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

continue on to Crancularn in search of your medicine, now

that you have escaped the attentions of Hathcar’s band?”

“We must,” Jon-Tom told him. “You’re welcome to

accompany us if you like.”

“Aye, mate,” said Mudge. “We’d be glad of your

help.”

“I have never been to Crancularn, though I know of it. I

would be delighted to accompany you.”

“It’s settled, then,” said a pleased Jon-Tom. Not only

was the unicorn a welcome addition to their trio, it had to

be admitted that riding was more fun than walking.

By morning they were at the outskirts of the girl’s

village. Cultivated fields surrounded the town. Jon-Tom let

her down gently.

“I didn’t do all I was supposed to do,” she muttered

uneasily.

“You did all you could. It’s not your fault that their plan

didn’t work.”

The town was enclosed by a strong wooden palisade and

looked more than capable of withstanding an attack by any

angry bunch of bandits. He didn’t think Hathcar would try

to take revenge for his failure against the girl or her

parents.

THE DAY OF THE DISSONANCE

245

“I still think you’re pretty,” the girl said to Drom.

“Can I kiss you good-bye? That’s supposed to be good

luck.”

Drom smacked his lips with evident distaste. “I’d prefer

you didn’t, but if you must.” He dropped his head, stood

still for a buss just below the right eye.

“Gen!” he muttered as she pulled away. “Now be on

your way, human, and count yourself fortunate this night.”

“Good-bye, unicorn. Good-bye, strangers.” She was

still waving at them as they disappeared back into the

forest.

No armed mob of angry, frustrated bandits materialized