The Serpent and the Unicorn: Book I and II

By Susan Skylark

This story is not just another tale of an orphan who finds a magic sword, discovers a forgotten lineage, finds a few friends, and conquers an overwhelming evil. This is a story that crosses a continent, transcends time, plunges deep into the very soul of man, and explores all the vastness and intricacies of life. It is a story of good and evil, love and war, truth and absurdity, courage and faith, hope and despair, humor and adventure, and everything that moves the human soul. Whether viewed as Truth or Myth, it is a tale to make one think and a story full of adventure, intrigue, love, sorrow, hope, and humor: much like this dance we call life. It is a fairy story in that it involves unicorns, dragons, and other uncommon beasts and certain aspects of magic, but it is also a human story that explores the questions, doubts, fears, and triumphs common to the hearts of men.
The Brethren are an ancient brotherhood entrusted with preserving and disseminating knowledge, truth, and justice since time began; they have survived indifference, hostility, disaster, war, plague, and obscurity but ever they persevere in their age-old duties. Of late, they have fallen into obscurity due to over-caution and the forgetfulness of the people they serve. A strange encounter rouses them from their secrecy and sends one of their most talented agents into the heart of a sworn enemy only to unveil an even older and more dangerous foe.

There are five 'books' in the Serpent and the Unicorn Series which is available as a trilogy. This volume contains Books I and II.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Susan Skylark
• Release date: Nov 20, 2012
• ISBN: 9781301433148

Susan Skylark

Once upon a time there was a sensible young lady who pursued a practical career, but finding it far less fulfilling than the proponents of the modern fairytale promulgate, she then married a clergyman, much to everyone’s astonishment, including her own, and in proper fairytale fashion keeps house for the mysterious gentleman in a far away land, spending most of her time in company with a very short, whimsical person who can almost speak English. She enjoys fantasy, fairy tales, and adventure stories and her writing reflects this quaint affectation. She considers Happy Endings (more or less) a requisite to good literature and sanity, though real stories never, truly end.

Book preview

Long ago, when the world was young and men still walked in innocence, an ancient king made an alliance with the terrible god of war. In exchange for the life of his maiden daughter, he would receive power to conquer all the kingdoms of men and have dominion over all mortal lives. The night was dark, with neither star nor moon giving light or hope to those who gathered upon the face of that forbidden hill to commence with their evil deed. The king had gathered all of his generals and advisors to stand as witnesses. The girl was brought forward and the hood removed from her head, a single tear rolled down her cheek, as she stared with pleading eyes into the cold and remorseless depths of her father’s own. She saw neither love nor regret there, only a thirst for power beyond the reach of mortal ken. He drew forth a cruel knife from a sheath of black leather. Very soon the alliance would be sealed and no power on earth could withstand him. He approached the girl with a cruel and mirthless smile, raising the blade to strike.

He was thrown back from the girl, blinded by a cold light, while all standing around the pair fell to the ground in fear. Like a bolt of lightning, a bright and terrible figure stood between the man and his prey. The king regained his footing with a sneer and a triumphant laugh. You have no authority here! he scoffed, Be gone before I become violent.

The light receded slightly, allowing those standing about to discern a vaguely equine shape amidst the glow. The figure reared up on its hind legs, pawing the air. He appeared in the form of a horse, but with the awe reserved for a charging bull or roaring lion. Then he spoke, you must not do this terrible thing. You will forever tear apart the laws that bind the world together.

I will do as I please, scowled the king, and there is nothing you can do to stop me.

If you are set upon this course, I will not stop you by force, but perhaps I can offer you an exchange? proposed the radiant figure.

What can you possibly offer me? growled the king, the light of avarice bright in his eyes.

The foul demon with whom you are dealing demands innocent blood for your vile contract, so be it! Take mine instead of the girl’s, said the mysterious figure.

Yours! gasped the king, But of what advantage is that to you?

To ransom the life of this dear child shall be gain enough, replied the figure quietly.

Very well, said the king, I have a feeling my master will be quite pleased with the exchange. What is one small child when the blood of his enemy is laid at his feet? What are your terms?

Give me one hour to bear this child to safety, then I will return hither and you may do as we have agreed, replied the figure grimly.

How do I know you will not steal the child and disappear? demanded the king.

You know very well I do not lie, roared the figure. He swept the child onto his back, and as the light disappeared over the rim of the hill, called back, in one hour I shall return.

For a time, the girl clung silently to the back of her rescuer, but as the horror of what she had barely escaped sunk in, she began to sob uncontrollably. Do not weep, little one, said the figure, you are safe and all will be well.

How can you say that? cried she, Evil is about to be unleashed upon the earth and no one will be able to stop it!

I can, said he softly. A sense of immense peace fell upon the girl and dried her tears. Shortly, they approached a small cottage by the edge of a little stream that chattered invisibly in the night. A woman emerged from the door, wrapped a blanket around the quivering form of the girl, and bowed once to the retreating figure, taking the child into the house. The girl fell into bed and knew no more that night. The woman stared into the darkness, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Within the hour agreed upon, the figure returned to that forsaken hilltop. His light dimmed to the slight flickering of a dying candle, he stood before the men with a drooping head but a righteous fire ablaze in his eyes. The king laughed him to scorn, drew his blade, and approached the apparently cowed creature. Steel flickered in the wan light, but as the blade struck home, the light dimmed and went out. As if from a vast distance, a great wailing cry rent the night, as if the earth itself had been mortally wounded by the blow. A wind came howling out of the west and clouds blotted out the sky. Darkness engulfed the world, lightning flashed in the heavens, and thunder rolled as if all creation reared up in fury at the atrocity. The hill itself began to roll like a wave on the sea, splitting in two. The men were thrown from their feet and retreated in confusion and fear from the horror before them. Their horses reared and snorted, broke loose, and disappeared into the storm.

What have you done! roared one general over the wind.

I have loosed the wrath of the heavens! screamed the king. A panic spread among them and all fled into the darkness.

The next morning, the girl rode up the accursed hill hoping to find some trace of her rescuer. She found the vile blade broken in two, but no sign of the mysterious glowing figure. She dismounted and peered with dismay into the gaping chasm that had once been the heart of the hill. What is it you seek? asked a voice behind her.

With a shriek of pure joy, she flung her arms around the figure that now stood at her shoulder, glowing like the sun. You are alive! said she.

Yes, said he simply.

But what of last night? asked she, I was sure you had been slain. What of that horrible shriek and the dreadful darkness?

My life cannot be taken against my will. Before anything ever was and after all has passed into nothing, I was and ever will be. I laid down my life not only for you, but for all things that would have been utterly destroyed by the acts of last night. Your blood would have strengthened that foul demon beyond anything he has yet achieved. My blood, offered willing in exchange for another’s, broke his power. What began in selfishness and evil, ended in selflessness and love, which alone has power to conquer the darkness. He has been vanquished but not destroyed. He still lurks in the world, full of malice and hate and ready to assist any who give themselves over to a lust for power and destruction. Until last night, mankind had lived in peace and harmony with one another and with all creation, but that peace has been shattered. Man has shown himself vulnerable to evil, willing to place himself above all else, even his own children. It is no longer safe to assume that all men are good in and of themselves. Each individual must hereafter make a decision to follow what is right and good, or to follow his own selfish path into evil and darkness. From the dawn of mankind, it was given into your hands to decide whether to pursue goodness or darkness. A member of your race has chosen the ultimate evil and with his fall, all are now required to make a decision that once came naturally to all.

The girl fell sobbing at his feet, feeling in herself the dreadful truth she had just heard spoken. It was as if something inside her had been torn or ripped away and she was left with a gaping hole, much like the defiled face of the hill. Looking up into his eyes, she said, I have lost something within myself. I am no longer whole. I have a longing, a desire for something. Something, though I know not what. Something greater than myself.

Yes, said he, your whole race now shares that same longing. And with what you fill that hole will determine the course of your life, and the lives of all those around you, from now and ever onwards. Choose carefully.

Can I choose you? asked she, almost shyly.

A smile crept over his face and the whole hillside seemed to laugh for joy. Of course, he said, after last night, the world is hurting and needs to be told these things which you have just heard. I need someone to go forth and tell them. Bring your horse forward.

The girl ran over to the horse, which had strayed and was happily nibbling at weeds upon the far side of the hill. She led the beast towards the figure, but the stallion pulled back against the reins and nearly reared, trying to avoid the glowing figure before him. Do not be afraid my simple beast, said the figure, from now and ever onwards, you and your descendants will no longer be called simple. The figure turned his side towards the girl, and for the first time she saw the gaping wound in his side, from it dribbled a steady stream of silver blood. She gasped in horror and drew back. Do not be afraid, said he, this is the price of last night’s adventure. Though much was lost, much good also came of it. Take a drop of my blood on your finger and place it on the horse’s tongue. Hesitantly the girl complied, almost reverently she poked a finger into the silver stream and placed a drop of the precious fluid into the horse’s mouth.

An indignant snort was followed by a blinding flash; she no longer held a horse by the reins but a unicorn. The sorrel coat had become white as the snow, wisdom and fire were in his once placid and simple eyes, cloven hooves of silver had replaced his single hooves of gray, and a silver horn protruded proudly from his forehead. He shook his head in disgust a few times and looked with dismay at the girl and the glowing figure.

Remove his bit, laughed the figure. The girl complied and the unicorn seemed much happier. Now it is your turn, said he. The girl looked with shock and disgust at the gaping hole in the figure’s side, turning pleading eyes to his. If you really wish to serve me, you must taste of my blood, replied he, by doing so you are binding yourself to me and my purposes. You will gain much in wisdom and abilities, but in doing so you are also swearing to serve me, even with the forfeit of your life be it necessary. Do you wish to proceed?

She nodded and did as she was bidden. She seemed to grow taller and a thirst for knowledge grew within her; a deeper understanding of things once hidden to mortal mind blossomed in her heart. She had changed as much as the horse.

Now, said the figure," I will tell you of things long hidden to the race of men, things vital to your quest. The demon of war, to whom your father nearly sacrificed you, was once my greatest servant. But he desired things beyond his grasp and made an attempt to supplant me as The Master of All. He was banished from my presence and ever since has made war upon all that is good and wonderful. He has claimed lordship over all creation and still yearns for the power he cannot have. Until last night, he had made little progress in his war against me, but last night there came a breaking. Men, who had once lived in peace, have heeded his call and some have broken away from me seeking the power promised by their new master. Now all must decide whether to follow him or me. None can sit this out. By stepping aside, they are simply declaring themselves for him, if only by doing nothing. This is war, a war that has raged since before the world began, there can be no civilians. He will devour everything if all stand aside and let him. I will only do so much, I am Master of all things, but I have given all sapient creatures a choice, and upon that freedom I will not trespass.

They must choose what is right or what is evil. I will not infringe upon their decisions for good or ill. If they choose the right, I can assist them, but if they choose the evil I can only stand aside and weep for their ill choices and dire fate. That is why I would not interfere directly in the affairs of last night. It is up to you, and those like you: my servants, to pursue evil in whatever form or guise it takes and do what you must to defeat it and to defend the innocent. You must spread word of this through all lands and to all peoples. It will not be easy and there will be great heartache along the way but you will never be alone; it must be done or evil will consume the world and all within it. Last night a deadly blow was dealt to my enemy, but he is still lurking about and still very powerful. In the end, he will be completely vanquished but until that final Day, you are all that stands between the world and devastation. A rent has been created in the hearts of men. They will yearn for me and try to fill the gap with all sorts of vain things. You must tell them the truth of what you have seen. Last night, the innocence of man was lost, but by my blood it can be healed."

The girl had been held spellbound by the tale. The light around the figure dimmed a little, just enough so that she could make out his full form. She had glimpsed a horse-like figure last night and this morning, but now saw him fully, as if a fog had lifted. He was similar to the unicorn standing at her shoulder, but taller and more terrible; his horn and hooves were of gold and he glowed with the very light of the sun.

Your faithful steed will be the father of the race of mortal unicorns and you shall be the first among a great and future throng of my servants. I will hereafter withdraw from wandering abroad in the world but I will be found by those who seek me. Go forth and teach what you have been taught, fight evil, and protect the innocent. With that he seemed to glow brighter, and as the sun topped the head of the hill, vanished into the blinding rays.

Book I

"Great heart of my own heart

Whatever befall,

Still be my vision

Oh, Master of All."

‘Be Thou My Vision’

Irish Hymn

Chapter 1

A rain-battered traveler approached an inn on a dark autumn night, the faint glimmer of firelight and the sounds of singing and murmured speech escaped through the open door, drawing the cold, weary man inexorably towards this small, hopeful sign of comfort and community. A stable boy took the reins of his black mare, leading her away into the darkened stable while the man proceeded into the inn, found a secluded corner, and sat down. A serving girl brought him a mug of the local ale, a loaf of bread, and a bowl of indifferent stew, to which he happily addressed himself, as it was far better than anything else he had eaten of late. He glanced curiously around the room, chewing thoughtfully, seeing a hopeful glimmer in the eyes of a few of the locals who were looking his way in anticipation, for a stranger often meant news, good or bad, it was always welcomed in such a far-flung corner of the world. He finished his meal, knowingly caught the eye of one of the more persistent glancers, the fellow smiled, revealing a mouth missing several teeth, but he seemed friendly enough. He smiled brightly, walked over, and placed himself next to the now excitedly grinning fellow.

What brings you to a place like this? asked the local eagerly, almost as if he doubted his new confidant’s sanity by his mere presence in such a place.

Just passing through, smiled the stranger knowingly.

You cannot pass through here to anywhere, chuckled the local, this is as close as you can get to nowhere without falling off the edge of the map. Several heads nodded assent to this very obvious statement of fact.

Let us just say I want to see the world and have an adventure or two before I grow too old and sensible to do aught except walk behind a plow, answered the stranger archly. Several heads smiled and bobbed with mirth, for they had been young once it seemed and even remembered the phenomenon. The stranger then regaled them with enough news and rumors to satisfy their curiosity, but as the night wore on, even the most dedicated drunks gave up and went home, leaving the stranger alone in the common room. The innkeeper offered to show his only guest to his room, but the man wanted to check on his horse first, prompting a protest from the innkeeper that he had as fine a stable as anyone could want, but he could do as he pleased.

In the stable, the man found the mare. She seemed comfortable enough but he knew it was hardly fitting for her, something tolerated for his sake rather than her own. She snorted in exasperation but seemed to accept her current circumstances, if only because he thought she must. Some things never change, said he smilingly, we shall not be here long, and you have endured far worse upon our many adventures and you know it! Do the best you can and you shall regain your freedom come morning. If it is any consolation, my room is not much better than your stall. The mare made a noncommittal sound but seemed satisfied.

Why’re you talking to your horse, mister? asked the groggy stable boy from the hayloft, It isn’t as if she could understand ya. Sides, we gots the best stable in these parts.

I am sure you do, laughed the man, thinking that they probably had the only stable in the area. We have traveled many long miles together and often she is the only one I have to talk to for days on end. You should be sleeping, not eavesdropping on a lonely, wandering man.

Don’t tell me boss! cried the boy, This is the only thing I have going for me. If he hears about it, he will turn me out in an instant.

The man grew serious and took a closer look at the boy, he must be around fifteen or sixteen but he was short and thin for his age, whatever the boy received in exchange for his services, he certainly was not well fed. Do not worry, I will not say anything to get you in trouble, replied the man. The boy seemed to visibly relax, sighing in relief. You do not have any family or friends to take you in? asked the man.

A look of dismay crossed the boy’s face, my ma tossed me out as soon as I was of age. Said I was old enough to fend for myself. Not that I can blame her. She’s got seven other youngsters to feed. I don’t know who my dad is. The innkeeper lets me sleep in the loft and eat any scraps from supper as long as I take care of the horses. It could be worse!

The man’s heart was moved for the boy, and before he knew what he was saying, said, I know a place where you can find a brighter future; how would you like to come with me? I cannot pay anything, but the rations would be better. There are many nights when I must sleep rough, but it cannot be much worse than a hayloft. A grin split the boy’s face and he readily agreed.

The man returned to the inn and slept for what was left of the night. As he settled his bill the next morning, he told the innkeeper he would be taking the boy with him. The man shrugged indifferently, grumbling under his breath about good help being hard to find, but said nothing anyone was meant to hear. The man went to the stable to fetch his horse and found the boy waiting with an eager grin and a small sack slung over one shoulder; the mare was saddled and ready to go.

First, said the man, we get you properly outfitted for such an adventure! They wandered off towards the village and found a scruffy looking pony that the owner was willing to part with for only slightly less than a small fortune. They also found a decent set of clothes that fit the boy much better than his current rags. After acquiring a few other essentials, they set off. The mare glanced distastefully back at the pony and the boy, giving the man a significant look. He patted her neck in reassurance but she shook her head in exasperation, but gave a resigned snort as they set off. The boy noticed none of this, to him, the pony might as well have been a great charger and his new clothes a shining suit of armor, for he was off on an adventure and anything could happen. The man wondered what on earth he was to do with his newly acquired companion; the mare whickered in wry amusement, as if to say ‘I told you so.’

That night they camped in a small dell through which ran a merrily singing stream. The boy, exceedingly desperate to please, quickly went about setting up camp and even volunteered to try catching a few fish. He was quite adept as a fisherman, and within an hour, had several small trout roasting over a cheery fire. During supper, the boy glanced around for the mare, but could not find the horse though the pony grazed contently, hobbled nearby. When questioned about it, the man shrugged and said she came and went as she pleased and she would be back before dawn. In the morning, they broke camp, and as predicted the mare was ready and waiting. Before mounting up, the man handed the boy a bow and a collection of arrows that he had acquired on their trip to town. The boy glanced at them with a mix of joy and trepidation. The man said, it might not be a bad idea if you learn the use of a bow as we travel. The boy smiled excitedly, though he had never shot at anything save the occasional rabbit but had never hit even that. As they traveled, the boy practiced his archery, and with a little guidance proved to have a natural talent.

The terrain grew steadily steeper and the ground stonier as they headed northeast, eventually they came to a sizeable city, within which stood a towering castle. The town stood within a high, stone wall, though the gates stood open, guards carefully watched and sometimes questioned those trying to enter. Outside the walls, a veritable maze of houses, shops, and inns had grown up over the ensuing centuries, apparently the population had well outgrown the original confines of the city. As the man and boy approached the city gates, the guards glanced at the man, briefly studied the boy, and then looked again to the man, both sides nodded in greeting, as they passed without further incident. The boy wondered briefly at this but remained silent, overawed by all the novel sights and sounds swirling about him; throughout the city people seemed relatively happy and contentedly went about their work with a complacent gaiety that puzzled the boy. People seemed to simply enjoy the myriad mundanities of life and never once seemed to wonder what it was all about or why things were not different. They approached the more heavily guarded castle gate, but the guards only saluted the man as he rode past, glanced questioningly at the boy, but let both pass unhindered.

Immediately inside the gate they entered a courtyard and the boy’s heart leapt into his throat. There in full regalia, mounted upon a great horse, sat a Knight of the Order of the Unicorn. He set his heels to his pony’s sides, pulled the small dagger from his belt, and with a cry of utter anguish, charged at the mighty horse and the man who sat upon it. The charger idly turned his great shoulder towards the advancing pony, hardly seeming to notice as the poor beast bounced off of him as if he had run straight into a wall. The Knight leapt from his saddle, sword bared, and placed his foot upon the chest of the fallen boy. As the knight drew back to lop the boy’s head off, steel met steel, for the boy’s companion had leapt into the fray, his sword now held the knight’s weapon at bay.

You will not spill innocent blood in the heart of Astoria, grated the man quietly, put up your blade! Noticing the guards approaching with bared steel, the knight reluctantly complied. The man looked stonily at the boy, saying quietly, you will go with the guards and we will discuss this later. The boy meekly allowed the guards to lead him off, but flung a final look of hatred at the man who had just tried to kill him.

The boy’s life belongs to me, sneered the knight.

His life belongs to no man but to the Master, replied the man.

I claim it by right of the Order. Any who lays a hand upon a member of my Order shall surely perish thereby! You are lucky I do not claim yours as well for hindering me, scoffed the knight.

I do not know why he attacked you, but I shall find out and he will be dealt with according to our laws, said the man, you will not lay a hand on him nor will he bother you again. See to your business and be gone.

Your laws! scoffed the knight, There are no laws, save those of the Order. The laws of mere men, such as yourself, are nothing but guidelines to keep the peasants in line. True justice is maintained by the Order alone. This is not finished. A servant appeared, bowed to the knight, and led him deeper into the castle.

The man led the mare quietly to a corner of the courtyard where several servants stood waiting, he removed her harness and baggage, handing them to the waiting servants while another opened a side door, allowing her entrance into a wide, grassy lawn. He then made his way to the guardhouse near the gate where the boy sat weeping. As the man approached, the boy tried to shrink into the wall against which he sat; the guards left them alone and resumed their posts. Well? asked the man.

He…he…he was one of that awful group of men…that…that…defiled my mother, sobbed the boy. She was but a girl of sixteen and they came riding through the village and proclaimed that they were better than everybody and saw her alone in a meadow with her father’s sheep and…well…she got pregnant and everybody said it was her own fault and she had me and no decent man would have her after that and now she has eight kids by as many men and none of them care, wept the boy, I was only trying to avenge my ma!

The man put a comforting arm around the sobbing boy and drew him close, do not worry, we will not let him hurt you, but revenge is not the same as justice. If you wish to stay here, you must learn many things, including forgiveness. Your family has suffered greatly under the injustice of the world, but that does not mean you may ‘avenge’ every grievance you have suffered. You must learn that anger and hatred are not the appropriate way to deal with suffering and wrongs. Forgiveness, mercy, and grace must be foremost in your mind and heart else you will be no different than he and the rest of his vaunted Order. Justice has a place, but only after careful thought and deliberation; it must never be carried out in the heat of hatred or anger, even justice must be done with love. Love meaning you are doing what is best for every person involved, even if it hurts or is difficult. You must learn these things if you wish to stay here. If you wish for revenge rather than justice, then you may take your pony and some provisions and ride to wherever your fate takes you, but you cannot remain here.

The boy sniffled a bit as he looked up into the gentle eyes of the man and said, I never had a dad, but I hope he would have been like you. I would like to stay, if I could? I do not rightly understand everything you have said but I would like to try and learn it, if I must. I do not want to be like that man and his fellows.

Good, smiled the man, then I shall introduce you to the Lady. They both stood and approached the patiently waiting, who led them deep into the castle, where in a small inner chamber they found a very graceful yet ancient woman. They both bowed deeply, taking the waiting seats when told to do so.

Welcome home Tristan, said she, and welcome also young man, but I hope you will not be attacking anyone else within the walls of my keep? added she with a smile. The boy blushed crimson. You have been away a long time, she continued, I hope your journey has not been in vain?

I have learned much, Lady, said he, though little to cheer the heart.

And what of the boy? asked she.

I am not sure exactly, replied the man, I came across him at an inn some days ago and before I knew what I was saying, had asked him to come with me, for he was in dire straits and little more than an orphan. At worst, he is far better off here than where he was, for at least in Astoria he can find a future. Perhaps there is more to it, but that time must reveal; it just felt right to bring him along.

Very well, said the Lady, her knowing smile hidden from all but those long familiar with her, we shall see what comes of him. She turned to the boy and said, young man, as long as you are here, you will be expected to do as you are told and be respectful of all people, including apparent enemies. You will attend lessons on everything from proper grammar to swordsmanship and you will be assigned a number of chores as well. You may leave at any time, but if you misbehave and do not correct said behavior when called upon it you will be dismissed. Will you stay or go? The boy stared at her in disbelieving wonder for a few moments and then said he would happily stay, it sounded a much better arrangement than he could find elsewhere, especially the part about swords. The Lady smiled and clapped her hands, a servant appeared and led the boy off, leaving the Lady and Tristan to talk long into the night about his journey and the evil tidings in the world.

When shall I see this Lady of yours? demanded the Knight of the attending servant.

You shall see her as soon as may be, but you did not send word that you were coming, as common courtesy demands, so you cannot expect to see her on such short notice, especially when she is currently occupied with an urgent matter of business, replied the patient servant, perhaps you would like to go to your room and freshen up, or perhaps you would like a bit of supper while you wait?

The man scoffed at the servant but continued his incessant pacing in the small parlor in which he found himself. No other country or king would dare keep an emissary of the Order waiting! He could not believe the effrontery of this small kingdom on the border of nowhere, but soon the Order would hold sway over all the kingdoms within their reach, this insignificant burg and its impertinent Lady would soon feel the yoke of the Order and cower in fear at the merest hint of his wrath. Neither could he believe the temerity of that scruffy stranger in staying his hand when that cur of a boy had dared attack him and justly deserved to have his head sundered from his shoulders. Where was the respect and welcome due a man of his standing within the Order? His masters would hear of this and an example must be made, that the fear of the Order be maintained. The weary servant drew up a chair and prepared for a long night of watching the man pace.

Some time in the wee hours of the morning, the determinedly pacing man was at last interrupted that he might be led into a small chamber in which sat an exceedingly old yet regal woman. He had not meant to bow, but something in the sheer presence of the woman summoned a respect he never meant to bestow. He had meant to overpower her with awe and fear and scorn, to cow her with his wrath, rather he felt like a small boy caught by his mother in some trifling act of disobedience. The woman smiled as if she knew his mind and with a hand, beckoned him to approach, the absolute mistress of the situation.

Lady, he began, I have traveled over many leagues to this forsaken city of yours. The Order of the Unicorn has mandated that every major city, province, and kingdom must have a representative of the Order in place to settle minor disputes and to relieve the local authorities of the tedium of maintaining law and order, that only the most vital matters need be brought before the local authorities and by doing so, we wish only to serve the common good and those who serve justice and peace.

Instead of hearing him with reverent awe, his statement was greeted with laughter that was dangerously close to giggling, a strange sight indeed in so august a personage! You have no idea who we are? asked the Lady, instantly stifling the worst of her mirth, Of old we have been the standard for law and justice and everything peaceful and true. Are we completely forgotten? Is even our legend a secret in these troubled times?

I know, said the man in growing consternation, that you are a standoffish people and have never hailed king nor lord, but have dwelt quietly in your little valley far away from the dwellings of other men. Were you warlike you would soon enough have been dealt with by greater nations, but as you seek only your own ends and this outpost on the edge of forever is of no interest to anyone but yourselves, you have been left largely in peace, but the time is coming when no rogue state or city will be allowed to follow its own course. All must unite and fight together the great evil that is brewing in the world. You must unite with the rest of the world under the banner of the Unicorn or you will be cut off and destroyed. We are your only chance of survival.

The old woman seemed lost in thought, it seems only a few short years ago that we were known in all lands as purveyors of knowledge, wisdom, and justice. Long have we acted in secret but our presence is no less vibrant in the world, though we have dwindled of late. Our span of years is thrice that or more of other men, but can the years have so swiftly passed us by? We have dwindled not only in number but also in memory and significance! These are grave tidings indeed. We are failing in our quest. We must come out of the shadows and renew our efforts to reach the lost and hopeless! A great evil you say? Yes, a great evil indeed lurks out there, greater than even you can imagine. But the evil I am most concerned with is our own laxity of late. We have fallen into myth and decay out of a fear for our own lives. But no more! We must break out of this coffin in which we have entombed ourselves, shake off the dust, and rock the foundations of the world once more! The man was thoroughly confused as to what the old woman was musing about, but apparently it had her greatly agitated. Perhaps she was senile? She seemed to have forgotten him entirely. Angbar! she cried, as a servant shuffled in, Call a General Assembly immediately! Everyone is to attend, even the newest recruit. Rouse those lazy sluggards from their beds. I do not care if it is not yet dawn.

Yes Lady, said the confused servant, as he bowed and dashed out of the room.

She then directed her hawk-like gaze at her guest and continued, thank you, young man for these tidings that have roused this slumbering old bear into action. As for your offer of maintaining peace and justice within the bounds of my land, I thank you but we have been doing quite well without you for the last few millennia and I think will be doing just that when your Order has passed out of memory.

But, started the man, it is not a request or an offer. It is a mandate by the High Council of the Order of the Unicorn. You must!

I must nothing! laughed the old woman, I doubt any of your high and mighty council has ever even glimpsed a unicorn, yet you have the audacity to order around a woman who has seen The Unicorn and received this position with His blessing? Now off with you. Go and tell all your masters how ill-used you have been. Declare war on us if you will. We have heard it all before and survived worse. I have no time to deal with your self-important schemes, for I have a rabble to rouse! With a delighted laugh, she sprang from her chair and skipped off like a girl on a feast day. A servant appeared and the dumbfounded man followed obediently, mounted his waiting horse, and rode off into the grey morning.

Chapter 2

Tristan had hardly had time to return to his chambers and clean up before the clang of the meeting bell summoned all of the Brethren to a General Assembly. The Lady stood in the middle of the floor of the dining hall, waiting for all to assemble and quiet to ensue. Silence engulfed the room as many bleary but eager eyes focused upon her, said she, a member of the self-proclaimed Order of the Unicorn appeared before me today offering his protection from the gathering evil we all feel encroaching upon all we know and love. Ironic mirth echoed through the Hall, as she continued, "of course I sent him packing, but the fact that he comes into the very heart of Astoria and has no idea who or what we are was worrying enough that I roused all of you from your beds and called this meeting. Apparently, we are all but forgotten in the minds of other men, great or small! What has happened to our mission? We are afraid of what? Death? What hold has death on any of us? Is it not our greatest honor to die in this service?

How many are dying because we are afraid to die? I call upon each of you, from the least to the greatest, to put aside your fear and grasp firmly to our purpose and spread the Truth to all people and all lands. Evil is rampant in the world. Despair haunts the steps of the common folk. Power, corruption, and greed rule in all lands. Justice and mercy are forgotten. I command you to go forth boldly and proclaim the Truth, and if necessary, die in the process. It is far better to die doing our duty than to be found safely hiding within these walls as the world perishes around us. I do not mean to face the Master one day and have to explain to Him why we have been caught sleeping. We have each taken an Oath, and now I am calling upon you to fulfill it. Secrecy may be needed on occasion, but now is not the hour. Get out there and do your duty. Quit hiding in the shadows and jumping at mice. Go out and shake the very foundations of the world as we were created to do. May the Master ride with you!" With that, she withdrew and the crowd broke into an excited uproar.

The Council of Six was shortly thereafter summoned to a meeting with the Lady. As her closest advisors, she needed their insight into how to waken this sleeping giant. You heard my speech, asked she dryly, now what?

The Council consisted of two members of each major sect of the Brethren: the Warriors, the Philosophers, and the Teachers, and were accounted the wisest and most experienced of their particular sect. They debated and discussed late into the morning, and as the sun reached its noon peak, they emerged from the chamber tired but firm in their purpose and excited about their plans, as they had not been in years beyond memory. Over the years, the Brethren had fallen into complacency, as had every other corner of civilization. Hopefully, they had not been roused too late to face the utter darkness that again was threatening to consume the world. It had been decided that the Teaching sect would ride forth immediately with as many as could be spared from teaching the Students and Apprentices; word would be sent to those already in the field that the time for secrecy was over and they should boldly speak wherever they found an audience or receptive ear.

Perhaps a message of hope in a world of deepening despair would again reach the hearts of the masses as it had in former days before fear for their lives had driven the Brethren to go about in secret. The Philosopher sect was to send its advisors to all known kings, princes, lords, generals, and leaders. Those already placed, were to come out of the shadows and openly advise the various rulers of the dangers lurking ahead. The Warrior sect was to openly pursue criminals within the bounds of kingdoms and principalities, as well as maintaining their defense of the northern borders of civilization, to keep evil things of the Wilds from wandering into civilized lands. They were also to advise any ruler that requested it, in the defense of their country from external threats. It was a call joyfully received and enacted by all, for this is what they had been born to do.

Amidst all this commotion, the boy felt utterly lost in the confusion; everyone seemed to be running around preparing for some great event or journey. Horses were saddled, bags were packed, supplies were loaded, and goodbyes were said. The boy felt very small and alone amidst the chaos, as frenzy continued well into the evening, the boy felt he had been completely forgotten, when a firm hand gripped his shoulder and he looked hopefully up into the eyes of Tristan. He smiled down at the boy and said, you are not forgotten.

Together they walked into the dining hall for supper. In the chaos of the day, almost a quarter of the population had left on one errand or another and another third was to leave on the morrow. The boy asked what all the fuss was about, Tristan mentioned something about a stirred anthill, and the boy laughed while the man smiled. After they had eaten, they retreated to the boy’s small room.

I have traveled abroad for almost a year, said Tristan, so I am allowed a brief respite before my next assignment, but time grows short, evening is falling, and night comes. A great darkness is lurking beyond sight or hearing, but it hungers to plunge the world into utter desolation. It was driven back long ago, but ever it yearns to strike out anew in another attempt to overthrow all that is good and right and true. Its malevolence and strength have grown with the years and its time is drawing nigh to again try plunging the world into utter night, to remake all in its own image. We have ever been harbingers of that darkness, trying to turn the hearts of men to justice and light, but over the years our influence has waned and our messengers have gone unheeded. What you saw today was the rousing of all our strength in one last, great push for Truth. The time is coming when all mortal hearts must decide on whose side they stand.

On whose side? asked the perplexed boy.

Continued the man, on the side of darkness, evil, and the Enemy, or on the side of goodness, light, and the Master.

The boy looked askance at the man, as if he was sitting with a grown man who truly believed in monsters under the bed. All his life he had heard fairy tales about the so-called Master of All and how he had driven away evil for a time and about the Brethren, men who rode unicorns and spread the Truth and fought evil. But he had never seen anything to suggest that such tales could possibly be true. The man looked down at the boy with a knowing light in his eyes; well did he understand the boy’s doubts.

You doubt there is any such thing as the Master or the Brethren I think, mused Tristan wistfully. The boy looked at the man with awe, as if he could read minds. I once thought the same, replied he. "As a boy, my mother took ill and died and my father went mad with grief and took his own life. I was left alone without friend, family, or protection in a dark and dangerous world. If I had ever believed in the Master, I then decided that in a world of such pain and injustice there could be no being that is truly love incarnate. I became a petty thief, stealing what I could just to survive. One day I was caught and brought before a magistrate who sentenced me to a prison camp where I would spend my few remaining days quarrying stone. But then a man seated next to the magistrate whispered in his ear. The magistrate turned his gaze upon me and spoke, ‘this man will take full responsibility for you and spare you the horrors of the quarry, but you must go with him and do as you are told. If you disobey or runaway, you will be tossed into the quarry and there will toil away the rest of your short and miserable life.’

I was taken from that place and brought here, where I learned many things, including that even in the midst of tragedy and horror, there is still goodness and love and mercy. Evil happens not because the Master is not real or absent, but because He has given men the choice of whether to do evil or good and there are those who choose evil. Good survives and love exists because the Master is both. Without Him the world would quickly succumb to darkness and chaos. The Master offers us the choice to both escape from evil and to fight for good. Here I learned that while tragedy and suffering happen to all, the Master gives us strength, patience, and hope to endure them and through suffering and trials we grow stronger and closer to Him. Here you will learn many useful things, even if you choose not to join the Brethren, whatever you choose, you can at least find a brighter future. I will be checking in on you every now and then over the next few weeks, but soon I must leave on another journey and may not see you for some time."

But I am going with you, said the boy firmly.

I am sorry, said the man sadly, but it is forbidden for any to travel with me on such a dangerous mission save another of the Brethren or one who is vital to the success thereof. Tomorrow you may leave and go wherever it is you wish, or you can stay and learn for as long as you like, but eventually you must make a decision as to whether to take your Oath and join the Brethren or to leave at the time of your choosing, in pursuit of a goal of your own design, but for now, goodnight, and I will see you soon. He blew out the lamp and left the room.

Tristan checked in frequently with the boy, who had decided to stay for the present at least, for there was much for him to learn and he was quite enjoying himself, though some of the history and grammar were not as exciting as the swordplay and riding lessons. He even enjoyed running errands, working in the kitchens, or helping in the stables, which were considered a vital part of his training and character development. The boy seemed to be thriving in his new surroundings and for the first time in a very long time felt truly happy and eager to see what the future held. But Tristan was quite busy in his own right, for he had many people with whom he needed to discuss a plethora of topics, there was equipment to mend or replace, and he had some specific things he needed to learn before his next mission. The few weeks of his ‘respite’ passed swiftly, too quickly for his liking, for his next assignment was not one to which he was looking forward, but the Lady had bidden and he must fulfill his mission or die trying.

I am off tomorrow Pallin, said Tristan to the boy, I do not know when I shall see you again, but I will write if I get the chance, which will give you a good excuse to practice your reading. The boy did not know whether to laugh or cry and seemed to be doing a bit of both. They embraced one last time before the man walked off, a tall lonely figure retreating into the night towards an uncertain future.

Early the next morning, Tristan climbed back into the saddle he had vacated only a day prior, or so it seemed to him at such an awkward hour of the morning. The mare frisked, eager to be off once more; she was not suited to a sedentary life any more than her master, a fact he would remember once they were again upon the road. The Lady stood at his stirrup and bid him farewell, I know this quest is not something you relish, but you are the best man for the job. Take care of yourself and let me know if you learn anything that may be of use. May the Master ride with you! With that, she slapped the mare on the rump and the pair galloped off into the slowly waning darkness.

Galloping in the dark before dawn is a good way to get oneself killed, so he quickly reined in the mare, though she slowed only reluctantly and gave him a resentful look over her shoulder as they continued at a far more sensible pace. To be on the road again did hold some excitement for him as well as for the mare, but his destination was far from stimulating. He hated the uncertainty and possible