Spellsinger 03 – The Day of the Dissonance by Foster, Alan Dean

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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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