Power Stone

The girl moved among the wounded soldiers, every so often stopping to lay her hands on one and murmur words in a strange tongue. Unnoticed by the others, a unicorn trailed behind her. Unnoticed because, except to the girl, the unicorn was invisible.

Two things hung from the girl's neck. The first a gold medallion, almost hidden by her tunic, was carved with intricate symbols that none recognized. Occasionally the girl touched the medallion. It swung free suddenly and a few of the knights recognized the crest of the royal family, but they studiously ignored it. It held a secret that was not theirs to know. The second was recognized by all as a Power Stone. This small stone, only about a half-inch in diameter, was black and shiny, perfectly smooth. The Power Stones were given to a select few by unicorns; the mortals who used them found that with each use their powers for good or evil increased. The color of the stone did not symbolize in any way the wearer's affiliation so the wounded were as happy, if not happier, to see the girl as they had been to see the other healers. The stone was also where the unicorn resided when not materialized with the stone's possessor. A unicorn has three main forms. The original unicorn form, a horse-like form that was exactly like the unicorn form, except without the horn, and a dematerialized form that only the stone's possessor could see. Only the one who was given the stone could call on the unicorn and the power in the stone.

The girl was slight; giving the impression that if the wind blew too hard, she would be blown away, but many of the soldiers had seen her wield the sword that now hung casually from her waist. Few were given cause to doubt her healing ability as broken arms and bloody heads mended in her wake. Soon once wounded soldiers were moving about helping their comrades in arms and calling for the girl to see to more serious injuries. Her long brown hair was bound back in a braid, but here and there tendrils had escaped and curled around her oval face. Occasionally she brushed them out of her way, but didn't stop her work long enough to rebraid her hair. She was more concerned with saving the soldiers.

Cassara, do not wear yourself out, the unicorn spoke in Cassara's mind as this was the way they talked to their companions.

"I have to save them, Satin. I can't let any die," she replied softly after glancing around to make sure that only the soldier she was healing was near by.

You are only one healer, Cassara. Killing yourself will not help them.

"Guide me to the most severely injured then."

Of course. Follow me.

The unicorn stepped delicately around the bodies strewn haphazardly around the camp, leading Cassara to the most severely injured soldiers. Cassara healed four more soldiers, then turned to Black Satin, her unicorn. "Who's next, Satin?"

No more, Cassara. You are too tired. Rest now. No more will die if they do not receive your ministrations.

"Solidify, please, Satin. I need your support." Black Satin shimmered into sight as a coal black mare and Cassara leaned against her. Her Power Stone had faded to gray, showing her exhaustion. "Kneel, please, so that I may mount."

Black Satin knelt down next to her and Cassara scrambled gratefully onto her back. You overextended yourself, Cassara. When will you learn?

"I don't like seeing them suffer. Most would have died without my help."

Black Satin was delicately picking her way back to Cassara's tent as they talked. Still, you must learn how hard you can work. Today you did too much, but you did good work. The unicorn stopped in front of Cassara's tent. Rest now, small one. There will be no more fighting tonight.

"Good night, Satin," Cassara mumbled before slipping into her tent. She barely had enough energy to pull off her boots, undo her sword belt, and fall onto her cot. Within seconds, she was asleep.

* * * * * * *

She was awakened the next morning by the sounds of soldiers preparing for battle. Sighing, she rolled to her feet and reached for her sword belt. There was no sense in changing her clothes this morning; they would dirty too quickly on the battlefield. She buckled on her belt and was reaching for her boots when she realized someone was lurking outside her tent. She drew her dagger and called, "Who's there?"

"Oh, my lady, so sorry, did not mean to startle you. It's Gwydion."

Cassara put the dagger down on her campstool and opened the tent. "Gwydion, you should not lurk outside tents. Any other soldier would stab you first and worry about who you are afterwards."

"Apologies, my lady. May I enter?"

"Certainly, Gwydion." She stepped back, allowing the wizard to enter and, after scooping up her dagger, waved him to the campstool. She took a seat on her cot. "What is it?"

"You wear a Power Stone. Am I correct in assuming that the unicorn who bestowed it on you is still around?"

You may tell him, small one. I trust him.

"Thank you, Satin. Yes, Satin continues to stay near me and advise me. I have, of course, only recently received my Power Stone. It is common for the unicorn to stay near until the person has gained total control of the Stone."

"You overextended yourself yesterday," he stated.

Cassara clutched her Power Stone as if to hide its grayness from view. "Yes. I did, but that doesn't matter. There will be another battle today and more wounded and I will be among them again tonight."

He sighed. "That is what I wanted to discuss with you. We received a message from Usurper Sinjon Lathan Aubin yesterday. He is willing to stop this war if you consent to be his bride."

Cassara Shanel Leala Cholt, Banished Ruler of Dagron and the Southern Isles, rose slowly to her feet, fingering the medallion she wore around her neck. Only a child of royal birth dared wear one of the Dagron medallions, the poison would kill anyone else. For three years she had lived among her people as a simple healer, but Gwydion had known and protected her secret. Now the Usurper was willing to stop the war only if she made his claim valid. "I would never consent to marry him," she spat.

"I want you to consent to marry him. Then you can get close to him and hopefully defeat him."

"Defeat him?"

"Cassara," he used her name for the first time, but she didn't flinch at the familiarity, "I know you are a strong, brave girl. You are your people's only hope." He took her hand. "Think about it, please, and don't go to the battlefield today."

"I won't. I will think about what you said."

He rose as the battle horns sounded. "I must go now and help keep our people alive for another day."

"Of course, Gwydion. I wish my people well in battle today."

"Yes, my lady." He bowed to her and backed out of the tent.

Cassara sighed and turned to face Black Satin. "What is your opinion of his plan, Satin?"

It is a good plan, small one. We should go through with it.

"We?"

Yes, Cassara, we. I would not ask you to face the Usurper alone.

"Thank you, Satin. May we ride among my people today hidden from their view?"

Of course, Cassara. She shimmered into sight, her horn proudly arched. Mount up and we shall go. Cassara pulled herself up onto Black Satin's broad back and they faded out of view.

None of the soldiers noticed the unicorn and girl ride through their ranks that day. Cassara and Black Satin rode silently through the battle, watching the people fall. I wish I could help them, Cassara told Black Satin silently.

I know you do, small one, but you can help your people more by killing the Usurper.

I know Satin. I just wish I could help them now.

Black Satin wheeled around and galloped off the battlefield. You have seen enough for today. We must tell Gwydion we agree to his plans.Cassara held tightly to the unicorn's mane as they tore across the plain to the hill on which Gwydion and the other wizards stood. They stopped in front of Gwydion and Cassara slid off Black Satin's back, regaining visibility as she did. The other wizards blinked, but Gwydion took it in stride. "Have you reached a decision, my lady?" he asked softly.

"Yes, Gwydion, I have. I will accept the Usurper's offer, for the betterment of my people." She held her head high.

* * * * * * *

Two days later, Cassara sat proudly in her breeches and tunic as Usurper Sinjon Lathan Aubin's honor guard approached. She was astride Black Satin, who had lowered herself, enough to allow Cassara to saddle her. "My lady," the knight in the lead bowed from his saddle. "King Sinjon Lathan Aubin bids you welcome, Lady Cassara Shanel Leala Cholt, and thanks you for consenting to be his wedded Queen."

"I agreed to be his Queen to save my people, never let him think there was any other reason."

"Of course, my lady." The knights surrounded her, the one who had spoken taking the place at her right hand. "I must say, my lady, I am glad that you decided to end this war. My brother is one of the ones fighting for you."

"Who is your brother?"

"Vanchel of Micey."

"He was well when I left him. I healed a broken arm for him yesterday."

"I thank you, my lady. He is my mother's favorite."

Cassara was silent as they rode through the castle gate. The castle had been her childhood home, but now it seemed strange. It had changed in the three years she had been gone. The gardens were untended and overgrown and vines climbed the castle walls, in some places choking out the stone. A few well-placed spells would eliminate them, but no one had bothered. She hoped the plans she had made with Gwydion and Black Satin would work.

Of course our plans will work. You are a strong fighter and I will be there to help you.

Cassara patted her neck. Thank you, Satin.

"My lady, your horse will be comfortable in our stables." The knight with the brother in her army held out his hand to help her down.

"My horse will be more comfortable in her natural habitat." She turned to the unicorn. "I give you leave, Satin." Black Satin nodded her head and vanished. The knights jumped in surprise and a few of them reached for their swords. "At ease, fine knights, my friend is a unicorn. She simply returned to her own land. Take me to the Usurper."

"My lady, please. King Sinjon will have your head for your words."

"Sir knight, do not fear that my words will lead me to ill. 'King' Sinjon does not dare kill me. Now escort me to him." She knew the way to the Main Hall, but it would look better if this knight led her there.

Cassara had to admit the Usurper was good-looking. He was wearing the ceremonial robes of the king and they became him. His dark blue eyes snapped as he looked her over, his blond hair falling, in waves, to his shoulders. He was pleased with what he saw. She stood before him in her ragged tunic and breeches and yet her bearing was most royal. Her Power Stone glittered dangerously from its chain on her chest. "Hello, my lady. You are well, I trust?"

"Of course, Usurper. I had a pleasant journey through my country with your knights." She smiled at him. "Shall we hold the wedding three days hence?"

"Of course, my lady. If that is your wish?"

"Of course it is," she snapped. "Why should more of my people die?"

He recovered his aplomb quickly, ignoring the fact that she had snapped. "Of course, my lady. One of my knights will show you to your quarters and a servant will cater to your whims."

Cassara nodded. "My knight Vanchel's brother will do for my guard. I trust you will honor bind him to me?"

"Of course, my lady. If that is your wish."

"It is."

"Sir Vian, step forward." The knight who had spoken to her stepped forward and knelt before them. "Sir Vian of Micey, I bind you to this woman. You will follow her every command as if it was my own and lay down your life for her. Bind yourself."

Vian knelt at Cassara's feet and bowed his head. "My lady, I give my life over to you to do with as you will. I will follow your orders to my death, even killing for you. I swear this on my honor as a Knight of Dagron and the Southern Isles."

Cassara nodded, her eyes narrowing. She wondered briefly if this oath included killing the Usurper. The only way to find out is to test him, said Black Satin, but I would not advise trying it quite yet.

I realize that, Satin, she answered silently, then aloud, "Show me to my room, Sir Vian."

Vian offered his arm to her and she placed her hand over it, smiling up at him. He bowed his head. "It is my pleasure, my lady. This way please." Cassara paced herself, walking stiffly from the room. Vian led her up the Grand Stairway to her old room. "Will my lady be happy here?"

"I would prefer the Queen's chamber. I am, after all, the Queen of this realm," she replied though tight lips.

"Of course, my lady. I apologize. This way."

Cassara waited until the knight had left before undoing her sword belt and dropping it on the bed. The former Queen, her Lady Mother, would have been scandalized, but Cassara wasn't worried about her now. Her mother was, after all, three years dead.

* * * * * * *

Cassara spent the next few days reorienting herself with the castle. Most of the servants had remained after the revolt and she took the time to remind them of who she was. She had been well loved as the heir to the throne and the servants remembered her fondly. A few even pledged help should she need it.

With her permission Vian entered her room on the third day. "His Majesty is ready for the marriage ceremony to commence, my lady."

Cassara turned to face him. She was dressed in a tunic and breeches. They were old, but not as torn as the ones she had arrived in. "Escort me," she commanded.

The Usurper was waiting in the Throne Room. He stood when she entered. "Are you ready, my lady?"

"Yes, Usurper. Let us."

They crossed the courtyard to the private chapel and entered, kneeling before the priest. Cassara looked up and was glad to recognize the priest. He winked broadly at her and she touched the hilt of her sword. The Usurper cleared his throat. "Um, my lady?"

"Yes, Usurper?"

"Would you mind removing your sword for the ceremony?"

She quickly undid her belt. "Of course not."

The priest placed his hands on their heads and prayed in the Ancient Tongue. Then he began to speak, "Do you, Cassara Shanel Leala Cholt, take this man, Sinjon Lathan Aubin, for your husband? To rule your country as his own and make the best decisions for your people?"

"I do," Cassara replied.

"And do you, Sinjon Lathan Aubin, take Cassara Shanel Leala Cholt for your wife? Do you agree to take her advice and to rule her people as your own?"

"I do," the Usurper replied, glancing at Cassara.

"I invest in you the power to rule over the people of Dagron and the Southern Isles in the name of Lady Cassara Shanel Leala Cholt. To rule together as husband and wife as the Mother and the Father did in the beginning. Arise and face the world as King and Queen."

The Usurper escorted her to the steps of the castle. The crowd cheered them, but Cassara could see the Usurper's men moving among them. "They are pleased, my lady."

"Yes, Usurper, they are. If you wish your marriage consummated, you had better choose so now."

"Of course, my lady. This way, please." As they climbed the stairs to the Usurper's room, Cassara reached inside her tunic and felt the dagger hidden there. He shut the door behind them and crossed to the bed, shedding clothes as he walked. Cassara followed him, pulling the dagger from its hiding place. "What is that in your hand, my lady?"

"A dagger to take your life. Die now at my hand or be forever hunted."

"Not a pleasant vision, my lady. Either of them, but I think I will fight you for my life." He pulled a dagger from under the mattress and lunged towards her.

Cassara grabbed her Power Stone, backing hurriedly away, and yelled, "Satin, now."

Black Satin shimmered into view behind Sinjon and ran him through with her horn. He screamed as the horn slid home, piercing his black heart.

Cassara leaned against the wall and heaved a sigh of relief. "Is he dead yet, Satin?"

He is dead, small one, and the kingdom is again yours. I have already notified the wizard, Gwydion.

"Thank you, Satin. Let's go tell his knights." She looked down at the corpse and shuddered. "I don't think I'll be sleeping here anytime soon."

It did make a bit of a mess.

Cassara laughed at her comment. "Thank you, Satin." She threw an arm over Black Satin and they moved into the light together, ready to claim Cassara's birthright.