Wizard's Last Battle

I think I was right to wake you, she stated, black eyes amazingly steady as she stared into coming storm. No simple-minded, easily spooked horse was this creature. Although she appeared delicate and worthy of a knight’s protection, there was an undeniable strength in the majestic equine features. Power emanated from the sleek muscles along the white torso and legs.

Glancing over his shoulder at the fast approaching storm, he was inclined to agree with her. "I’ve never seen a storm of this magnitude develop so quickly. There was no sign of it when I decided to take my afternoon rest."

No. One minute it was not there, the next it was, she confirmed.

The sudden appearance of such a storm spoke of wizardry.

Suspicions began to ferment. The castle, nestled in the foothills behind his cottage, was virtually unprotected. King Vedor had left on crusade with the majority of his Men-at-Arms. Never imagining anyone would dare to incur his legendary wrath, he had left behind only a small contingent of soldiers to protect his Queen wife and their four children. The Heir Apparent was only six, much too young to offer any advice or leadership in the event of attack. And the Queen? Would she be able to effectively command the men? Although each man had sworn to serve and protect her, Sulach had a hard time imaging any of them following her orders without second guessing her and, therefore, wasting precious time.

Yet, even if she were able to lead her small army against whatever threat may await them within the coming storm, would she be able to save herself and the children? Perhaps. If the threat were only men armed with swords and shields. Against sorcery not even the most fearsome warrior would be of much use. Glancing over his shoulder at the roiling black clouds where white lightning flashed unimpeded, he was again struck by the likelihood of a wizardly source.

If there is a wizard behind this, then I am the only protection they have, he realized with irritation. Reaching the well, he turned to look at the castle separated from his peaceful little cottage by a thick stretch of woods. Woods it would take his pain-inflicted body too long to traverse if his suspicions proved true. "I told them to appoint a younger wizard to the castle grounds. Now I have no choice but to go. I’ll never make it in time. Foolish of them. Unforgivably foolish!"

You will ride on my back, Teresa calmly interrupted his growing tirade. I believe this is why I was called to this place. To fight this blackness.

Surprised by the unicorn’s willingness to allow him the privilege of riding her, he was momentarily speechless. His disgust with the royal family was forgotten in the wake of excitement and awe her offer invoked. Yet, the crack of thunder and the answering lightning bolt spurred him into motion. "How can I mount you? You’re much taller than any of the King’s horses and I’ve no mounting block. And what do you mean you were called here? By who?"

The unicorn bowed her head, golden horn hovering inches above the ground, and allowed her front legs to bend gracefully in order to drop her chest nearer the ground. As he stepped forward and carefully mounted, using the staff in his hand to steady him, the first raindrop splattered in the dust. His gnarled hand, distorted with age, worked deep into the white mane at her insistence. The other held tightly to his staff.