them had been moved.
“Now what?” She stared at the unicorn. “Explain
yoself, suh.” She was on her feet and heading for the
boulder. Drom cut her off. “If they come at us now …”
she began warningly.
“Relax, cat-a-mountain. They’re not coming. They’re
not even watching us.” Behind them, Jon-Tom and Mudge
were also awakening.
“How do yo know?” Roseroar was peering cautiously
out. She saw and smelled the girl immediately, but no one
else.
“Because they’ve decided to try something else.” He
let out a soft, whinnying laugh. “By the time they realize
this latest ploy has failed, it will be too late. We’ll be long
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Alan Dean Foster
gone from this place and beyond their reach. Who among
you is the fleetest of foot?”
“Roseroar over the long distance, me over the short. I
think,” Jon-Tom told him sleepily, still not sure just what
was going on.
“Good. You and the otter climb onto my back and
ride.”
A sweet but anxious voice sounded from outside. “Who
are you talking to? Why don’t you come out and talk with
me?”
“Who the ‘ell is that?” Mudge rushed to a window.
“Blimey, ’tis a girl!”
“What?” Jon-Tom joined him, gaped at the figure standing
in the clearing. “What’s she doing here?”
“Tempting me.” Drom chuckled again. “Hathcar and
his curs have moved out of scent range, no doubt to lie in
wait to ambush me as I am drawn helplessly to them by
this irresistibly pure young female.”
“I’m not sure I follow you.”
“It’s part of an ancient legend, a very old magic.”
“Lousy magic,” said Jon-Tom.
“Oh, no, it’s very good magic, and very true. Only not