Rescue by S.L. Carlson

Author:S.L. Carlson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: magic and magicians, lone unicorn and unicorn keeper, band of thieves, battle to save country, outcasts to heros, prisoners in dungeon, rescue of king and family
Publisher: BWL Publishing Inc.

Chapter Fifteen

Once outside the city gate, Gaufrid and Bertran cantered up to Rick, leading Flame. “Your wing-boy was shouting to everyone that the Spikonians are here,” Gaufrid said, handing Rick Flame’s reins. “Jarvis is getting the wagon and the other horses and will meet us on the road.”

“Other horses?”

Bertran shrugged. “Rogerin told us yesterday to be ready. We are.” He smiled and rubbed his unshaved cheek. “You promised us adventure, Aldric of Red River, and great mountains. You sure have delivered on that.”

As a few soldiers jogged towards them, it was obvious that Geoffrey had also commanded his men to fetch their own horses and the wagons they’d prepared.

Rick’s overstuffed pack was tied behind Flame’s saddle. He didn’t ask what was inside. It didn’t matter. They were leaving. Everyone’s horses also carried overstuffed packs. Rick mounted his stallion.

“Where’s Synne?” Rick asked.

No one answered. Jarvis turned up a corner of his mouth and shrugged as if he didn’t care. Rick knew otherwise. She was good at looking out for herself. He wouldn’t be surprised if the next time he heard of her, she was in Spikonia sidling up to King Baal.

“Is Hobbie all right?” Rick asked, searching for him beyond the others. The last he’d seen of the youngest of his thieves was in the city square, with an ax bouncing off his wrist.

“He’s not mad at you,” Bertran said. But why would he be?

Flame stomped his feet, sensing the excitement in the air. Rick urged him forward until they caught up to Neighbor and Geoffrey, now on his own horse, leading the way northward to their king. Behind them were nearly all of the soldiers who had worked on the Bottoms wall, as well as Victor and the Farhnerians who had been in the first line of the Spikonian attack. Rogerin and Anna led the magicians up from the smoldering garbage pit. They were trailed by a horde of other people, all in their red caps, tunics, and capes.

Eri flew ahead of them, with Bob chasing after, until they reached Rick and Geoffrey.

“What now, General?” Eri asked Rick once he landed, bending one wing far over his forehead in a kind of salute.

“Stop calling me that,” Rick answered. “Unicorn Keeper—or unicorn friend—is all I am.”

“Bbrrrh,” Neighbor said. “Might I suggest, Friend, that Eri fly ahead to discover if the Spikonians have sent a contingent heading south in order to surround Barabook on all sides. It is what I would have advised them were I on their side.”

Geoffrey nodded in agreement, and Ricky touched Eri’s feathered shoulder. “I’m sorry I gave you wings. I am. But you know that we couldn’t have been here, all of us, safe, without your new eyesight and abilities.”

Eri flushed. “It’s not just me,” he said. “We all want the same thing, and will follow you anywhere.” He took a few running steps, pumping his wings. As he lifted from the ground he added, “General.”

The giant ran after Eri.

“Bob!” Geoffrey called out. “Stay with us. Your friend will return, and we need you here, and not worn out.

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