Chapter 18 :: The Unicorn
"Farewell," Solstice said solemnly as Amaterasu faded into a soft light. When he returned to the two, his nose was met with a different kind of surprise. With a strike of lightning, Yuan started a cooking fire for Martel."What's that?" Yuan asked.
"The secret to all my cooking, spices that I grew at the temple," Martel answered, sprinkling some herbs from a leather pouch over a piece of preserved boar meat. Following a meal that even someone who was not stuck in the middle of a jungle would find delicious, the three continued their sojourn into the jungle. Raindrops fell from the overcast sky with a pitter-patter onto the broad leaves of the trees.
"It should not be far," Solstice said, late in the afternoon. They had walked for three hours straight, treading through thick brush while the rain fell on their heads. A strange, yet soothing mist started to slowly form as they neared their destination. From a distance, they gazed upon a lake of silvery water, reflecting the cloudy sky. The surface remained perfectly waveless, save for the ripples caused by the raindrops.
"I don't see a unicorn," said Yuan.
"You must not proceed any further, for only Martel can do this," Solstice explained. Martel took a step forward, placing her sandals down and walking barefoot into the lake until it was at her ankles.
You have come...Martel.
At the center of the lake, the unicorn emerged and shook off the water from its white mane. His mouth made no movements when it spoke, but Martel could clearly hear him in her mind. She felt her feet being lifted to the surface by the Unicorn's magic, floating her to the animal at the center of the lake.
I require your help to save a friend. Martel thought to the Unicorn.
Are you not also ill?
Yes, but it will be months before I am in any danger. Alice needs your healing powers more.
Then you are the first to approach me with such a desire.
What do you mean?
In the past, those who have approached me have done so only because they want to use my healing mana to gain immortality. You are the first to desire a selfless wish. I will give you my horn, and in doing so, I will pass onto the next world.
One life to save another... I don't know if I will be willing to...
Do not fear, child. As one unicorn passes its gift of life, a new one is born. I see you have mastered Amaterasu's magic. Combine my horn's mana with Amaterasu's and you will be able to heal your friend... and yourself.
Thank you. Though I barely know you...
Perhaps one day, one of my descendants will be able to lend a hand to another of selfless heart.
The Unicorn's horn separated from its body and drifted into Martel's hand like a snowflake.
"Goodbye," Martel said.
"Goodbye, child," the Unicorn replied, disappearing into the thickening mist. Martel carried the horn back to the lake's shore, though her usual bright smile was nowhere to be seen.
"How come you look so gloomy, Martel?" Yuan asked.
"She knows now the price it will take to save her and Alice, one life for two," Solstice said.
"No. One life, but not only for two. This unicorn gave its life in the hopes that we may end this war."
"We should set up camp here tonight. The jungle is dangerous to travel in the dark," Solstice advised.