"Connie, Connie, wake up!"
Connie moaned, rolling over in bed. It seemed like only five minutes since she'd closed her eyes. She was so comfy; she didn't want to move.
"Connie, this is an emergency!"
"Let me sleep, it's the Christmas holidays!" Connie protested.
"Connie, this can't wait! There's been another pegasi attack!"
That seemed to help fend off sleep, so Connie pushed back her quilt and propped herself on her elbows, yawning. Evelyn was standing over her, her face twisted in panic. Bleary-eyed, Connie squinted at her bedside clock.
"What can I do about it, Aunt Evelyn?" she groaned. "It's two o'clock in the morning!"
"Connie, they attacked Skylark!"
Connie's jaw dropped.
"What?!" She ripped the covers off, her weariness forgotten, and bolted to her feet. Almost immediately she had to sit down again, feeling light-headed. "How?"
"Sister Dark-Scream told me," Evelyn said, referring to one of her banshee companions. "She witnessed it, and she told me Col was there as well."
"Oh no…" Connie reached for her jeans and sweater on the chair beside her bed. "We need to get over there right away!"
Nodding, Evelyn helped Connie dress, before they both hurried downstairs. Connie could hear Mack's snoring echo from her aunt's bedroom. In the hallway she jumped into her trainers and jangled her house key in the lock, her heart pounding like a stampede of pegasi. Her arms were shaking, but not from fear. Stormbolt had done the unthinkable…he wasn't going to get away with this!
Moments later they were bundled in the car and speeding down the road to the Masterson's farm. Connie sent out a mental call to Skylark, but she didn't get an answer. Her blood ran cold. No, Col wouldn't…he couldn't have gone that far…
Evelyn screeched her Citroen to a halt in the Masterson's drive. Connie tore off her seatbelt and leapt out, running up the path to the Masterson's front door. She rang the bell twice. An age of silent darkness seemed to pass, but then a light flickered on, and Connie heard footsteps. The lock turned and the bolts were drawn back. Finally Mr. Masterson opened the door, dressed in a stripy red dressing gown and slippers. He yawned, but the moment he saw Connie and Evelyn, his face soured.
"Good God, what are you two doing here at this hour?" He rubbed the sleep from his eyes. "You can't just barge in and…"
"Skylark's been attacked," Connie said; they didn't have time to explain. "We need to see him right away!"
Mr. Masterson sneered.
"You're going way too far, young lady." He glared at Evelyn. "Don't you ever discipline your charges, Evelyn? If this is some kind of ridiculous prank…"
"Dear me, what's all the noise about?"
Connie looked past Mr. Masterson to the stairs, where a woman in a silk gown was making her way down the stairs.
"Kira, sorry to disturb you like this, but we have an emergency," Evelyn said. "Skylark's been attacked."
Kira frowned. "I will awaken Windfoal at once. Although I'm surprised such a disturbance didn't rouse her already."
"See, this is utter nonsense," Mr. Masterson muttered.
"Humour us, please, Edward,*" Kira said. "I don't think Connie would have come here had she not felt strongly about this."
Grumbling, Mr. Masterson gestured Connie and Evelyn inside, then disappeared into the kitchen. Moment later he returned with a bunch of keys. He led the way through the hall to the back of the house, unlocked the door, and stepped into the cool night air once more. Connie walked briskly down the path she knew so well, eventually spying out Skylark's stall. Her eyes widened. The front door had been kicked to splinters, and there was blood on the paving.
"What the blazes…" Mr. Masterson froze, mouth agape.
"Skylark!" Connie pushed past him and ran into the stall. A dark mound lay collapsed on the hay bales, surrounded by flecks of blood. Tears spilt down her cheeks. "No, Skylark!"
She ran towards him and threw her arms around his neck, sobbing. She could still sense the faint pulse of his heart, but he was unconscious. He must have lost a lot of blood.
"Kira, bring Windfoal quickly!" Evelyn shouted.
"Skylark, hold on!" Connie burrowed her forehead against his cheek. "I won't let you leave me! Wake up, wake up!"
Her tears splashed into his mane. Slowly, Connie felt Skylark stir. She opened their link wider, letting him take strength from her presence.
"Skylark, I'm here," Connie soothed. "Say something, please!"
"U…Universal…" Skylark's thoughts started to grow more coherent. However, Connie barely sensed his pain. Instead all she could feel was overwhelming sadness. "I…am sorry…he didn't…he tried to…"
"It's okay, Skylark," Connie murmured. She drew back, keeping contact with the pegasus, and checked his wounds. His legs were riddled with small cuts, and a deep slash had been torn into his side; too clean to have come from a bite or kick. It had to have been caused by a man-made weapon, like a sword. Connie gasped.
It wasn't Stormbolt who had hurt Skylark.
"Connie, we're back!" Kira called. She stepped into the stall, carrying a flashlight, then winced. "Oh my…"
"Universal," Windfoal pushed through the splintered stall door. "Please, form a bridge so I might help Skylark, like you did for Arran."
Nodding, Connie beckoned the unicorn closer. With her left hand she grasped a handful of Windfoal's mane, and with her right she rested her fingers on Skylark's wound. His blood was warm to her palm, but she tried not to think about it.
She concentrated, forming the link between the creatures like she had done with Arran after the Leviathan's attack. It was easier this time, partly because she wasn't nearly so drained of her power, and partly because both pegasus and unicorn were so similar. The two creatures loved the wilderness, the freedom of the open fields and naked wind, yet while the unicorns revelled in the comfort of the earth, the pegasi were forever drawn to the boundless skies. The opposing desires that gave both creatures their independence from each other…
Finally Connie's hands dropped, and she sank to the hay. It was a struggle to keep her eyes open. How lovely it would be just to curl up and sleep…
"Connie, are you alright?" Evelyn knelt beside her, a reassuring hand on her arm.
"I'm fine," Connie puffed; it seemed this trick still took a lot out of her. Not to mention it was the early hours of the morning, and she wasn't used to being awake so late.
With some effort, she rolled into a sitting position. She shuffled closer to Skylark, placing his head in her lap. "Skylark?"
At the call of his name, Skylark opened his eyes. He blinked a few times, then nuzzled Connie. Connie's heart leapt. He was okay! She glanced to the wound on his flank; it had completely mended.
"You have saved my life again, Universal," Skylark said. "Thank you, and Windfoal, too."
"Thank you, Kira," Connie breathed.
"I'm glad we could be of service," Kira smiled. "Nonetheless, this does not bode well. I'm amazed Col and Stormbolt could infiltrate this place without causing a disturbance."
"I did not sense anything untoward, either," Windfoal admitted. "How did you find out about this?"
"My aunt's companions," Connie said. "One of the banshees witnessed everything."
"She really wanted to help, too," Evelyn added. "But Col was carrying that black sword, and its power terrified her."
"It's fortunate she was able to inform you in time," Kira said. Her expression hardened. "Stormbolt is unlike any creature I have seen before. I know the love Col holds for Skylark. It is horrifying the black pegasus was able to command him to do this."
Connie felt Skylark's thoughts brush hers.
"He did not want to do it," he said. "I…I felt his regret when he struck."
"Yet he still went through with it," Connie argued. She let Skylark rest his head on a hay bale, then stood up, her fist clenched. She'd though the attack on Argand's family brutal, but this was unforgivable. "I'll make him pay for this."
"Universal, you cannot!" Skylark protested. "The risks…"
"I don't care about the risks," Connie growled. "I'm going to make Stormbolt suffer for every creature he's hurt and seal him away forever, no matter what he does to me!"
"Universal…" Skylark's ears dropped.
Connie sighed. She'd taken a back seat to all of this for long enough. No more standing around and letting the innocent suffer. Stormbolt had orchestrated this to provoke her, and he was going to regret it. So he and Col wanted to prove who was the best? She'd show them both what they were truly up against.
"About time you came to your senses," Kullervo huffed. He was almost giddy with glee. "We will crush them both!"
"Connie," Evelyn said. Connie blinked, broken from her thoughts. "Are you listening to me?"
"Sorry," Connie apologised. "Tired. You were saying?"
"I'm posting sister Shadow-Howl to guard Skylark, in case Stormbolt returns," Evelyn said, mildly cross she had to repeat herself yet again. "In the meantime, we should go home and rest. We'll tell the others about this in the morning."
"Yes."
Bidding Skylark goodnight, they trekked out of the stall. As they made their way back to the car, Connie swallowed. She had to be careful not to show her true feelings. If Evelyn, Mack or anyone suspected she was planning to fight Col, they'd try to stop her. More importantly, she had to think this through very carefully. If she was going to face Col without the backup of the other creatures, she couldn't bank on any mistakes.
Her first priority was to separate Col from Stormbolt, to stop this endless cycle of pain and hatred. It would risk her sanity, and the safety of those around her, but according to Colman's record, the madness had only been temporary. If she could keep away from other people and other creatures during that time, she wouldn't have to worry about hurting them. And the sword…Connie had all but forgotten Col still had it. Perhaps she'd been focusing on the wrong thing. She didn't need to forge a new prison with the elements, merely strengthen the old one…
She knew exactly who she had to speak with tomorrow.
Connie shivered in her jacket, drawing her scarf closer. Bags of fatigue lined her eyes, and she bit back yet another yawn. Despite her late night adventure, she'd still managed to get up early and come to the nearby coves. It was her only chance to form her plans for Col without anyone else getting suspicious.
She stopped by the foremost cave. Bunching her hands into her pockets, she sent out a mental call. Moments later a warm presence flooded her, and she smiled as Sentinel came out, his soft brown eyes meeting hers.
"Universal, you summoned me?"
"Sentinel!" She dashed across the pebbles and hugged him. The minotaur hadn't been prepared for that, but he returned the gesture just the same. "I'm sorry I've not been visiting much lately."
"You are companion to all creatures, I understand your duty often calls you away," Sentinel answered. "But I have been listening to the earth, and it gives me worrisome news. Is it true the pegasi have started a war against all creatures?"
Connie sighed. "It seems to be heading that way. I'm doing what I can to stop it, but I need your help."
"Of course," Sentinel said. He beckoned to the cave. "Come in, away from the cold, and we can discuss."
Tying her scarf tighter, Connie followed the minotaur into the cavern. She could smell the tang of salt on the walls, and the shallows lapped at her ankles. The air was rich with the taste of moisture, and she licked her cracked lips. At least without the wind the temperature was much more bearable.
When the cave grew so dark Connie could barely see her hand in front of her, Sentinel took her arm. His hold was gentle, and eventually they came to a natural hollow in the rocks. Daylight filtered down through the cracks in the stony roof, and Sentinel offered Connie a seat on a smooth rock.
"I hope this is better," he said, sitting opposite her. "So, how may I be of service to you?"
"Well…" Connie quickly explained the situation with the pegasi. Sentinel nodded, letting her continue uninterrupted. When she'd finished, he murmured to himself.
"A grave turn of events, indeed," he said. "I am not sure what help I can offer you. I am not a creature of the sky."
"But you're a creature of the earth, and that's what I need," Connie answered. "I want to know of the most secluded area you've found around here, a place where nobody can enter, or escape."
The minotaur lowered his head. "And for what purpose would you use such knowledge?"
Connie sighed. She couldn't hide the truth from him. He was the guardian of her mind, after all.
"My friend is under the dark pegasus' thrall," she said. "There's a way for me to free him, but it risks me losing my senses. I could easily attack anyone, friend or foe, and not realise it."
"So you wish to perform this task in a defended enclosure," Sentinel said, "so you will not risk harming others, or people stumbling across you?"
"Yes, that's exactly it!"
Sentinel rubbed his chin. He was silent for some time. Connie held her breath. Surely he couldn't refuse her?
"I do know of such a place," Sentinel said at last, "but I wonder if this course of action is wise. You could seriously injure yourself."
Connie felt her heart sink.
"Sentinel, I'm desperate," she pleaded. "The pegasi are attacking in greater numbers, the Society wants to strike back, and Col even wounded his own companion yesterday. If I don't do something to stop this, the creatures will turn on each other. There'll be so much suffering and death, and if non-companions find out the pegasi are real…" She trailed off. "Please Sentinel, you have to take me there!"
Sentinel sighed.
"Very well, Universal. I shall do as you ask." He bowed his head. "This place is known by your kind as St. Benedict's Labyrinth. It is a vast series of caves beneath the cliffs, and when the tide is in, the entire front half is underwater. There is no escape from there until the tide goes out again. I will guide both you and your opponent there."
"Oh Sentinel, I can't thank you enough!" Connie threw her arms around the minotaur. "Please, don't let anyone else know about this."
"As you wish," Sentinel said. "But I take you on one condition. If I sense any treachery from your foe, or find you in true danger, I am going to intervene."
"But…"
"You must accept my terms, Universal, or I will not take you."
Connie sighed. "Alright, Sentinel."
Sentinel stood up.
"Excellent, then we are agreed," he said. "The tide is next full in two days. Tell your dark pegasus companion to meet us here at sunset." He took Connie's hands. "I admire your courage, Universal, but be careful. Do not let your anger govern you. Hope still blossoms even when all seems lost."
"I understand, Sentinel," Connie said. "I'll see you in two days."
Col paced before Stormbolt, kicking the stones on the ground. They were standing on a ridge a short way from Malin's Wood, where they had made their stronghold. The wild pegasi filled the trees around them, ready to strike at the order of their commander. Already Col had mounted another successful raid on a family of griffins, and he was eager for more.
"Why are we delaying?" Col asked, drumming his fingers on his sword hilt. "We've beaten the dragons, the griffins and the other sky-dwellers. The forest's as good as ours. There's no-one else standing in our way!"
"Patient, my Prince," Stormbolt hissed. "You have done well to secure our territory so far, but our greatest enemy still roams freely."
"What, the Universal?" Col spat the word as if it were poison. "What can she do against an army of pegasi? She's just one person, alone. The Society are still scared of her, they'll never band to her side, and her dragon companion is injured, too. She's nothing to us!"
"Do not underestimate the reach of her power!" Stormbolt snapped. "Have you forgotten she still has the shape-shifter on her side? Or that should she discover how to access the true power of the sword…"
"Not going to happen, Stormbolt," Col assured, patting the blade at his side. "She can't touch me. And she's going to bow to me as her master, like everybody else!"
"Yes," Stormbolt rasped. "Even that weakling pegasus will learn his place."
Col felt a pain pulse in his temple. He gripped his head, grimacing. A memory flashed by; flying with Skylark above the ocean, dodging the coils of the enormous Leviathan. The surge of adrenaline they shared, their thoughts united as they performed their manoeuvres as if they were one.
"Skylark…" he whispered.
"He is your companion no longer," Stormbolt growled. "He is not worthy to serve you."
Col's anger flooded back, remembering the disaster during their Society exam. That clumsy foal had made him look like a fool! He wasn't fit to be his mount.
"And he got the punishment he deserved," Stormbolt went on.
Col tensed, the memory of his most recent attack still fresh. Creeping into the Masterson's stables, his sword brandished, breaking open the stall door, watching Skylark's helpless form cower as he raised the blade, the feeble words that escaped his lips…Skylark, I'm so sorry!
An ache filled Col's heart, and tears prickled behind his eyes. Skylark had been so weak and helpless, because he'd abandoned him. What had he done?
"Enough of this," Stormbolt snorted. "You don't need him, you've never needed him!" Col bit back the pain, burying it in darkness. Stormbolt was right. He didn't need feelings for his old companion; only power. Power wouldn't hurt him like love did.
Stormbolt trotted out a short way, his nostrils flaring. The light glistened off his blood-red horns. He remained there for a while, silent, until Col heard the flutter of feathered wings. Suddenly a grey pegasus mare appeared from the tree tops. It wove through the branches, then landed close beside him. Sweat covered her body; she'd flown very fast.
"Master, I have news." She bowed to Col. "The Universal is making suspicious movements."
"Such as?" Col asked.
"She's been conspiring with that deformed minotaur in the coves," the pegasus answered. "I fear they're planning a counter attack."
Col burst into a grin.
"Oh, this'll be very good!" He ran his hand over Stormbolt's back, before mounting him bareback. "Thanks for the information."
"My Prince, what do you plan?" Stormbolt asked.
"I'm not afraid of her," Col declared. He unsheathed his sword. "She'll never match up to me now." His eyes narrowed. "Let's go see what she's up to."
Rain was starting to fall as Connie jogged back towards Five Shaker Row. A coldness had followed her all the way from the cove, so she'd taken a slightly less direct route home. Perhaps it was because she was uptight about actually fighting Col, or that she'd be turning her back on everyone else. Still, she couldn't shake off the feeling she was being watched.
"Above you," Kullervo said, in an almost bored tone.
"Huh?" Connie stopped, squinting towards the overcast sky. At once she saw the silhouette of pegasus and rider, and cursed. She didn't need this right now!
She ran towards the beach; she'd be able to use her powers more openly there, as the sea fog provided good cover. Unfortunately, it also made it more difficult to see her enemy.
"You can't hide from me, Connie!" Col's voice echoed from above. Connie quickly targeted the sound, and sprinted in the opposite direction. She had to keep her distance. However, in less than a few seconds a shadow crept over her shoulder. Then she felt a presence force a connection with her, and she fell to the ground, sick to her stomach.
"Is that uncomfortable, Universal?" Stormbolt jeered. He passed overhead, before coming to land on the pebbles. Gritting her teeth, Connie raised a shield, cutting off the black pegasus. The nausea lessened, but didn't go away entirely. Why did bonding with him always make her feel like this?
"What…What do you want?" Connie gasped, stumbling back to her feet.
Col laughed. He guided Stormbolt forward, so he was above her. Connie braced her arm.
"My friends tell me you're planning a party," Col said, "and you didn't think to invite me." He angled his sword at her. "Care to tell me all about it?"
Connie's eyes narrowed. He must've found out about her meeting with Sentinel. Maybe a good thing, as this would save her having to look for him.
"Oh, you're invited," she said, not taking her eyes off the iron blade. "In fact, it'll just be you and me."
Stormbolt's nostrils flared, but Connie stood her ground.
"You want to prove who's the best?" she went on, her insides trembling. "Then come to the cove the day after tomorrow. Without your honour guard of pegasi."
"Ha, you think I'll fall for that?" Col scoffed. "You're going to have to try harder if you want to trick me."
"It's no trick," Connie said, her gaze level. She wanted so badly to confront him about what he did to Skylark, to see if the pegasus's words about his regret were true, but she couldn't let this chance slip by. "You bring Stormbolt, and I'll bring Sentinel. One companion each, and nobody leaves until there's only one of us still standing." She flashed a small smile. "But I understand if you don't want to go. It's only natural you'd be scared to fight by yourself…"
"No way!" Col roared. "I don't need anyone to help me." He lowered his sword. "I'll see you at the cove then. Don't make me wait."
Without another word he kicked his heels into Stormbolt's flanks, and returned to the sky. Connie watched him go, her heart aching. This was so very, very wrong. They were supposed to be best friends enjoying Christmas together, not enemies on the verge of breaking the Society apart. But until she broke Stormbolt's spell of negative energy, things couldn't go back to the way they were. There was no point trying to reason with Col when he refused to listen.
But this time, she wouldn't fail him again.
*Author note: I don't think Julia Golding ever gave Mr. Masterson a first name so I made one up. Please correct me if he did have one!