despicable behavior shown here today. Had you put the prince to the sword, you would have acted within your rights, and no harm would have come to you. Name what we can do to repay you for your trouble.”
“Your Majesty, I ask to be able to stay in your kingdom and to continue to enjoy your friendship for the rest of my life.”
“I grant it as far as it is in my power to do. Whatever you desire is yours, and you and yours need never fear harm from Prince Ranulf. But Fury will guide you to the way of becoming a permanent member of our realm.”
“I thank you, Sire.”
“Now, you must be tired. Go with my blessing and revive yourself. And then tonight as the moon rises, we will feast.”
Teddy bowed and left the room he hoped never to see again.
Once he had changed into his own clothes, he went out to find Fury, who took him home to Sven’s house. Sven and his family had gone to see the event, but had left once they knew Teddy was safe.
“No matter what the king said, you would have paid with your life if you’d killed Prince Ranulf,” Fury said. “It is the law of the land that even a king may not discard.”
“Shut up! I was not going to kill him. Now, what is it I have to do to be able to stay here forever?”
“You are tired, Lord Teddy. Time enough for that tomorrow.”
“No! I might not be here tomorrow!”
“I assure you, you cannot go before the test. You have chosen to come here, and this is the last time you will be able to do so. You will not be returned to your world unless you choose to before the test, or unless you fail.”
“What test? What do I need to study?”
Fury whickered and it sounded like a laugh. “It is not that sort of test. Tomorrow.”
They arrived at Sven’s door and Teddy got off the unicorn.
All the while Teddy and the unicorn were having this discussion, they were travelling slowly along the crowded road between the castle and the village. Villagers who crowded the road cheered for Lord Teddy, defender of the common man. He waved as he rode along. Ranulf was unpopular among the townsfolk, who feared he’d one day kill Prince Erik and take the throne himself. Thanks to his poor behavior toward Teddy, that would not happen now. They had no doubt that, even though he was Alexander’s son, the king would deal harshly with him.
When Teddy entered Sven’s house, his friend put a hand on his shoulder and congratulated him on his defeat of the prince.
“I was so proud of you when I heard what had happened,” Hilda said. She was too old and infirm to attend the match.
“I did what I had to do to stay alive,” Teddy replied.
He was tired, and after a small meal, he went to his room to sleep.
Teddy awoke, just as the sun was setting. He dressed and went into the main room. Freya was dressed in her finest outfit of yellow with flowers in a pattern on the tunic, and a flower wreath woven into her hair. Sven, too, was dressed for a festival. They saw Teddy was ready, and they all left. Hilda was already asleep for the night.
They stopped by Altha’s home, where Altha and her husband, Aris, Birgid and her brothers joined the party.
They took a shortcut path since they were walking. It was much faster than the road Fury rode on.
“Where is Fury?” Teddy asked.
“He is resting. He knew you would have no need of him this evening,” Sven said.
“Do not worry, Lord Teddy,” Aris said. “Fury is safe.”
Teddy had taken Birgid’s hand as they walked, and the two discussed things young people their age talked about. When they arrived at the castle grounds, they were still holding hands.
Teddy saw the king and queen.
“Come, let us pay our respects,” Teddy said.
“No,” Sven said. “It is not our place. You go.”
“Don’t be silly! I’ve spoken of you to the king. He would like to meet you.”
They all looked reluctant, but they followed Teddy. They all bowed when Teddy did.
“Ah, Lord Teddy,” the king said. “Welcome!”
“Your Majesty, I would like you to meet my good friends who have taken care of me every time I was here.”
He introduced each member of Sven’s and Altha’s families. The king greeted each and demonstrated he knew the livelihood of everyone in the family.
“Ah, and this lovely lass, Birgid, is your chosen one.”
Teddy and Birgi
d both turned scarlet.
“We are great friends, Your Majesty. What may happen in the future, time will tell us.”
Alexander gave them a knowing smile. While the two had made no decisions yet, the grownups could see the obvious, that one day Teddy and Birgid would marry.
There was feasting on roasted duck and swan, ripe fruit and all kinds of nuts, cakes and pies, potatoes and a few foods Teddy didn’t recognize.
Musicians played and the people danced. The king and queen joined in with everyone. They didn’t stay aloof from the villagers and townsfolk.
Those in attendance had a good time, and many were sad to leave when the evening revels were over.
Teddy walked home arm in arm with Birgid. They had both danced with several other people. Teddy had even danced with Princess Gildalen. But the last dance of the evening Teddy danced with Birgid.
He stopped outside her door to say goodnight while her parents went inside. Sven and his family continued to his house.
“I enjoyed my time with you tonight,” Teddy said.
“So did I,” Birgid replied.
Then he kissed her, a real kiss, not the quick kiss on the cheek she had given him earlier.
“Good night, Teddy.”
“Good night, Birgid.”
She went into the house, and he returned to Sven’s house happier than he had been in some time.
In the morning Teddy awoke but lay in bed for a while thinking about the evening before. He wanted to hold onto the pleasure of the evening, but suddenly the memory of having a test waiting for him banished all of the pleasant thoughts.
He dressed in the clothes he had found in the wardrobe, leaving his own clothes on the hook. He even put on the boots, leaving his sneakers behind in the hope that the things from this world would bring him good luck to pass the test.
He went out into the main room where Freya was preparing breakfast.
“You are just in time, Lord Teddy.”
“I’m not hungry.”
“You must eat something.”
He shook his head and she made no more of it. She could see he was worried about whatever he would be required to do.
“You must bring something of yours from your world.” Sven said.
Teddy returned to his room. He had nothing. He grabbed the sneakers, hoping they would count.
Before he left, Teddy shook hands with Sven and thanked him and Freya.
“You will be back, I’m sure,” Sven said.
“I truly don’t know. That’s what I hope.”
Sven and Freya wished him good luck and then Fury took him out of the village. They rode through the woods and finally came out onto the open plain. Fury didn’t stop until they were a few feet from the cyclone. Then he instructed Teddy to get down.
“What am I supposed to do?” Teddy asked, uncomfortable being so close to the humming black cylinder.
“You are sure you wish to stay here?”
“Yes. I’ve never wanted anything this much in my life.”
“You brought something from your world?”
“My sneakers. Is that all right?”
“Yes. You must approach close enough to throw them into the cyclone.”
“That’s it?”
“Then you will wait. If you are accepted, they will stay – or more precisely, they will be taken to your world where you left it. If they are thrown back out of the cyclone, it means you may not stay.”
“Then what happens?”
“If that happens, you will be sucked into the cyclone and returned to your world where you left it. Do not be afraid. Even if you are taken into the cyclone, you will not be harmed, and this realm will be as a dream to you.”
“Is there any way I should throw them that might make sure they won’t come back out?” Teddy asked. He was nearly crying at the thought that he might fail as well as at the idea that he’d be sucked into a cyclone. He couldn’t think of anything more terrifying.
“Be brave, Lord Teddy. You cannot cheat the will of the cyclone.”
Baseball had never been Teddy’s strong suit. He only hoped he could throw the shoes hard enough to ensure they would not come out.
He gripped both shoes together and threw. He was afraid they would land on the ground just beside the cyclone. But the suction of the wind caught the shoes and pulled them into the vortex.
He looked hesitantly at Fury. “Now what?”
“We wait a few moments. The cyclone does not take long deciding.”
Teddy backed away from the whirling cylinder, hoping that distance could keep him from being sucked into it. He expected at any moment the sneakers would fly out of the cyclone. He had that little faith in his skill at throwing.
A little time lengthened into a minute, then two, then five. He dared to hope he’d seen the last of the sneakers.
“Come, Lord Teddy. Let us be off to the village.”
He stared at Fury. “You mean it accepted me?”
“Indeed. You are one of us now.”
Teddy ran around the plain whooping and jumping. He had realized his dream. He didn’t know whether or not he’d get to be an architect, but as long as he was here, it really didn’t matter.
Finally calm, he climbed onto Fury’s back, and they returned to the village. People who were outside and saw them arrive knew Teddy was staying with them. They cheered and applauded until the entire village stood around him clapping.
“I knew you would succeed,” Sven said.
Aris approached. “Of course you are welcome to stay with Sven as long as you wish, and Hilda would welcome it, but when you are ready, there is a house, newly built, in the center of town that we would all be honored if you would call your home.”
“Thank you.”
He slid off Fury’s back and looked at the unicorn.
“Fury, I can’t believe it!”
“This is no dream,” the unicorn replied. “But here is where I must leave you.”
“Leave me?”
“Yes. My part in your story is finished.”
“But where will you go?”
“I will go back to where the unicorns live.”
“I thought there was only one unicorn!”
“Only one in a given kingdom. But in our space we are many. Another will come here to take my place when another child visits the realm. You’ll see.”
“But I don’t want you to go!”
“I do not wish to leave, but I must. We cannot have everything we wish for.”
Teddy hugged the unicorn as tears sprung into the boy’s eyes.
“I will miss you,” Teddy cried.
“And I you,” Fury replied.
Teddy let go of the unicorn and backed away. Fury turned and walked back down the path through the woods.
Soon, Teddy was cheered by his friends, especially by Birgid. He would never forget Fury, but he knew now he had a home and people who loved him as a son or a brother. He had found his dream.
Epilogue
The funnel cloud had hit the town, upturning trees and breaking homes into pieces. When it was over only one in every five houses still stood. Kenny’s family had been lucky. Their house still stood, although there had been some damage to the house, and a tree had crushed his father’s car. He was concerned about Teddy, who had gone home by himself.
When they arrived at the spot where Teddy’s house had once stood, there was only rubble. The house was gone, bricks, shattered glass and wood littered the yard. The furniture was no more than scraps of fabric, stuffing and pieces of wood or shards of glass.
While Kenny’s parents and some others who were trying to find survivors called out and dug through the rubble, Kenny went into the storm cellar. The door had been torn off. As he started down the stairs he heard his mother say, “Oh, how awful! He just lost his parents. Now he’s lost everything else. I hope he isn’t hurt.”
Kenny looked around the storm cellar. He and Teddy had occasionally played in it, and except for the water o
n the floor and a few things that had blown in through the door, it still looked much as it always had.
“Ted?” Kenny called.
He picked up a lamp from the floor and turned it on. Apparently, the batteries were still good. He looked around holding the lamp high. All was quiet. If Teddy had been here, perhaps he’d gone out looking for someplace safe after the storm. Kenny would have to ask around to see if anyone had seen him. He couldn’t imagine that someone as afraid of tornadoes as Teddy would stay in the house. He must have come in here. Yet he hadn’t latched the door lock. If he had, the door never would have come off.
“Ted?” he called again, then stopped. Sitting neatly on top of the old sleeping bag were Teddy’s sneakers. He never would have left the shelter without them amid all of this destruction.
Kenny thought he had his answer. Teddy had confessed that the other realm was real. Perhaps he had managed to make one last visit. Ken was fairly certain they would never find any trace of Teddy Lyndhurst here.
“Well, friend, I hope you made it to your other world, and live a long, happy life.”
He picked up the shoes, put them in a bag he found and took it with him. Best not to mention the shoes to anyone, he thought. It would just make people ask more questions they’d never get the answers to.
Kenny doubled back to his own house and hid the shoes in the back of his closet where they’d never be noticed.
Fury: The Wind Unicorn (The Unicorn Tales Book 2) Page 8