Darkwalker on Moonshae - Douglas Niles [51]
In moments, she turned to him.
“It’s Keren! He’s in terrible danger and sent Sable to get help. Tristan, we must go to him! We have to hurry!”
*****
Kamerynn the Unicorn galloped for many days. He thundered across flowered meadows, and raised shimmering curtains of spray as he splashed through shallow streams.
Finally the unicorn entered a region of Myrloch Vale previously unknown to him – a dim region of fens and fetid marsh. He moved more cautiously now, for he knew that his destination was near. Abruptly, he paused, staring intently at a snakelike vine laying casually across his path. Kamerynn’s pink nostrils quivered as he checked the air for any menacing scents. His caution turned to alarm as he realized that wrongness was manifest.
Stepping back, the unicorn again regarded the vine. Suddenly, the strand moved, lashing toward his forehoof. Leaping away, the unicorn reared high. At that moment, another vine sailed from the underbrush and a clasping loop settled around Kamerynn’s neck.
Now, creatures emerged from cover and attacked They charged close to throw more clasping vines. Kamerynn’s attackers looked like humans, but were much too large.
A sharp hoof lashed out as Kamerynn reared to meet the charge. One of the attackers fell, its thick skull crushed. Another twisted around to the unicorn’s flank, but the powerful neck swiveled to meet the attack. Lowering his head, Kamerynn lunged, feeling his ivory horn drive deeply into the creature’s body.
But the attackers were too many. They grappled the unicorn’s body, first pressing it back, and then bearing it to the ground. In minutes Kamerynn was securely hobbled and blindfolded.
VII
THE FENS OF THE FALLON
THERE HE IS!” Robyn’s voice called Tristan’s attention to a small black dot, soaring among the clouds ahead of them. The maiden kicked the foaming flanks of her steed, and the gray gelding sprang forward.
“Isn’t she ever going to rest?” gasped Pawldo, struggling to retain his seating upon his lurching pony.
“I hope so,” answered Daryth, cantering smoothly alongside. “But I doubt it will happen while there’s a glimmer of daylight left!”
The great falcon soared eagerly eastward, and then circled slowly as the riders below tried to keep up.
“I can’t believe we’re following a bird!” muttered Pawldo.
“Are you sure she knows what she’s doing?” asked Daryth, indicating Robyn. The king’s ward was galloping ahead, oblivious to the grumblings of the other riders.
“I trust her,” replied Tristan.
Before dawn, they had awakened Daryth and outfitted themselves for the journey. Canthus and several other hounds accompanied them. They had brought four extra horses in order to hold to a rapid pace. Leaving a message for the king, they had ridden forth, delaying only to pass through Lowhill, where Pawldo had not hesitated to join the group.
Now they rode steadily in the saddle the whole of each day, from the first glimmerings of dawn through the final darkness of night. They stopped for the night where sunset found them.
The coat of chain mail rested comfortably on the prince’s shoulders, reminding him of his father’s wish. Idly, Tristan wondered who would command the Corwell company now. He tried not to think about his father’s anger upon his return. But he had to trust Robyn; somewhere, Keren was in deep trouble.
They paused, late in the afternoon of the fourth day, to exchange horses and stretch their stiffening muscles. While the men grunted in anguish and painfully tried to work the kinks out of their legs and backs, Robyn stared silently skyward. Finally, as they mounted again, she spoke.
“He’s turning to the north. He means for us to follow up one of these valleys. I think he’s leading us to Myrloch Vale.”
“Hold it a minute!” Pawldo’s voice squeaked with indignation despite his fatigue. “Myrloch? That place smacks of sorcery! Best leave it to the Llewyrr – it’s no place for humans or halflings.”
“I shall follow Sable,” Robyn announced quietly, mounting and kicking her horse forward.
“And so