AN: Here's my second chapter you guys have been asking for. Thanks for all the reviews, they hepled me a lot, seeings how this is my first Tamora Pierce story. I think you'll be glad to find this chapter's a little longer than the last one. (I'm still working on the length issue, but if I have to type a long chapter each time, it will be about November 2015 before I finish this story.) BTW, if you like this story and any of Lelaof Bast's stories, we're both working on one under the penname LADIESofQUEENSCOVEandJESSLAW. This only semi-works, because even though we're sisters we can't always agree on what should happen next. Fortunately, I'm writing one part of the story, while she is simutaneously working on another. Anywho, on to the Disclaimer.
Disclaimer: I regretfully say I'm not the owner of any of Tamora Pierce's characters. I wish I was, but I'm not original enough to have come up with any of these characters. Well, regrets aside, here's Chapter 2 of Follow Your Heart. Enjoy!
Chapter 2
Daine stood and stared at the magnificent creature before her. She had never thought she would have the privilege of meeting a unicorn. They were superior creatures who only showed themselves when they wanted to be seen.
Daine could sense Cloud's growing amazement from behind her. Suddenly, Daine fell on her knees and held her ears as a terrible, painful voice filled her head.
You are the one, the deep voice said. The one who I have seen.
What do you mean? Daine asked. The reply was more thunderous than before.
From the place I cannot name, a vision came to me of a small two-legger who could help my struggling herd. You have been chosen, little mud-hair.
Daine eyed the brown hair that had fallen in front of her eyes. She decided to ignore the mud-hair comment. For now, anyways.
What have I been chosen for? Daine asked.
Great things.
What is your name?
The immortal snorted.
My name cannot be said in your language, so I will permit you to call me Silverstep. It is as close a translation as I can come up with. Also, you should know now that I refuse to communicate with any human but you.
Daine did not question this.
Then why does it hurt so when you speak, great one?
With my magic comes a price. Come forward, little one, and touch my silver mane.
Daine stepped forward and gently laid her hand on the unicorn. The magic radiating off the creature tickled her hand, but it no longer hurt to communicate with him.
Why have you come seeking my help, Silverstep?
When the barrier of our world broke, I led my herd onto a great meadow of stars, surrounded by a forest of clouds. I believed that we would be safe there, and we were, until the spidrens came.A shudder escaped the animal. They surrounded us and killed us off, one by one. They took my brother and sisters, and finally my mate, Stormmane, before we could free ourselves. The remaining four and I ran until our world collided with yours. As we were running, a vision came to me of a small, mud-haired two-legger who would help us get back into our world.
Here Daine interrupted.
Get back, great one?
When we left our world, the doors closed, and we were doomed to remain here until our magic fades, and we become as regular horses, without magic, but otherwise keeping our regular physical forms. Already, my herd-brother Runningwind has suffered this fate. No herd leader has ever had to stoop to begging, but I do so now. Mud-hair, will you help us?
Daine stroked his mane.
I must first see my teacher, Numair Salmalin. He will help us. Secondly, you must call me Daine.
What I choose to call you is for me to decide.
Daine, finding no argument for that, called Cloud forward. All throughout her conversation with Silverstep, Daine had thought she could sense growing jealousy within Cloud. Cloud confirmed Daine's suspicions by throwing a resentful glance in Silverstep's direction.
Cloud, will you go to the castle and fetch Numair for me? He should be back by now.
Cloud snorted.
Why should I? You're the one who likes to talk to the stork-man. Call him with your magic.
Daine hadn't thought of that before. Sometimes Cloud's bad moods could be worth the trouble. Daine closed her eyes and reached deep inside of herself, pulling in a thin copper strand of her magic. She found Numair's mind and tugged on it, calling him to her.
I'm coming, my magelet.
It wasn't long before a golden hawk landed in a nearby tree, much of it concealed by the leaves. Daine threw her cloak on top of it, and it gradually became Numair. He used the cloak to cover himself as he stared at the sight before him.
"Well, what have you gotten us into now, my magelet?"
Hey Guys! Let's play Hide and Go Seek. I'll hide. Hint: I'm hiding behind something blue and shiny that says 'Review.'- You'd have to be a loser to miss that. No offense to anyone who can't find it.
