The Summer Vacation
Chapter 35
Written by rachel76m
Edited by Don Kaufman

We wake up in the morning to get ready for the next leg of the journey. We use the Mystic Order to help us arrive in Lord Beryllian’s fiefdom quickly. It turns out each of the fiefdoms are now starting to repeat themselves. I visit some of the horses to help them calm down while the Mystic Order does their part to help with the local wizards and sorceresses. The meetings continue as they always do when we visit them. While we were in Lord Beryllian’s fiefdom, we get another rain storm front from the west. However, this time the weather is typical for this time of the year for them. I had to put on the raincoat to walk about from stable to stable this time.

The only change in visiting the fiefdoms came in two of them. When we visited Lord Belthar’s fiefdom, we got a visit from Avel, Caltron, Serena and the rest of the fairies and centaurs I met in Avel’s Glade. We met in the large courtyard garden in the castle. I have the gift box with me as we walk there.

“We have a gift for your fairies, Avel.”

The fairies gather around closely, “What is it, Omega?”

“When I visited Rosella in her castle shop, she noticed the embroidery work that you did to mend my clothes. They were really impressed by it. It gave them ideas to have such garments for sale at the midsummer festival. I told her that sounds fine, but I told her we must thank the fairies and give them honor for it.”

“That’s right, Richard. The fairies used what they had to do the repairs.”

“Amber, Cobalt and I said the same thing. So, I gave them this suggestion. When they do embroidery work, they will put a label on the dress that states it is designed by the fairies of Avel.”

All of the fairies cheer to that announcement. “Thank you, Omega! Thank you!”

“Also, since fairies have no real use for gold or silver, they rely on the good will of the people to receive the left overs for their own clothes.”

“That’s right, Omega.”

“So, with Rosella’s help and Amber and Cobalt’s advice, we have a box here to replace what you used, and a little bit more.”

I open the box on my lap. They cheer loudly when they see the great selection that is in the box. They thank us many times over for thinking of them.

“We’ll let the centaurs carry the box back to our glade, Richard. Thank you very much for thinking of them.”

“You’re welcome, Avel.”

“That box reminds me of something, Richard.”

“Yes, Serena?”

“Fairies, you have a gift to give to Amber and Cobalt.”

“Yes, Serena.”

Some fairies fly to Caltron and retrieve two small wooden boxes from his vest. They bring them over to Amber and Cobalt on the stone bench. When they open it up, they have wide smiles on their faces.

“Our clothes, thank you for remembering to bring them, my brothers and sisters.”

“Yes, thank you. This means a lot. It will remind us of our times here with Avel.”

“Yes it will, Cobalt.”

Amber and Cobalt close the boxes and hand them to me. I put them in my satchel. They fly around and hug each of their kin there.

“I heard you were overwhelmed a week ago, Richard, when the horses screamed in your head.”

“I did, Avel. It was a terrible storm that came. I was able to warn the people of the impending disaster in time before I passed out. Caliber told me it will be like this until I get it under control. Then I will be able to sense the danger in the air and ground before it happens.”

“That’s true, Richard. It will take some time to do that.”

“I also got word that I’ll be going back home after the Regional Festival.”

“That means your first fairies will be born there and not here Richard.” We can see the disappointment in their faces when they heard that.

“That’s right, Serena. If I do come back again, I’ll be sure to have some of them with me.”

“Yes, you must do that Omega. We want to see some of our kin from Earth. Right now I envy Cobalt and Amber. But, I’m heart tied to Avel now.”

“Don’t worry about it, Green Eyes. This will be a new experience for us all. We just have to take it day by day. Oh, there is one more thing to talk about. If I’m leaving then, I will need the Earth tree seeds that are here in the other kingdoms.”

“Yes, you will need them, Richard. I’ll be sure to contact the centaurs in the other kingdoms to get those seed bags ready and have them at the Regional Festival here.”

“Thank you, Lyonair.”

“Do you know why the Outside Helpers are leaving early, Richard?”

“I do, Caltron. Evrat just received word from his home world. There is an armada of one hundred star ships approaching their star system. Right now it is too early to know what their intentions are or who they are. So they are doing the long distance sensing and probing to determine their fire power, intentions and capability. This will give them time to come up with a strategy to disarm them.”

“Hopefully, they will be able to turn them away with their allies’ help in their area.”

“That is the hope, Caltron.”

We continue talking about my experience and how I’m understanding my role as the Omega Unicorn during the day. They all get invited to the evening repast in Lord Belthar’s castle. However, they only selected ten fairies to attend inside. The other fairies agreed to stay outside to have their meal and wait for the colorful sunset display so they can all be together.

When I do another song on the toryli with the local musicians, all of the fairies add to the grandeur of the atmosphere when the people see the streams of light trailing behind them. They also get to see Amber, Cobalt and me glow golden again.

The other fiefdom that was different to visit is Lord Brannen’s fiefdom. This is where Callahan and his two friends come from.

When we arrive at the fiefdom, we see the usual exchange of words between them. I see the Castle Lord’s knights and dwarf warriors all standing at attention on the parapets of the castle wall. It looks very impressive to see them standing up there. Once the greetings are done, they break rank and help us to set up our last camp site in their training fields. Eventually I greet Sir Callahan. A lot of knights gather around us to see what happens. They see us staring at each other intently. We then begin to speak to each other in even tones.

“So, you have come at last to visit us, Richard.”

“That’s right, Sir Callahan. I’ve come to see if you need some help to calm down the fears of your horses and some of your knights. Are they doing well?”

“Some of the horses are still skittish. There are still some knights who need some help.”

“Will the knights accept my help?”

“They better, Richard. If they don’t, I’ll let them arm wrestle you for it.”

We grin at each other quickly, by this time we can’t hold it back anymore. Everyone starts to roar with laughter. We put hands to shoulders while we laugh about it and greet each other. Then Sir Callahan introduces me to Sir Orslond and Sir Thalstead.

“Greetings, Richard. We wish to apologize before you now. We learned our lesson the hard way when the fear attack came from the star ship.”

“Yes Richard. I apologize for my behavior as well. We could not stand up at all because we were still shaking from what you did to us. It definitely got our attention.”

“That’s good to hear this from you two. I can now forgive you both properly.”

They smile at me. “Thank you, Richard.”

“What has Lord Brannen done for you lately?”

“He made inquiries about our business that we did before we enrolled to be his knights here. We received further training, instruction and help from their quartermaster and the local dwarves’ community here to improve our shipping business for the fiefdom. We are doing quality purchases that help everyone. We now do it for the fiefdoms near us as well. It has been very profitable for us all. We had to hire four more people and purchase two more carts with tranelles to help the delivery of the goods between the castles.”

“That is good news to hear, Sir Orslond and Sir Thalstead. I wish you both to have many more profitable years ahead and a long life.”

“Thank you, Richard.”

Sir Callahan takes Amber, Cobalt and me to the stables. As soon as I walk into the stables I can sense some of them are still shaking from the fear attack. I walk up to each one to assure them everything is okay.

We are so glad to see you, Omega.

Yes, even though we had to be last, at least you are here now to comfort us.

You’re welcome. Now you must be strong again for your riders and Lord Brannen. I will be leaving after the Regional Festival and going back to my home.

I think we can make it. I heard you did a demonstration in the other fiefdoms to convince them you are the Omega Unicorn.

Can you do it for us?

We will remember it always.

That is no problem. I’ll be glad to do it for you. I look around to the others and speak out loud for the benefit of the stable master, his help and some of the knights who are watching me. “I will be doing a demonstration that proves I’m the Omega Unicorn. They will remember this always. I hope it does the same for you all. I don’t know when I’ll be back again. I have a lot of work to do on Earth.”

I stand in the center of the stable. I then thrust my arms and hands to the side. Then the twelve images of the unicorns appear, six on each side of me. All of the horses neigh in excitement when they see it. Even the people in the stable cheer out loud when they see it. Then the horses use their senses and confirm that I’m bearing two fairies in my womb. They are excited to know there will be a unicorn on Earth once more.

I go up to each horse and touch the side of their heads and neck. They whinny slightly and nod their heads up and down. Soon their hearts are more calm. The knights who are present come up to their own horses and do the same thing. They reaffirm their loyalty and friendship to each other again.

We continue throughout the day like we have done in other fiefdoms. By this time, Thomas has taught most of the knights and dwarf warriors how to mend the simple tears in their clothes. Only the seriously damaged clothes are brought to him for repairs. He is more relaxed now that the knights and dwarf warriors are doing the simple mending.

I check in with some of the knights who are still nervous from the fear attack. I teach them the same lessons as I taught elsewhere. Soon, they are more relaxed and their fears have been calmed. We have some more successful meetings with the local leaders and the dwarves’ community. They make plans to have the stone walls put up in key places around the towns and villages. Only a few of them agreed to have the gates because of the wild herds in certain areas are very active in grazing the lowland grasses in their fiefdom. Sir Callahan escorts us to the grasslands to see them graze.

Once we are at a hill overlook, we see hundreds of them out there grazing. Some of them look at me for a moment. Soon, I hear some thoughts from them.

Hello, Omega.

Hello, Omega.

I respond back to them. This is new to me. I’m still learning.

That’s good, Omega.

We are aware of you now.

You’re a good friend.

Thank you for telling me.

You stopped the fear attack. Thank you.

You’re welcome. Have a good life.

Thank you, Omega.

Then the herds continue their grazing.

“Did you hear that, Swiftwind and Thunder?”

We did, Omega. They nod their heads up and down.

“The wild herds just spoke to me my friends. They greeted me and thanked me for ending the fear attack. They are aware of me as the Omega Unicorn. They called me a good friend.”

“That’s good to know. Now we just need to be aware when they get frightened again with the grass fires and lightning strikes.”

“That’s true.”

We return back to Lord Brannen’s Castle after seeing the wild herds.

We have the usual meals that are offered here. I take another bath in the local bath facility in the nearby town. I have taken a bath about every other day throughout the kingdom tour.

We have about two thousand in attendance for the last evening repast in the main hall. This castle and main hall is a lot bigger than the others I have seen. It is probably because this fiefdom has a more direct access to King Thranton’s Under Kingdom than the other entrances.

Lord Brannen has a special ceremony in awarding ribbons to the people who stayed behind. There are twelve people in the fiefdom to receive the ribbons. When it comes time for the knights. I see Sir Callahan included among the four knights. He gets promoted to Corporal for the way how he handled himself during the fear attack and helping the other knights to stay more focused. Two knights get promoted to corporal and two corporals get promoted to sergeants. We all clap and cheer wildly with approval. I can see Sir Callahan’s parents and family have big smiles on their faces and are proud of their son.

The meal that is served up is a full-blown barbecue style grilled meal. The meat chosen is fowl. Everything was very tasty and delicious with all three plates served to us. We give the chefs a resounding sound of applause and accolades for the meal. I do another song during the sunset color display. When the colorful lights are in the area, we get treated to an aerial show from the dragons who live at the Rainbow Falls nearby.

We all sleep well in the beds in the castle. I have no disturbing dreams this time. It is all peaceful and restful. When we wake up in the morning, we pack our belongings away and get dressed for the last trip back to Thryson Castle. This time we’ll be on the road to the Castle and not use the Mystic Order to get there quicker. This will help us to relax from the intense two week tour we did.

We stop for our noon repast near a small river. It has a large glade near it for us to spread out and get some shade from some of the overhanging trees. Chef Beharn makes a light meal for everyone which is easy to eat from the portable kitchen.

Once we get done and cleaned up. We mount up again. The princes get the opportunity to ride the horses for the last part of the journey. At each of the fiefdoms we were at, the princes took some lessons from the stable master at each one. Slowly they got better and better as the days wore on.

It took us two marks to arrive back at Thryson Castle by the third mark. When we arrive, we are greeted by the Lieutenant Commanders and Castle staff. Sir Trenton leads the men to the training fields and their own stables. The royal carriages get parked near the Castle Stables. It will take us the rest of the day and tomorrow to unwind and unpack from the trip.

The days roll on for another two weeks until the midsummer festival. Everyone gets their tasks done to do another trip to the Northern Arena. This time we’ll arrive with the Mystic Order’s help to fly there. The inns near the arenas are filling up fast. However, there is one inn that is set aside for the royalty and leadership of the kingdom at each arena.

People from the villages and towns bring in their carts and set up their booths to sell their goods, food and other items of interest. Pennants and banners are brought out to help with the atmosphere as they are hoisted on poles throughout the arena, the nearest towns and villages with roads that lead to the arenas.

While this is going on, I decided to take Swiftwind back to his village one early morning. I get permission from King Tierion to do this meeting there. They agree the account must be settled for the time being. Then I’ll explain to the owner the need to keep him a little longer. Amber and Cobalt come along with me. They fly around following us. I rest Swiftwind several times so as not to tire him out too quickly. He takes the time to eat some grass and drink some water near the stream crossings. I open my satchel and take out Amber and Cobalt’s food bag. They take what they want from it.

“Thank you, Richard. This will help us keep our energy up.”

“I will refill both of the bags before the festivals, Amber and Cobalt.”

“Thank you, Richard.” Amber and Cobalt sit on large boulder eating their nuts and fruit to regain their energy.

I’m not returning you yet, Swiftwind. I just want to settle my account so far.

I hope so, Richard. It will be great to go these festivals. My master has taken me there before.

He has? Then he might want you back.

You will have to ask him if it is okay.

Yes, I’ll have to ask him, Swiftwind.

Once we get our fill of food and rest, we continue down the road to the village near Renard’s cottage. We arrive about the third mark and a half in the morning. I let Swiftwind walk the last distance to allow him to catch his breath.

I approach the stables where I met Swiftwind the first time. I see the stable master there cleaning out one of the pens. He sees me approaching.

“This is a high honor to see you, Richard. My name is Rolston if you have forgotten it. Why are you here?”

“Thank you, Rolston. I came by to settle accounts for the time being. Swiftwind has been with me all this time. He was with us when we did the tour of the kingdom.”

“Ah, that explains the confidence that I see in Swiftwind now. How much longer will you need Swiftwind, Richard?”

“There is the midsummer festival coming up. Will you be needing him during that time?”

“That is not necessary. I have some other horses who can help me get there this year. How much longer after that, Richard?”

“I will be going home after the Regional Festival. The Outside Helpers will be going home as well. It is possible we will leave together at the last arena we are at.”

“Hmm . . . Okay. I’ll pick up Swiftwind at Thryson Castle after you leave.”

“Is that okay, Swiftwind?”

Yes Richard. Thank you very much. Swiftwind nods his head up and down in agreement.

“Good, that settles that, Richard. Let’s see, that is a silver coin per week, you had Swiftwind for at least a moon period. That makes it a total of two gold pieces.”

“That is fine Rolston.” I open my coin purse in my satchel and take out two gold coins and hand them to Rolston.

“Thank you, Richard. Since the Regional Festival begins at the fall equinox, that festival runs another three weeks at least, the rental period is another three moons. So, that will come to six gold coins.”

“That is fine Rolston. I agree to the price. I will pay half now, and the rest when he is returned.”

“I agree to that, Richard.”

I open my satchel again to retrieve the gold coins from the purse. I hand three gold coins to Rolston. He takes them from my hand.

“Thank you very much, Richard. That is greatly appreciated. I can see that Swiftwind has eaten well and is in good physical condition. I’m sure the stable masters have seen to his well being in each of the fiefdoms.”

Swiftwind nods his head up and down.

“Yes they have, Rolston. He has learned a lot along the way. He will be a familiar sight if you visit the other fiefdoms.”

“I’m sure he will be. I’ll take him to our midsummer festival next year. He always likes to go to there.”

“Well, I must be going back. We all need to do some more preparation for the midsummer festival.”

“That we must do, Richard. See you later, Swiftwind. I can tell you have kept Richard straight in the saddle.” Rolston puts his hand by his head. Swiftwind whinnies slightly and nods his head up and down.

I turn Swiftwind around. He walks out of the village before he picks up speed to trot back to Thryson Castle. We make several stops along the way so he has time to eat some grass and get a drink of water near the stream crossings. Amber and Cobalt do the same thing as well. I even take a bite of food in my bag as well. I share some water from my water skin with Amber and Cobalt.

Thank you, Richard, for allowing for me to be with you longer.

You’re welcome, Swiftwind.

We will arrive back at the castle just before the noon repast.

That is a good pace so I won’t be spent by then.

I mount Swiftwind again. We trot at an easy pace to arrive at the castle. The knights on guard come to attention as Swiftwind slows down to a canter. He turns right and heads to the Castle Stables. Some stable hands come forward and take the reigns from me. The Stable Master comes walking up to me shortly.

I dismount from Swiftwind. The stable hands take Swiftwind to his stall to cool down and get a brush from them.

“The account is currently settled. I paid ahead for half for a moon and a half. The balance will be paid when he is returned.”

“That’s good, Richard. Don’t worry about paying me. You are covered here until you go home. I’ll make sure Rolston is paid then.”

“Thank you very much, Stable Master. See you later. It is time for the noon repast.”

We have the noon repast in the dining hall here at the castle. We have the usual meal that is prepared here for us by Chef Beharn.

The days continue on until it is time for the midsummer festival. All of the preparations have been made and double-checked. All of the Commanders will be on rotation each week. This will give them an opportunity to attend the festival with their families.

I get word from Rosella that I’m needed in her shop before we leave. I stop by to see what is going on. I open the door and walk in.

“Hello, Rosella.”

“Hello, Richard. The smiths are done with the steel corset. Let’s do a trial fit and make sure it fits well.”

“Okay, Rosella.”

I take off my clothes. Vincent unties the corset behind me and takes it off of me.

“Are you used to the corset, Richard?”

“I am, Vincent. The way I’ve been eating, my body hasn’t changed at all. I think I will never get over weight as time goes on.”

“That’s important, Richard, to stay fit and trim.”

“Here you can see the steel corset. These two buttons on the inside are your releases to undo the steel corset. We’ll put a spell on it for your thumbs only to make it work. They have to be pressed at the same time.”

“Magic huh? That will catch them off guard if they try to force me to take it off.”

“Yes it would be, Richard.” Rosella ties the padding to the inside of the steel corset. Then with Vincent and Thomas’ help, they put it on me. I hear a ‘click’ when they push it together behind me. I look in the mirrors to see how it looks behind me.

“I can’t tell where the seam is back there, nor the hinges on the side. This is excellent metal work. I can see the hinge effect in front to allow me to bend forward and my groin is protected as well. Thank you very much.”

“You’re welcome, Richard.”

I knock my knuckles on the steel corset to make sure it is solid around.

“Sit down on a chair and see another feature of the corset.”

I sit down on the chair. I see the groin cover is hinged as well. I try to lift it up on purpose. It doesn’t come higher. “This is good.”

“Thank you, Richard. You can lift the cover higher if you need to. There is another button on the edge of the cover. Press it. It will be detected by you with magic.”

I feel the edge of the cover until I sense an edge, I press it. Now the cover is released and I can lift it higher. “I like it, thank you.”

“How does it feel around you?”

“Let me try some movements.”

I do some knee bends, torso twists, reaches to the sky and try to touch my toes while standing and not bending the knees. “Ooh . . . that last one will need some work. I know I can do it in the other corsets because they are more flexible.”

“Yes, that will be tight for you.”

“Let me try a few floor exercises.”

I sit down on the floor. I try to split my legs. I can almost do it. “I think a little higher on the sides will do Rosella.”

“Yes, I can see that now. Let me mark that while you’re in that position.” She kneels down and puts a mark on both sides of the corset, so the hips will have a little more clearance and in the front. “That should do it. Thank you, Richard.”

“You’re welcome.”

Thomas and Vincent help me stand up and remove the steel corset from me after I press the release buttons. Theresa helps me put on the corset I have worn today. She pulls it tight to make it snug and secure.

“Ooof . . . Theresa. I think you got it.”

She smiles, “I’m just making sure, Richard. You don’t want it loose or it will chafe you.”

“I understand, Theresa.”

They help me put on the rest of the clothes that I’m wearing for the day.

“It will be ready after the midsummer festival. Our smiths are working hard on some of their own projects for the midsummer festival. They enter their projects to be judged on originality and practicality. The prizes that are awarded are a selection of tools besides some ribbons.”

“Then I will see you later, Rosella. I see the dresses you have made here are looking great, especially that embroidery work you saw the fairies did.”

“Yes, they are coming along great. We put the label as you suggested on the dress. It is in a location the ladies will see as they put it on. Where do your dress designers put theirs, Richard?”

“They put them in several locations. The first is on the inside part of the collar. The second one is near an inside pocket of a coat for example.”

“That makes sense, Richard. See you at the midsummer festival.”

“See you then, Rosella.”

I leave with Amber and Cobalt on my shoulders when I exit the tailor shop. I walk up the stairs to my room to retrieve the second satchel. After we make sure everything is there that we need, I stop by the kitchen to see if I can refill our food bags.

“That is no problem, Richard. We have extra here for you to choose from.”

She leads me to a different storage room. I see bins and boxes of dry goods stacked high in the room. Amber and Cobalt fly around to check which nuts and fruits they want. I do the same for myself. It doesn’t take long to refill our food bags.

“Thank you very much. I look forward to seeing your booth near the arenas.”

“Thank you, Richard. I’ll see you there.”

I turn around to leave the kitchen and walk to the court yard. We see that everyone is getting ready for the trip to the Northern Arena. We are only bringing one royal carriage with us this time.

I see that Swiftwind is brought out with his saddle and bridle on and all ready to go. Everyone can sense the excitement in the air, and the festival is about to begin. We all get connected hand to shoulder as each one gets ready. When it is our turn to fly, wizard Gryphon recites the spell and we disappear in flash of light. While we are in the air, we see some others coming from the south to join everyone flying north. It doesn’t take long for us to arrive. The royal entourage gets ready just outside the nearest village to the arena. We arrange ourselves like we did during the two-week tour of the kingdom.

We receive a lot of cheers as we pass through the villages and towns. We wave back to them with smiles on our faces. Around the arena are many open spaces for tents and the knights who come to participate. There are several more clearings for the people to set up their own tents. The local town members staked out ropes to make sure the people put up their tents in neat rows. There are several avenues set aside for the visiting merchants, food booths and artisans.

Chef Beharn and the assistant chef will be setting up two booths each. They will be serving up their own repast delights to the crowds that attend. They each have six people on their staff to help with the cooking and preparation. Judges come by to taste test the culinary masterpieces. There are five winners each week and they are awarded ribbons. At the end of the three-week festival, the prizes and ribbons are awarded for who served up the best dish overall in several categories.

The arena holds 30,000. That is very big from what I have seen back on Earth. The grass area is about the size of a football field.

There is a brief opening ceremony by King Tierion to announce the midsummer festival is now open to all. We walk into the arena. We see the arena almost full already. We hear a lot of cheers for their favorite knights and warriors. I even get some cheers as well. We stand up in a line side by side in front of the royal seating area, knights, dwarf warriors and dwarf dragons. Everyone gets quiet when King Tierion stands up to speak.

“Thryson Kingdom, this is your chance for your knights, dwarf warriors and dragons to perform their best. The fights will be fought with fairness and honor. There will be no bloodshed by anger or hatred, for they are your fellow countrymen and defenders of the realm. Treat them with respect. If you find yourself in a compromising position and realize your opponent is better than you, you have no shame at all to bow out. It just means you have to practice harder and be better the next time you are here. Do you agree to the conditions of the tournament knights, dwarf warriors and dragons?”

We all shout out loud and roar to the agreement, “Yes King Tierion!” “Roooarr!!”

“Then let the games begin!”

Everyone cheers to announcement.

This is their proven format for all contestants who participate. There are many contests in the arena. Each one is lasting no longer than one-third of a quarter-mark. I see the dragons in attendance as well. They even have a chance to do some races, flame shooting contests, mock fights with some knights and dwarf warriors.

The first event is the centaur race. I get nominated to run by Caltron to do an endurance race. I agree to it. Amber and Cobalt along with the other fairies follow us to make sure everyone is okay and don’t get hurt. The distance is from the arena to the nearest town and back. I was told the time takes about a mark to cover. But that is according to their speed.

“Don’t try to push it if you find yourself failing, Richard. It is not designed to be nonstop. We get a water break at the town and to catch our breath before we continue on.”

“We leave at the same time, then the race begins in earnest on the trip back to the arena.”

“I see, Caltron and Reshni. That makes sense to me, especially now that I’m pregnant.”

“I can sense from here Richard, this will be your last run of this type because of your pregnancy. If you want to participate in the other contests, do it with the weapons such as bow and arrow, swordsmanship and the like.”

“We’ll watch out for you, Richard. We’ll take good care of you if you stumble or need a rest along the way. We can get word to the town folk quickly if you need to be picked up and returned.”

“Thank you, fairies. That is greatly appreciated.”

We gather in the center of the arena. There are thirty centaurs gathered there. There are some younger ones in the group as well. Even if they don’t place, they use the distance as practice to get better for the next two weeks. We see and hear a lot of side betting going on who will win the race. Some say I will win, some say I won’t finish or be in the top five.

We get into position and our running stances. The race master shouts out loud, “Get set . . . go!!”

Everyone cheers as we exit the arena. I keep pace with them for a short distance, then they start pulling ahead once they get into the stride. I just concentrate on my own speed and breathing along the way. Soon, I’m able to talk while I’m running. The fairies sense it from me.

“How are you doing, Richard?”

“I’m doing fine so far, Amber. I don’t know how far this run is to the town. I’m being safe.”

“That’s good.”

I continue to run down the dirt road to the town. When I get closer to the town, I see people cheering me on. Once I enter the town center. I see all thirty centaurs there. They are rested and ready for the run back. I come to a stop and stand there. I find myself panting a bit.

“We’ve been here for about two-thirds of a quarter-mark Richard. We won’t leave until you are ready.”

“Thank you . . . pant . . . pant . . .” I walk over to a table where I see mugs of water put there for us to drink. I take one and sip it slowly until I drink half of it. I do this while I catch my breath. “How long did it take to get here?”

“You took a half-mark Richard. That is not too bad considering who you are now. Most men will cover this distance in about three-quarters of a mark.”

“I see.” I pour the rest of the cold water on my head to cool it off. I find my breath is back and ready for the real race. “Okay, I’m ready to finish this race.”

We line up in a group. We get the word from one of the local elders in the town. “Get set . . . Go!!”

We run down the road and back to the arena. The centaurs start pulling ahead like before. But this time I find my breath, stamina and endurance quicker. I stay behind them at about 50 yards.

“You’re doing better, Richard.”

“I know Cobalt.” I find the exhilaration of running at a faster speed invigorating me. Some of the centaurs take a look back at me while on a curve in the road, they see I’m not far behind. Some begin to pick up the pace. I do the same thing. This time I keep pace with them for their short burst, then I level off after some distance when I get closer to them.

“Why didn’t you pass them, Richard?”

“You’ll see as we get closer. I sense some of them are faltering.”

Soon the younger and older centaurs start to waver and slow down. I pass them by easily. Now all I see are ten centaurs in front of me. Half of them are slowing down now.

“I see now, Richard. Their burst was too soon.”

“That’s right, Cobalt.”

One by one, the older centaurs start to falter. Now I see five centaurs in front of me. These are the best. They see I’m keeping up with them. We see and hear the people cheering me on. We are approaching the last curve in the road before we see the arena. As soon as I see the arena, I increase my speed to maximum. This is fastest I ever ran in my life. It had to be a record to break the 100-meter dash back on Earth. I pass the fifth centaur when we reach the arena. I come in fifth running toward a pennant. There is a pennant mounted on a pole in front of the royal seating area. Everyone cheers for the outcome. I walk around really slow while I catch my breath.
Amber and Cobalt come near me and check my fairies. “They are doing fine, Richard. This will be the last run of this type. Their heart beats are very fast now.”

“They are rejoicing that you ran very well.”

“Thank you, Amber and Cobalt.”

The rest of the centaurs come into the arena one by one. Everyone cheers. They made it safely.

Some of the centaurs come up to me and put a hand onto my shoulder.

“That was a good tactic, Richard. You waited and timed it right. If the distance was longer, you might have placed higher.”

“Thank you very much, Reshni. Amber and Cobalt told me this is the last race for me. My fairies need to recover.”

“I understand, Richard. Come, let us receive our ribbons.”

We approach the royal seating area. All five of us side by side as we walk up to King Tierion. We give a quick bow to him.

“Congratulations, centaurs and Richard. You ran with great heart and determination.” We bow again one by one as each ribbon is placed around our necks. We turn around and wave to the crowd as everyone cheers.

The events continue in the arena as I left. The early rounds of the jousts take place. They have set up two columns to run two jousts at once. About fifty knights participate in the joust.

I relax the rest of the day. I purchase a noon meal for myself at one of the booths. I walk over to some benches and tables that are put out for people to eat at. I take out Amber and Cobalt’s food bag. They get what they want to regain their strength after flying along with me during the race. I take out the small cups for them and fill it with water for them. I do the same for myself as well with my own cup. I recite the spell to refill the water skin and make it cool for the afternoon.

Some people sit at the bench and table where we are. We engage in the usual small talk of how everyone is doing. They give me the latest news from the fiefdoms we visited. Some of them are looking forward to the improvements that will be coming to their fiefdom.

When we get done eating, we clean up the table and put the waste in one of the waste boxes nearby. I continue to walk around and along the avenue of shops to see what they have. I’m impressed by the craft work that I see. Some of the pieces are very good. “There is no way I can bring any of this back with me Amber and Cobalt. It is too big for a satchel.”

“Yes they are Richard. Perhaps we can find a small trinket that will remind you of this festival.”

“Don’t forget that there is the Regional Festival as well, Amber.”

Just when I pass some booths, someone touches me on the shoulder behind me. I turn around and see a knight as if dressed for battle.

“Hello, Richard. My name is Sir Stephon. I’m from Lord Eralian’s fiefdom.”

“Hello, Sir Stephon. What can I do for you?”

“Well, I heard you won’t be racing again. I was wondering if you can come to the arena and try some hand-to-hand combat and some weapons.”

“I know there are different types of combat. Which ones are you thinking of?”

“There are the staff, wrestling, bow and arrow, wrist bow darts, metal star throwing, axe throwing and such. Do you know how to use a sword?”

“I do, Sir Stephon. However, I use the defensive techniques mainly to disarm someone.”

“I see. When we do sword fighting at the festivals, we use wooden swords with dull points. They will weigh the same as a real sword. Points are awarded for touching the end of the sword on your opponent.”

“That’s a challenge. Do I assume shields and full armor is used as well?”

“Yes, shields and full armor is used.”

“How does someone tell if the sword point touches the opponent when it seems it doesn’t?”

“A wizard will come in and recite a spell for the surface of the sword point. When the point touches a body part, a red colored cloud will appear momentarily then it disappears. The judges will count the red clouds for the score.”

“That sounds fair, Sir Stephon. I should warn you, the staff will be one of my favorites.” I smile at him.

He smiles back, “Thank you for the warning. We have some knights who are good with it also. We do it on a portable beam set up to test their balance as well as on the ground.”

“That’s fine, Sir Stephon. I welcome the challenge.”

“Then come, we must get to the table and sign up for it. Ours will be tomorrow morning at the second mark. We have a lot of rounds to go through before we get to the finals. Those finals are before the joust finals. Right now they are doing the early rounds of the joust right now. The finals for them are the day after tomorrow.”

“I see. What else is happening in the arena?”

“There will be some mock battles with the dragons. They will be shooting flames at the knights and dwarf warriors and see if they can singe or burn some ribbons attached to the armor in various places.”

“But the knights and dwarf warriors are using their shields and full armor only for protection?”

“That’s right Richard. It is a test for both, accuracy for the dragons, defense for the knights and dwarf warriors. For the dragon to win, he must singe or burn more ribbons than the ribbons that don’t get singed.”

“The knight is the winner when he has more ribbons not singed.”

“That’s right, Richard.”

“How long does that one last?”

“There are ten ribbons on the knight or warrior. The dragon has ten shots at them. The dragons have gotten very smart, they do a lot of flying around to get the defender out of position before he blasts one of his shots. But it causes the knight and warrior to be more aware around themselves. There have been a lot of close scores on either side. For the dragon, their reward is a tub full of fish and accolades from everyone in the arena. The defenders will receive ribbons.”

We approach the tables near the arena entrance. I sign up for the staff, wrist bow darts, metal stars throwing, spear throw, bow and arrow and the sword fight. I’m told to be here at second mark tomorrow morning. That is when we’ll receive the schedule of rounds and start sparring at the next half-mark. We can take water breaks after each round we finish. Then we break for the noon repast all at once. After the noon repast, is when the quarter finals are accomplished. Then the day after tomorrow will be the semis and the finals.

Sir Stephon leaves once he has signed up for the ones he wants to participate in. He looks at me as I walk away. I need to inform Sir Claxton about this.

I start walking to the inn where the royalty is staying at.

“Do you think you will do well in these contests, Richard?”

“There will be some that should come very easily, Cobalt. There will be some that I will struggle with. I see these contests as an extension from my lessons.”

“That’s good.”

When I get inside the inn, we see several of our friends we made during the tour. They see me walking toward them.

“I saw that race you did with the centaurs, Richard. I think that is the fastest I have ever seen a man run like that.”

“What are your plans for tomorrow, Richard?”

“I met Sir Stephon, from Lord Eralian’s fiefdom. He asked me to sign up for some combat and weapon games, Duke Traylor.”

“That should be interesting to watch. Where is Sir Halgren, Richard?”

“I don’t know. I was hoping to see him soon. I haven’t seen him before I ran the race.”

“He must doing something else. He’ll be here. We’re having our evening repast here with the other Castle Lords and Ladies.”

“Okay.”

Then in the next instant a king’s knight comes running into the inn. We all see him breathing hard when he stops and tries to speak.

“I’m glad I found you, Richard . . . pant . . . pant . . . Sir Halgren guessed you might be here. Come quick to our camp.”

“What is the problem knight?”

“There is a horse fight between Swiftwind and an unknown horse.”

“Do you know what they are arguing about?”

“Some centaurs have tried, Duke Traylor. They are almost biting each other and using their hooves. It is fierce fight.”

Then the Lords, Duke Traylor and I run out of the inn and follow the knight. It doesn’t take long to find the camp. There is a huge ring of people around the two horses. The people makes room for us to get a closer look.

We see the horses rear up and neigh with angry voices. They show their teeth and try to bite each other. I try to listen into their arguing.

How dare you say that?! I know Richard, Travelion!

He’s an imposter! He doesn’t look like a unicorn!

I whisper to them. “Swiftwind is defending me. The other is saying I’m an imposter and not a unicorn. His name is Travelion.”

Lord Beryllian speaks up, “I know who he is, Richard. He belongs in my fiefdom. He and his knight are in a remote part of the fiefdom. They are part of the range patrol that keep watch on some of the wild herds.”

“We all know who you are, Richard. What will you do?”

“I will have to show myself to him and prove it.”

“Be careful, Richard.”

I walk into the circle. All of the people gathered around see me walk in. When I get close enough, I speak to them.

I’m here, Swiftwind.

I hear you, Richard. I can’t let my guard down now.

Okay. Travelion, do you hear me?

I don’t care who you are. You are not a unicorn!

“I understand that you are on the range a lot. So, there is no way you would have known about me. I will prove to you and everyone else here I am the Omega Unicorn!”

The two horses split apart to catch their breath and look at me.

I stretch my arms and hands to the side. Then all of a sudden the twelve unicorns’ images appear coming out from me. Six are on each side of me. Everyone cheers when they see it. The horses who are near us come walking in and gather around me, including Avel and the fairies. They get in a half-circle behind me looking at Travelion.

Travelion is now standing alone looking at me. He sees the support I’m receiving from the horses, Avel and the fairies. I put my hands down to my side. The images return to me.

Then we see Travelion bow his head to the ground. Avel and I walk up to Travelion.

Forgive me. I didn’t know.

“Rise, Travelion. You are forgiven.”

Thank you, Avel. Travelion raises his head.

“Use your horse sense and sense my stomach.”

You are pregnant with fairies. How is that possible?

“I was born dual gender on my world before I came here to be your Outside Helper. Then I was blessed by the Maker to be the Omega Unicorn on Earth after we defeated the Nefelim. I am the last unicorn on Earth. I will have a long life like Avel and give birth to fairies. But my life on Earth will be fraught with peril and suspicion as I try to keep it a secret. If I were made to look like Avel. I would be hunted down and killed. My horn would be on display or used for some strange medical practice that doesn’t work.”

I . . . I didn’t know. I’ve been on the range too long. That is why my knight and I are here, to be a part of the kingdom and fiefdom again.

“Then take heart and encouragement. Rest and relax and be with friends. You are not alone. There were other horses who were skeptical of me as well. I had to do the same demonstration in the other fiefdoms.”

Thank you for your kindness and understanding.

Then we see a knight come walking in. Travelion walks up to him and presses his head into him. The knight hugs him on the neck.

“My name is Sir Galston. I didn’t believe in you either, Richard. We have been on the range too long. I’m glad that we have met you now.”

“You are forgiven as well.”

“Thank you, Richard.”

We put a hand onto each other shoulders and smile.

Everyone cheers all around us. We then break apart and go our ways. I turn to Swiftwind and look at him.

Good job, Swiftwind, in defending me. Thank you.

You’re welcome, Richard.

“It is almost time for the evening repast. I will be in the arena tomorrow morning doing some of the hand-to-hand combat and weapons.”

I hope you do well.

I should be fine, Swiftwind. There are some events I’m already good at before I came here. There will be some that I will struggle with.

I walk with Swiftwind back to his temporary shelter. I approach one of the squires. “Make sure he is well groomed, fed and is warm tonight. He defended me like a king’s horse would.”

He smiles at me. “Yes, he deserves it, Richard. I will see to it personally.”

Thank you, Richard.

You have a good night’s rest. I’ll see you tomorrow.

I put my hand by the side of his face. He whinnies slightly and nods up and down. I turn around and walk back to the inn. Sir Halgren, Amber and Cobalt follow me.

“I’m glad you were able to stop their fight. Both of them could have been hurt badly.”

“Yes, Sir Halgren.”

Then I see our dwarf ambassadors approaching us with some dwarves behind them. We stop and nod our heads together.

“What can I do for you on this fine day, dwarves of Thryson Kingdom?”

“We were surprised that you placed in the centaur race. I have never seen a man run so fast.”

I smile at them, “Nor did I, Telgon. I pushed myself to see if I can do it. Amber and Cobalt tell me I must rest now for my fairies within me.”

“Ah . . . that explains your entry in the combat and weapons tomorrow.” Durlond smiles back.

“So, that means you are wondering if I will do well in them . . . ahem . . . so that you can earn some extra coin.” I smile at them while guessing their intentions.

“That’s right, Richard.” They smile back.

“There will be some I will be very good in. Some will be a struggle. I’m not doing any wrestling matches. I will do the staff, wrist bow darts, metal star throwing, spear throw and the sword fight.”

“Which ones is your best, Richard?”

“The staffs, wrist bow darts, metal star throwing are the best. The spear throw and sword fight will be a wait and see how I do.”

“Thank you for the inside tip, Richard.”

“Don’t get too overconfident on the staff event. Sir Stephon told me there are some knights who are very good.”

“Yes, we have seen them here in the past festivals. Some of them are very good.”

“Then we will see who has the new moves to catch them off guard.”

“That we will see. Some of them don’t show their best moves until the semis and finals.”

“That’s understandable and a wise decision. Thank you for the tip, Telgon.”

“You’re welcome Richard.”

“We’ll be at the inn shortly. See you then, Richard.”

“Until then, Thalsia.”

We bow our heads again to each other quickly. We go our ways.

We arrive at the inn in time to get ourselves cleaned up in our room. We are doubling up again because of the demand for rooms. Sir Halgren tells me there will be plenty of rooms available at the Central Arena. The Kingdom built ten more inns for a total of twenty inns when the Regional event takes place there. They saw the need when they were in Angathorn Kingdom last year. They also created more grass areas for the kingdoms to set up their tents. They also created four smaller arenas as well. Two of them are used for the heats, while the other two are for practice.

We walk down the stairs and see everyone there, including the dwarf ambassadors. We gather together in the dinning hall of the inn. The staff rearranged the tables and chairs so we have a better view of each other. We are served their signature dishes while we are there. On the last night, it is a grilled meal style that is modified to their own dishes. The meals were very delicious.

When we stepped out of the inn. We get directed back to the arena. I’m handed a toryli to play with a larger group of musicians this time. Everyone dances on the grass floor of the arena having a wonderful time in witnessing the creation of the Maker. The dragons have fun in the air above us. The fairies fly around us with great joy and singing. When the colorful light display leaves, we look westward and see the mountains light up like a crown and disappear. We look up and see the stars, the twin moons and the nebulae shining brightly in the heavens. We all cheered and gave thanks for another beautiful day in Twainor.

We all leave the arena slowly. Some people thanked me again for coming to help save Twainor. We make our way to the tents and inns for our good night’s sleep.

For tomorrow, I will be in the arena fighting for myself as I try to remember my fighting lessons in the Shaolin dojo where my dad had me enrolled.