The Party of the Gods

Rejinal and Davish reached the entrance to Lord Duke’s Grazeland, passing between two exquisitely crafted life-sized horse statues. As had become usual, heads turned to stare at the travellers and their remarkable herd of livestock.

“I’m glad we’re finally here,” Davish said. “Herding these things is hard work.”

“Just wait until you learn to ride one. Then it will all seem worth it.”

Davish looked dubious. “I have trouble enough with normal horses.”

“Yes, but that’s the point,” Rejinal said. “Unicorns are Power tamed, and Using Power is what you’re good at.”

“We’ll see,” Davish said.

When they reached the laneway of Lord Duke’s mansion, they saw Antoz ’s mount kicking up the dust as he rode to meet them. Antoz reined to a halt a respectable distance from the herd. “Wow!” was all he said, staring.

Rejinal grinned for the first time since arriving back. “I’m glad to see you, too.”

Eyes fixated on the herd, Antoz silently dismounted. Carefully he walked towards them. “Incredible.”

Silver showed off with a dance on his hind legs, and Rejinal had to settle him with a gentle transfer of well-placed Power. Antoz automatically backed off, but continued to stare.

Finally, Antoz said “Yes, good to see you, Reg. And you, Davish. We’d better get the unicorns settled and offer you some supper.”

Rejinal was impressed with the provisions they’d made for the animals. Not only was the fence high and strong, but the exceptionally large pasture included a pond, forested and rocky areas. They turned out the unicorns, and set out a bin full of grain, though grass was plentiful. Antoz handed his horse to a lad and led his friends inside.

The place was every bit as nice as Sunfield, but quite different. Equine decorations were everywhere ‑‑ paintings, carvings, etchings, and tapestries, all surrounded by elegant frames and woodwork. Out most of the windows, one saw pastures of mares, foals, and yearling or older stock grazing or romping. There were some flowers and shrubs, but formal garden area was mostly limited to fruit orchards, vegetable patches, and hay fields.