The Last Unicorn: The Bull's Vengeance

Chapter 2

     After some time, the Bull's distinct stench crept inside of the lilac woods, sending the deer in the pasture into hiding. The unicorn sprung up from a dead sleep as the all familiar scent caressed her nostrils, taunting her with the thoughts of her past encounters. "No. He can't be free, not after the curse on Hagsgate was lifted, and my people were liberated." The unicorn stood frozen, part in wonder and part in fear of what was to come. This time, she knew what he wanted. For it was not her people, but it was her. She also knew that she was not getting out of this probable death sentence easily, and that the fate of herself, and her kind if she were to be defeated, rested upon her shoulders. The thought kept her awake, as she lay wondering when he would come, whether like a thief in the night or in the daylight. "I mustn't worry,'' she thought. "Certainly this is not the truth, it must be my mind playing tricks on me." This false thought gave the unicorn some peace, and she drifted off to sleep.

Somewhere in the distance, in the pitch black night, Schmendrick and Molly were drawing near. The grass underneath their horse's hooves began to appear green and soft, almost looking as if the land was untouched. It had the appearance of Spring, though the land just before this forest appeared dreary and cold. Upon noticing the everlasting Spring in the area, the pair knew they had reached the unicorn's realm. "This must be it," Molly whispered. Schmendrick, upon scanning the area, replied "Molly, I believe you are correct. I can smell the sweet lilac growing in the woods, and the area is perfectly green, as if it has not been touched." "Then it must be," said Molly sweetly, reminiscing thinking about the beautiful unicorn she once knew. "Our friend is here, though we must hurry before it is too late. The Lady Amalthea has a date with death, though she may not know herself."

As they entered the forest, their horses were filled with awestruck wonder as they felt the presence of the unicorn. They had to be getting close now, the pair thought. Then, under the moonlight glow, a shimmer of a yellow horn emerged. All woodland creatures bowed to the majesty of the beast that lay just ahead. "There she is!" Schmendrick muttered excitedly. "Go slowly Molly, so we do not frighten her." As they approached the unicorn, Schmendrick wondered to himself if the unicorn would remember him and Molly. "I doubt it," he thought to himself. "Why would she remember the man who once made her mortal? I guess we will know when she sees us."

Turning around to see what was approaching, the unicorn stared at the pair on their horses in disbelief. "It can't be," she cried. "I thought for sure I would not find you two again." After seeing her pure joy and shock, the trio reunited in the pastures of the lilac wood. However, knowing the danger that was nearby, the unicorn urged Molly and Schmendrick to follow her to safety, at least for the night. "Come with me," said the unicorn. "For I am in grave danger, and must warn you both of what is drawing near. I will take you to safety for the night where we can rest." The pair followed the unicorn to a lone thicket, where they bedded down for a night of sleep. Everyone was exhausted, and stricken with fear, so they made the decision to speak in the morning about the great demon chasing the unicorn.

When morning came, the trio awoke with the sunrise. They were, for a moment, not shivering with fear as they now had each other yet again. However, the unicorn was still sure to alarm Molly and Schmendrick of the Bull's close presence. However, Molly and the magician were already aware of him. "We came here to warn you of him, actually." Schmendrick said, amazed that the unicorn could feel his presence in the safety of her woods. "He wants you, he's thirsty to find the white beast that escaped him. You must be cautious." said Molly. She cried for the unicorn, as she was afraid she would meet a fate far worse than what the others of her kind once endured. "Molly, there is no escape," the unicorn said defeatedly. "He wants me, and he will find a way. I am afraid I am helpless, for not even a human form could once again fool him." After feeling the sorrow that lay deep beneath her skin, the unicorn and her friends sat in silence, just awaiting the arrival of the Bull. His aroma was apparent now, signaling his closeness. It would be only a day or two until he came upon the forest which held the unicorn. The unicorn had to flee if she wanted any chance at survival, and fast. But how?