Ellie and the Prince (Faraway Castle #1)(39)
“But what do we do now?” Ellie asked. “The unicorn asked if we might rest until dawn. It won’t be a comfortable night, but we should do well enough.”
“I’m afraid those men will come back to learn what terrified their horses,” Briar said. “They are—or rather, Prince Max is—far more determined than I’d expected. Though what glory is to be had from killing a unicorn, I can’t imagine.”
“The horn is valuable,” Omar added, “but none of those lords and princes should be lacking in wealth. One way or another, we must get the unicorns away from this place.”
“Yes, the horn of a unicorn is valuable for its magical power.” Briar spoke with his usual nonchalance, but Ellie sensed something disturbing behind his words. His following statement confirmed this: “Dangerous power, in the wrong hands.”
Just as she opened her mouth to inquire further, she heard a familiar trill, wings fluttered, and something landed on her shoulder. “Well, hello!” The nightjar had never before perched on her. “Just a moment, gentlemen.”
She stepped aside, carefully pulled the little tube from the bird’s leg, and opened it. A voice emerged for her ears only: “Take the unicorn to the maternity barn tonight; the road there and the barn are safe. I will come Saturday at dawn to collect her and the baby, if she wishes. And if you wish, you may accompany them.”
Oh. Oh my! Ellie thought. The thought of traveling to the Gamekeeper’s home was both exciting and intimidating. She knew with her head and heart that he was good and would not harm her, but her gut nevertheless clenched at the prospect.
After brief thought, she sent a return message. “Will comply. Thank you for stepping in. Mother and baby are well.” Even as she spoke, she wondered how the Gamekeeper knew about the baby unicorn. Had he been observing them from cover? He might be watching even now. It was not a comfortable thought.
She slipped the tube in place and said, “Please take this to the Gamekeeper.” The bird gave an answering chirp and took off, instantly disappearing in the darkness.
She turned to the men, their faces like mottled gray smudges in the shadows and starlight. “The Gamekeeper says we should take the unicorns to the maternity barn tonight—the road and barn are well guarded. I don’t know, but I suspect he is still here.”
“Unnerving yet reassuring,” Briar remarked. “Let’s get moving.”
Omar carried the sleeping baby unicorn, walking with its mother at his elbow where she could easily touch her young one with her nose. Ellie walked at the unicorn’s other side, her pack feeling heavier than it had earlier in the day, and Briar took up the rear. Walking on the bridle path through forest and pastures, they made quick progress. The night was quiet, clear, and starry. Ellie saw a few falling stars but didn’t dare wish on one.
As they approached the stables, she sensed something new: an invisible magic fence allowed them to pass through to the barns—the Gamekeeper’s work, no doubt.
Mira and Howurl awaited them in the maternity barn, eager to direct them to a stall piled with fresh golden straw. Miria almost smiled, she was so happy. “We will feed and protect the unicorns, you may be sure. I am so pleased that Tob kept his promise! What a fine day this has been.”
Ellie felt the unicorn summon her and hurried into the stall to calm the mother’s fears. “Don’t worry, you’re safe here. You must have sensed the magical barrier we passed? The Gamekeeper placed it around the barns so that no enemy may enter. The brownies are your friends, and if the horses are unfriendly, they are also unable to escape their stalls. In a few days the Gamekeeper will bring a special cart to carry you and your baby to the sanctuary on the far side of the mountain, and there you may live among many of your kind and raise your young one in safety, if you choose to remain. Tomorrow, if I’m able to do so safely, I’ll come and visit you here.” By the time Ellie finished speaking, both unicorns were asleep, glowing softly and snuggled together.
Omar leaned against the stall door, watching Ellie soothe the beautiful magical creatures. He found it difficult to believe that he had witnessed the birth of a unicorn. More fantastic still, Ellie had held his hand and rested her head on his shoulder.
That moment was past, and Ellie once more seemed distant and unreachable, but his hope remained. It was time to open his heart and place his future on the line. In four days he had to choose a wife. He would choose no one but Ellie, whether she would have him or not.
Ellie rose, straightened, and stretched her back with a soft groan. She turned, saw Omar, and smiled. But an instant later the smile faded. He opened the stall door for her, and once she stepped through, he took her pack and offered his arm. She hesitated but slipped her hand into the crook of his elbow. “Thank you, Omar, for everything.”
“I’ll walk you back to your cottage,” he said. “And then you must get some sleep. It has been an eventful week.”
“That’s for sure.”
They walked in silence while Omar worked up courage. “Ellie, I need to ask you something,” he finally said. She was silent, so he continued as they walked. “The Summer Ball will take place in four days. I would love to be your escort. Will you come? Please?”
A pause. “But staff members don’t attend the ball, Omar. You know that.”
“I do, but it’s a masked ball, so who will know? Other people invite outside guests for the occasion; why can’t I? You can easily blend in with the other ladies.”