The Honorable Quest For Saving a Dishonorable Boy

Chapter 12: Shalla

Author's Note:

From here on out, almost all of the chapters are going to be pretty long, a couple thousand words each chapter. This one is a whopping 2004 words excluding the Author's Notes! Crazy stuff, I tell you!

       Ember soared through the air, his wings slicing through the air, moving at lightning speed. "Where are we?" Lillian questioned, absolutely stunned, "I study geology - and geography, for that matter - and different landforms in different parts of the world, but I have never seen anything like this!"

       Ember chuckled and said, "We have something called The Veil. It blocks humans from viewing magical or mythical things, but when a wizard or witch master wills to allow them to view it, they are able to view it. Of course, the master would still be able to remove these rights, but..." His voice trailed off. "Master would be disappointed in me. I have already said too much. Forgive me, but I mustn't say any more."

       Lillian tried to seem disinterested, but it was impossible. "That's... amazing," she breathed. "And I understand," she tacked on quickly.

       Ember just sighed. "What?!" Lillian shot defensively. "You have lived with this your entire life–"

       Ember cut her off and said with a slight smirk, "2,479 years, to be precise."

       Lillian just ignored Ember and continued, "As I was saying, you have lived with this your entire life, and I have never seen this before! Astonishment is to be expected." She sniffed. "And by the way, your remark about your age only supports my point."

       Ember just rolled his eyes, making sure not to let Lillian see, as while he came out as dismissive and insensitive at first sight, he was actually a compassionate being. "Anyway, we are almost there."

       "I have never, ever, heard of the western region of the Allicost - whatever it's called -" she glanced down at the piece of paper. "Allogas, that's right - territory."

       Ember shot out a sound of disdain and immediately corrected her with a gleeful grin, "It's pronounced with an "ah" sound, not an "ay" sound."

       Lillian glared at Ember playfully. "Oh, pardon me for mispronouncing a measly syllable. Again, I have never seen or heard of any of this stuff before. How can you possibly expect me to be able to pronounce it correctly right away?"

       "Shush," Ember said. "And besides, we're nearing our destination." Already Lillian felt very close and comfortable with Ember. Ember felt like a sibling to her. He got under her nerves, but it was all in good fun, and she felt like they had already established a mutual bond.

       Playful bantering aside, the ride was absolutely stunning. The light blue sky with small, white, fluffy clouds was utterly gorgeous, and below them, it was green, grassy hills for miles and miles.

       "So what does this unicorn look like, then?" Lillian asked, changing the subject.

       "Her name is Shalla, and she is a unicorn with a shiny white coat, golden-silver hooves, and a rose-gold horn. To receive her sparkles, you have to ask her if she can shoot out a bit from her horn into a vial. But she does not give her sparkles freely. You must approach her correctly and establish a mutual friendship, you see."

       After a bit of thought, he added, "And she is very famous among us wizards and witches. Indeed, she is the most famous unicorn and is commonly used as a positive role model for our apprentices. Though I shouldn't say 'our'. I'm just a measly pet for journeys like these. I am very unimportant."