Unicorns' Opal (30 page)

Thank you, Yorra.

.Jenneva turned and watched as Tanya rode towards the body. Tanya approached the Black Devil and retrieved her arrow.

“I am sorry, Jenneva,” Tanya said softly. “I could not let you go alone. You are too important to our mission to take the chance of you getting hurt.”

Jenneva had to work at removing the scowl from her face, but she finally smiled and nodded. “It would appear that in this case, you were correct and I was wrong. I am very glad you came. Now I must figure out how to explain your presence to Mustar though. He does not care for warriors, or any outsiders for that matter.”

“I will apologize and tell him the truth,” offered Tanya. “Surely he can understand the need for your protection.”

“Perhaps,” replied Jenneva. “We shall find out. Come.”

They mounted their horses and rode back to the well. The well sat on the edge of a dried up pond of an ancient oasis with several petrified tree sections in the center of where the pond used to be. Jenneva cast a spell to remove the effects of the Zarlu’s Dispersion illusion. It was a fairly minor spell and she had no fears of anyone detecting it. The old oasis shimmered and the petrified trees and the well exchanged places. She led Tanya to the well and started down a long spiral staircase inside it. When they reached the bottom, a magical cage suddenly surrounded them.

“Hakim,” greeted Jenneva. “You have grown a great deal since I last saw you.”

The young man gazed at Jenneva for a long moment before recognizing her. “Jenneva. Yes, I remember you. You came here with Egam many years ago. Please let me get the Master.”

Jenneva nodded and Hakim disappeared down a stone corridor. He returned immediately with Mustar in tow. Mustar waved his hand and the cage disappeared.

“What brings you to the desert Jenneva?” greeted Mustar as Hakim moved back down the corridor. “And with a student? No, he looks more like a warrior. Why do you bring him down here?”

Before Jenneva could answer, Tanya removed her cap and shook her long golden locks free. “It is my fault, Master Mustar,” offered Tanya. “I am glad you think I looked like a warrior. I was hoping that my looks would keep Jenneva safe from vermin as she traveled to talk with you. Jenneva did not invite me on the trip. In fact, she told me that she wanted to come alone. My name is Tanya and I promise that I will not get in the way.”

Mustar’s eyebrows raised and Hakim halted with his mouth open as he returned from his trip down the corridor.

“I took the liberty of putting two chairs in your study, Master,” Hakim said.

Mustar squinted at Tanya as he stepped aside and waved his guests down the stone corridor. Jenneva led the way into the study she had been in once before. She sat in one of the chairs that Hakim had supplied and indicated the other to Tanya. Mustar walked around the desk and sat in his own chair.

“I apologize,” opened Jenneva. “I did tell my party that I wanted to come alone, but the truth is that Tanya saved both of us from a great deal of trouble by coming. I am sure that you are aware that I am being hunted as I search for the Children of the Prophecy.”

Mustar nodded and Jenneva continued, ”Well as I approached your home, a Black Devil in the form of a raven was overhead. I dared not use magic to kill him and yet I could not let him know your location or mine. Tanya was able to shoot him down. I am glad she came despite what I requested.”

“Is this one of the Children?” asked Mustar.

“No,” answered Jenneva, “but I believe that we have found both of them. The Sword of Heavens has been activated and the Sapphire has been restored.”

“I have heard tales of the clearing over Cordonia,” nodded Mustar. “Hakim,” he called as he rose and opened the door to his study. “There is a body outside. Please see that it is taken care of. Leave no trace of it to be found.”

Mustar closed the door and returned to his chair. “You must tell me all about the Children and the Sword.”

“I should probably help Hakim,” suggested Tanya as she rose. “It was my mess after all.”

Mustar nodded without taking his eyes off Jenneva and Tanya slipped out the door. Tanya looked to the left down the corridor and saw the back of Hakim as he started to ascend the spiral staircase. Stealthily, she turned to the right. Tanya quietly stole down the corridor and opened each door and stuck her head in. She passed by sleeping quarters, a kitchen, and several laboratories. Eventually, she came to a huge room with volumes of books lining shelves on each wall and more books piled on the floor. She moved immediately to the shelves and began scanning the titles of the volumes.

Tanya smiled inwardly as she realized that the mage’s books were arranged by category and she hurried along the shelves until she found the section she was looking for. She stopped abruptly and stared at the two-dozen titles that might hold the answer to her unspoken question. She analytically examined each title and finally selected a large tome. Sitting on the floor, she paged rapidly through the book.

Tanya heard the footsteps descending the spiral staircase as they echoed along the stone corridor. She tried to shove the annoying sounds from her mind as she continued to search the old tome. Knowing that being caught in the magician’s private library could mean death, Tanya chewed her lower lip as she furiously flipped page after page. She heard a door in the corridor open and close as she found the section she was looking for. Holding her breath in fear of discovery, Tanya swiftly read the important section of the old book. She exhaled and read it again to be sure that she would remember what she needed to.

Tanya slid the old tome back into its spot on the shelf and tiptoed to the door. She slowly cracked the door open and peered out into the stone corridor. Seeing an empty corridor, Tanya slipped silently out of the library and eased the door shut. She noticed the door to one of the laboratories was open and she peeked into the room. Hakim was measuring some herbs and storing them in containers. Silently, Tanya darted past the open door. She stood soundlessly in the corridor as she tried to decide what to do next. She knew that any noise on the spiral staircase would cause Hakim to come running. If she reentered the study with Jenneva and Mustar, she might escape without her absence being noted, but eventually Mustar would know that she had not gone outside with Hakim.

Tanya heard something drop in the laboratory and Hakim muttered an oath. Swiftly, Tanya slid into the kitchen. Frantically, she looked around and grabbed a chuck of old bread. She broke off a large section and shoved it into her pack. She picked at the remaining bread and flicked a generous amount of crumbs on the table. She broke off another small section of bread and sat at the table. No sooner had she sat then Hakim entered the room. Tanya jumped in her chair and the small chunk of bread fell from her hands to the table. Hakim stood in the doorway, his mouth hanging open and a look of suspicion upon his face.

“What are you doing in here?” Hakim demanded.

“Boy, you scared me,” exhaled Tanya as she shook her head and blinked her eyes. Slowly inhaling she continued, “I offered to help you with the Black Devil, but when I came out of the study you were gone. I must have turned in the wrong direction to find you. When I opened this door I realized that I had not eaten since yesterday. I fear that I have put a mighty dent in your bread. I will pay you for it, but I was really hungry.”

Hakim closed the door and walked to the bread and examined it. He turned and stared accusingly at Tanya.

“The Master does not allow people to roam freely in his home,” Hakim stated.

“I am sorry,” apologized Tanya. “I merely meant to help you with the Black Devil. I guess my hunger got the better of me. What can I do to make it up to you? I would not like Jenneva to know that I have disgraced her.”

Hakim stood with his fists implanted on his hips and glared at Tanya. Slowly the darkness drained out of his face as he looked into Tanya’s imploring eyes and noticed the array of crumbs upon the table.

“Has Jenneva eaten today?” he asked.

“No,” answered Tanya. “We left Dubar before light and we did not dare to dally upon the surface. Can I take her some bread?”

“The apologies should be mine,” frowned Hakim “I have failed to be a proper host in my Master’s home. Return to the study and I shall bring some food and drink. It is two doors up the corridor on your left,” Hakim added quickly. “Do not get lost again.”

Tanya nodded sheepishly and left the room. She entered the study and sat down.

“Where is Hakim?” inquired Mustar.

“He is bringing refreshments,” smiled Tanya.

Mustar nodded and continued his discussion with Jenneva. Within moments Hakim entered with a tray of drinks and food. Mustar thanked Hakim and asked him to stay.

“Hakim,” addressed Mustar, “I have been talking to Jenneva about the Golden Horn. Something about it tickles my memory, but it seems so long ago. Wasn’t such an artifact discovered recently?”

“Rediscovered,” corrected Hakim. “I have read of the discovery of the ancient artifact. It was found several hundred years ago near the Koman Oasis. It was believed to be the actual horn of the god of fertility. It became the priceless possession of a wealthy sheik from Kadin, but it was lost again in the Southern Uprising three hundred years ago. There are many mentions of it in the literature since that time, but no verified accounts of a sighting are known.”

“What do you mean then that it was rediscovered?” asked Jenneva.

“Well there were rumors,” explained Hakim. “Many rumors actually and they differ a great deal on how the Golden Horn was rediscovered, but they all had one thing in common. While differing on where the artifact was found, all of the rumors say that the Golden Horn was purchased by the late Emperor Ali Kasim as an anniversary gift for the Empress.”

“Anniversary gift?” queried Jenneva. “He died not long after they were married.”

“This is true,” nodded Hakim, “but the rumors all have this fact in common. I can only assume that the Emperor was a man who thought ahead. The Golden Horn is believed to contain magically properties that are an aid to fertility. Perhaps his desire for an heir was very strong.”

“Well if the rumors are to be believed,” interjected Mustar, “then the artifact would be contained in the Royal Palace in Trekum.”

“Yes,” agreed Hakim, “and nobody has managed to penetrate the vault there since the death of the Emperor. If the rumors are true, I see little chance of your recovering the Golden Horn.”

“You are a storehouse of knowledge, Hakim,” smiled Tanya. “How do you remember all of these things?”

“Hakim possesses a tremendous memory,” smiled Mustar. “Antiquities are something he particularly likes to study. He constantly amazes me.”

Hakim blushed and bowed an exit from the room. Jenneva finished her tea and placed the mug on the tray as she rose.

“It was wonderful seeing you again, Mustar,” smiled Jenneva. “I thank you for taking the time to see us.”

“The pleasure has been mine, Jenneva,” returned Mustar. “I look forward to having clear skies over the desert once again. May your journey be blessed with success.”

“Help!” shouted Alan Markel. “Help me!”

Arik and Konic raced into Tanya’s room, closely followed by Alex. Alan was struggling with Tedi near the window. The fisherman’s muscles were bulging and yet Tedi appeared close to breaking free. Konic rushed over and wrapped his arms around Tedi.

“What is the problem?” Alex asked.

“He is trying to kill himself,” growled Alan. “He was banging his head against the wall when I came in. I tried to get him to stop and he shoved me down and tried to leap out of the window. I couldn’t hold him much longer.”

“Why would he kill himself?” asked Arik as Alan and Konic dragged Tedi to the bed.

“He can’t stand the noise anymore,” replied Alan as he pushed Tedi onto the bed. “What is wrong with him, Alex?”

Tedi suddenly twitched and pushed Alan to the floor. Konic tried to grab the lad, but Tedi just pushed him aside as he headed for the window. Alex moved swiftly and managed to grab Tedi’s arm before Tedi could make it close enough to leap through. Alex twirled Tedi around and hammered his fist into the side of Tedi’s head. The lad’s knees buckled and Arik caught him as his body collapsed.

“Put him on the bed,” ordered Alex. “Get some ropes and tie him down.”

“Was that punch necessary?” scowled Alan. “You might have hurt him.”

“He is surely in less pain now than when he was trying to leap out of the window,” declared Alex. “No matter how acute his hearing is, I doubt he can hear when he is unconscious. We have to think of something that will deaden his hearing or he will go insane.”

“It is probably the desert winds,” suggest Konic. “Even I feel irritable when they blow. I have heard tales from men who lived near the desert. They speak of the Koman Winds. Normally the winds blow from the sea to the desert. Sometimes, however, the winds reverse and blow steady from the desert for days at a time. The air fills with sand so that you cannot breath and the winds howl. It is said that some people go crazy because of the howling, while others do not even hear it. I suspect that Tedi can hear it. The rest of us just get more irritable.”

“I have been feeling very irritable since arriving here,” nodded Alex. “If that is the case, we need to leave here for Tedi’s sake.”

“What of Jenneva and Tanya?” asked Arik as dropped the ropes on the bed and began securing Tedi.

“Jenneva said she hoped to be back by dark,” answered Alex. “That is not long from now. I suspect Tedi will be out for sometime. Hopefully, he will sleep until morning. We will leave here in the morning and head back to Forgum. If Tedi awakens before morning, we will leave earlier. I will pay for my room for several days and leave Jenneva a note. She will have to catch up with us.”

“Is that wise?” asked Alan. “I have never seen Jenneva practice since we have been with you. I suspect that she has little skills in protecting herself. Perhaps one of us should remain here and wait for her.”

“Jenneva is a mage,” declared Alex. “She can handle herself quite well. Besides, I believe Tanya is with her.”