Chapter Twenty Two
"Good." Art's one-word reply spoke volumes. Justin knew that Art would hold him to his word. He wasn't sure what they could do if the king did not allow Maggie to help tame the unicorns. Anxiety settled in his stomach at the idea of not being able to secure the unicorn's line.
While Justin stood in front of the stall thinking, he realized that the glow he had initally saw coming from the stall was not from a torch or candle, but was coming from the unicorns themselves. It was a soft glow up close that seemed to lessen the closer you got to the animals. Justin wondered if it was only dimmed because they were doing so purposefully to seem less obvious to the intruders into their prison.
As much as Justin didn't want to leave them, he also didn't want to make them feel uncomfortable, so he took a quick moment to take them in again, and then he walked toward the stable door, signaling for the mages to follow him. As he stood next to the door, a good 15 feet from where he previously stood, he noticed the light in the stall slowly begin to build. He had to smile at their trick even though he had figured it out.
"Do you want to see the second pair, Justin?" Art's words left his lips on a smile, and he gestured towards a large stall, father to the right of the original. A glow was also coming from there, but it was a bit brighter. Justin desperately wanted to look at the creatures up close, but he was worried about upsetting them. Still, he had to see them if only for a moment. Walking a few steps in their direction, he craned his neck and made out the male unicorn. He had sky blue skin and a white mane.
Justin was flummoxed. He had no idea that unicorns could come in such colors. He took another step closer and made out the body of the female. It was a light green. As she shifted in the stall, he caught a glimpse of her tail. Her tail was the same yellow as the female in the previous stall. Justin stood there transfixed as he took in these extraordinary creatures.
Soon, though, he could sense their irritation as the male began to stomp his hooves and position his body in front of the female. Deciding it was time to leave them alone, he walked back to the mages, deep in thought.
"Why do they glow?" Justin asked the question quietly, almost afraid to spook the creatures into dimming their light. Seeing the awe on Justin's face, he smiled and rested a hand on the young man's shoulder. "Unfortunately, we have not been able to get close to any unicorns until now to study them. As I am sure you are aware, they are extremely swift creatures who normally have a keen awareness of danger. Of course, when they are distracted by vanity, it is much easier to observe them, but this is the first time we have had any within our control."
Anger flared up fast in Justin, and it took every ounce of control he possessed not to let it show on his face. He was also shocked at his reaction. Art had not said anything inherently wrong, but the idea of these majestic creatures being controlled by anyone made him mad enough to throw punches. And he knew that was as unlike him as possible to be.
After seeing them in person, it was evident that these animals, despite their vanity, were pure and innocent and needed to be treated with care and respect. They shouldn't be controlled by anyone. Even if that someone was the king.
But he also knew that they couldn't be allowed to die out. That idea was unfathomable.
Justin's thoughts were interrupted as the stable doors crashed open and the two guards stood on either side of the king and Maggie. Both looked much more put together as they stepped inside. Maggie's face was much more at ease, and there was no trace of tears on her face.
As she crossed the few feet to stand next to Justin, she inclined her head toward the mages and then put both her hands on Justin's arms. Excitement was evident in her voice as she spoke. "Do you really think I can be of help in taming the unicorns?"
Justin focused wholly on Maggie and said, "I don't think we can do this without you." Her whole face lit up at her words. She let her arms fall from his shoulder and turned fully to face her father. His face was shadowed, but it was evident to Justin that he already had a resigned look on his face as if he had already expected Justin's answer.
As though the words were being dragged out of him, the king nodded once and said. "Very well. If there is no other way, then I give my consent." He turned his full gaze on Justin, as well as the power that his kingship and authority as a father provided. "But I warn you, if anything should happen to my Magdalin, it will be you who pays with your life."
Justin stood frozen as the reality of what had just transpired hit him full in the face. He could be killed if things went wrong. His thoughts went crazy. "I am not cut out for this. Who was I kidding? I can't save the unicorns and stop the other creatures from destroying things and killing people. I can't do any of this. I can't."
He started to feel himself hyperventilate and was mortified to realize he was falling apart not only in front of the king and real magicians, but, worse, in front of Maggie. He was about to run out of the stable when he felt a hand on his shoulder.
"I have all of the confidence in the world in Justin, Father. He will not only keep me safe, but he will also help us resolve the mayhem that the magical creatures are causing. You can rest easy about that."
As Justin's heart rate slowly returned to normal, he looked at Maggie, expecting to see her placate her father for his sake, but he only saw sincerity on her face. She seemed to actually believe what she said.
The king looked a bit more at ease with her words and shrugged once in acknowledgment. "I will take you at your word, Magdalin, and I will allow you to speak to the mages and Justin to finalize plans, but first, I think we all need to eat something. You all are invited to dine with my daughter and me."
Justin could tell it was not a suggestion. The mages seemed to know that as well. After everyone bowed to the king in assent, they made the winding way back to the palace.