Shadow of the Unicorn

5

  The years passed and eventually Adan and Hawk did reappear, but still Jace did not return. Juliene grew old and eventually died with no sign as to the fate of her son. Baye’s strange words both reassured and perplexed her, the only certainty was that eventually, whatever betide, they would meet again in the Master’s bright country. Briane was both grieved and furious that Jace could tarry so long, but secretly believed he was dead and would never return more, whatever Baye said to the contrary.

  The years pressed ever onward and still Jace did not return, but the Lady grew old and frail and knew her own days were now numbered. One night she sat before the fire, an open book unnoticed in her lap, pondering the mysteries of life and all that lay beyond it. She had so much to do but she could no longer accomplish half of what she could in her relatively lengthy youth, or even a year gone. The sudden creak of the door drew her from her reverie and brought a look of astonishment to her face.

  Said she with a slight smile to the servant that had intruded upon her solitude, “have you ever heard of knocking Jared?”

  The servant smiled and bowed deeply, “forgive the intrusion Lady, but I thought you might appreciate a few answers to the riddles that have troubled you all these years.”

  She frowned at him, “riddles?”

  Jared grinned, “answers to all the questions that surround me and my fellows.”

  Understanding dawned immediately, “I get my answers at long last but they will do me little good it seems.”

  Jared shook his head, “I am afraid not, but at least I can satisfy your curiosity.”

  She settled back in her chair and said with a smile of anticipation, “very well, enthrall me.” And so he did. She was both satisfied and surprised by his revelations, having imagined certain parts of the matter to be quite different than they actually were but also having guessed correctly far more than she had anticipated. As the sun was on the rise, Jared rose and said quietly, “it is time, Lady.”

  She nodded, smiled slightly, and said, “I know.”

  He knelt before her, she held out her hand, he touched it, and she vanished in a brilliant flash of light. Jared crept from the room, just another servant among many in the castle, but soon word spread that the Lady had vanished from Astoria.

  Briane was riding along, minding her own business, when suddenly her unicorn seemed to go mad. He squealed in very joy, reared in ecstasy, and then bowed himself to the ground, flinging his rider from her saddle in the interim. Brie rolled onto her knees, but got no further, sensing a Presence that bid her remain thus. A shudder of joy and dread ran through her, knowing she was in the presence of the Master Himself.

  The Great Unicorn nuzzled her gently on the cheek and said, “rise child, I have called you to lead My servants.”

  Briane gaped, “me?!”

  He chuckled, “and none other.”

  She dared raise her eyes to His, finding only joy and wisdom and love therein, rather than a blinding radiance, said she, “what has come of my brother?”

  He said quietly, “you will be reunited very soon.” He paused, amusement tingeing His voice, “but you will not receive all the answers you desire. Do not be too angry with him, for this is My doing and not his. He can only reveal so much.” His voice grew cautious, “remember what comes of seeking after that which is forbidden you.”

  She bowed her head in shame and He nuzzled her gently, “easy child, I do not chastise but merely warn that there are some things you cannot yet know and others for which the world is not ready. He will have secrets and you must allow him to keep them and trust that I will reveal them when and as I will.”

  She looked up, wonder and astonishment in her eyes, but He was gone. Her unicorn whickered eagerly and they were immediately on their way back to Astoria.

  Shadow: