The Unicorn Guide, Chapter 5

This is a first draft of Chapter 5 of The Unicorn Guide, the fourth book in the 11 Quests series. Books 4, 5 and 6 tell a new story, so you can read The Unicorn Guide even if you haven’t yet read the first three books. Since this is a first draft, if you spot any errors please let me know! I’d be happy to find out in email and fix it. Feel free to send along any other comments you may have. Make sure you read Chapter 1 first!

Chapter 5

Esmeralda

A spark of sunlight flashed off of the unicorn’s horn, momentarily blinding Tumi. In the next moment, the unicorn’s horn was inches away from Tumi. Though the unicorn was smaller than the others in the herd, Tumi guessed that it weighed ten times what he did. He didn’t feel like much of a match for this creature.

Tumi couldn’t help admiring how beautiful the unicorn was. Her coat was black, but small patches would catch the sunlight and twinkle like stars. Her eyes were a deep green and looked like gems. Her horn was almost white, but subtle pinks and blues could be seen along its length.

The boy was brought back to the present when the unicorn spoke to him. Tumi still wasn’t used to the idea that the creatures here could speak at all, let alone speak in a language he could understand.

“Who are you, and what brings you to the Unicorn’s Glade?” the unicorn demanded. Though its tone was demanding, the voice sounded like that of a girl no older than Tumi.

“I am Tumi. This is my Usimaro and I am wandering the jungle so that I will not be seen by my tribesmen. And, I am enjoying the adventure. I have seen so many new things in the past day.”

The expression in the unicorn’s eyes remained as hard as stone. But her horn dipped slightly and her head turned just a little to look toward the other members of the herd. A medium-sized brown unicorn broke off from the others and walked toward the black one.

“It’s okay, Esmeralda,” said the brown unicorn to the younger one. “You can relax. This boy is clearly no threat to our herd.”

“Yes, mother,” said Esmeralda, the black unicorn. “You are right. But I had to be sure! I want no trouble in the herd while I am doing my First Protection.”

The brown unicorn turned to Tumi. “Tumi, I apologize if my daughter scared you. Esmeralda reached her 11th year just a few days ago which, in our herd, means that she spends this month as the lead protector of the herd. It’s a big challenge for a young unicorn.”

“What does a herd of unicorns need protection from?” Tumi asked, genuinely puzzled. He had a difficult time imagining what could be frightening for such a group of powerful and dangerous creatures.

“There are wild creatures that frighten even us. You may not believe it, but even your kind can be frightening.”

“My kind? My people have been a part of the rainforest for many years and I’ve never heard of unicorns before.”

“There are other humans, though, whom we fear. We have heard stories of humans with fearsome power not far beyond the borders of the Lost Jungle. The mightiest trees are unable to stand before these people.”

“And I’m going to make sure that those people stay away!” exclaimed Esmeralda, looking at Tumi as if he was one of those people.

“Yes, I’m sure you will, Esmeralda,” said the brown unicorn patiently. “It sounds as if Tumi has not seen much of the Lost Jungle. Why don’t you show him the area in which we unicorns range?”

“Oh mother, do I have to?” she asked.

“Yes. Besides, the day is moving on and it is time to scout the borders anyhow.”

“Oh, all right.” Esmeralda looked at Tumi. “Come on, Tumi.”

Without waiting for the boy, Esmeralda trotted across the glade and onto a path that branched off at the opposite side. Tumi had to jog to keep up.

A large white unicorn stallion walked over to Esmeralda’s mother. “Miriam, I know that it’s time for the rounds, but did you really need to send Esmeralda off with that boy?”

“I think it’s for the best, Eduardo,” the brown unicorn said to Esmeralda’s father. “It’s important that she learns that not all humans are to be feared. Esmeralda takes things so seriously, and I sense that this Tumi is a bit more relaxed.”

Eduardo looked toward the path the two children had taken. “Perhaps. We’ll see if he stays relaxed after a bit of time with Esmeralda.”


Continue reading with Chapter 6