Chapter 14: The Land Beyond the Mountains

They went north for many hours, across plains, rivers, and forest. Star never slowed his pace, and Imagiland went by in a blur.

“Where are we going?” asked Orko.

There is one place where I can send you back, replied the unicorn. Beyond the mountains, in the Land of Forgotten Dreams.

“Trolly-Molly, but if you go there, Star - “

“Molly-Trolly, he can go anywhere he wants!” interrupted Okoru.

Okoru speaks the truth. I can enter that place without fear. But he cannot. Before we draw too near the Mountains, you will have to say your farewells. Nothing much more was said, even as the mountains came closer and closer into view. Then, Star stopped.

“Guess that’s my cue,” mumbled Okoru as he slid off Star’s back to float beside Orko. They embraced.

“Trolly-Molly, I’m going to miss you.”

“Molly-Trolly, I’m going to miss you too. But I’m never too far away. Just think to me, and I’ll answer, I promise.”

“I will. And I’ll never forget.” Okoru stepped back, and Star bounded off.

Within minutes they were at the mountains. Orko was a bit surprised at first, for the stone was a light lavender in color, just as if it was seen from a distance. But of course after a moment’s thought, it made sense. Star never hesitated, leaping up to the Mountains and then slowing to move around a new rocks to a well-concealed path. A mist began to build as they followed the trail, but for some reason it didn’t quite touch either of them. Around crag and rocks they went, the mist becoming so think that Orko couldn’t see further ahead than the tip of Star’s horn. Then, abruptly, the mountains vanished from either side of them, and all was fog and mist and silence. Orko got a definite feeling of… nothing, here. He remembered Okoru’s words, that Dreams who came here thought their Dreamer’s would be better off without them, or had given up hope or being remembered, and that when they entered this place they ceased to exist.

This is the Land of Forgotten Dreams, Star announced, and here I will send you home to Eternia. Climb down, and stand before me. Orko obeyed, and Star lowered his head to touch the tip of his horn to the Trollan’s chest. The tip glowed brightly for a moment, like a star. You have done me a great favor, Orko the Great. By your courage and heart, two of my Dreams will never Fade. And yet I sense you fear still for Okoru. So I have given you a give, both a mark of my debt to you, and to remind you of your time here, so you will never forget. Star stepped back, and abruptly reared high, neighing loudly. One by one, the nearby mountain peaks came clearly into view, their summits lighting up like stars themselves, them shooting out a beam of light to connect with the tip of Star’s horn, which lit up in reply. He held the post for many moments, then…

Farewell, Orko the Great!

Star lunged down, his horn piercing Orko’s chest. He felt a cold shock, then something akin to a concussion spell, then falling….