Unicorns' Opal by Richard S. Tuttle Read Free Book Online Page A

can’t be in two places at the same time.”
    “Let me switch with Arik,” suggested Tanya. “I have had some lessons in climbing. They were not enough to satisfy me, but at least I will be able to share the basics with Tedi.”
    Alex looked surprised at the young woman and nodded his head. “Some day you must tell me about all of this training your uncle arranged for you,” smiled Alex. “It sounds like he expected you to get into a lot of trouble.”
    “The world is a very troubling place,” stated Tanya. “I expressed an interest in learning and he always obliged me. I miss him very much.”
    “I am sorry,” consoled Alex. “We have all left loved ones behind. I know that doesn’t help, but at least you will know you are not alone.”
    “But I am all alone,” Tanya said softly as she turned to recheck her mount.
    ***
    Zorn rose and stared at the sunrise. It had been many years since he had seen one and despite what the Dark Riders believed, he enjoyed seeing the sun. He enjoyed talking with Calastano last night. The man had an intelligence that Arpal and Quilo could only dream about. Those two didn’t even deserve to be called Black Devils like Calastano and himself. Calastano was concerned that the Kantor group did not arrive yesterday and hinted at going to meet them. If the trip was made, Zorn wanted to be part of it. He detested waiting and the troops assembled in the pass wouldn’t miss him. He saw Calastano walking with Xerog and headed towards them.
    “Calastano,” Zorn greeted, “I would like to accompany you today, if you don’t mind.”
    “I was just discussing my little trip with Xerog,” grinned Calastano. “He is concerned about me going alone, like a mother hen.”
    “Protecting you is one of my major duties,” declared Xerog. “The Dark One is never pleased with a Commander who loses his magician. If you must go, I will accompany you personally. My men are trained enough to hold the pass without me and we will probably meet the Kantor group before midday. Zorn is welcome to join us if you have no objections. That will still leave two magicians in the pass and they are not my responsibility to protect.”

Chapter 4
The Pass
    The sky was lighting to another show of radiant reds as the Alcea Rangers reached the point where they would split up. Jenneva pulled her makeup kit off of Yorra after she dismounted. Gently cradling the old wooden box and its leather cover, she handed Yorra’s reins to Tanya.
    “Tanya,” Jenneva began, “I want you to take Yorra on this portion of the trip. I don’t want her around if trouble breaks out.”
    Tanya eyed Jenneva suspiciously as she reached for the reins. “But the horse I take may end up being left behind,” advised Tanya. “Isn’t she better off with you?”
    Jenneva smiled as she gazed at Yorra. “No,” stated Jenneva, “we may have to use magic to keep other forces at bay. Please take her with you.”
    Alex indicated that it was time for everyone to start off on their separate paths and Tanya shrugged as she mounted Yorra. “Very well,” Tanya agreed. “I hope we are able to come back for her.”
    Alex and Tedi were already heading southeast towards their selected spot at the base of the West Mountains and Arik was waiting impatiently to head northeast with Tanya. Jenneva urged Yorra onward with a slight tap on her rump and Tanya settled down for a fast ride. Jenneva turned to Fredrik and Niki as she mounted Tanya’s horse.
    “We shall move slowly and deliberately,” she ordered. “Try to avoid wiping your face as the heat from the rising sun increases. If anyone gets close enough to realize we are using makeup, they will probably attack us and ruin the plan. When we get to the spot where we will stop, I will touch up our faces if need be.”
    Fredrik nodded, but Niki just stared off to the west as if expecting someone to come from that direction. All three of the magicians were disguised as old hags and their purpose was