Page 7 of Legends of Sorcery
“Callia,” Arion scolded, but it sounded much like Callia was laughing and snorting, proud of herself.
Valaria couldn’t keep her composure as she doubled over laughing too.
“Gross,” Garron complained. “I smell like skunk spray now.”
“When this is over, come back to the palace with me. The kitchen maids can give you a tomato bath to take away the stench. Just please don’t ask how I know that,” the princess said between tears of amusement.
It was two miles to the western stables as they took turns, two at a time, dragging the unicorn along. Halfway there Callia’s breathing became rapid and her heartrate was irregular. Arion said a quick prayer for her safekeeping.
His heart lightened as the stables finally came into view. Sweating, covered in dirt and exhausted, the three of them found new strength in the final stretch.
“Run ahead and gather the vet,” Arion told Valaria.
She stalled for a moment, still unused to being ordered to do anything besides smile, wave, and show up on time for meals and events that required her presence. Then she took off and ran the remainder of the way.
When Garron and Arion arrived, the palace vet, the head stable master, and a number of others had gathered to assist.
“I’ve never seen anything like this before,” the vet said.
“Can you help her?” Arion asked.
“I do not know,” he said honestly. “They look similar to our horses, but very little is known about the care of unicorns. I have never seen or heard of one getting sick like this.”
“He said he could feel dark magic. Could magic make the unicorn sick?” Garron asked.
The vet frowned. “Dark magic? I’ve never heard of such a thing. That would be a question for Zallon, the High Keeper of Magic, boy. Do not be spouting nonsense you know nothing about.”
“I know what I felt,” Arion said defensively.
“And just who do you think you are?” the stable master asked.
“This is Arion, apprentice to Zallon. Zallon personally sent him to check on this beast. You would do well to hold your tongues lest you anger him. I have seen personally how powerful our next High Keeper of Magic is,” Valaria told them.
Arion’s eyes nearly bugged out his head. He was going to be in so much trouble if she kept telling people that.
As the men looked over the unicorn for any obvious issues, Arion pulled Garron and the princess aside.
“Whatever you think you saw me do out there, it never happened. Are we clear?” he said.
“But it did happen, Arion. We both saw you,” Garron insisted.
“It never happened,” Arion insisted again.
“But why?” Garron persisted.
“Because people of magic are frowned upon in the kingdom. That’s why we have only one High Keeper of Magic, to control what many fears or at least that’s what they think. I know of others that have magic. It’s rare, and they are forbidden to use it inside Gavalon’s walls, but it happens on occasion,” Valaria whispered.
“That’s not possible,” Arion said. “Only Zallon has true magic.”
“And you,” Garron said. “We saw you.”
“You’re right. I’m sure it’s just childhood bedtime stories,” Valaria conceded a little too easily. “Perhaps Zallon has already began to transition some of his magic to you in preparation for your apprenticeship.”
“That’s what I was thinking!” Garron said. “This has been the greatest day ever.”
“A great day?” Arion questioned, feeling anger and frustration bubbling up in him. “Callia may be dying. It’s far from a great day.”
“Sorry,” Garron murmured as he hung his head and walked away.
