Halfway

Overhead, a griffin flew in a large arc across the sky. Its feathery wings were magnificent and its lion's body shining like gold. The griffin was one of the most glorious creatures the Empress had ever seen, and since it was not attacking her, she could fully appreciate its beauty.

In her talons she held meat from her latest kill. It seemed some unfortunate creature had already met its demise. Those watching were thankful none of them had been the source of the griffin's meal.

The Empress recalled another griffin who many years ago abducted Devrim into the clouds. Aurora shivered at how close she had come to losing her love. In the end, the creature had paid with his life. Fortunately, it seemed this griffin was not interested in the Empress or her crew. The lioness flew off without slowing down to investigate those below.

The group released a collective sigh of relief. Aurora wondered if the unicorns were regretting their decision to help. If they were, they showed no sign, for Utku was already back on his feet and waiting for her. He was a brave unicorn indeed.

"Say what you will about the human lands…at least we do not have to worry about being attacked from the air." Aurora smoothed her dress as she exited the ditch. Utku nuzzled up against her, and he was rewarded with a satisfying scratch on his muzzle to relieve his itch. The group continued on their way.

Before long, Dew Mountain loomed large before them. It took a few more hours, but the trio reached the base of the icy mound before nightfall. Aurora peered up at the Mystic Spires.

"Of course the waterfall is on the opposite side of the mountain…Why wouldn't it be?" She chuckled wryly. Nothing was ever that easy for her.

"I think we make camp, Your Majesty, and continue on in the morning. I do not like our odds of finding what we need in the dark." Zan's eyes flashed silver as he spoke. He seemed on edge.

Aurora could feel it too, though what 'it' was she could not say. A shiver ran down her spine as she examined their surroundings, but she could find no source for anxiety. "We will continue in the morning," she agreed.

Afraid of attracting attention so close to the Mystic Spires, the trio did not light a fire. They ate some dried meat, fruit and bread before bedding down. Aurora was very thankful for Utku's warmth. She snuggled up against him to ward off the autumn chill.

The Empress fell into a fitful slumber. She could not help but feel that something was wrong. Her dreams were troubled even more than usual. Sometime after midnight, she jerked awake having dreamed that she was being attacked.

"We are awake too, Your Majesty," Gandr whispered. In the moonlight, she could see that he was standing with his sword drawn. His voice wavered as he spoke. "Did you hear it too?"

"Hear what?" Aurora asked. Then a chill like an icy finger ran up her arm, causing her hair to stand on end.

"Behind you," a voice breathed. "Beside you. In front… no no, inside you!" The sound seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere. It echoed mechanically before fading into nothing.

"I hear it," Aurora confirmed as she drew her knife. Her body was filled with fear, but gripping the knife kept her from losing control.

"Who are you?" Zan called bravely into the darkness. He dug his nails into his thigh to fight the fear that plagued the air.

"I am someone…everyone…no one…that one." The voice cackled, reverberating off the trees and filtering, distorted, through the leaves. "I am the-the-the-THE one!"

"Which one?" Gandr challenged. He sword was held high in the air, but his arms were shaking.

It was quiet for a moment, and it seemed the creature might have left, but then a brush of wind slithered across the halfling's neck and worked its way into his ear. "You know which one…" it cooed.

Gandr swung his sword reflexively, nearly cutting the nearest unicorn. The steed, who was already on edge, leapt onto its hooves and began braying and running in a circle. Before Utku could stand to avoid it, the other unicorn stomped on the smaller stallion's hind quarters. Utku cried out in pain and kicked the other pony in response.

"Chaos, madness, fear…RUN!" the voice wailed like a woman in labor.

The horned horses became wild, stomping at the ground and threatening to trample the two humans and halfling. Another bodiless cackle sounded below Utku's hooves. He reared back, towering over Aurora's head.

The Empress could see the events about to unfold in slow motion, but she felt glued to the ground as the crushing hooves neared her skull. She could only close her eyes and wait for the death blow.

But no such blow came. Out of the darkness came creature with the body of a deer and head of a ram. It's golden horns glowed as it descended on the rearing horse. It nudged the anxious pony with its strong head, allowing both of them to land with the Empress safely between them.

Aurora stared at the mighty creature. It was strong and gentle all at the same time. The ram's head lowered. It seemed to be checking to make sure she was alright. Its benevolent brown eyes brought calmness to the fear that filled the Empress.

Aurora smiled and reached up to stroke one of the golden horns. Her touch caused the horns to glow even brighter until a burst of light radiated in every direction.

The voice of the void shrieked in pain, and crackling sparks like tiny fireworks burst all around them. Then, at last, there was peace.

"Thank you." Aurora drew herself up and curtsied before the beast.

The creature lowered his horned head in respect for the woman. Then, he ran off into the woods until the light from his horns disappeared between the thick tree branches.

"What was that?" Zan asked.

Gandr sheathed his sword. "You mean the voice or the creature? Either way, the answer is…I have no idea. But this...this is why no sane magical creature lives in these parts."

—————

After the eventful night, the trio was up bright and early. On the backs of the unicorns, they rounded Dew Mountain with ease.

"Wouldn't it have been easier to go through?" Gandr asked when they were nearly there.

"Probably, but I would not have been as sure of my aim. It is harder to see the waterfall from directly underneath the Mystic Spires, and the Fates are less likely to bother us out here anyway." Zan answered.

"There it is!" Aurora pointed upward. Above them the majestic waterfall that provided the land of magic with all of its blessings tumbled forth from the Mystic Spires. "All we need to do is gather some water from the base of the flow and we can be on our way."

"That may be difficult," Zan said as he squinted. "I don't see any place where the water actually touches the ground."

He was right. Halfway down the mountain, the waterfall just…disappeared.