Shadow of the Unicorn

by Susan Skylark

7

  As he blinked back to consciousness, Jace noticed that the darkness had fled, leaving only the wan grey and rose of early dawn, as if it were all a bad dream. Baye knelt over him, a grim expression on his face; Adan and Scamp stood at a distance, confusion and dread radiating from their features. Only then did Jace realize he was still glowing, with a rueful grimace he schooled himself to normality and took Baye’s offered hand, soon gaining his feet. Baye studied him for a moment, relief plain on his face, as he said, “what happened? Where is your friend?”

  Jace shook his head in wonder, grief tumbled over him like a tidal wave as he remembered what it was that had just happened. He told the tale, at least all he could remember, the others drawing close to listen, their faces a study in horror and grief as the tale unfolded. Baye shook his head grimly, “a fell tale that, lad. What has come of your friend indeed?! Has our Enemy at last created a foe to rival the Shadow?”

  They exchanged uneasy glances and an awkward silence for a moment, until Jace at last asked, “what happened last night? What is the Brotherhood up to? What is this preposterously named Eye of Phil?” He turned curious eyes on Scamp, “so he is the last of our number,” he added with a smile, “but however did you come by such a name?”

  This lightening of mood and change of subject was precisely what the foursome needed to break the unsettling spell that had woven itself about them with Jace’s tale. They decided to talk as they rode back to the city, as the wreckage would soon be abuzz with those investigating the debacle and they must apprise the Lady of the disaster, at least as much of it as they were allowed to tell. Scamp began as soon as they were upon the open road with no obvious bystanders to overhear, as had been the tragic case the previous night, said he, “first, upon the serious matter of my name. What my given name is, not even my parents could tell you, for one wished to call me Horace and the other Icabod, yet neither would compromise on something else nor bend to the wishes of the other, so I had no name until about the time I started walking, and getting into trouble, for my father berated me as a naughty little ‘scamp,’ and I have been called thus ever since.”

  They shared a much needed laugh, before he sobered significantly and began upon the more serious topic, “as to last night, we buried our slain comrades in the usual manner, but suddenly it grew dreadfully dark and a feeling of utter terror fell upon all of us. We could do naught but hunker down and pray. The evil feeling intensified, grew triumphant for a moment, and then suddenly abated, about the time a blinding flash of light consumed us all. We came to ourselves to find no sign of your friend and you lying senseless and aglow. Adan and I buried the merchant while Baye knelt beside you, waiting for you to waken. It took over an hour for you to regain your senses, but after what you endured, it is a wonder you awoke at all.” He smiled ruefully, “but then the Master’s power is ever greater than that of our Enemy, so I should not be surprised in the least, nor have we reason to fear whatever it is that has come of your late friend.” They all heartily agreed to the last statement with a resounding cheer.

  “As to the Brotherhood and this Eye of Phil,” Scamp smiled in grim amusement before continuing, “that really is a ludicrous name, and I know something of absurd nomenclature. I have heard rumor of these so-called ‘Eyes’ before; they are named after the man that willingly sacrifices his life to produce the artifact, in this case Phil was the unwise party. It is theorized, we have no direct knowledge of their use or function, that the orbs can be used to communicate with other members of the Brotherhood, perhaps even with the Nameless One himself, and to spy on distant locations, perhaps the activities of one’s evil minions? Quite a useful gadget, certainly, but difficult to replace if lost or destroyed, because it is not in the nature of evil to sacrifice itself for the greater good; finding someone willing to die for the cause when there is no direct benefit to themselves might be well nigh impossible, that is why they are so determined to find this thing before we do or it is permanently lost. How it came to be in the merchant’s keeping or who he found to fob it off on, remain to be discovered. Perhaps some of his fled companions might have an answer?”

  Jace grimaced, “which means our fled villain will also be looking for the survivors.”

  Baye shook his head, “he would not have let them flee in the first place had they possessed any information he might have found useful. That he sent them and the bandits away means they were of no more use or interest to him. No, I think the poor man took the secret to his grave, not even his closest kin and companions knew anything of the matter, which is disappointing for us but certainly spared their lives. The question is, who took the orb? He knew it was strange, if not evil, and he did not seem a man who would pass it along to someone if he knew it would bring them trouble, hence someone must have taken it willingly, but who and how did they learn of it if it was a secret even to the merchant’s companions?”

  Baye trailed off as a company of a dozen of the Brethren approached from the direction of the city, just visible in the distance. They drew rein and waited for their comrades to draw near, knowing whither they were bound. The leader of the company approached Baye, after a brief greeting, he told all he could of the situation. The man thanked him for his appraisal and motioned for his men to follow with all haste; they soon disappeared around a bend in the road and the others continued their journey back to Astoria. The Lady saw them immediately upon their return, informed of the situation by the advent of a group of terrified refugees at the outer gates in the small hours of the morning. Baye’s tale was brief and to the point, for there was much he could not tell even the Lady of Astoria, but the news of Jay’s disappearance, the death of his father and two of her servants, and news that there was a vile man on the loose willing to kill anyone who impeded his desperate search for some lost artifact was disturbing enough that she did not think to ask if there could possibly be more to the tale, and knowing the teller thereof, he wouldn’t likely be any more forthcoming than he already was.

  She sighed heavily at these grim tidings, but soon enough was all business again, said she to Scamp, “continue in your pursuit of this villain. I will send Baye and his minions to see if they can track down this sphere, perhaps between you, you can permanently end this menace.” They bowed deeply and went to prepare for their quest.

  Once alone in the hall, Adan shook his head in mystification, “how are we to accomplish any of this?”

  The elder pair exchanged an amused smile at their junior’s naiveté, said Baye with a laugh, “you forget we are not just members of a social organization but very servants of the Master, lad. We begin every day with intent and purpose all our own, but whether our aspirations will come to pass or not is always a mystery, to ourselves at least, but the Master knows what will come of the matter, for whatever betide, it is always His will that manifests, whether we are aware of it or not, whether we try to help or hinder it. He will guide us into the plans He has for us and enable us to do what we must in His service. We must trust that some good will come of what may seem a futile quest, perhaps it will be fulfilled as the Lady envisions or perhaps something else entirely will be the result, but we are ever in the Master’s will and keeping, thus we have no reason to worry or fear, no matter how frustrating, futile, or hopeless things seem at the moment.” They brightened at this reminder of the truth and continued on their way with lighter steps and hearts.

  Baye froze in mid-step, causing the others to nearly collide with him, said he, eyeing Jace with an intrigued smile, “Adan and I will interview the surviving peddlers and see if they know aught of this orb, and if not, at least we can get a travel itinerary and trace their steps to see where it might have left their possession. Jace, it suddenly occurs to me that you have something to do in Astoria. May the Master ride with you lad.” He grinned the more, placing a firm hand on Jace’s shoulder as he gave this benediction and the boy vanished in a flash of light. Adan gaped and Scamp smiled at his surprise.
>
  The sound of running feet brought three sets of eyes up sharply and it was Scamp’s turn to gape, for an apprentice came dashing down the hall and barely skidded to a breathless halt before colliding with the three, said Hawk in both eagerness and trepidation to Scamp, “I am to be your apprentice sir, and the Lady said you were leaving this very moment,” he stopped to pant worriedly, “I am not too late am I?”

  Scamp managed to shut his mouth before anyone but Baye found his surprise amusing, said he in astonishment, “this is certainly a surprise, but no lad, you aren’t late. You are ready then?”

  The boy nodded eagerly, Baye gave Scamp a far too amused grin, and left the pair to get acquainted. As he walked away, Baye smiled the more as he heard Scamp say, “first and foremost, lad, never call me sir...and yes, that is my name!” Baye exchanged an amused grin with Adan, but soon sobered as their current assignment regained prominence in his mind. How were they to find that dratted orb? Ah well, he’d just have to take his own advice and trust the Master in this, as in all things.

  Jace reappeared, blinking in wonder, in a forgotten alley somewhere in the city proper. He studied himself for a moment, knowing he wore a different face, one not known or bound to the Brethren, and his clothes were the finest he’d ever worn. His mission suddenly popped into his head and his heart quailed in dread, but there could be no answer but a wholehearted yes, even if it meant confronting Jay, in whatever manifestation of evil he now appeared. He shuddered, for it would not be pleasant or easy, but it must be done and there was no one else to do it. He crept from the alley, careful that no one notice a seemingly noble youth emerging from such a disreputable place. He made his way into the main thoroughfares of the city and the road that approached the castle itself. He found a small group of people milling about before the city gates, some working up their courage or perfecting their story before approaching the guards while the rest patiently waited their turn.

  Jace drew little attention, being just another student come to study, especially when there was certainly someone far more interesting to stare at and whisper about. An individual, literally covered head to toe in concealing garb, was arguing with one of the guards as to whether he should be admitted or not, demanded he, “I must be admitted! It is vital that I be allowed to join the Students!”

  The Warrior shook his head, “lad, you must reveal at least your face ere I can allow you into the Keep.”

  The concealed figure groused, “I am afflicted with an unfortunate condition that renders me very sensitive to light, in fact it might well be deadly! Would you have me risk my life to appease your silly rules?”

  The guard turned to one of his companions, saying quietly, “he tells the truth, can we demand more of him?” The second guard shook his head. The first sighed heavily, but said to the lad, “so be it lad, in this case, an exception must be made.” He glanced over the small crowd and called aloud, “has anyone else come to study?”

  Jace alone stepped forward and the man waved him through, giving the pair into the keeping of Jared, who paid Jace little heed but frowned at the utterly swathed student, as if he sensed something wrong with the lad, besides his strange attire, but he had no idea as to what it might be. He schooled his features to blandness and said to them both, “welcome to Astoria lads, I shall get you settled. Come along.” Without comment or protest, the pair followed after. After stopping by the supply room, he saw them tucked into what had once been their shared room, and left, after giving them some instructions as to what to do for the rest of the day and going over some of the basics about life as a Student in Astoria.

  After the servant withdrew, the mysterious figure silently drew the drapes over the small window and then bodily blocked the door, said he with menace strong in his voice, but also with a trace of apprehension, “since we must be roommates, let us be done with the awkwardness and foolish questions from the start. Do anything foolish and you will cease to trouble the mortal sphere, am I understood?”

  Jace nodded, far more intrigued than terrified, knowing that this strange figure was his late friend and he was about to make some startling, if disquieting, revelation. He removed a cloth mask, took off his gloves, and began to unwrap the strips of fabric that concealed his neck and arms; there was nothing beneath but a smoky mist that might have been mistaken for a shadow. Red eyes glowed like embers in the featureless face. The wraith studied his companion’s reaction with approval, said he, “you are not utterly terrified?”

  Jace smiled grimly, “this is Astoria, is it not? This is nothing compared to half the tales told of this place! Besides, you could have killed me already without revealing yourself, so it must be something other than murder you intend, at least for the moment.”

  “You are no fool, nor coward either,” said Jay with grudging approval, “I want your blood.”

  Jace gaped, “then why haven’t you taken it?”

  Jay shook his head, “I must have it willingly or it will not avail me. I can kill thousands yet still remain...like this.”

  Jace frowned, “what do I get out of it?”

  Jay said with very little enthusiasm, “you can become a wraith like me: you’ll never die, possess power unimaginable, and have a purpose in life.”

  Jace looked skeptical, “you don’t sound all that excited about your current predicament?”

  Jay snapped, “once I taste willing blood, then I can at least be solid again! You try living like this and see how easy it is!”

  Jace nodded, concern and understanding strong in his voice, Jay flinched back in distress or pain, said Jace, “it sounds rather lonely, empty even. What is this purpose you have found?”

  Jay shuddered, “I have a master that demands my utmost obedience and success; his least whim is my command.”

  Jace shook his head, “what if I refuse?”

  Jay studied him for a long moment, misery stronger than the menace in his response, “I should destroy you, but that would cause awkward questions and would not help my mission here, besides, I will need someone to help me in the coming days, for I cannot do this alone, at least not in my current incarnation. Perhaps you will desire this for yourself in days to come. Then you need only find one willing to give his blood to you in turn to achieve everything you could ever desire.” This last was said as if by rote, there was no passion or eagerness in the expression at all, which strangely caused an eager flutter in Jace’s heart.

  “So what are you really here for?” asked Jace, a curious smile on his face, “I mean, besides for blood and all that.”

  Jay shook his head, “I have misplaced an item that my master is most desirous of having returned to the keeping of his servants.” He brightened significantly, taking in Jace’s dress and demeanor, “you may be just what I need. You are nobly bred?” Jace’s growing panic was answer enough, as the wraith continued, “I foolishly left the item in the keeping of a young noblewoman of my acquaintance, hoping it would somehow endear me to her, but she only has an eye for young noblemen.” His voice grew threatening and menace hummed in the air, “you will strike up an acquaintance, and perhaps a romance with this young woman, using your influence to get back that which I have lost.”

  Jace said in a strained whisper, “what happens if she doesn’t like me?”

  The menace became dismay but a slight smile tinged his voice, “she is headstrong to be sure so this plan may be entirely vain, but I would appreciate it if you would at least try.”

  Jace grinned, “why not just ask? It will go much easier between us if you do not threaten or coerce to gain what you want; if it is not something I can accomplish, I will refuse and nothing you say or do will change that, so you might as well skip the theatrics and either kill me outright or try to be reasonable.”

  Jay stared at him in astonishment, “I had expected terror, horror, or one who would do anything for the power I possess, yet you stand here and barter like a woman in the fish market, you reason like a man of sense
and honor.” He sighed heavily, “I am not yet so lost to evil that I cannot respect that, nay, I much prefer it. We shall act as two men of honor, you and I, we shall pretend for a time that I am not what I am.”

  Jace wore a thoughtful frown, “your master does not know you have this item, does he?”

  Jay looked up in surprise, “no, and I would wish it to remain so, for if he learns that I lost it, it will not go well with me. I know he and his minions seek it fervently and I hope to gain much by its return.”

  Jace’s frown deepened, “is your master so generous to his servants?”

  Jay shook his head morosely, “he promises much, but it is empty, I am doomed to an eternity of such servitude, and then endless night.”

  Jace’s eyebrows rose, “and you want me to willingly embrace this fate as well?”

  Jay keened in desperation, “what would you have me do? I am ordered to do just that! To make an army of such dreadful, hopeless creatures and then destroy all within this place who will not bow before us.” He brightened slightly, “but I have some time yet and perhaps the orb might spare us all.” He smiled sardonically, though he had no features but eyes, “we shall be but boys for a time; innocent, joyous boys,” he trailed off and finished with quiet finality, “and then utter night.” They were silent for a long agonizing moment and then Jay continued as if nothing unsettling had just been said, “we had best begin our brief career as Students; you have a lady to win.”

  Jace shook his head, “I will not even try to win her heart. I will be friendly and make her acquaintance but I will not deceive her or falsely court her; I am no cad.

  Jay studied him for a long moment then nodded, “so be it.” He frowned, “what is your name?”

  Jace said, “you can call me Ace. And what about you?”

  The wraith frowned, he had not thought of that, said he, “call me Jake.” He donned the Student uniform, covered his ghastly lack of features, and then motioned for Jace to lead the way out of the room. Jared had recommended a beginner’s sword lesson as their first class of the day, if they were not too tired from their journey that is. Jace grinned in anticipation, wondering if the swordmaster would be as oblivious to his true identity as Jared had been. His smile died aborning as he considered what the other students would think of the mysteriously draped ‘Jake,’ and what that reaction would do to his already dismal situation. He shuddered, hoping his late friend did not act out in fury or despair.

  They reached the practice yard without incident, the swordmaster was just putting away the assorted implements used by the previous class when the pair wandered into his demesne. He studied them quietly for a moment and asked, “new students? Here for the next class?” They nodded and he looked at Jay in some concern, asked he, “is this something you should attempt with your delicate condition lad?”

  Jay said harshly, “I cannot abide the light sir, otherwise I am in nowise imperiled.”

  “Easy lad!” said the swordmaster in surprise, “I meant no offense, I was only concerned about your health.” Jay huffed, apparently appeased, as the man continued, “now it will be a few minutes before the rest of the class gets here, they’ve had a few lessons already so might be a bit ahead of you, but I’ll get you caught up soon enough, don’t you worry.” He retreated for a moment and returned with two wooden practice swords, handing one to each lad, “now,” said he, “I’ll teach you the basics.”

  He barely managed to dodge out of the way as Jay leapt upon Jace with a speed and fury that surprised them both, but the latter was no novice and instinctively reacted, blocking the incoming blow with ease and quickly countering with his own. They whirled in a wild dance of parry and thrust accompanied by the near rhythmic clack of wood against wood until the swordmaster bellowed, “enough!”

  So startled were the combatants at the interruption, having lost themselves entirely to the deadly dance, that they both dropped their blades and stared at the swordmaster, aghast with embarrassment. He glared at them stonily, turning first to Jay and demanding, “what was that?”

  Jay shrugged, his voice sheepish, “it has been a trying day sir, I felt the need to vent some of my frustration.” He glanced at Jace and grinned, “at least my companion is a worthy foe.”

  The swordmaster said aghast, “you could have killed him, practice sword not withstanding.” His voice became more puzzled than angry, “and what are the pair of you doing in a beginner’s class if you can fight like that?” He ruefully answered his own question, “they had no idea you had any sword experience and put you here by default. Well, you’ll have to attend a more advanced class after this,” finished he with a scowl, “that is if I ever let you touch a sword again after that little stunt.” Just then more students began to arrive and he was forced to attend to other matters, but as punishment for their reckless outburst, he made these experienced swordsmen go through the motions of actually learning to hold a sword for the first time; a fate he found pleasantly ironic. As the students dispersed for the midday meal, the swordmaster turned to his newest pupils and said, “I will see you both tomorrow in the advanced class,” he turned to Jay, “I need to address a few matters with your companion here, I’ll send him in to lunch when I’ve finished with him, assuming he still has an appetite.” He turned a stony gaze on Jace, causing an involuntary shudder from the boy while Jay grinned beneath his wrappings and dashed off.

  Once they were alone, the swordmaster drew the boy aside, saying quietly, “what have you become entangled in lad?”

  Jace brightened, though he tried to appear contrite for anyone who might be watching, said he in all eagerness, “you recognize me?”

  The swordmaster grinned wryly, “your face may change lad, but a man’s peculiar way with a sword will give him away every time.” He sobered, “I recognize your companion too, but he so reeks of evil that I don’t know how the guards let him through the gates.” He frowned in consternation, “I suppose they can’t sense it like we can. What has he done to himself?” Jace told him all he knew, causing the man’s concern to deepen tenfold, but a thoughtful look entered his eyes, said he at last, “perhaps there is yet hope for him. But if not, can you do what you must?”

  Jace sighed heavily, “it will not be easy, but I will do what I must.”

  The man nodded grimly, “that is all we can do. You’d best get back to him before he has a chance to get himself into mischief.” He smiled wryly, “not that you are the best chaperone, mischief maker that you are.” Jace dashed off, trying to appear chastened.

  He found Jay sitting in a corner by himself, an untouched plate of food before him, taken more for appearances than necessity. Jace seated himself beside the glum figure and smiled sheepishly, “next time you feel like attacking someone, how about just asking to spar?”

  Jay shuddered in horror, “do you have any idea what those words remind me of?” Jace’s heart sank, he did in fact have an excellent idea, but Jay continued, “my best friend tried to goad me into just such a situation and nearly fell to his death.” He was quiet a moment and continued bitterly, “it changed everything about him and between us and eventually it did kill him.”

  Jace flinched, wondering how Jay could think him dead when it occurred to him that that last brilliant flash during their last encounter might have been interpreted as his own undoing. Said he quietly, “are you so certain you have lost him forever?”

  Jay turned haunted eyes upon his companion, “I have lost everything save this miserable existence. I’ll never see any of them again: my mother, my papa, my friend. They trusted the Master but he is a fickle, powerless lord, if he exists at all. My fell master will triumph over everything in the end.”

  Jace said quietly, “I do not see matters as you. If your kith and kin have placed their hope in the Master, they are far from lost, save to those who abandon Him.”

  Jay looked up in horror, “you mean like me?”

  Jace nodded sadly, “it would appea
r that way, but you are not utterly lost, at least not yet.”

  Jay shook his head grimly, “do you know what it would cost me to forsake my ties to the darkness?”

  Jace said quietly, “your very life, but it would spare your soul.” Jay frowned thoughtfully but could make no reply as a very comely young lady, who walked as if she owned the world, approached.

  Both of the boys scrambled to their feet, as protocol demanded, and hastened to make their courtesies as Ella smiled condescendingly at their antics. She said imperiously to Jace, giving Jay only a brief, dismissive look, “you are said to be a noble’s son?”

  Jace bowed his head and replied, “at your service, my lady.”

  She lifted her chin and gazed down her nose at him, as if he were a horse she had taken an interest in, “then come take a turn with me ere the meal is finished.” He bowed his acquiescence and felt Jay’s eager but pained gaze upon him as he and Ella left the dining hall to walk about on the great, walled-in lawn. She chatted of this and that, never of anything important or interesting nor asking anything of her companion. As they were returning to the dining hall, she ordered, “you will attend me at the evening meal.” Then she turned away and was gone.

  Jace was left gaping, the girl had been cold and conceited upon her arrival but had thawed significantly in the interim; the woman who had just dismissed him was even stonier and more frigid than she had been on her first day in Astoria. It was the same conceit and indifference but ripened and fossilized with age, all her growth and warmth had vanished like mist in the sun, displaced by her determination to marry well, and soon, and then take her place in society. Jace sighed heavily and returned to the corner where Jay awaited him, both shame and curiosity radiating from him like heat off of a stove.

  Said Jace, “she’s a veritable Ice Queen, that one. I don’t think she cares who or what she marries, as long as he is of noble blood and won’t unduly embarrass her.”

  Jay sighed heavily, “that she is, I am almost sorry for you. Has she vowed never to see you again?”

  Jace shook his head and grinned wryly, “I am ordered to dine with her this night.”

  Jay almost smiled, “then I am truly sorry for you.”