Chapter Seven
Unicorn Wood

Teedol stood looking to the east as the sun was rising. He imagined the sun was now hovering just above his little cottage in the village of Manap, which now lay to the west. In his mind the kaleidoscope of colours shinning through his bedroom window had a pleasing effect, taking him back what seemed like a million years, as if his memories were only dreams. He was not sure if it had ever been reality.

What was reality ? Memories of the past or visions within a dream ? The future cannot be reality for it has not yet happened. Teedol remained motionless, staring across what seemed to be a vast expanse of emptiness. Turning to face the west, he thought to himself " Somewhere out there is peace, beauty and tranquillity. Will it ever be the same ?

" He felt a hand gently placed upon his shoulder. A soft gentle voice broke the silence. " Teedol, Gryzor wishes to see you before you leave. " It was Pippa. Teedol turned and smiled taking hold of Pippa's arm, they walked back towards the camp leaving all thoughts of home behind. Gryzor greeted Teedol with an enthusiasm not shown before, striding over to the cotchit as best he could with his short dwarvish legs, slapping the Cotchit on the back with a hefty blow which almost knocked Teedol over as he did so.

" Sorry my friend, but I am excited now we are finally going to rid this land of the evil which roams freely upon it. " Said Gryzor. Teedol could not feel the same enthusiasm, truthfully he was feeling a little disheartened.

" Yes it will be good to put a stop to the evil that plagues this land." Replied Teedol. Spud, who was suffering the same enthusiasm as Gryzor, could not wait to ask. " Lord Gryzor, may I keep the armour I used in the battle ? "

" Of course, no need to ask it's yours ! I would like to add all of your names to the roll of honour. Only the bravest of our warriors are put onto that list. You will all retain the honorary rank of general. " Gryzor clapped his hands. A dwarf entered carrying a shield upon which were four medals and four sets of insignia. Lord Gryzor then presented a medal and a set of insignia to Teedol, Spud and Genty in turn. Finally he turned to Pippa.

" These are Bobo's and I'm sure he would have wanted you to have them in his honourable memory. We would be pleased if you would accept them, and wear them. " Pippa paused for a moment and then slowly held out a hand to take the items from the shield. " No Pippa, the shield as well. It is the shield Bobo held in battle. We always give our departed heroes new clothes and weapons to protect them on their quest in the nether world.

" Pippa smiled and accepted the gifts. Gryzor smiled a knowing smile, as he had suffered the pain of loss when his son had fallen in battle only last year. Gryzor's mind was locked in time as he remembered that moment only too well. Like the sudden breaking of a spell he snapped himself out of his momentary melancholy mood and once again became the strong leader that everyone knew...

" RIGHT ! Time for a good breakfast before we depart. " Said Gryzor. The friends all sat and ate a large breakfast which was interrupted with only snippets of conversation. It was almost an hour later when the friends were ready to say farewell. Spud and Pippa were in the wagon, while Teedol, Genty and Globin were mounted on ponies. Inside the wagon were dwarves to make the return journey. The final farewells given, Teedol and his companions set off towards the Red Mountains of Erun. Gryzor and his army headed south. Pippa could not help thinking of Bobo, even so, she managed to keep control of the very deep pain she felt within. Spud, though he missed Bobo and was deeply saddened by the death of his friend, handled it in a different way, making it seem as if he were not affected. This was far from being the truth, nevertheless he concentrated his efforts upon the quest, and so seemed as excited as ever. Teedol, though surrounded for the best part by people whom he cared for and who cared for him, still felt responsible for the death of his best friend.

This was enhanced by the pain he felt for Pippa's loss. Globin was a professional soldier with a debt of honour. Mind you, the more time he spent with the cotchit's, the more he liked them. Globin was not like most dwarves, he was inches taller than any other and less barrel shaped. For several hours they travelled with no incidents and hardly a word was spoken as each of them sorted out the many thoughts running through their minds. Spud was the first to speak. " Genty, what did you say was the name of this place where we are going ? "

" It is called Unicorn Wood. Some years ago, but not that many, the wood was the home of the unicorn. It was said to be a very special and magical place but the penalty just for being caught in the woods was death. The reason is because the horn is said to have great magical power but to get the horn the unicorn would have to be killed. Mind you, it was said the unicorn was immortal. The reason for this is that no-one ever saw a dead unicorn. So it is believed the horn had great healing powers and would even give immortality.

Sadly though, not one unicorn has been seen since the War of Teerror, yet the place is still called Unicorn Wood. Alas the beauty is not the same. It is now overgrown with weed and vine, lost are many of the beautiful and rare plants which once grew there. It is also said the wood is now filled with tree trolls and mischievous wood nymphs. True or not we must go there. " Said the elf. " Sounds really spooky. Do you know the woods Genty ? " Asked Spud.

" I have travelled many places and seen many things, but this place I have never been to before. You need not concern yourselves for I do know the way, and more. I know the secret of Unicorn Wood. I cannot tell you any more for the moment. " Replied Genty. A puzzled look came over the faces of the others. Silently above soared those prying eyes. At first the beast was high, very high, but now, the eyes were swooping downward at a tremendous rate. The harpy had its eyes fixed upon Teedol having received new instructions. It was to capture Teedol and take him back to the Dark Lord's lair. Out of the corner of his eye Teedol saw the flash of a steel blade, and more by instinct than habit, he ducked. The blade was Globin's sword, who had not gone mad. By luck, he had turned and in doing so had caught sight of the swooping harpy.

As Teedol ducked, he slipped down the side of his mount yet he still managed to remain seated. Even Teedol did not know how. Teedol then felt something wet and warm on his face. A huge dark shadow passed over him. He looked up and saw the harpy as it flew past him. It was minus one claw and the set of talons which went with it. Genty was not slow to act either. With an unseen swiftness, the elf shot off two arrows, both hitting the mark. The harpy fell to the ground, dead before it landed. Genty rode on to inspect the body, while Globin scouted around the skies making sure there were no other dangers. Spud and Pippa looked at each other in amazement, but said nothing. Small beads of sweat appeared on Teedol's brow. For no apparent reason he began to feel ill. By the time the main party had caught up with Genty and stopped, Teedol had fallen off of his pony. He rolled up into a ball, his teeth chattering. Sweat was pouring from the poor cotchit, yet he complained bitterly of being cold. As none could match the elf for speed, Genty was the first by Teedol's side. The elf looked over the cotchit. It was not long before Genty noticed the spots upon Teedol's face where the harpy's blood had landed.

Each and every one had the look of a boil, but much worse. Puss and blood were oozing out of Teedol's flesh at the points where the harpy's blood had splattered. There were eight wounds of differing sizes. Pippa went to touch her cousin, as she stretched out her hand, Genty grabbed it. " No ! No-one must touch his skin, especially near the wounds.

Globin hold his hands. We must bind them to prevent him from scratching himself. He is quickly becoming poisoned by the blood of the harpy. If he scratches it, or if we touch the wounds it will spread to us all. I do not have the things here to cure him but I may be able to slow down the process. " Said the elf as he reached into his pouch. Genty took out a small phial made of silver, placing his cloak over his arm he lifted Teedol's head, slowly pouring the contents of the phial into the cotchit's mouth. Genty then replaced the phial back into his pouch. " Take hold of him, we must put him into the wagon. DO NOT TOUCH HIS SKIN WITH YOUR BARE HANDS ! Your clothes will give enough protection against infection. " Genty warned. The four friends lifted Teedol into the wagon.

The dwarf who was going to take Teedol's place on the return journey, now took his position in the party. " How long will it take, before it is too late.

" Asked a rather concerned Pippa. " Twenty four hours at best, but there is no need for concern, we will be at the edge of Unicorn Woods by night fall. We will have to wait until day break before we can enter the woods. It would be folly to venture into the woods by night. We will also have to make a stretcher to carry him. If we are lucky and if we can get to a secret place by midday he will be fine.

That gives us about four hours to spare. Now I must check on something which will allow us to travel much quicker and not cause Teedol too much discomfort.

" Genty finally said as he turned and spoke to the dwarves still inside the wagon. They seemed to agree with whatever the elf had said. Genty then spoke to the others in a whisper. He had arranged to have a rough hammock made and suspended inside the wagon. This would cushion Teedol from the bumps and prevent knocks from the sideways swing. Each corner of the hammock would be secured suspending the whole thing in the centre of the wagon. Still, it would take time to prepare all that and they did not have time to waste. The dwarves were going to signal when it was done. Hopefully the speed of the group would then double at least.

The party set off again, but this time Spud took the pony while the dwarf taking Teedol's place rode along with Pippa in the wagon. The band of friends did not stop for a rest but continued on at a steady pace, until the dwarf in the wagon next to Pippa gave the signal. The speed then doubled to a fast canter slowing down every half an hour to let the ponies take a breather.

Neither Globin nor Genty wanted to harm the animals, but there was great urgency. Genty was trying to reach the woods before dark...

They would have, if it were not for a wheel coming off the wagon. It took the best part of an hour to sort it out and get travelling again. Teedol was secure in his hammock and did not suffer from the loss of the wheel. Dusk was falling as the sky filled with flame. The group setup camp, while Genty went about cursing the wheel that had come off. The dwarves inside the wagon were moaning about being cramped up for so long, Pippa was upset at Teedol's worsening condition and Spud was fed up with the lack of action.

The only one person who did not complain was Globin, who tried to console each of them in turn. He told the dwarves that they would be allowed out of the wagon when darkness fell, as long as they kept out of the fire light. He told Spud the action he craved for would not be far off one way or another. It was Pippa's turn next, as he told her. " Everything that can be done, will be done as and when it can be. " Said Globin, who then went and spoke to Genty. " What troubles you my friend ? " He asked.

" I am gravely concerned about Teedol's condition. It seems to be getting worse. I'm not too sure he can last until midday and that is the earliest I can get what I need to make the cure, unless I go into the woods tonight. You see, by day there are guardians of the wood, they are distant cousins to the elves.

If I get into difficulties I could summon them for help, but by night even they will not venture out into the woods where they lived so freely years ago.

" The elf stopped speaking and a silence fell upon the camp. It lasted only a short time. " I would go if you could tell me what it is you need. " Said Globin. " It is not the going that brothers me completely. It is knowing what to do if things get worse. There is something only I could do to save Teedol and I cannot be in two places at the same. Anyway, I will answer your question. The flower you seek is very rare, as far as it is known it grows in Unicorn Wood. It is called Antimiasma. " replied Genty. " I must admit, I do not know the flower.

" Said Globin despondently. " I know it ! It also grows in Manap Woods. I will go with Globin, Genty can stay and take care of Teedol. " Interjected Spud. " Well my cotchit friend, you surprise me but if you know what you are looking for I will go with you. I know I do need to tell you of the dangers and therefore the need for stealth.

" Said Globin. The fact the cotchit was just as stealthy as the elf had been forgotten. Truthfully it was the dwarf who needed to care for his footsteps, though Globin was better than most. So it was agreed and after a short rest with some food and a hot drink the two companions slipped out under the cover of darkness into the forbidding woods. Hours passed away with seemingly no end. Genty was with Teedol every minute of the time. Taking another phial from his pouch and giving it to the cotchit. The elf had removed the headband from Teedol's head so that he could frequently bath his brow with cool water.

The star was now very dim and at times Genty thought it was fading. The elf could not know the star had turned its energies inward and was helping Teedol's body to fight the unwelcome visitor from within. Genty actually thought it meant Teedol was getting weaker. The night was like no other night.
It was like three nights all rolled into one. Teedol's condition reached a peak but did not get worse. The first hint of light showed over the high peaks of the mountains. The day was grey and dreary, a heavy mist lay like a sullen blanket all around, from ground level to three feet off the ground. It gave an eerie look to the land and more so to the woods which lay only yards away.

Genty woke the sleeping dwarves and bid them to hide from sight in the wagon. For the moment Teedol seemed to be sleeping peacefully. Pippa had been sitting for the best part of the night with her cousin and the elf, and was now sleeping herself. Genty saw no point in waking her as he was still awaiting the return of Spud and Globin. He had built up the fire as its embers had burnt low and was ready to make a fresh pot of coffee when he heard a faint sound coming from the edge of the woods. Hand on sword, he ducked low...

He waited for several minutes having heard the sounds two or three times more. Hiding behind the wagon, telling the dwarves to be ready for action as he did so. There ! There it was again, this time much louder. Genty moved to the back of the wagon. He heard the unmistakable sound of a bird call. Genty instantly knew who it was, for he had been teaching it to Spud on the way to Unicorn Woods. Two figures stepped out of the dark shadows of the trees, it was a strange sight indeed, only the top of Globin's shoulders and head could be seen. As for Spud, only the top of his head could be seen and even then not all of the time. Spud held onto the back of Globin's cloak, it was the only chance he could find his way.

" Did you get the plant ? " Asked the elf impatiently. " Fear not, we would not have returned without it.

" Said Globin with a smile. The elf smiled in return, but more than that, it was relief he now felt. " Give the plant to me, hurry, I must prepare the medication for The Chosen One. He has fought well all night, he has a strong desire to live, yet he will surely die if he does not get the preparation soon. " Said Genty with exuberance. The elf took the plant offered and wasted no time. A small circle of mist had cleared from around the fire, much to Spud's delight he could now see all that was being done.

Genty chopped the leaves and petals very finely, doing the same to the roots. He then took out a very fine cloth from his pouch, placing all of the ingredients onto it and tying the corners together, producing a sachet containing the remedy. He placed the knotted cloth into boiling water. " My friends, this is a deadly poison, but it is the only antidote to what ails our friend. It will be a couple of hours before it takes effect but, from then on, he will gain in strength by the hour. Offered the elf.

Genty removed the cloth from the boiling water. " Come we will give this to our friend, all we can do then is wait. " Added Genty. Globin and Spud followed Genty to the wagon, the elf climbed in while the others looked on from outside. Slowly the drink was offered to Teedol, who could barely manage to swallow, but he did. Pippa had slept all the while, unaware Teedol was now getting the cure. The first hour passed rather well with Spud and Globin telling of their time in the woods. At times Spud got a little over excited as he described the eerie sounds they had heard and at having to hide as they were passed in the dead of night by a group of, of... Neither had ever seen anything like them before. The tale was ended as the second hour began.

A silence fell as no-one had anything to say. They sat and waited. This made the second hour seem more like three. The dwarf and the elf sat the whole time barely moving a muscle. Spud on the other hand found this was much too difficult to do and so he turned first this way and then that way. One minute standing, the next sitting down again. Meanwhile Pippa slept on. The dwarves in the wagon were also restless, they should now be returning to the camp where Bobo's body lay. Dwarves hated it when plans were changed, it sent them all in a tizz.

Slowly Genty stood up and went over to the wagon. He climbed inside, which made it even more uncomfortable for the dwarves. Spud could not keep still so he built up the fire, the mist had not yet begun to clear and so a chill remained in the air. Genty did not come out of the wagon for some twenty minutes or so, but as did, Spud ran over to him. " Is he alright ? " Quizzed the cotchit. " He is over the worst but he is still weak. I think, as much as I don't like it, we will have to stay here for the rest of the day but we will see. " Replied the elf. Spud sighed with relief at the news of his friend.

He was not too concerned about staying, after all he had spent the night in the woods and lived to tell the tale. It was now midday and all that was left of the mist were thin wisps scattered here and there. Globin expressed his concern about staying. His argument was a fair one. " What if a large band of ghedi came this way ? We are too few. What fate would befall The Chosen One if he were taken prisoner ?

" Asked Globin. Genty had to agree with Globin, but his return argument was also equally as good. " While I agree with you and share your concerns. Teedol cannot be moved until the poison is neutralized, and then only if he is strong enough. The danger being that he will become as evil as the harpy if it isn't left to work. Once that happens The Chosen One will be lost forever. So he can only be moved when he is strong enough to do so himself."

A silence fell yet again. Spud was really getting restless and was about to speak... " Hey you guys I thought we had somewhere to go ! " Said Teedol who was now standing in front of the wagon.

" Are you alright ? Do you feel strong enough ? " Asked Spud instantly getting over his doldrums.

" I'm fine, really. I think we should get going. Are you all ready ? " Asked Teedol. " We can be, in about twenty minutes. We will have to wake Pippa and give her a chance to get ready. " Said Genty. " Ok, if there is a hot drink I will have one. My mouth feels as if it is full of sawdust. " Said Teedol as he sat by the fire. Pippa had slept well, Genty had given her something to help her.

He had also tended to her arm. When Teedol woke her she could not believe her eyes. There was Teedol standing by her side as if nothing had been wrong with him. Needless to say she was very pleased to see him looking so well. Great care was taken to make sure the friends were not seen leaving camp. Sharp eyes scanned the skies, they did not intend to be caught out like that again. When they were sure they were not being watched, the five companions slipped from the camp and into the woods, leaving behind the ponies and the dwarves, who were now dressed and mounted the same as the friends had been earlier. Somehow the woods were not the same as back home.

They felt eerie and strange. The air was filled with an odd odour. There was a kind of presence which could not be seen, but could be felt. Globin, knowing how good a woodsman Spud was, let the cotchit take the lead. Globin could not get used to the feeling of being closed in. He was used to roaming the plains and wide open spaces. Genty was as much at home in the woods or on the plains, but even with all his craft he could not match Spud for his wood-manship. At first the going was very hard because of the dense undergrowth. This continued for some time.

Eventually they did reach a path. It was narrow with the sides being squeezed in by the surrounding foliage. The path fought back for space to exist in. The woods stretched the full length of the Red Mountains with only one break of five miles almost in the centre of the range. Right now Globin wished he was somewhere else.

Being a warrior did not mean he could not feel fear, only that he refused to show it. The path ran roughly north to south and looked as if it were used regularly, but by what and whom ? Many tracks could be seen, but for the best part these were well mixed and at this point picking out a single print was too difficult. Spud thought the track to be too well used to be safe and suggested they take the more difficult route from east to west, which was of course more direct to the mountains.

The elf now spoke. " I once told you I know of a secret to do with these woods, though I am not sure of its whereabouts. Its exact location was kept hidden from everyone, except those who live here. I think you understand my meaning. Well there is a hidden city beneath the foothills. The doorway to the city is somewhere in the woods, but more importantly than that, the city is the doorway to the Amulet which The Chosen One seeks. Of course the doorway will be hidden and it will not, for sure, have a path leading to it. Therefore I agree with Spud, we should leave the track. " He finally said.

" What I don't understand is this. You asked if you could join us to be our friend and guide, yet you say you do not know where the hidden city is. How can you be a guide if you do not know your destination ? " Asked Globin suspiciously.

" I understand your suspicions my friend, but understand this, the Stone was sent in secret for safe keeping. The only person who truly knows where the Amulet is hidden is the Keeper of the It and the keeper of the Amulet is the Lady Galana, sister to my Lord Eldor. It was he who told me to seek you out to ensure you reached Unicorn Wood. His next words were, the Chosen One would know the way. Though you have the mark of The Chosen One, you do not know the way, therefore you cannot be The Chosen One. " Replied Genty. Both Pippa and Spud were about to condemn the elf for his words until Teedol stopped it. " As you say I should know the way, I feel as if I should. The wizard said I would know the way when the time came. Therefore there is something I am missing, something which should be telling me the way.

" Said Teedol. " Wait, do you remember the words of the Ancient Lore. He would be guided by a star ! Teedol remove your headband ! " Said Globin. Pippa stood behind Teedol and untied the knot. The star upon his forehead shone dimly. " Slowly turn around Teedol. " Said Genty. Teedol did as he was bid and sure enough, as he turned the star shone brighter and brighter. Until he turned more then the star became dim again.

" That's it ! That is how we will know the way ! " Exclaimed Pippa. The star shone brightest when Teedol faced east-north-east, which was indeed off the track. " I have a suggestion, if I scout ahead a little way, perhaps I will find a path which will lead in that direction or at least part of the way. As you can see the undergrowth gets much thicker from here on. It would take hours to go only a short distance." Said Spud.

" That's a good idea, I will scout down the track for the same thing. I would suggest Teedol, Pippa and Genty seek shelter in the undergrowth for now. " Added Globin. So it was agreed. The three friends hid in the undergrowth. Spud went north, while Globin went south. By the time an hour had passed the three friends who were hidden became more and more concerned. It was thought Spud and Globin should have returned by now. Another hour passed.

" I fear something has happened to our comrades. We must take care, but I think the time has come to move on. " Said Genty. " I think you are right, but in which direction do we go ? The star says this way, which is virtually impassable. There must be an easier way. " Replied Teedol. " You are The Chosen One, we will go by your instincts. Which way do you want to go ? " Asked the elf. Teedol moved out from beneath the undergrowth, Pippa and Genty followed. He turned to face the north and then the south. He asked Pippa if the star seemed brighter when he faced one way more than the other.

" Yes it seems brighter to me when you face the north. " She replied. Genty said if there were a difference he could not decide which was the brightest. " Very well, we will go north. " Announced Teedol. Without another word the three friends headed north.

They had only gone several hundred feet when the came upon a fork in the path. The one to the right led in the direction indicated by the star. So that was the way they went. The friends carried on in silence for a further mile and a half, after which they came upon a clearing. Set in the centre of the clearing was a ring of stones.

The trio halted at the edge of the clearing. Genty went on ahead moving forward at an incredible speed. Once he had reached the ring of stones, he found there were no spaces between the them, with one exception. Genty peered into the circle but he could see nothing. He did not enter the ring of stones instead he explored around the perimeter of the clearing. When he was sure all was clear, he beckoned Teedol and Pippa to join him. As they reached the ring of stones, a closer examination revealed strange runic symbols. Genty said, he could not read them as they were not elven runes, though he did admit they were similar.

The door had a central column, which in effect created not one but two entrances. Genty entered by the left side. He could not believe his eyes. Set in the centre of the circle was a large flat oval stone. Set upon it was all manner of food, enough to feed an army. It was untouched and fresh. Picking up a piece of fruit Genty came out of the circle. " You won't believe it but there is enough fresh food in there to feed an army. I think we should fill our rucksacks and leave in case who ever it was meant for, comes back.

" Said Genty. Teedol agreed while Pippa simply nodded her head enthusiastically. Genty was still standing in the doorway to the left hand side, so the two cousins entered by the right hand side. The elf turned to re-enter the circle. " Look at all this lovely food... " Genty did not finish his sentence. The table and the food was still there, it was the two cousins who were not. " Teedol ! Pippa ! Where are you ? " Shouted Genty. He received no reply.

The elf turned going back out the way he had come in. He stood outside all alone not able to comprehend what was happening. First Globin and Spud disappear and then seemingly in front of his eyes, Pippa and Teedol. Genty walked right around the circle moving in a clockwise direction. This is turn brought him back around to the right hand side of the door. Without thinking he entered... As Teedol and Pippa entered the right portal, they suddenly found themselves engulfed in darkness, or at least it would have been but for the light of the star which was now shinning very brightly.

They could see for some three or four yards in either direction. It did not seem to matter which way Teedol faced in the tunnel the star was just as bright. He did not speak, he signalled to Pippa to check the side of the tunnel wall. He hoped they could find the door which had obviously led them here. They did not. The wall was equally solid on three of the four sides. Teedol now took a hold of Pippa's hand as he was about to make his way in the only direction they could go. There was a sudden popping sound followed by a thump.

Teedol tripped over something directly in front of him within the shadows. There was a sudden groan which disturbed Teedol, because he knew it was not from Pippa. The noise came from beneath him. Looking down the light from the star lit the shadows, there beneath him was Genty. Picking himself up the elf spoke first. " Where are we ? " He asked. " You know as much as I do. " Replied Teedol.

" We will never find out by staying here. " Said Pippa becoming quite impatient. " You are right, we will go this way. I am still wondering about what happened to Spud and Globin. " Said Teedol. The three friends went on some way, Teedol leading because of the light, then Pippa followed by Genty. " Owwwch ! " Exclaimed Pippa. " What's the matter ? " Asked Teedol. " I've sprained my ankle. There is something on the floor here." Replied Pippa.

Teedol bent down to see what was there. On the floor was an old rusty ring, it was fixed to the ground by a bolt or some such thing. Teedol lifted the rusty ring and gave it a pull. The three friends were now travelling at an increasing speed downwards, spinning as they went. At first they went straight down, then they began to spiral...

There was a thump and a bump from each of the trio as they came to a sudden grinding halt. The friends began to pick themselves up, brushing themselves down as they did so. It was Genty who noticed the burning torches upon the wall. Then they ALL noticed something else at the same time...
They were surrounded by people. Little people, who were about half the size of the cotchit's. They did not look too friendly either. The small people now moved towards the trio of friends in a menacing manner, poking and prodding with spears as they did so. Huddled together with sharp points being stuck in here and there, Teedol, Pippa and Genty were escorted away...

Link to Chapter Eight

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