The Black Unicorn Read Free Page B

tells you that much! Questor Thews failed to advise in his recitation of the histories of Landover that all those who claimed to have seen this creature came to a sudden and unpleasant demise. If there is a black unicorn, it is likely a demon strayed from Abaddon—and best left alone!”
    He finished with a snap of his jaws, rigid with the strength of his conviction. His friends stared at him. “We are only surmising,” Ben said, attempting to sooth his agitated scribe. “We are only considering possible alternatives …”
    He felt Willow’s hand close again about his own. “No, Ben. Abernathy’s instincts are correct. We are past considering alternatives.”
    Ben fell silent. She was right, he knew. Not one of the three had said so, but the decision had been made all the same. They were going on their separate journeys in pursuit of their separate quests. They were resolved to test the truth of their dreams.
    “At least one of you is being honest!” Abernathy huffed. “Honest about going if not about the danger of doing so!”
    “There are always dangers …” Questor began.
    “Yes, yes, wizard!” Abernathy cut him short and focused his attention on Ben. “Have you forgotten the projects presently underway, High Lord?” he asked. “What of the work that requires your presence to see itto completion? The judiciary council meets in a week to consider the format you have implemented for hearing grievances. The irrigation and road work at the eastern borders of the Greensward is set to begin, once you have surveyed the stakings. The tax levy requires an immediate accounting. And the Lords of the Greensward are to visit officially three days from now! You cannot just leave all that!”
    Ben glanced away, nodding absently. He was thinking all at once of something else. Just when was it he had decided that he would leave? He couldn’t remember making the decision. It was almost as if somehow the decision had been made for him. He shook his head. That wasn’t possible.
    His eyes shifted back to Abernathy. “Don’t worry. I won’t be gone long,” he promised.
    “But you cannot know that!” his scribe insisted.
    Ben paused, then smiled an entirely unexpected smile. “Abernathy, some things must take precedence over others. Landover’s business will keep for the few days it will take me to cross over to the old world and back again.” He rose and walked to stand close to his friend. “I can’t let this pass. I can’t pretend the dream didn’t happen and that I’m not worried for Miles. Sooner or later, I would have to go back in any case. I have left too many matters unfinished for too long.”
    “Such matters will keep better than those of this kingdom, should you fail to return, High Lord,” his scribe muttered worriedly.
    Ben’s smile broadened. “I promise I will be careful. I value the well-being of Landover and her people as much as you.”
    “Besides, I can manage affairs of state quite nicely in your absence, High Lord,” Questor added.
    Abernathy groaned. “Why is it that I feel no reassurance whatsoever at such a prospect?”
    Ben cut off Questor’s response with a cautionary gesture.“Please, no arguing. We need each other’s support.” He turned to Willow. “Are you determined in this as well?”
    Willow brushed back her waist-length hair and gave him a studied, almost somber look. “You already know the answer to that question.”
    He nodded. “I suppose I do. Where will you start?”
    “The lake country. There are some there who may be able to help me.”
    “Would you consider waiting for me until I return from my own journey so that I might go with you?”
    The sea green eyes were steady. “Would you wait instead for me, Ben?”
    He squeezed her hand gently in reply. “No, I guess not. But you are under my care, nevertheless, and I don’t wish you to go alone. In fact, I don’t wish either Questor or you to go alone. Some sort of protection may prove necessary.