Escape through the Sacred Forest: Lich Lord Wars Book 2

Chapter 6

"Where did Lich-El go?"

"He left to keep track of Lady Alixia."

"He left as we are preparing to press our attack into another province?"

"Yes, he gave us our orders, and it wouldn't be good if she returned as we are approaching victory."

"Still he has a way of vanishing right before battles."

"Would you like to trade jobs? Would you like to deal with Alixia?"

"No."

"Then go do your job."

Cady couldn't sleep. There were birds chirping loudly and apparently they preferred to spend the night singing and keeping poor young refugees awake all night..

The chirping was at least pretty, but they had another day of walking ahead of them. Where was Ulec and why wasn't he telling them to be quiet? What good were elves that could talk with animals if they couldn't even get the creatures to keep the noise down?

"Almas are you awake?"

Cady was sleeping on her mat between Almas and Giddy. Almas had been having trouble sleeping since being kidnapped and then rescued from the Lich Lords. What little time he seemed to spend sleeping he was always tossing and turning and jerking awake from a nightmare he always said he couldn't remember. Oddly enough he never seemed tired despite his lack of sleep. That was why she was surprised when he didn't answer.

Sitting up she looked over at her brother. He was sleeping the most peaceably she had seen him do for days. How he, or anyone in camp for that matter, could sleep with the noise coming from the trees above was really weird.

Sure enough Giddy was also sound asleep. When no one in her family awoke when she called to them she started to get scared. Looking around the camp and saw nobody up and around.

She was about to go over to her father and try to shake him awake when she noticed movement out of the corner of her eye. Near the edge of camp walking towards the trees.

It took her a moment to figure out why that was even stranger then the apparent sleeping spell affecting the whole camp. In all the years she had known Ulec, she had never seen him arrive or leave. He always seemed to appear or disappear when no one was looking.

As he walked away she had a strange calm urge to follow him. Because it was Ulec, and she knew him, and this whole situation with the birds fit him--she got up and followed him.

She saw him leave camp and walk right next to one of the sentries. When she reached the guard she found him to be asleep while standing. She only stopped a moment to look at the odd sight before continuing after Ulec.

She entered the forest; Ulec ahead of her but still in sight. After following him for just a couple of minutes she saw Ulec stop and just stand as if waiting. She had covered most of the ground between them and was about to call out to him when she saw something else moving.

Cady wasn't prepared for what came out of the forest and walked up to Ulec. It was a beautiful white horse with a long horn coming out of its forehead.

She had heard of the Unicorn before. Ulec had once said it was the soul of the world; that the very life of the world was connected to the Unicorn.

And there it was right before her eyes! She cautiously approached as Ulec began to stroke her shining mane.

"She's beautiful," Cady said breathlessly.

Ulec didn't turn; he just continued to stroke the Unicorn's mane as he said, "Only a handful of mortals have ever seen her. Meeting you is one of the reasons we were allowed to enter this part of the forest."

Cady gaped at Ulec and asked in awe, "She wanted to meet me?"

"She can see, even better then me, everything that happens here in the forest. She has watched you and your brothers. She knows you are someone she can trust and has a favor to ask you."

"From me? What is it?"

"The Unicorn only appears to those she has chosen to be one of her guardians. If you're willing of course," Ulec added with a smile.

"I don't think I understand. What would she need me to do?" Cady asked.

Mostly you save people's lives by keeping them away from this forest. Also if she needs your help you will hear her voice in your mind."

"You mean I'd be like you?" Cady asked hopefully.

Ulec smiled but also shook his head, "Not quite like me. You would only be able to hear her voice. My abilities to communicate with plants and animals is something unique I was born with.

"Oh," Cady said still a little confused, "but why me?"

"Because she needs someone to trust. Who can she trust more then a paladin?"

Cady felt the look of confusion cross her face as she said, "But I'm not a paladin, my dad is the only paladin."

Ulec smiled as he said, "Yes you are. The sacred magic swirls around you even if you don't know it. You simply need to learn to use it. Trust me, you have both the heart and the power needed."

Cady looked at Ulec in astonishment. Could it be true? She had never even considered that she might have her father's gift. As far as she knew only men had been paladins. She'd have to ask her father about it.

After letting Cady be alone with her thoughts a few minutes Ulec asked, "Would you like to touch her?"

Cady looked up and saw him motion her to come closer. She timidly came forward and lightly put her fingers on the Unicorn's neck. She stroked the beautiful creature's mane for a couple of minutes with eyes full of wonder and then became somber as one more thought hit her. Facing Ulec she asked, "Why would she need me to be a guardian when she already has you?"

Ulec took a deep long breath before responding, keeping his eyes locked on the Unicorn. "I might not be able to continue as guardian for much longer and she'll need someone."

Cady faced Ulec and looked at him. He was the most pale and frail looking she had ever seen. She was afraid to ask but still did.

"Why not?"

Ulec closed his eyes and bowed his head as he answered, "Because I'm dying."