Unicorn Sacrifices

By Setlu Vairst

The unicorns had the best of reasons for not taking refuge in the Ark. The sacrifice would have been unbearable, even more so than the sacrifices to come. They had a destiny with a fate not of their choosing but held on to a promise of hope for survival. In a race to keep above the rising waters a temporary sanctuary is found but, unknown to the unicorns, this place of safety is a pathway to a new land that will have them confront their greatest fear; the loss of a loved one.
With a destiny to be fulfilled, a young unicorn must make a journey to a place called Essilon but there is the ever-present evil of the humans who are seeking out all beasts and destroying them. Essilon is to be the final stand of the beasts against the rampaging humans.
This story is a more adult version of ‘Unicorn - Journey Beyond Forever,’ and has scenes which are more directly linked to other books in the series. This version also has extended scenes and complete new scenes that are not included within ‘Unicorn - Journey Beyond Forever.’ It is intended to be read as the 5th book in the series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Setlu Vairst
• Release date: Nov 24, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311165404

Setlu Vairst

Setlu Vairst released the first book from The Occasion Mists series in December 2013. 'Unicorn - Journey Beyond Forever' is the story of a young unicorn's journey to a place where he may be reunited with his parents and where a final battle with the evil humans will take place.There are eight completed works ready to be released in the coming months. Book 2 in the series 'Danny and the Seagull Who Came Back... From The Dead! was released on the 22 December 2013 and the third book will be published in the coming weeks.Born in Hanover, Germany, raised in Glasgow, and currently residing in the North of England, Setlu is currently concentrating on releasing the remainder of the completed works in preparation for returning to the other books from the series. There are currently four other works in progress and others planned.Setlu lives with his wife, youngest son and three dogs, and so the 'writing' environment can be noisy and hectic at times.His current ambition is to have a 'room' off the beaten track where he has space to leave notes about the stories safely scattered around and does not have to go hunting for where he 'thinks' he last left his notes.http://www.setluvairst.com

Book preview

And God looked upon the earth, and, beheld, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth.

And God said unto Noah. The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and behold, I will destroy them with the earth.

Make thee an Ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the Ark; and shall pitch it within and without with pitch.

And of everything living of all flesh, two of every sort shalt thou bring into the Ark, to keep them alive with thee; they shalt be male and female.

Genesis 6 verses 12, 13, 14 and 19.

JUDGES

01 - Judges I – Destinies Crossroads

A smell of burning wafted amongst the trees, mixing with the scent of delicate flowers and rotting leaves as it drifted past the two unicorns that walked warily amongst the giant tree trunks. It was not a totally unpleasant smell and, for Laranki, it did help to hide the hideous scent of the humans. Startling him, a scream suddenly ripped through the forest, quickly fading into a silence that was replaced with the sound of humans shouting.

Stopping in his tracks, Laranki knew exactly how much trouble he and his wife, Soreecilor, would be in if the humans should see them. ‘The humans are in such a bloodthirsty mood in these times that they could not resist their evil pleasure of pursuing two unicorns that they have found roaming in the forests.’

Will the humans ever get tired of killing one another, whispered the voice of his wife from behind him.

Turning a little, he stood looking towards the face of Soreecilor, thinking, ‘I know that you are tired but we must keep moving. To rest for too long would surely bring discovery by the marauding human bands.’

Staring directly into his wife’s eyes, he said, I promise we will rest soon. It is just too dangerous to remain here for there are many humans in this place. Let us keep going for a little while longer and trust that we will find a safe place in which to rest and hide.

Nodding, his wife began moving forward as Laranki turned to face the trail that they had been following.

‘It is much that I ask of her,’ thought Laranki, ‘However, for us to have any chance of reaching our goal we must be beyond these forests as quickly as possible and leave the humans to continue their butchery of one another.’

Placing hoofs as delicately as possible to ensure that they made as little sound as possible, Laranki tried to maintain a reasonable speed whilst ensuring that the ground he chose to walk upon did not lie covered in too many fallen and decaying branches.

It seems that there are more of the red humans in this place, whispered Soreecilor from behind him.

I too have noticed that, replied Laranki, without changing pace. I would have to believe that the scream we have just heard was that of one of the blue-dressed humans being destroyed by the red-dressed humans.

There was no reply from his wife but Laranki knew that she would have agreed with his speculation. ‘Much has changed in the world since the stories passed down the generations of the unicorns who had moved beyond the safety of our forests, entering the realms of mankind and surviving to return to the forests. We have always known that the humans were mostly a wicked type of creature and, even though there have been stories of ones that were kind, the majority seemed determined to own everything that they could regardless of the pain that is caused to any other creature; be it more of their own kind, or of ferocious or tame beasts of nature.’

What has made the humans change so much? asked Soreecilor.

Keeping his voice to a whisper, Laranki replied, "I do not know. At one time they hunted in small packs but now they have formed great armies that battle each other, with each determined to wipe the other from the face of the world.

Somehow, their weapons have become more deadly and they have a greater organisation about themselves that was never anticipated by our forefathers. It is as if there is something more than the humans who play this game."

Do you think it is the dragons?

No, for I have seen the results of humans destroying many dragons. If the dragons were in league with the humans then that would not be happening.

Perhaps their alliance has now broken…

That is possible, began Laranki, but it does not seem right. We have known stories of our ancestors who spent time with the dragons and all the stories point to them as being good creatures.

There was a time when the humans were more good than bad… said Soreecilor.

That is true. Perhaps that is what happens to all creatures eventually; they change from good to bad.

You do not believe that, Laranki, said Soreecilor, sounding shocked.

No, I do not believe that but really, in these times, I do not know what to believe anymore other than that we have to reach a specific location by a certain time in order for us to be spared. That is the only belief that I have, other than the belief that I will get you there safely.

I know you will, Laranki.

Shush, whispered Laranki, coming to a halt, hearing his wife stopping still behind him.

What is it?

Listen! I think I hear water, he replied.

Is it not the rain hitting the canopy above?

No, this is different. It sounds more like a river. Not too distant but flowing fast.

The two stood in silence, listening hard and intensely. Laranki heard another distant scream of yet another human having his life ended by unnatural means.

His ears concentrated on the sound of the scream, knowing that it came from somewhere behind them and as he continued listening he was relieved to not hear the sounds of any humans coming crashing through the undergrowth in their direction.

A new sound reached his ears and it was a moment before he realised that it was the noise of his own heartbeat. Slowly breathing out, he began to move forward slowly when there came a sudden rustling from nearby and then something plummeted from a tree, landing squarely upon Laranki’s back.

Even before he was fully startled, he knew that it would be either Chart or Brand returning from searching the way ahead of them and, as he was realising this, there was a brief movement across his back and then something landed on the ground to his right and a little behind him. Turning, he saw the familiar shape and markings of the female squirrel called Chart.

There is a wide river ahead, said the squirrel, glancing back towards Soreecilor as she spoke. But the bad weather has the river surging and we have seen debris floating in the current. Brand is searching across the tree line to the left to see if there is a way across that is safe. He will return to us soon.

Remain still, whispered Laranki, trying to ensure his muscles did not as his eyes moved, trying to peer through the thick vegetation that surrounded him and his wife. The noise that had disturbed them was definitely drawing nearer.

Listening to the sound of something large moving through the forest nearby, Soreecilor whispered, Do you think it is another of those huge wooden contraptions that the humans use to attack their enemies?

Laranki, picturing the strange contraptions that the human armies dragged with them, saw an image of the strange mechanism by which the humans could hurl mighty boulders over a vast distance, even sending flaming fireballs hurtling through the sky.

I do not think so, for I cannot hear the sounds of horses that they use to pull the weapon, nor can I hear the sounds of humans speaking.

Should we move away from here?

No, if we left this section of undergrowth then we would surely be seen. We can only wait.

Moving his neck a little higher, piercing through enticing gaps in the leaves and branches before him, Laranki caught the movement of a dark shape, almost at the same time something strange and unworldly came to his nostrils.

What is it? asked Soreecilor, seeing Laranki flinch a little.

I am not sure. It is not humans that are out there. It is something else.

What is it?

It can only be beasts, large beasts, and if that is the case then they will be on our side. They move in this direction. I will have to face them.

Laranki, no, pleaded Soreecilor, Let us wait and see if they pass and, if they do not, then we can run from here if they should come into this undergrowth. We have seen some beasts acting strange and aggressive, as if they know that only a number are to be spared and granted safety in the Ark. They are jealous, and I think that some may have lost their minds. The poor creatures are distraught.

Wait, commanded Laranki, I will see what can be done and, if need be, I will try to lure them away.

Laranki!

Hush, but be prepared to run should this not go as I plan.

Taking a deep breath, Laranki began pushing his way through the thick undergrowth ahead of him, his heart pounding and his mind hoping that he was doing the right thing.

Stepping from his place of concealment, Laranki was shocked to see two giant creatures that he had only seen once in the skies above his forest home though he had heard many tales of them. ‘They are dragons!’

Trying to remain calm, Laranki stood looking toward the two immense beasts whilst slowly lowering his head and showing them his horn, telling them that he would be prepared to use it if they came any closer. ‘If they do come nearer then I will attack. Even if it a futile gesture I will try to confront them and then run away, leaving Soreecilor safe in her concealment. The squirrels will guide her to the Ark if I am unable to return to her side.’

With his eyes fixed upon the two dragons before him, Laranki watched as the two looked toward each other and then, because they had stopped in their tracks, he began stamping a foreleg upon the ground. ‘I can only hope that they have respect for other beasts and choose to leave us alone.’

Listening for other sounds in the forests, trying to make sure that no humans were in the area that could interfere with what he was trying to achieve, Laranki was surprised when he saw the two immense creatures begin to back away slowly.

With relief flooding his heart, Laranki thought, ‘It is good that they do not wish for an unnecessary confrontation. Now, we may all go on our own paths without the need for bloodshed.’

Raising his head, Laranki continued watching the dragons as they moved backwards. One was further away than the other and then suddenly, the dragon closest to him, stopped. Feeling dismay in him, Laranki sighed, thinking, ‘The creatures have changed their mind. Have I given them cause to decide that they should attack me? I wonder if I can speak with these creatures. Perhaps it is best that I race away from here, hoping that they will follow me and leave Soreecilor safe within…’

Staring, puzzled, Laranki heard a small voice interrupting his thought, saying, Are you the nice dragon called Kolay’sha?

‘Is that Brand’s voice? Is he speaking to the Dragons?’ he asked himself, amazed at what he thought he was hearing.

It was clear to Laranki that the Dragon nearest to him was as surprised as he was by the sound of the voice of Brand and now, intrigued by what was happening he could only stare towards the Dragon and the small brown creature that stood far below the height of the giant creature, shouting up to the beast.

I am, the dragon replied, And are you Chart or Brand?

Stunned, Laranki thought, ‘How can it be that Brand and Chart are known to the dragons? And… I can understand the dragon! What of the stories that said the dragons were not of this world? If I can understand them then does this mean that they are of Earth? Were these two on their way to the Ark? Perhaps we can travel together…’

I am Brand! replied the squirrel, continuing with, And have you come to aid Laranki and Soreecilor?

Laranki was becoming confused, ‘How can the dragons know of myself and Soreecilor?’

Laranki, whispered a voice. However, looking around the area Laranki could see no sign of who had spoken his name. The voice seemed familiar to him but all that he could be sure of was that the voice did not come from the dragons, or Chart or Brand, or even from his wife.

Laranki, came the voice again, louder and more insistent and, as Laranki saw that the dragons and Brand had not acknowledged the sound he realised that it was the voice of God making itself known only to him, just as it had when he and Soreecilor had been made aware of the journey that they had to undertake in order to reach the Ark, and why.

Laranki and Soreecilor, said the voice, "These creatures are here to assist you. They are good creatures and I only wish that they were my own but they are not.

This is a test for these creatures though they know not of it, but I believe that they will not fail the test. One will be scared of the task ahead of her but I believe that she will apply herself and her courage and she will win through.

For reasons that cannot be known to you yet, these creatures have a destiny unto themselves and there is only a little that I can to influence the outcome.

Let it be known to you that I want to influence the outcome and will do so only if these dragons do not fail me.

The dragons have been on the Earth for a very long time; even before the time of Mankind, and I have found a love of them. They are good of soul and are respectful of the lives of other creatures. They are everything I would have wished for from mankind but mankind has failed me.

You are to try to reach the Ark and these creatures will be given an opportunity to help you. They will not fail, I believe this and, as their reward, I want you to give them a secret knowledge. I will place in your minds the things that you should tell to the dragons when the time is right.

If these creatures do as I believe they will do then I will give them clues to their own salvation and you, Laranki and Soreecilor, shall be the vessels in which I will place the clues to their salvation…"

A blinding pain shot through Laranki’s mind and, raising his head high, he tried to shake the pain away, knowing that the same would be happening to Soreecilor.

As fast as it had started, the pain suddenly vanished and though his legs felt weak, Laranki stood tall, watching the scene in front of him, and as he thought, ‘What is meant by we should attempt to reach to the Ark? Is that not our destiny?’ Laranki was pulled away from these thoughts by the events occurring in front of him.

He could feel the same bewilderment emanating from the two dragons as he felt himself.

The other dragon, which had moved further away now moved forward to stand beside the other and, as he watched and listened, Laranki could only accept the scene that was being played out before him.

Who are Laranki and Soreecilor? asked the second dragon, with confusion upon its features.

‘I believe that dragon to be a male,’ thought Laranki, ‘and the other to be a female; the one that Brand referred to as Kolay’sha.’

Watching, Laranki believed that the male dragon was wary of Brand speaking and appeared to be trying to ignore the fact.

That is Laranki, said Brand, pointing directly toward Laranki.

Feeling a little under scrutiny, Laranki turned his head but looked back as he saw Chart come racing up towards him.

Do not be afraid, Laranki, said Chart. Brand knows what he is doing. These dragons are here to help you.

Looking down at Chart, Laranki wished he could think of something to say but, instead of trying to find that elusive something, he was quite willing to allow the strange events to play out. Lifting his head, he looked towards the dragons and, risking a smile, he continued staring at the male dragon as it spoke to its companion.

Kolay’sha, said the dragon, What is happening?

Watching and listening, Laranki could only stand and stare as the next event unfolded.

I have met these creatures before, these squirrels, but they were only children then, the dragon called Kolay’sha replied.

That does not help me to understand the situation! said the male dragon.

You understand it as much as I understand it! Kolay’sha replied, casting a quick glance toward the male dragon.

Come, said Brand, as he began walking toward Laranki.

Warily, Laranki stood tall, trying to look as though none of the events were worrying him at all.

The female dragon began to move slowly forward and, not entirely comfortable seeing the immense bulk of the dragon moving toward him, Laranki could not help but take a step backwards. Quickly, he regained his composure as he remembered the words that God had spoken to him.

Laranki, Brand called out, This is the dragon called Kolay’sha and she will help you against the humans!

The female dragon looked a little shocked at the mention of the word ‘humans’ and this made Laranki feel as though they had something in common, a bond that would help see them through what was to come. Watching the dragons raising their heads as they looked around the immediate area, Laranki could see the amount of muscle and power that was at the disposal of these enormous creatures. Smiling wryly to himself, he thought, ‘And to think I even thought about trying to fight against them.’

A rustling to his side made him turn just in time to see Soreecilor walk from her hiding place as she came to stand beside him.

The female dragon looked at himself and then at Soreecilor, slowly nodding her head as if she was acknowledging some information known only to herself.

With the sounds of undergrowth and bushes being trampled upon the male dragon began to slowly advance and then, a moment later, so too did the female dragon.

The two dragons continued advancing until they were very close to himself and his wife and he had to raise his head to be able to look up into a face that, even though ferocious by design, he could see warmth and compassion in its features.

I am Laranki and this is my wife, Soreecilor.

I am Kolay’sha, replied the female dragon, adding, And this is my friend, Shavat’etun.

Nodding his head by way of an acknowledgement, Laranki could sense that if the dragons could feel any nervousness about him he knew that they would only sense calm and peace from his wife.

How is it that we can speak with you? Kolay’sha asked.

I have no idea, replied Laranki. The world has become a strange and violent place in recent times, so much so that I no longer recognise the world that I grew up in.

I do not pretend to understand what is happening, continued Kolay’sha, but a long time ago I met these two squirrels and they gave me you and your wife’s names, though I never knew at the time that you were unicorns. I have no desire to try to understand what is happening but I will assist you in any way I can, said Kolay’sha. Laranki could sense that the dragon was not entirely surprised to find herself in this situation. ‘Brand and Chart had told her a long time ago about this day… Who are Chart and Brand? They seem to be in possession of much knowledge that we are not. Did God provide them as companions who will assist us toward our destiny?’

What can we do for you? Kolay’sha asked.

We are pursued by the red humans, said the female unicorn, Soreecilor.

Red humans? questioned Shavat, wondering what the unicorn was referring to.

These are humans who wear red as their banner. We have seen blue humans, but only a few of these. There are many red and a group of them have pursued us for most of this morning. All we wish is to escape the humans and be on our way, Laranki finished.

Where are you travelling toward? Shavat asked, his gaze going from one to the other of the two creatures.

Laranki, turning his head in the direction of the raging river began thinking about what Chart had said about the weather. He turned back toward the dragon called Shavat, saying, If we can cross the river then it will give us the time we need to put a distance between ourselves and the humans!

Why are the humans chasing you? Kolay’sha asked.

Why do the humans do anything they do in these times? Soreecilor replied. They have become an infection upon the world. They are a poison which seems intent on wiping out all others but themselves!

The female dragon began nodding in agreement with Soreecilor, showing her that she understood that it was not only the dragons who have been persecuted by the evil ways of the humans.

Soreecilor, moving slowly and deliberately lay down upon the ground and, seeing this, Shavat and Kolay’sha did the same. Laranki remained standing for a little while before he too lay upon the ground. The two squirrels moved closer to the side of the female unicorn and lay against her, their eyes watching the dragons while, occasionally, they would whisper amongst themselves.

When the storm eases we should be able to carry you across the river, Shavat’etun said, offering assistance while wondering if it would be enough.

That would be good, replied Laranki, but you would have to be particularly careful carrying my wife, as she is with child.

I can assure you that we can carry you all safely across the river, Shavat’etun replied, nodding his head slowly.

Looking toward the female dragon, Laranki sensed a sudden nervousness come about her. ‘I would like to tell you that you are being tested,’ Laranki thought, recalling the words of God, ‘but this is something that you must complete without assistance.’

The worrying look upon Kolay’sha’s face was swiftly removed when Shavat interrupted her thoughts, saying, Tell me more of what you call the ‘red human’s that pursue you.

Although we hide very well from the humans, we have been close enough to them to witness some of the changes that have occurred within them in recent times. Sighing, Laranki looked at Shavat and then Kolay’sha and then back to Shavat while thinking about the recent encounters that they had had with the humans. "Nearly all humans we have seen in recent times adorn themselves with red clothing and, from what I have been able to determine, the more red that they wear then the more superior they are to the others who march with them.

We have seen whole fields and meadows turned red because of an army of humans resting upon it. They march as a scar across the land, destroying all in their way. We have seen some small groups of blue humans and whenever they have come in contact with the red humans there has been a bloody battle that has resulted in the blue humans being wiped out.

I do not know where the blue humans come from but they look different from the red humans; their skin colour is different, their stature appears smaller but their voracity for war is equal. The only reason that they lose is because of the greater number of red humans. This is now a world that has truly become sick. It is a world that cannot continue to exist this way."

Turning to face Kolay’sha, Shavat said, If the humans are so intent on wiping out dragons and all other creatures, why do they then fight amongst themselves. If the slaughter is to continue in this fashion then there will be no beasts left upon the world, and very few humans! What is the point of it all?

Laranki could hear the dismay in Shavat’s voice as he sought to try and understand what was happening within this ‘world gone mad’ that they now dwelt within.

Where is it that you are heading for? Shavat asked.

We go in search of Noah, Soreecilor replied.

Noah said that he had seen you before, Kolay’sha! said one of the squirrels, but Laranki could not be sure whether it had been Chart or Brand.

Staring at the dragon, Laranki heard the sound of a groan, making him feel that the dragon would have preferred this piece of information to have gone unspoken.

Shavat began slowly turning his head and looking toward his companion.

It was a long time ago… began Kolay’sha.

Ssshhhh! said Laranki, raising his head and peering off towards the rear right-hand side of the dragons.

Abruptly, all six became very quiet and very still, each listening for unusual sounds, sounds that were neither the raging river nor the rain on the canopy above.

At first Laranki could hear nothing more, and then he thought she could hear the faint noise again, a sound that was similar to something that he had heard earlier; a noise that did not seem to be more than a distant buzzing wail. Then, amongst that wailing, he detected a shout; the distinctive cry that could only come from a human.

The sounds remained in the distance and did not appear to be getting quickly closer to where Laranki and the others rested in the forest.

What is that buzzing sound that I can hear? whispered Kolay’sha, her question open to anyone who could give her an answer.

"The humans carry a new weapon. They spin a slingshot in the air above their heads. These make the rasping sound that you can hear and judging by the level of noise we can detect there are many humans out there moving through the trees, trying to flush any beasts into running and, if they do, the slingshots fire a deadly stone toward the frightened beast.

These stones will normally only stun a creature and then the humans move in to finish off the work in their own despicable way. Sometimes you can hear beasts crying out in pain for a long, long time before they succumb to the darkness of death!" Laranki’s voice was full of venom and disgust, providing evidence that he had seen many creatures brought down by these weapons and slaughtered in hideous fashion.

Can we get across the river now? Soreecilor whispered.

Shavat looked toward Kolay’sha and then, turning his head back toward the unicorns, he said, I fear the storm would make it too dangerous. There is a risk that you may suffer injury if the winds go against us badly. I am sorry, it is best that we wait. Perhaps the humans will not come in this direction; perhaps they will move away from us.

Kolay’sha and Shavat continued to lie there facing the two unicorns, occasionally they would turn their heads and try to look deeper into the forest, looking for any sign of the humans but they could see none, though the buzzing noise remained distantly invading the far reaches of their hearing.

Where are Chart and Brand? Kolay’sha whispered, only now noticing the absence of the two little creatures.

They have gone to spy upon the humans. They have helped us to avoid many human traps on our journey and I know that they will be safe, replied Soreecilor, keeping her own voice low and ensuring that all could continue to hear the buzzing sounds and be able to tell if the noise should appear any nearer.

The four continued to lay there, saying nothing, their eyes occasionally going from one to the other, looking for signs in the others that indicated that one of them may have heard something that the others had not.

The moments passed, seeming to take forever and when a sudden rustling nearby was heard, all four were startled, their heads turning in the direction of the sound. With relief, Laranki saw that it was one of the squirrels returning from spying upon the humans.

The humans are not heading directly this way. They are sweeping across almost adjacent to us, but there is a possibility that they may change direction, Chart said, standing in the middle of the dragons and unicorns, her head turning to each of them as she spoke.

Where is Brand? Soreecilor whispered, obvious concern in her voice.

He is trying to gauge the numbers of the humans. It does not appear to be a thin line of them moving through the forest as we had first thought. He believes the human line may be deeper than we had first imagined and so he is going to try and see how wide the line of humans really is, replied Chart. The concern in her voice was unmasked and lay bare; she was fearful for Brand.

Looking at the expression upon Kolay’sha’s face, Laranki was convinced that after hearing what Chart had just said, she was admiring the courage of the little squirrel.

***

Kolay’sha’s thoughts remained upon the squirrel called Brand. ‘I have my own fear of humans and I find it hard to believe that such a small creature is out there all alone and surrounded by the humans with their obnoxious weapons.’ She was fearful for his life and, inside, her hatred for the humans manifested itself stronger than she had ever felt it before.

Looking at the unicorns, Kolay’sha began wondering how their destinies crossed, wondering how the squirrels would know that Kolay’sha would be in a position to one day assist the unicorns. She wondered about the role of the squirrels, the youngsters who tended the air holes of Heart, the ones who now appeared to guide the unicorns to some unknown destination.

Where do you travel to? Laranki whispered, his voice interrupting Kolay’sha’s thoughts.

Then, before Kolay’sha or Shavat could reply, Soreecilor said, Has your God commanded you to go to Noah?

Watching Kolay’sha and Shavat, Laranki saw them glance at each other and then back towards Soreecilor, puzzlement upon their faces.

It came to Kolay’sha that the creatures of this world appeared to have a bonding with their God and from the behaviour of the humans, in comparison to the beasts of this world; it appeared that the humans did not share the same bonding with their God. ‘In fact, it now appears as though the humans of this world were trying to destroy all things that their God had created; including themselves!’

We travel across the Badlands, Shavat’etun said, his voice breaking Kolay’sha from her reverie. We go to seek out a friend to help us look into a problem that has caused concern amongst a number of dragons.

‘Now that is a polite way of saying nothing at all,’ thought Kolay’sha.

You must be careful in the vicinity of the city! Soreecilor whispered.

Stunned into silence, Kolay’sha thought, ‘What city is the unicorn referring to? Could she know of the dragon’s battle with the evil aliens?’

The silence from Shavat’etun was as solid as the silence from Kolay’sha as neither of them could think of what to say to the unicorn.

Kolay’sha, Shavat, began the male unicorn, You are to know that it is important that all of the dragons attack the alien city. No dragon should remain in Heart for, if they do, then they will surely be lost forever.

Kolay’sha, stunned into an even deeper silence, was aware of Shavat turning his head toward her and she could sense the confusion of emotion that emanated from his mind. ‘Welcome to my world,’ she thought, almost having to suppress a slight chuckle.

Why do you tell us these things? asked Kolay’sha.

You are here to provide us with assistance. You do not think that it would go unrewarded do you? Soreecilor whispered in reply.

How do you know of these things? Shavat whispered; bewilderment obvious in his tones.

We have been tasked to tell you these things but what you do with that knowledge is not our concern; we were simply requested to give you the information, Soreecilor said and then, before any creature could speak, there came a movement from her right-hand side.

Turning his head to see what had taken the attention of his wife and the two dragons, Laranki saw Brand moving slowly toward them, limping slightly and evidently in great pain.

Chart raced up to her companion, putting an arm around him, helping to support his weight.

Kolay’sha, for all her size and strength, felt useless.

I will be fine, Brand whispered, I only received a glancing blow from a stone that rebounded from a branch close to me! Brand moved closer to the dragons and unicorns and then stopped, turning his face up towards Laranki. There are many humans out there; more than we had previously thought. They walk a line that is perhaps over fifty humans long and I have calculated at least seven or eight humans deep before I began to make my way back here.

Before any of the beasts could ask any questions of the squirrel there was a loud human cry from somewhere deep in the forest. This shout was answered with more excited yelling and Laranki mentally acknowledged what he thought was happening. ‘The humans have obviously found some solitary beast or are chasing a group of beasts through the forest. I pity the poor creatures.’

Laranki could only hope that whatever it was it would not bring the humans in their direction whilst feeling sorrow for whatever beast the humans had turned their attention upon. Recognising the human cries, Laranki was immediately seething with anger inside; trying to imagine what innocent creature was running futilely for its life. ‘There is little doubt that the humans will catch the beast as there are so many humans in these forests but I wish you the strength to outrun the evil horde, whoever you are.’

Turning his head as he heard a crashing through bushes far over to his right, Laranki began peering through the trees and trying to locate the source of the noise.

For a moment, he caught a brief glimpse of colour but it was not a colour that he was expecting to see; the colour was blue. A number of figures appeared to be running through the distant trees, not moving in his direction but seeming to be making their way directly towards the river. There was a frantic and panicky motion in their limbs and they seemed to be trying to get away from something. Estimating that there were at least five or six individuals Laranki noted that although they ran hastily not one uttered a cry; they were trying to make their passage as quickly and as silently as possible, only disturbing the undergrowth that was in their immediate paths.

‘And I is wishing you the strength to outrun those who pursue you,’ Laranki thought, allowing his concern for the safety of those being hunted to simply melt away.

***

Realising just how fast her heart was beating, Kolay’sha had already began to agitate her throat and was preparing the fireball mix that she was sure would be called upon. Moving her eyes only, she could see that Shavat, the unicorns, and the squirrels, were all maintaining a silence through stillness as well as not speaking; each of them were peering in the direction of the running blue humans. ‘The fleeing humans are so intent on the direction that they are running towards that they have not seen us here. It is good that this part of the forest is thick with trees and plants.’

Kolay’sha considered that there was a chance that they would not be seen, especially if they were not the ones who were being hunted. She could only hope that the tree trunks of the forest hid the shapes of herself and Shavat. She felt that both her body, and Shavat’s, would be providing adequate cover for the unicorns as long as the humans remained moving in their chosen direction and that they continued focusing only on what was ahead of them and what was behind.

Flinching a little, Kolay’sha was shocked when there was a sudden deafening outburst of new screams and shouts erupting in the air and, moving her eyes to look in that direction, from where Kolay’sha had originally seen the blue shapes running she now saw fast moving human shapes with materials doused in vibrant shades of red. Sighing a little, she thought, ‘they are running directly towards where I had last seen the blue humans, they are following in that direction.’

She would not move her head to look toward the unicorns or see what the squirrels were doing for fear of the slightest movement drawing the evilest attraction. She knew Shavat would also be remaining completely still and could only assume the same was true of the unicorns and the squirrels.

Suddenly, there were more shouts and then the distinct reverberation of metal crashing upon metal could be heard winding its way between the tree trunks. There came harsh screams from an area out of sight and close to the river.

Seeming to last for an eternity, the clanking of metal invaded the forest, seeming to be ripping into the very wood of the trees and making them scream and then, suddenly, a haunted silence fell about their surroundings and the only sound that Kolay’sha could now hear was the rain hitting the leaves high over head.

Almost like a gentle ripple moving slowly across pond, there came a new noise weaving through the forest and it was a sound that only the human’s made after a kill; it was laughter and it was the most frightening sound that Kolay’sha had ever heard. She could not begin to perceive the mind of a creature that could laugh at the taking of another creature’s life. ‘There is indeed an evil to the humans that cannot be equalled by any other life form of this world.’

With the laughter continuing to invade the beauty of the forest as if it were a poison passing between the tree trunks searching for new prey, Kolay’sha began to see human figures in red, raggedy clothing beginning to appear amidst the tree trunks as malformed shapes. She watched them move slowly back in the direction that they had came from originally and, for a moment, she felt as though they would be safe. ‘It is good that the humans return from where they came but it is now becoming too dangerous to remain here. I have a duty to the unicorns for which I will receive information and that information may be what is needed for the dragons to survive in the dark time ahead.’

Watching the moving figures, seeing them slowing being eaten up by the multitude of tree trunks that obscured their view, she began looking for any sign of the humans dressed in blue; but she saw none, ‘Then I should be grateful that there are now less humans alive in this place than there were a little time ago. I wonder what the crime was of the blue humans, or is it natural human behaviour that red and blue humans must always oppose each other and so destroy each other? What is it that the humans expect to achieve by eradicating so many of their own species?’

Estimating that perhaps thirty humans were moving through the trees and then panicking just as she was watching the few who were at the rear of the group as the humans suddenly crouched down, Kolay’sha watched the red covered human shapes running swiftly to ground and being suddenly lost from sight. Silence descended once more upon the forest and, because this was not a natural sound when humans were in the area, Kolay’sha felt very scared. ‘What are the humans doing now?’

There was a sudden clap of wings as a bird was disturbed by something close to it, flying away from its resting place it went racing swiftly and scared beneath the main branches of the trees, heading off toward the river. Kolay’sha did not see the bird and then, suddenly, the sound of the bird ceased, leaving behind the sound of the rain hitting the canopy overhead.

An almost complete silence descended upon the area as Kolay’sha, Shavat, the unicorns, and the squirrels all remained absolutely still and hardy daring to breathe.

The moments passed by agonizingly slowly, accompanied only by the sound of rain hitting leaves high overhead. Kolay’sha felt an urgent need to scratch an itch that had appeared on the lower part of her neck but she had no choice but to refuse to succumb to its insistent desire to be removed.

The time continued to creep around her as the itch continued to annoy and distract her, but she kept her eyes fixed upon where she had last seen the humans, searching for any sign of them and, as time went by, she began to feel more and secure, believing that the humans had gone to carry out their wicked deeds in some other place.

With her mind slowly going over questions that she wanted to ask the unicorns and the squirrels, she believed that there were things that she felt she should ask. There was a desire to find out more about her connection with the unicorns and why it had been her destiny to be the one who would provide assistance to them.

Yaaaarrrrhhh, a human voice screamed through the forest, quickly followed by other savage roars and, as Kolay’sha turned in the direction of the first roar that she had heard, she saw a number of humans racing through the trees with the gleam of metal catching the faint rays of daylight that managed to pierce the canopy above.

Quickly rising to her feet, Kolay’sha could see Shavat was doing the same. ‘We are seen and must fight,’ she thought grimly as something sharp buried itself in the ground close by.

02 - Judges II – The Warring Nations

Objects came hurtling through the air and where they struck her they caused her immense pain. Kolay’sha could not see the objects, merely feel their arrival. Issuing a loud and deafening roar, she was warning the humans of her hurting and her anger. Shavat roared his anger beside her but the humans paid no attention, they continued to race through the trees, throwing their weapons and screaming their cries.

As Kolay’sha swung around, she became painfully aware that the humans were not just coming from the general direction of where she had first seen them and that they were coming toward her in a line, spread out amongst the trees, ‘The humans must have spent a time trying to surround us as much as possible and they have carried out this preparation without any of us hearing them as they moved into their positions of attack.’

Wild sounds were erupting in the air, seemingly coming from everywhere around them. Humans shouting, metal clanging, stones thrown and crashing upon the ground, trees, and upon her body, the buzzing noise of the slingshots that hurled the stones, and the sound of her own roars. The stillness and quiet of the forest had been replaced with the sounds of impending death and of battles to a gruesome finish.

Brightness flashed beside her as she saw Shavat’s flaming fireball hurtling through the air, flying swiftly amongst the tree trunks before colliding with a tree trunk, where the human it was aimed at just succeeded in leaping to the side, splattering and sending flaming shards through the air as the fireball ripped bark from the tree itself. All of the humans close to its impact point dived to the ground, rolling away from it to safety, except for one human’s clothing which immediately burst into flames as the human rolled and writhed in agony upon the ground. The human’s companions were ignoring his cries and continuing to scream in their own savage way, screaming out for blood and death to be delivered by their own evil means.

Kolay’sha had been agitating her throat for a while now and it was a great release when she hurled the first fireball from her throat, watching it blast its way through the air and finally smashing upon a tree trunk, sending flaming debris spinning and shooting through the air. Humans were diving for cover, throwing their bodies to the ground or running to stand behind the wider trees but, no matter how many humans hid from sight, Kolay’sha was painfully aware of the stones that continued flying through the air.

Turning her head, she was quickly spewing forth another fireball, firing it in a direction where she had detected movement closest to her. She adjusted her body, turning herself away from Shavat, leaving him to protect his side, whilst she set about protecting hers. Arrows began to stab into the ground near her, some whistling through the air close to her head, as she kept her head moving from side to side, trying to make as difficult a target as she could for the humans.

Amongst the distant trees, she could see more and more humans racing up behind the ones that fired their weapons at her now. There were many, many humans; racing forward while shouting, screaming, and hurling their weapons, though