Author’s Note: Whoa! Been a while since I posted on this one, and for that I apologize. Things have been crazy around here lately, and I’ve only now gotten a chance to relax and type. Thank you for your patients, and enjoy the chapter. (Also, just so you will know, I believe ‘fetlocks’ are hairs that grow just above a horse’s hooves, like in Clydesdales. At least, I think that’s what it’s called. If I’m wrong, please correct me.)

Chapter 6: Star

Orko nearly collapsed, the light winking out, thrilled that the fearsome being was gone. Then he once more pulled out Natar’s emerald.

I’m afraid that won’t work, interrupted a gentle male voice. Orko looked over his shoulder warily, then gasped. There, almost glowing against the gloom, stood a unicorn. Orko had never seen such a creature before. His hide was like purest snow, his mane, tail, and fetlocks - all lush and silky looking - like spun silver. His cloven hooves were cobalt in color and glistening sharp, while his eyes were a fiery blue, yet gentle and kind. And the horn… it was magnificent, a full foot and a half long and like perfect mother of pearl, spiraling to a fine point. And then Orko blinked in surprise, for he saw a perfect five-point black star on the unicorn’s forehead, around the horn, that reminded him of something from long ago. It was as he was looking at the unicorn that Orko realized this had been the source of the light that drove the knight away.

He cannot enter this place, so calling him would do no good to you, Orko the Great. It seemed the unicorn smiled. Yes, I, too, know who you are, but unlike Darklor I know not only your fears, but your hopes and dreams, those thoughts that make your heart lighter than the air around you. And though I know all your fears, they are know to me in the same manner as your friend Adam knows them.

“Who - who are you?” The unicorn studied him for a moment, then he chuckled pleasantly, both in a horsy neighing and a laugh in Orko’s mind.

What would you name me?

“Name you?”

Yes. What name is it that you would call me by?

“Well….” A name instantly sprang to mind. “I think… Star. You look a bit like a unicorn from a book Teela used to read when she was little.” Again the unicorn chuckled, sounding happy.

Then I am Star. He leaned forward, putting his head close to Orko as if sharing a secret with the Trollan. It has been a long, long time since a Dreamer has given me a new name. Star is an excellent one. Thank you. He lifted his head, and looked back behind himself, the way Orko had come. Now, where is my poor elf at?

“Trolly molly!” For a moment, Orko had forgotten all about the elf. “This way.” He led Star back to the elf who hadn’t moved an inch, and seemed to be breathing more shallowly than before. The elf wearily looked over, then drew a ragged gasp when he saw Star and tried to get up. With a graceful half-leap, Star crossed to him and touched the elf’s shoulder with his horn.

Be calm, Sylwin of the Plains Elves, of the Wind Chaser Tribe. Sylwin laid back, panting heavily from his injuries.

“Have you some… to bear me across the Mountains?” he asked Star.

Only if you so choose. You are fast fading into Nightmare. There is no way I can stop this fact, to return you to normal. But I can offer you this: I can either carry you to the Land of Forgotten Dreams, or transfer your bond to the Dream Dreamer. Either way, you will never be able to return to your Mellissa again. A tear tracked down the elf’s cheek

“My wife, my children… I lose Mellissa either way. I can’t lose my family too.”

Then you are decided?

“Yes.” Star leaned down, letting his breath flow over Sylwin.

May this be a comfort to you: Mellissa is growing up well, and this choice would have come soon anyways. Then, with a quick jerk of his head, Star pierced Sylwin’s chest with his horn.

“Trolly-molly! Star!” Orko was shocked. But before his eyes, the elf gave a small smile, closed his eyes seeming to feel no pain whatsoever, tipped his head to the side, and began to glow. He glowed to brightly that Orko had to turn his head away, unable to look. And when it faded, all he saw was Star, and a crystal pendant on a silver chain dangling from his horn. Star turned to Orko, letting the pendant fall into the Trollan’s hands.

Take good care of this, he said. It is Sylwin’s soul. Orko slipped it around his neck, and Star motioned to his back. You’d best ride. I can run much faster than you can fly. Orko settled on Star’s back, gently getting a firm grip on the silky mane, and Star bolted off.