Helen quickly tied the unconscious form of Eva to the back of the no-longer-rabid Arden. “I have a favor to ask of you.” She murmured, “Take me to this woman’s daughter, Sioni. There’s something I have to do.”

The alphyn nodded his great head as the witch climbed onto his back, and he charged into the forest. Dryads and water spirits alike quaked at the sound of his heavy stride. The unicorns, still hidden in their glade near the pool, huddled together in terror, and a sense of dread crept over the forest. An alphyn, once loyal only to the royal family, had become an instrument of evil.

The small party rode to the edge of the forest, and Arden reared at the sight of the city gate. He smelled the royal family, tasted royal blood, thick on his tongue. His mind filled with images of kings and princes waging war, princesses dancing alongside knights…

He was here to serve them, but he was bound by honor to the one astride his back. He reared again, shaking the ground beneath his massive paws.

Helen smiled.