The Bloodwolf War Read online

  The vixen had gathered a small pile of stones. Gemstone explained Tatuk would have implanted the idea in the fox’s mind, as animals without power couldn’t see dragons. Tatuk settled on the rocks and breathed deeply. With Gemstone sending him energy, the magenta of his legs crept up and over his body. When his whole form had taken on the purple hue, he huffed out his breath, enveloping himself in a cloud of steam. Beneath him, the rocks softened and became a reddish brown.

  The vixen pounced on the meat, swallowing it in large chunks almost before Tatuk had time to flutter out of the way. He disappeared.

  Fleet retreated from the smell of dead flesh and blinked in amaze­ment. “Does Tatuk do that every day? No wonder he becomes exhausted.”

  Gemstone headed back to the lake. “No, once they’ve lived here for a while, they know drinking from the lake is enough to sustain them. It’s only the new creatures who find it hard to accept they no longer need to eat.”

  “But you and I still eat, and so do the other grazers.” He’d hate to give up the delicious herbs and grasses growing in this magical valley.

  “We don’t have to. We graze only for pleasure. The carnivores can chew on a stick and think they’re eating a bone. I’ve told Squirrel he needn’t eat either, but I think he loves berries and nuts.”

  Other than going for a gallop once a day to explore Gemstone’s territory, Fleet and Yuma occupied themselves with their own business. Fleet spent as much time as possible with Gemstone, the most wonderful creature he’d ever met. She had related Squirrel’s story, fascinating Fleet that the man looked for a mate. He’d laughed when she told him the man’s name, the same as he had given him, until Gemstone said that it must be a sign from the goddess. Why did Squirrel stay? No people lived here. Then again, who’d want to leave this paradise and venture into the snow?

  As Fleet and Gemstone approached the lake, Tatuk reappeared and landed on her back, his scales dim in multi-hued splotches. As he rode Gemstone, his colours brightened to full strength again. She slowed as they neared the water’s edge. They drank their fill and wandered back to Gemstone’s favourite oak where they rested head to tail, the stance comforting even though they needn’t swish their tails against flies. Fleet thought back to the many times he had done that with Sapphire. His cheerful mood dissipated as memories flooded back.

  Gemstone must have read his thoughts. “Don’t grieve for what you no longer have, celebrate what you’ve enjoyed. Remember your dam for all she taught you and the love she shared. There’s no point distressing yourself over things you can’t change.”

  Fleet sighed. “You’re right. I almost feel guilty about being happy here.”

  “I had to leave my dam when my horn emerged. That’s when I gained the ability to communicate with my mind, which makes it difficult for two unicorns to be close. It takes a lot of effort to shield our thoughts and gain privacy.”

  Having magical powers wasn’t as wonderful as Fleet had first imagined. He had witnessed the strain the little dragon experienced.

  Gemstone continued telling him about her life. “I drifted for many seasons before I discovered this lake. When I looked in the waters and realised how ugly I am, I decided it would be a good place to hide.”

  “Ugly?” Fleet couldn’t think of anything further from the truth.

  “You don’t realise, of course, my horn shouldn’t be like this. It’s spiralled, not smooth like other unicorns’. And look at my colouring. Unicorn mares are supposed to be white, not green as grass like me.”

  Fleet fidgeted in confusion. “I’d heard they’re all the colours of the rainbow.”

  “The stallions are coloured. Tempest is azure, and Jasper is crimson, but he has a contorted horn and is always in a grumpy mood. I don’t want to become like him. That’s why I keep to myself and provide a haven for creatures seeking sanctuary.”

  “Do you mean you created Shimmering Lake?” It was difficult enough for Fleet to understand unicorns could communicate over vast distances, and dragons could turn rocks into meat, without imagining the power needed to build a haven such as this.

  Gemstone flicked her tail from side to side. “The lake was here, but every time I swim, the water gains more power. I don’t know how. That’s one of the reasons the dragons love being near it.”

  Fleet had noticed many dragons flocking near the water, flying over the surface to dip their feet through the ripples, the rainbow surface and colourful dragons blending hues as if the lake rose up on waves of translucent wings. Tranquillity lapped around Fleet like the water on the sandy beach. The smell of crushed grass and the soft rays of afternoon sun warmed his soul. Birds hopped about in the branches overhead and dragons played in the air.

  Overpowered by desire, Fleet walked around the tree to face Gemstone. The artery in his throat throbbed. He flicked his forelock out of his eyes and sidled towards her, caution tensing every muscle. He breathed against her face, as light as a leaf dancing on the breeze.

  Gemstone retreated, shaking, and refused to meet his eye. “What are you proposing?”

  Had he approached too soon? It was too late to worry about that. Instinct drove him on. He caressed her with his muzzle. Desire rumbled deep in his throat as he drew her scent deep into his lungs. He nibbled her ear with delicate lips. Afire with need, he pressed his shoulder against hers before grasping the back of her neck.

  A sigh escaped her. She nipped back. Throwing her tail over her back, she swung her rump towards him and relaxed.

  He pressed against her flanks. She didn’t move. Wasting no time, he lunged onto her back, grabbing her neck with his teeth and thrusting with his hind legs. Her body slipped and sagged beneath his weight as sweat lathered his neck and chest.

  In sudden release, Fleet slid off her. What had he done? Would she banish him for his presumption? He hung his head and waited for a response.

  I can see I’ll have to teach him to slow down. I hadn’t expected one so young to be ready. He’ll make a superb lover given time, so big and strong.

  Had Fleet heard correctly? He shook his head; Gemstone hadn’t appeared to speak. Do you really think so?

  “Oh!” Gemstone threw her head up. It seems your lust has changed you.

  The mind communication intimidated Fleet. “How can that be? Is it the power of the lake?”

  She studied him. “No. This has never happened with my other lovers. Only those with a high percentage of unicorn blood can communicate by mind. You must have more than I thought. This changes everything.”

  Chapter 8

  Yuma strode along the lakeshore admiring the spider webs glisten­ing with pearls of spray. Unlike the flat nets used to trap insects, these were three-dimensional in the shapes of animals and plants more intricate than anything he had ever carved. One web, as high as his knees, emulated a hare, the spider a glowing topaz at its eye. Every day Yuma discovered new wonders. A unicorn! Chaytan would never believe him. He’d even doubted his own sanity when he saw her emerge from the lake in all her glorious colours.

  Gemstone had told him the black stallion called him Squirrel, the same coming-of-age name that his clan had given him. She claimed that was no co-incidence, and that the goddess had sent him as a messenger. He didn’t know about that, but how amazing that horses had names for people! And the horse was Fleet of Foot; the name matched his agility and speed well.

  Although he had no need to hunt, Yuma wanted more flint to renew his arrowheads and tools. At some time he would have to leave. The threat foreseen by the chestnut mare worried him for his family at Waterfalls, or White Water Cliffs, as the horses called it. Again, it never occurred to him horses named their territories. How little people knew about the herds they cared for.

  He chuckled at the thought of telling Winona, his sister, about their home from a horse’s perspective. Always so serious, she would think he was making up another of his tales. When t
hey walked together, she gathered herbs for healing and cooking while he collected interesting pieces of wood. In response to his description of the animals he carved, or the shapes he envisaged in cloud formations, she’d give him a lecture on how to prepare and use various infusions and poultices.

  His mood sobered. Wolves could threaten the Waterfalls clan since the horses lost their lead stallion. The herd no longer gave warnings so people could light defensive fires and keep watch. Winona might need all the salves she could make. How she’d love this place. Gathering and drying herbs, he had found everything he knew, and more, close to the lake. With Gemstone explaining the properties of each, his bag bulged with ribwort for wounds, celandine for pain, and sundew for coughs.

  Not finding any flints, Yuma hiked inland, his eye drawn to a solitary maple standing in splendour against the blue sky. He hadn’t ventured this far before. The giant tree’s leaves shone with the colours of all seasons. Nothing grew under its massive spreading limbs, the ground twinkling with stones. Crouching, he scooped up a handful and trickled them through his fingers. He gasped—emerald, amethyst, and sapphire among diamond, turquoise, and ruby. He had never seen such an abundance of colour. A few of these would make an ideal replacement for the venomous fangs. Studying the stones closer, he became even more amazed. They were all the same shape—flattened discs like fish scales, some as small as his fingernails, others the size of his palm.

  A giggle overhead made him look up. He leapt back and fell on his rear, dropping the stones. Were there tiny creatures in the branches? No, of course not. It must have been an optical illusion from the multi-coloured leaves. He scooped up another handful of stones to examine. Once again, tinkling laughter greeted him. Taking care to keep his balance as well as his hold on the stones, he lifted his head. His jaw dropped. Dozens of winged creatures chattered and laughed at him.

  One of the larger ones dropped to the ground and pointed his snout towards Yuma. “Do you like our scales? You can keep one if you like.”

  Yuma shook his head in wonder. “I’m sorry, I didn’t realise they were yours. I’m Yuma Squirrel of Waterfalls.”

  “Yes, I know. I’m Tatuk. I’ve been keeping an eye on you.”

  “I haven’t seen you before. Have you been here for long?” Yuma couldn’t quite get used to the idea of talking to a flying lizard of rainbow colours. It had taken him long enough to accept the unicorn really existed and could communicate with him.

  Tatuk fluttered his wings and perched on a branch near Yuma’s head. “I’ve been with you since you and Fleet crossed into Gem’s territory. I felt the veil pierced and went to see who entered without consent.”

  Yuma was flummoxed. “What veil?”

  Tatuk explained about the protective border around Shimmering Lake. “We dragons tell Gem when creatures seek assistance, and she allows them through. For those she doesn’t want, we sow delusions in their minds so they turn back of their own accord. That’s what we did with the wolves chasing you. I don’t know how you came in without permission, but we’ve never had a human visit before. Maybe it was because you were in danger.”

  Sitting on a fallen branch, Yuma struggled to take in the infor­mation. “Why haven’t I seen you before?”

  “Only those with the goddess’s power, or someone touching one of our scales, can see and talk with dragons.”

  Testing the theory, Yuma placed the gems in his hand on the ground. All the dragons disappeared. When he picked up a single clear stone, they reappeared. “May I really have one? I don’t want to take your treasures.”

  Tatuk giggled and flew a merry dance through the leaves. “I’ve said you can.”

  Fascinated by the rainbow creatures, Yuma burst with questions. “Where do you come from?”

  The dragon dropped to the ground and nestled into a pile of gems. “Dragons were originally seahorses. Before the goddess returned to the spirit world, she created aquadragons and dragons to be friends with unicorns.”

  Yuma pinched himself. It hurt. Deciding he must accept the extraordinary in a unicorn’s territory, he asked the dragon where to find flints.

  “Follow me!” Tatuk took off, flying at head height as he guided Yuma along a rough path, the dragon’s bright colours dazzling as he flitted from side to side.

  Yuma marvelled at the badgers and martens lazing with voles and muskrats. A jackrabbit played tag with a wolverine and a hare entwined with a fox in the sun. Crystal waters burbled down the hillsides while slower rivers meandered along the flats, pike and trout swimming together where the waterways merged. Narrow tracks zigzagged through a carpet of flowers, thick cushions of moss grew on rocks, and straggles of lichen hung from trees.

  Even a cave they entered teemed with life behind a screen of ferns—bats and newts, salamanders and crickets, all shared the space in harmony. Tatuk perched on a ledge and chattered directions. “Follow the tunnel and you’ll find jade, much better than flint. You can carve it with the diamond scale.”

  Yuma collected a range of green stones hard enough to use as arrow tips and carried them out to the light. He settled against the smooth cliff wall and whittled with his diamond, delighted at how easily the jade carved. He created a range of tools and ornaments, losing all sense of time until the sun moved from his face. The little dragon had gone, only the scale in Yuma’s hand evidence that Tatuk really existed.

  Content and mellow, Yuma headed back to the lake for a swim. The surface glinted as before, but with a difference. A vast difference! With the diamond in his hand, he stared in wonder at the flocks of dragons flitting above the water. So many! They zoomed and chased each other in play, splashing their feet through the water and performing acrobatics unlike anything a bird or bat could do. All of them sparkled like rainbows; the only difference between them the colours of their legs—solid green, red, or purple.

  After watching the spectacle for a while, Yuma located Fleet and Gemstone dozing under a tree. He headed in their direction to share his exciting discovery. From their close proximity, he sensed a change in their relationship. Fleet no longer looked submissive, coming alert at his approach with ears pricked and tail held high. Gemstone radiated contentment, her coat glistening emerald. Perhaps the diamond scale enhanced his perception of her too.

  She greeted him as he came closer. “Tatuk tells me you’ve found the jade caves.”

  “I’ve made a good store of items, probably more than I can carry.”

  Fleet leapt sideways and stared at him. “I can understand you! Can you follow what I’m saying?”

  Yuma was thrilled to understand Fleet. “Yes, Tatuk gave me one of his discarded scales.” When he’d seen the dragons over the lake, he dreamed the diamond scale might enable him to understand the horse, like he could the unicorn. “What a difference this will make, my beauty.”

  Fleet threw up his head. “I’m not your beauty, Squirrel. Horses don’t belong to people. If anything, you belong to me.”

  “I didn’t mean to imply ownership, merely admiration.” Yuma held up his hands in apology. “While we’re talking of names, I’d prefer you called me Yuma. Squirrel is my maturity name that identifies me to strangers, not what my friends use.”

  Gemstone bowed her head to acknowledge his point. “We still have much to learn about your kind. I’m surprised, yet delighted, that Tatuk offered you one of his scales. But it isn’t the scale enabling you to understand Fleet. That only gifts you the ability to see and talk with dragons. Fleet has come into his own powers.”

  Yuma caught the glance that passed between them. He placed the scale at his feet to test this new discovery. “You have powers like a unicorn?”

  Fleet arched his neck. “It seems so.”

  Yuma grinned. “I thought I saw a difference in you. I can guess how you gained that.”

  Gemstone twitched her upper lip. “What this means is Fleet is a warmblood, a horse with unicorn ance
stry.”

  At first, the notion surprised Yuma. Then he considered how strong and determined Fleet was. Another young stallion wouldn’t have taken on the task Fleet had. “That’s wonderful.”

  He picked up Tatuk’s scale, untied the thong holding back his hair, and wrapped it around the rare gift. “I’ll treasure this anyway. The dragons are beyond anything the bards sing about in even their wildest fantasies. Even unicorns!”

  Gemstone stepped closer and nuzzled his shoulder. “Take care not to lose it.”

  Yuma hung the precious scale around his neck and stroked Fleet’s neck. “Thank you for allowing me to accompany you here. I’m honoured and overawed. I’m also thrilled you have found such a beautiful and interesting mate. I wish I could do the same.”

  Seeing the loneliness in Yuma’s eyes, Gemstone understood that beauty and riches were meaningless unless shared. Nothing she could do would assist the man find a lifemate. And the handsome black stallion intrigued her. Why had he come to her for help rather than seek it from first-generation unicorns? All she could offer was friendship. “You may both call me Gem.”

  Tatuk alighted on her crest. “The new fox is causing trouble. The den she’s preparing for whelping belongs to another vixen.”

  Dreading the troubles to come as more animals sought sanctuary, Gem bid farewell to Fleet and Yuma. She cantered after the dragon, glad of the excuse to remove herself from the horse’s company. The surprise at his newfound ability to communicate his thoughts troubled her, both for the implications of his heritage and the loss of her privacy. After their initial coupling, he had become intense, desiring her again. She had rebutted him, reminding him he was in her territory; she was no mare to push around.