again. As for his personal sexual preferences, I could care
less. He’d be downright inconspicuous on Hollywood
Boulevard.”
“Well, maybe you’re right. Now, me, I knew it from
the first. The way ‘e minced out of the woods toward us.”
Drom overheard, lifted his muzzle, and said with digni-
ty, “I do not mince, otter. I prance.” He looked at
Jon-Tom. “You really believe your former acquaintances
will beat you to Crancularn and to the medicine you have
come for?”
“I hope not, but I fear it. They stole our only map.”
“That is a small loss. Do not regret it.” The unicorn
crunched a clump of purple ortnods with petals the shade
. of enameled amethyst. The flowers hummed as they were
consumed. “I can guide you there.”
“We were told it moves around.”
“Only in one’s imagination. There are those who stum-
ble through it without seeing it, or circle ’round it as if
blind. So they say it has moved. It does not move, but to
find it you must wish to. I know. I was told by those who
could know. I will lead you to Crancularn.”
“That’s bleedin’ wonderful,” Mudge confessed aloud.
He was mad at himself. There was no reason for him to be
nervous or wary in the unicorn’s presence. Drom was a
likable chap, wasn’t he, and Mudge didn’t look in the least
like a shire horse, did he? And hadn’t he always been told
never to look a gift unicorn in the mouth? He was upset
with himself.
Hadn’t the four-legs carried himself and Jon-Tom all this
way from Hathcar’s territory without complaining? Why,
with him galloping along and the rest of them taking turns