Page 28 of Legends of Sorcery
“Theod says she’s growing stronger,” a feminine voice he knew too well said from behind him.
Arion slowly let go of Callia and turned to see Valaria watching him. “Are you okay?”
She nodded. “I hear it’s all thanks to you too. Did you really carry me back from Kilrest?”
He shrugged. “Not all the way. You woke up enough to walk the last few miles on your own.”
“I don’t even remember that. The last I remember is seeing your sword glow as you channeled your magic fighting that barbarian.”
“Channeled my what? Valaria, I’ve told you a thousand times, I don’t have magic. I think you hit our head harder than we suspected.”
“No, I didn’t, and I know what I saw. Say whatever you like. It won’t change the facts,” she said stubbornly.
Arion turned to love on Callia some more. “She’s crazy,” he whispered loud enough for Valaria to hear him. “Gone mental perhaps from a good knock on the head.”
“We’ll see about that, because I have an idea that just might save the unicorns.”
“What?”
“You have to promise me you’ll try first,” Valaria said.
Arion rolled his eyes. “If you have an idea on how to save the unicorns, than tell me.”
“It’s something only you can do.”
“Tell me.”
“I’m serious Arion and you have to be serious about it too.”
“Just tell me already,” he said.
She sucked in a deep breath. “It requires you to use your magic.”
“I told you, I do not have magic, Valaria,” Arion insisted.
“Just try for me,” she begged. “Fine, try for Callia.”
He sighed knowing there was nothing he wouldn’t do for his unicorn friend. “Fine, what am I supposed to do?”
“How am I supposed to know?” she asked.
Arion’s frustrations were rising. “Well I don’t know either.” He started to walk away, but she reached out and grabbed his arm.
He took a sharp breath and stared down at her small hand on him. He wondered why that one small gesture made it feel like butterflies just took flight in his stomach.
“You can do this, Arion,” she insisted.
In that moment he believed her. She made him feel like there was nothing in this world he couldn’t do.
“Try laying your hands on her,” Valaria said, helping to guide his hands over the unicorn. “Right there. Now close your eyes and concentrate.”
When she pulled her hands away from him, he immediately missed her touch, but he pushed that away and did as she asked. He could feel the essence of dark magic on the beast. It sent a cold, uncomfortable shiver up his spine. Callia whinnied and tried to move away from him.
“It’s okay, girl,” he tried to tell her.
“Do you feel the dark magic?” Valaria asked in a soothing voice.
Arion nodded.
