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SE-01 Unicorn Tribes By Darrel James Vanwinkle (Writing as Ratseye) 07/10/2001

The Autumn leaves slowly dropped from the Mark Twain National Forest trees along the side of the upper Current River basin. As he sat on the shaded deck of his newly acquired private home, which was located about four and a half miles Northwest of Rocky Falls Missouri, Dominic Bastian Vanlyone watched the leaves fall gracefully. The middle-aged adult was approximately six feet three inches tall, weighed about two-hundred five pounds. He had short brown hair and hazel eyes. His skin was pale tan to light tanned, but most of his body was not tanned at all. He wore wire frame glasses, and was dressed casually. Dominic had won a European Lottery prize about six months before, and purchased the property almost immediately afterwards. He then hired a well-known contractor to build his dream home estate overlooking the Current River basin. From his vantage point high on the rocky hill, he had a clear and wonderous view of the entire area. His sister, Jocelyn "Jo" Rae Tanner owned a nice spread of acreage which contained the Tanner Horse Farm. Not to be overshadowed by his sisters, he had his last name legally changed to his current name and had settled into his home.

Although he had secretly been back for most of the year from his overseas traveling, for both the government as well as privately funded hosts, two of his sisters had no idea that he had returned. The oldest sister, Leia Marie Tanner, was the president of the Rocky Falls National Security Bank, and it was through her that Dominic had to proceed to gain the deed for his property. He had asked his sister not to reveal his presence to neither Leia's twin sister, Sallee Jean Tanner, nor to Jo Tanner. He wanted to exist separate from the other sister's influences.

So, Dominic sat there looking out over the falling leaves and the quiet gurgling river. He chuckled to himself as he thought about his sister Jo. She would be out there every afternoon if she knew he was back. Leia, he could trust to keep her mouth shut. Sallee, the manager of the KJAG TV and radio stations, could definitely NEVER keep a secret. She would blab his return to anyone who would listen. Jo, the youngest of the sisters, and the most dangerous, was left in charge of the Tanner Horse Farm, and did a damned good job of keeping everything in order.

Dominic smiled as he thought about his sisters fondly. Perhaps someday he would allow Leia to tell the other sisters that he had returned. But for now, he wanted a quiet and relaxing first year to recover from his adventures in other countries. He certainly loved this location he had chosen.

Earlier that day, Dominic had just finished reading a collection of studies that an old friend had sent him. Evidently, the old friend was a fellow classmate who had graduated from Rocky Falls High School at the same time he did, and this old friend was evidently doing extremely well. So well, in fact, that the old friend owned a miniature fortress in Washington state, and periodically went on fantastic adventures all over the world. "Lucky stiff." That is what Dominic had said when he found out how well this old friend was doing. "Some guys just have things fall right into their laps." That was the second thing he had said. Then, he proceeded to read over all the documents, pictoral evidence, and signed reports, that his old friend had sent him.

Now, Dominic sat on the deck enjoying the semi-cool air of the Autumn afternoon. His mind continued to wander back to the documents and reports he had read. Dominic had always been interested in the supernatural, as well as, mythical creatures. And these documents was filled with his hobby of interest. The old friend was very detailed in a lot of the subjects, yet there were areas that just begged for a second investigation. Is this why his old friend had sent this stuff to him? Or was his friend now in trouble and sent this stuff to him for protection? The material was certainly safe in his hands.

Just then, his private phone rang. The only person who had his new phone number was his sister Leia. He got up and went inside the den through the plate glass windows, and sat in the easy chair next to the phone. He picked it up. "Leia?"

"How'd you guess?" It was indeed Leia. "Never mind that. My place is being remodeled and repainted, and I wondered if you'd mind me being out there for a few days."

Dominic smiled, suppressing a laugh, then replied, "Is Sallee and Jo standing in your office?"

The coming reply was delayed. "How did you know they were here? You are really spooky sometimes. Yes, they are both here. Sallee was creating a news segment called "Modern Dream Homes", and she found the paperwork on your new place."

"You mean, she was snooping through your files and you caught her. Don't you?" Dominic smiled.

"No, Jo caught her while I was getting some things out of the car. The jig is up, dear brother. They know you're back. They are not really upset. You were always the private spooky type."

Dominic smiled. It was not often he was right when it came to his sister's activities. "And now, it's not just you that wants to come out here: its all three of you." He listened for the expected response.

He could hear the three sisters in the background of the phone. "How did he know?" Sallee seemed to say. Jo replied, "I told you he was hiding from us. I'm just surprised he told Leia." Leia defended herself, "He had to inform me that he was back. I'm the president of the bank. He had to go through me to get his deed." Dominic laughed out loud.

Leia said, "So, can we come out. We're all dying to see your place."

Dominic replied with a spooky voice, "Dying? That can be arranged! Bwah-ha-ha!" He heard the sisters laughing on the other end. Then he said, "Take New 106 toward Historic Eminence and turn North on highway "V". Just before you get to the steep hill sign, turn East on the newly paved private drive. I'll activate the security gate when you arrive. Just honk your car horn twice quickly, then a long honk once. Drive on thru the gate, and follow the drive up to the castle."

Dominic could hear his sisters saying, "Castle? He has a castle?"

Dominic said, "When you see my home, you'll see why I call it a castle. See all three of you in a little while. Bye." Dominic hung up the phone and laughed again. "I guess they are coming sooner than I expected."

About an hour later, he heard the two quick beeps followed by the one long beep of Leia's car. He pushed a button near his security monitors, and the security gate opened. Leia drove through, followed by Sallee's KJAG TV van, and Jo's pickup truck with horse trailer bringing up the rear. Once they are all through, they follow the paved private drive up to the strange looking mansion like house. The private drive ended in a large circle in front of the marble columned covered front porch, with was connected to the hillside deck around the North side of the house. At all four corners of the house there stood a huge five story lighthouse like tower, and a singular castle like tower spired up from the roof of the third floor's central area. A two car garage was built to the South portion of the house, and there was a horse stable, with space for a trailer and pickup, just opposite the house across the circle drive.

Leia got out of her car and just stared at the odd looking Austrian style house. Sallee emerged from her van with a microphone and her cameraman, Sheridan "Shane" Irving Wayne, stepped out with a shoulder camcorder. They both looked over the place in a silent awe. Jo grumbled and pulled past her sisters, pulling her pickup and horse trailer into the stable. Jo got out of her pickup, and unloaded HER horse, Lightning Strike. She led the stallion into the closest stall, and brushed and petted Strike to calm him down after the long drive. She then put a feed bag on the stallion, and grabbed her overnight bags, and headed over to the front doors of the house and used the knocker.

Dominic opened the door saying, "Jo! It's great to see you again. Where are- Oh, never mind. I see they are gawking at the house. Come on in. They'll be in once they reclaim their senses."

Jo smiled. "Dominic! We all thought you were dead! I ought to beat you up for making us worry. But seeing as how you had the foresight to build a stable for my horses, I can forgive you, this time." She hugged Dominic tightly. She stepped back and looked Dominic over. He in turn checked out Jo's appearance. Jo stood about five foot five inches tall, weighed about one hundred sixty pounds. She had shoulder length dark auburn hair, dark brown eyes with glasses, although she was known to wear contacts and sunglasses when she rode her horses. Jo was currently wearing dusty boots, tight Rocky Mountain jeans, and a cowboy themed tee shirt with the catch phrase of "Round 'Em Up!" written upon it.

Dominic smiled approvingly. "You haven't changed at all, Jo. Follow me, I'll show you where the bedrooms are." Dominic led Jo upstairs to the third floor.

Jo looked inside the first bedroom and chuckled. "It looks like a bar room brawl," she smirked.

Dominic smiled, "Yeah, I know. That will be Shane's room."

Jo laughed as they continued down the hall to the next door. Jo peered into the room. It was mainly decorated in pink and white. "A bit pristine, isn't it?" she asked.

Dominic smiled, "That is the Sleeping Beauty suite. Leia's room."

At the door across the hall, Jo opened the door and her eyes boggled at the neon themed decor. "Sallee's room, I presume?" she asked.

Dominic laughed, "You'd kill me if I said it was your room." Dominic opened the double doors at the end of the hallway. The decor was pure Dracula. Black and red colors set just the right way.

Jo smiled and said, "You remembered! Thank you sooooooo much!" Jo entered the room, and closed both doors. "Let me know when dinner is ready!" she called out through the closed doors.

Dominic chuckled and headed back downstairs.

By this time, Leia, her twin sister Sallee, and their friend, Shane, were standing inside the house. Dominic checked them out from his spot at the top of the railed balcony.

Leia was about five foot seven inches tall, weighed about one hundred fourty five pounds. She had long silvery blonde hair that was currently braided, and her ice blue eyes shimmered behind her glasses. Leia was wearing a nice blouse and shorts, and wearing tennis shoes.

Sallee, Leia's twin sister, appeared to be about five foot seven inches tall, but weighed about one hundred fifty pounds. She has bobbed silvery blonde hair, and ice blue eyes that were slightly tinted in appearance. She obviously had on contacts. Sallee was wearing an old faded green shirt with khaki lettering spelling out "KJAG Rules!", a favorite pair of jeans she really liked, and stylish boots.

Shane was easily six foot eight inches tall, weighed about two hundred thirty five pounds, with wide shoulders, perfect for carrying a large camera. His short hair was golden brown, and he had dark green eyes. Shane wore tight Wranglers, a Stetson, a rugged pair of cowboy boots, and a white tee shirt.

Dominic greeted them all, and showed them to their rooms.

Later, Leia found the kitchen and began preparing dinner. Sallee and Shane begin exploring (snooping around) the house.

Dominic was sitting in his den like office with his own private exit to his own deck partly facing the river and partly facing the woods. Dominic was again looking over the material and documents that was sent to him from his old friend.

Just then, the door opened and Sallee backed into the room with her microphone in one hand, and Shane slowly entering with the camcorder running.

Sallee was saying, "And feast your eyes on this private combination den and office." She saw that this room had it's own deck. "Complete with it's own private deck. Such a room is perfect for the love seeking couple who wish a secluded place within their own home to romance." Sallee and Shane left the room just as Jo entered, closed the door and locked it.

Jo then turned to Dominic. "What's up, brother?" She asked.

Dominic sighed, then looked over the document he's holding again. "Studying all these things my old friend sent me. Leia was hanging unto all this stuff, and when I returned, she turned it all over to me. There is a lot of interesting material here."

Jo asked, "What sort of material?"

Dominic looked at Jo and smiled, "This document is about unicorns." He handed it to her, then picked up a real photograph and handed that to her, as well.

Jo read over the document, then looked at the picture. She hummed quietly. Then, she looked at Dominic. "It's not an altered photomorph? It's not a computer enhancement?"

Dominic replied, "That's what I have to figure out. Is it real or is it Memorex?"

Jo nodded, handing the material back. "How you going to do it?"

Dominic hummed this time. "That's a very good question. I don't have the resources that my old friend has. This is quite the challenge."

Jo nodded her head. "And finding out if unicorns are, well, that way?"

Dominic nodded his head in return. "I'm not sure I want to find that out, but it will probably come with the knowledge I gather. One way or another."

Jo asked, "I came in here to ask what you've been doing these past few years. Will you tell me?"

Dominic stood up, and led Jo out on to his deck. Once outside, Dominic replied, "I am a special overseas operative for the Chess organization. (see F1) It was my job to investigate the unusual, the strange, the supernatural, and the unexplained. No one was supposed to know where I was. I co-contracted myself out to privately funded hosts. Recently, the government disbanded Chess, and I was suddenly cut off. It wasn't until I played the European Lottery, and won the big prize, that I was able to return home. I arrived secretly in the area, and purchased this land. I had to go to Leia to get the deed, and I asked her not to tell anyone that I was back."

Jo nodded her head, again. "I never did trust the government. I'm glad you're home, though. We won't bother you as much as you think, but this way, it's easier to get a hold of you if we need to."

Dominic smiled. "Thanks, Jo. I'll try not to disappear again."

Jo gazed at the view. "You sure chose a nice spot. I guess this really means that the Tanner property has increased yet again. The locals used to joke that we'd eventually own the whole area. They'd flip their wigs if they knew you were a Tanner. Don't worry, tho, we won't tell anyone who you really are. And I'll make sure Sallee keeps her big mouth shut."

Dominic smiled again. "Thanks Jo. Shall we go back inside and see if Leia has dinner ready yet?"

Much later that night, Dominic was again sitting in his study reading over all the material and documents that his 'old friend' had sent him. The door quietly opened, and Shane entered the room. He knocked on the wooden bookcase, smiling. "Anyone still awake?"

Dominic looked up from his reading, "Hello Shane. Please close the door and have a seat."

Shane closed the door and had a seat in the easy chair next to the desk. He smiled when he sees the six-pack of beer sitting in the cooler. He grabbed one, opened it and took a drink. "Did you know I'd be by tonight?" Shane asked.

Dominic smiled. "Well, I don't drink beer, so what do you think?"

Shane smiled back and took another drink.

Dominic read some more of the document. Then, he looked directly at Shane and asked, "Shane, do you believe in unicorns?"

Shane was in mid-drink and stopped. He swallowed slowly and thought about it. Then, he finished off the beer and replied, "I believe unicorns are real. As real as the tooth fairy. You know me, Dominic. I have to have proof."

Dominic hummed lowly, then said, "I guess that's like trying to prove that Santa Claus is real, or the Easter Bunny, or the Satyr of Spring. But Shane, have a look at these pictures. Take a good look. They are not photo manipulations. There is no digital collaging at all. If these are fake, how were they done? That's what I have to know."

Shane looked at each picture. "Wow! These are good pictures. If they are fake, then someone went through a lot of trouble to make them look perfect. Where did you get these pictures?"

Dominic sighed, and sat back in his chair. "Our 'old friend' from high school sent them to me. He says that they are very real pictures. He's asked me to verify their genuine integrity." He turned toward the plate glass window. "How do I do that? In order to prove that they are real, I would have to find a real unicorn. And that's not exactly possible around here."

Shane hummed, then said, "The only thing I know about unicorns are the usual things. They are usually loners, respond to virgins, and usually live in quiet areas untouched by humans."

Dominic turned back to face Shane. "Exactly. That's what I know. Where am I going to go to locate a unicorn? I don't want to have to go back to Europe again. Heck, I just returned from Europe. And I didn't see any unicorns over there. And where in the United States would I find a real unicorn? I don't want to put out an advertisement in any papers: WANTED: A real unicorn. No fakes please. Apply to Dominic Vanlyone in Rocky Falls Missouri. I'd get all the crazy responses."

Shane giggled. "You could always send them to Jo."

Dominic laughed! "I could just see that." He mocked Jo's voice, "Now hold your unicorn still while my stallion, Lightning Strike, breeds with her." Shane and Dominic laughed together.

Shane took a breath, then thought for a moment. "Dominic, as you know, I have a few 'connections'." (See F2)"Let me contact some 'friends', and we will see what 'we' can do for you." Shane picked up the telephone and pushed a few buttons. As the minutes went by, Shane spoke with several people. Much later, when Shane hung up the phone, he looked at Dominic seriously. "My 'friends' think that I'm a nut for asking for this, but they love challenges, so they are going to help us out. I hope. You had better not be setting me up for a fall, or I will rough you up."

Dominic hummed, apparently unphased. "I take it your 'friends' are going to go to England and comb the countryside for clues?"

Shane replied, "That's their general plan. Why? Do you think they're going about it all wrong?"

Dominic said, "I'm not sure. The documents say that unicorns live all over the world. Including here in the United States. But I'd never heard about any Native American Indian stories that mention anything that looks like a unicorn. Have you?"

Shane thought, then slyly said, "Deer."

Dominic blinked his eyes, then sat up slightly, "Now that you mention it, deer 'do' act a lot like the unicorns of legend. I wonder if there is a connection?"

Shane, by this time, has finished off the last beer. He yawned, and said, "You keep thinking about it. I need some sleep. Thanks for the beer. Sallee will probably run me ragged tomorrow."

Shane got up and headed off to bed, closing the door behind him. Dominic again looked at the pictures and documents. "Deer." Was it possible? It seemed too simple. Too easy.

The next morning, Dominic told his sisters that he was going to go take a picture of a real deer. Fortunately, none of them wanted to come along. Dominic packed his dufflebag, some extra clothes, a video camera and vhs tape, and a good supply of food. He headed out across the river, and into the wilds of the National Forest. About midday, Dominic arrived at the only deer stand he knew of. "Good. It's still here." He climbed up into it, then started setting up his camera equipment.

Later that afternoon, he did indeed get some good shots of does and fawns. Dominic was about to call it a day, when something caught his eye.

It was a white buck.

Dominic rubbed his eyes, and looked again.

The white buck was still there.

Dominic raised his video camera and videotaped the buck, then he carefully took some still life pictures of it. He slowly lowered the camera, and just stared at the white stag.

Several moments passed, then it walked directly under his deer stand.

Dominic thought, There is no way he cannot know that I am up in this tree. He has to know. Why is he just standing there? Dominic peered out of the deer stand and was confronted by the white stag itself. Nose to nose. Dominic's eyes opened wide.

"While it is true I am not exactly what you seek," the white stag said in a most educated voice, "I can help you locate and prove real what you seek."

Dominic quickly got over the shock, stuttering, "You- you- you spoke?!"

The white stag replied, "Yes, seems as if I am speaking more fluently than some people." He chuckled. "You are seeking proof about unicorns, yes?"

Dominic swallowed, taking a slow breath, regaining his composure. "Yes. I am wanting to prove that unicorns are real. But how did you know that? Am I asleep? That must be it. I fell asleep in the deer stand."

The white stag bit Dominic's shoulder pretty damned hard!

Dominic's eyes shot open, and he yelled out in pain. "Ooowww!! Damned, that hurt! Why'd you do that for?"

The white stag just stood there, then said, "You are very much awake. Later, after I am gone, that bruise will remind you of how real this encounter was. I was eavesdropping on you and your friend last night when you both spoke of how to prove unicorns real. I like you, Dominic. So I am going to help you find unicorns. But there is a catch. You can't tell anyone about me. ANYONE. That means you will need to erase or destroy any pictures you took of me. No proof can exist that I still live. Do you understand? If anyone finds out that I still live, and comes after me to get a wish, I will hunt you down, and make you disappear forever. No human will know where you've vanished to. You'll still live, but just not in this world."

Dominic could tell that this creature was obviously serious with his threat. "So, you're the real white stag of legend? The one that grants wishes? Boy, I sure could've used you back when I was a teenager. Why now? I don't understand why you want to help me."

The white stag nodded his head, "Indeed. I am 'that' white stag. As for why I want to help you, I have admired you for some time. Watched you do your job in Europe. I followed you back here to your home in the United States. You are someone to respect, Dominic, and that impresses me."

Dominic said, "I impress you? I wasn't trying to impress anyone."

The white stag said, "I know that. I'll help you from time to time. In return, you keep my presence a secret. Do we have a deal?"

Dominic thought about it for a moment, then asked, "That's all you want? For me to keep your secret? That seems so little in exchange for the information you will be helping me to obtain."

The white stag said, "Other things I will obtain later will help pay for the information. Do we have a deal?"

Dominic said, "You realize that I am not seeking this proof for myself?"

The white stag chuckled again, "I know. You do what you can do, and expect it to be enough. Again, I ask you. Do we have a deal?"

Dominic looked up toward the sky, then he looked back at the white stag. "We have a deal. Is there some special way you want me to swear my oath, or give my blood, or something?"

The white stag replied, "No, your word is enough for me. If you break your word, I have already stated what will happen to you. Although, most people end up enjoying the place I take them. And seeing as how it's a permanent transition, the people don't really have much choice."

Dominic pulled all his gear out of the deer stand, and sat on the ground in front of the white stag. He proceeded toward ruining all the film evidence he took of the white stag. He exposed the film to the light of the sun, and then, built a small campfire, tossing the ruined film into the flames.

The white stag merely watched the film burn.

Dominic set up his pavilion tent, and set up the temporary furniture he brought along. He then brought out the VHS tape containing the white stag upon it to the fire.

"This is the last one. I swear it." Dominic tossed the VHS tape into the fire. He sighed. "Now there is no proof you exist." He sat down and just stared at the fire.

The white stag bent down and curled up next to Dominic, and watched the fire too. "I realize how hard this must have been for you to do. But it is for the best. No one should know I exist."

Hours later, the sun has set, and Dominic had shown the white stag all the material the 'old friend' had provided. The white stag looked over each item carefully, occasionally nodding his head and humming. Dominic prepared a meal for the evening, and shared what he had with his large white friend. Then, they both looked over some more of the documents and pictures.

The white stag finally replied, "While it is true that the Dabenshire Herd exists, it is not the only herd in the world. There are indeed others. And not all of them are under a curse."

Dominic looked up to the white stag. "Not all of them? What do you mean by that?"

The white stag replied, "Most herds have a unique problem they refer to as a curse, but there is no real magic involved in said problems. I can take you to three of the herds I know of that are having problems. Helping them solve their problems would gain you their trust towards your final goal. Tomorrow morning, I will take you to the first of the three herds. But right now, we both need our rest. A good night's sleep will do wonders for us both."

Dominic got up and fetched some water. He returned and poured the water over the campfire, then took a stick and ground the ashes until they no longer glowed. The white stag nodded his approval. Then, they both headed into the pavilion tent to sleep.

Early the next morning, Dominic was awakened by the white stag. Dominic sat up and yawned. Then he got dressed and packed up the camp, storing everything in his duffel bag. Dominic looked to the white stag, and inquired, "Where do we go first?"

The white stag thought for a moment, then said, "Our first stop will be the closest herd. The Embarrass River Herd near Big Falls Wisconsin."

Dominic blinked his eyes! "Wisconsin? How are going to get to Wisconsin?"

The white stag chuckled, "The same way I got to the United States in the first place, Dominic. I opened a magical gate. I will open one now, and we will be able to go directly to Wisconsin. One of the herd knows we're coming. Here we go."

The points on the white stag's antlers glowed brightly, and the air shimmered between two trees. "Place your hand around my neck, then walk with me through the gate. Make sure you close your eyes. I'm not sure what effect my magic would have upon your bare human senses."

Dominic did as he was told and placed his hand around the white stag's neck, and he walked with the white stag toward the gate. Dominic could not resist the urge to peek through his eyelashes to see what was transpiring. As the two penetrated the shimmering air, something stung his eyes for a moment causing him to blink tightly closed, then wide open again. The surroundings were psychedelic and moving in flowing ribbons of scintillating colors. Dominic's eyes were empowered with many sights and sensations. Finally, the two emerged from the gate on the other side. It took Dominic a moment to realize that they were no longer walking.

"Are you okay, Dominic?" the white stag asked, then seeing his eyes open. "You didn't?" After a moment of silence passed, the white stag sighed, "You did. Close your eyes tightly, and take long deep breaths. Hang unto me so you don't fall over."

Dominic did as he was told, then slowly opened his eyes. He was relieved to be able to see normally again. "I am sorry. I could not resist peeking. I can see why you told me not to look."

The white stag replied, "No one is immune to temptation, Dominic. Not even me. Come now, we are expected." The white stag led Dominic along the wooded area, and into a small clearing.

Standing in the clearing, a tall slender dark skinned human awaited. He had black hair and dark green eyes. He was dressed in a formal white shirt, new looking blue jeans, and designer black leather shoes. There were gold buttons on the cuffs, and he had a small gold earring in his right ear lobe. He smiled showing his pearly white teeth.

"We have arrived, Cornelius." The white stag announced. "Dominic Vanlyone, this is Cornelius Kirkwood. He is the herd member I was telling you about."

Cornelius smiled, "Dominic, it is a pleasure to meet you." He shook Dominic's hand.

Dominic said, "My friend tells me that your herd has a problem. I would like to help, if I may."

Cornelius sighed but continued to smile. "Yes, it is a problem, although I must say that the problem itself is not really a problem. We just chose a poor location to settle our herd in. As you may realize, there are highways encircling this whole area. Our herd must cross one of these highways to get to our water access spot. It can be very dangerous to cross there. The day time crossing is perhaps the worst. The highway seems so very active. We have little problems crossing at night. Is there anything you may suggest?"

Dominic thought for a moment. "I may have a solution, but I need to see the roadway to see if such an idea will work."

Cornelius smiled, "I think we can do that."

The white stag said, "I will wait here. When you are ready to continue our trip, Dominic, return to me, and we'll be on our way. Take good care of him, Cornelius."

Cornelius nodded his head, leading Dominic off through the woods. They soon arrived near the edge of the highway crossing. "Here we are."

Dominic looked over the situation. He was slightly upset that this section of roadway has no road signs warning drivers of an animal crossing. It was obvious to even the stupidest person that this area is indeed a crossing for animals. He waited for a quiet moment, then ran across the roadway to the other side. He disappeared from view for several minutes. Then, Dominic reappeared, and raced back across the roadway.

When he got back to Cornelius' side, he panted a few times, then explained, "I think I can help with this. It won't be immediate, as construction takes time. But my plan is to fund the animal underpass crossing at this location. Best time to work on it would be at night. We will need to dig trenches on both sides of the highway, wide enough so even two fat unicorns can walk side by side through the tunnel. When we finish both trenches, we will need to choose a night to tear up the roadway so we can place the pre-fabricated tunnel under the roadway, connecting both trenches. Then we will have to repair the roadway. All that would have to be finished before sunrise. The effort would be worth it, and it would solve your problem. Like I said, I will fund the whole thing."

Cornelius hummed. "Like a pedestrian underpass, only for animals and herd members. I like that. It's a good plan. But you don't have to foot the entire bill yourself. Some of us are wealthy in our human guises. I, myself, for instance, run a financial business in Green Bay, Wisconsin, but I am also a member of the herd. We will discuss this with the rest of the herd, and see who all wants to contribute to the cause. Please come with me."

Cornelius led Dominic off into the woods again, and eventually, they emerged at another clearing. Here, the rest of the herd was resting.

Dominic blinked his eyes!

Real unicorns. Really real unicorns.

Cornelius smiled, as he watched Dominic's reaction. "Everyone. May I have your attention please? This is Dominic Vanlyone."

A few herd members started to rise quickly as if to bolt away, but Cornelius quickly added, "Wait! The white stag vouches for him."

The rising unicorns stopped and looked at Dominic. Then, they settled back down.

Cornelius then continued. "Dominic has devised a solution to our problem of crossing the highway, and I personally think it is a good idea." Cornelius explained the plan and answered the questions that arose from herd members.

Dominic watched, remembering to videotape the herd, unnoticed. Fortunately, he had thought to pack the video camera in an unnoticeable location in plain sight hanging off his tool belt.

A unicorn colt curiously got close to Dominic and sniffed him, but the mother quickly pulled the colt back. Just like a real mother, Dominic thought to himself.

An older unicorn approached Dominic, and stood there looking him over.

Dominic casually inspected the male unicorn in return.

Healthy and relaxed, an artistic flare in his eyes. His curly white silky mane flowed untangled around his neck, and he had the beginnings of a fluffy growth on his chin, that would someday become the unicorn's goatee. His long flowing tail was braided in a Celtic design.

The male unicorn seemed to smile.

Dominic held out his hand, and the unicorn licked his hand.

The male unicorn seemed to smile again.

Dominic thought he could hear a low male whisper, as it said, "I wouldn't mind getting to know you better, but I think the elders would frown upon such behavior. Maybe next time. And there will be a next time."

The male unicorn slowly withdrew, heading off with some of his friends.

By this time, Cornelius walked back over to Dominic, as Dominic was unnoticably turning off the video camera. Cornelius smiled, "Are you ready to head back now, Dominic? The herd has decided to conduct your plan as soon as possible."

Dominic smiled. "Who was the unicorn who got the courage to get so close to me just now? The one with the Celtic design braided into his tail."

Cornelius chuckled. "That was Spiral. He's young at heart and a free spirit of the herd. Did he say something to you?"

Dominic just shook his head slowly, then said, "Unless unicorns are ventriloquists, then no, he didn't talk to me at all."

Cornelius asked, "But you did hear something?"

Dominic replied, "I heard what sounded like a whisper. Sounded like it was behind me. It said, "I wouldn't mind getting to know you better, but I think the elders would frown upon such behavior. Maybe next time. And there will be a next time.". Why do you ask?"

Cornelius placed an arm around Dominic as he led him off into the woods. "Spiral likes you. As I said, he is a free spririt. And very artistic. He'll become another Michaelangelo someday."

The two returned to where the white stag awaited. Cornelius stepped away from the two, and when he turned to leave, it was as if the human was immediately replaced by a black unicorn, as he vanished into the woods.

Dominic blinked his eyes! "They can transform that fast? I would never have guessed."

The white stag chuckled, "I believe they call it 'Transitional Fluid Genetics', I believe. Are you ready to continue now?"

Dominic nodded his head, "Where to next?"

The white stag said, "Our next stop will be the Paso del Indio Herd near Mte. Jervis in Chile South America. Their problem is more magical in nature, but not overly dangerous to visitors."

Dominic smiled. "Okay, let's go. Will we be met there as well?"

The white stag replied, "Yes, we will. I should warn you, I am not a stag in South America. In that region I am called the white llama of luck. Those catching me there are said to earn the right gain an amulet of luck. Are you ready?"

Dominic nodded his head and placed his arm around the white stag's neck again. "Need I close my eyes this time?"

The white stag replied, "Not this time. You have already seen what the gate looks like on the inside, and you cannot be stung twice. Here we go."

Again the air shimmered. The two passed through the gate, and again passed through the psychedelic realm within. This time, Dominic was not as affected by the surroundings, and had time to admire the effects. As they emerged out the other side, Dominic noticed that he had his arm around a white llama. The white llama chuckled, "Surprised?"

Dominic closed his mouth and smiled, "Very surprised. I wouldn't have known where you went."

Just then, a female unicorn of average height, with a bronze complexion, having a golden blonde mane and tail, stepped out from the nearby brush.

"Padre Llama!!" she said excitedly. "It is so good to see you again. And this must be Dominic Vanlyone. A pleasure to meet you as well. I am Corazon Placido. Your guide. I welcome you to Chile South America." She smiled cheerfully.

The white llama said, "Enthusiastic as usual, eh, Corazon?"

Corazon laughed. "Ever so cheerful. Even during such hard times as these. I am to bring you both back to our herd's village."

Dominic smiled. "I am pleased to make your aquaintance, Corazon." He looked to the white llama. "You're not going to stay here this time?"

The white llama chuckled, "It seems we are both invited, Dominic. And the polite visitor goes where he is asked to go."

Corazon led the two into the hills, chatting to the white llama the whole time. Dominic started to wonder if Corazon even realized that he was even there. He stopped to take some scenic pictures of the area.

When Dominic turned to the two, he saw that they did not even wait on him. He hurried to catch up with them. Finally, the three arrived at a steep grade of hillside. Dominic tried to follow, but it was too steep. He sat down and sighed.

The white llama returned to his side. "It's not much further."

Dominic sighed. "It's too steep for me. I can't get any footing to climb it. Just leave me here."

Corazon returned to the bottom where the two were. "What's the problem? Did he twist his ankle?"

The white llama replied, "This hill is too steep for him. He cannot climb it as we can."

Corazon smiled. "Climb on my back and hold on tightly. I will carry you up."

Dominic stood up slowly and climbed up on Corazon's back, and held on to her neck tightly. Corazon and the white llama climbed the steep grade like professionals. Dominic felt embarrassed that he couldn't make the climb without help. Once at the top, Corazon told Dominic to let go. Dominic slid off and looked around the clearing. There were ruins on the other side of the clearing, as well as more unicorns of a bronze complexion. Dominic turned on the video camera without looking at it.

Several of the unicorns came forward, as introductions were made. After being introduced to Dominic, the focus of attention seemed to swing over to the white llama. Dominic turned off the video camera, and used that moment to explore the ruins.

Some hours later, he was sitting on a worn flat slab of stone, looking at the hieroglyphics on the stone walls. He muttered, "This can't be right. According to this, the unicorns were living here during the days of human sacrifice. Long before Cortez arrived on this continent."

"It is accurate, Padre Vanlyone." Standing just behind him to the his left was a bronze haired male unicorn. "You have found the place where we record our history. Everyone was wondering where you disappeared to. Padre Llama was worried that you fell off the mountain."

Dominic sighed. "Is he the only one who noticed I had disappeared?"

The male unicorn walked forward and settled next to Dominic. "You thought you were being ignored? It was not like that. Padre Llama is a celebrity among our herd. We were just overly pleased to see him." He nuzzled Dominic's chin. "The others will be pleased to hear you are interested in our history."

Dominic sighed again, and rubbed his face against the unicorn's face gently. "Padre Llama was telling me that your herd has a problem. A magical problem. I was wondering if I could help you toward solving that problem."

The unicorn sat up. "Padre Llama shouldn't have told you that. You will have to meet with the elders and gain their permission to deal with the problem."

Dominic got up too. "Lead the way."

The unicorn led Dominic back to where the elder unicorns and the white llama were relaxing. The white llama seemed extremely relieved to see Dominic, but it was obvious to Dominic that the unicorns themselves could care less what had happened to him. Dominic sat down next to the white llama.

The white llama whispered to Dominic, "I am extremely pleased to see you safe. I was about to go looking for you myself. Now that you are back, we can proceed with the reason we came here."

The white llama raised his voice, "My human friend, Dominic Vanlyone, would like to take a chance at solving the magical problem this herd faces. He asks for nothing in return."

One of the elders asked, "Is it true, Padre Vanlyone? You want nothing in return?"

Dominic replied, "It is true."

Another elder asked, "Your life could be in danger. Does that not concern you?"

Dominic replied, "One life is expendable when many lives are endangered."

Yet another elder inquired, "Losing your life here would be tragic. Surely you have loved ones who would worry when you did not return?"

Dominic saw where this was going and replied, "Respected Elders. I am not mated. The family I have is grown and taking care of business that only they are skilled at doing, for humans in my home region. They would be more pleased that I helped others, rather than cowering in fear in some dark corner." Dominic thought, And I am not going to give Jo that pleasure. "Please allow me to at least have a look at the problem. If I cannot solve it, then the fault is through my efforts, and not held against the herd I attempted to aid."

The elders begin talking among themselves. The white llama whispered to Dominic, "Well said, Dominic. That is another reason I am impressed with you. You know just what to say."

The elders straightened up, and the central elder spoke. "It has been decided. Dominic Vanlyone may look into our problem, but only Dominic." He looked to the white llama. "You may not accompany him. You are precious to our herd. If you believe in your friend so much, and respect him as much as you say, then he must go alone."

The white llama replied, "I will abide by the council's decision. But remember this: I am not a member of any herd. I do as I please."

The elder said, "Your reply has been noted." He looked to Dominic. "Ramon Hernando will escort you to the problem area. The effect seems to appear whenever he is nearby. You go now."

Ramon Hernando proved to be different than Dominic was expecting. The male unicorn was not of a bronze complexion like the rest of the herd, but instead was a pale tan color. His mane and tail were black, and his hooves and horn appeared to be akin to cream. After introductions were made, Dominic and Ramon headed out the other side of the ruins, and deeply into a long tunnel. When they emerged from the other side, Dominic saw a stone clearing with a deep spiked pit in its center.

As soon as the two arrived, the air itself seemed to come alive, and slowly formed into a dark colored bronze unicorn. Its eyes were an eerie red. It's mane, hooves, and tail appeared to be on fire. The strange air beast glared at Ramon.

Dominic was quick to step into the sighting path of the glare. "Ancient Spirit! Why do you attack this unicorn? You are bound to this place, and can only be freed if you speak true!" Dominic challenged the spirit.

The spirit's gaze focused now upon Dominic. In his mind he heard, "I must slay my slayer. Move aside or take his fate at your own risk."

"Ancient Spirit! Give the name of your slayer! You must speak true!" Dominic challenged again.

The spirit again focused on Dominic, speaking mentally, "I must slay Corto Fernando."

Dominic turned his head to Ramon. "Do you know a Corto Fernando? Speak true and aloud so this spirit may hear you."

Ramon blinked his eyes, then raised his voice. "Corto Fernando was my father! He courted my mother and abandoned her when he found out that she was pregnant! Word was brought back to us that he died from being attacked by an jaguar far to the Northeast of here! It is the truth as it was told to me! I swear it!"

The fiery spirit landed near Dominic and Ramon. It mentally seemed to ask, "You are his son?"

Ramon looked directly at the spirit. "Yes. I am Ramon Fernando. My father is dead. But if you still feel a need for vengeance, then you may slay me in my father's place." He sobbed uncontrollably now.

The spirit mentally said, "I am free." The air around the spirit seemed to expel, and the spirit unicorn disappeared into the etherium of the horizon.

Ramon continued to sob, as Dominic comforted him. When Ramon had quieted down, Dominic used a rope to lower himself into the pit, and he located the slain unicorn after much searching through the cluttered pit. He tied the rope around the remains, then climbed out of the pit. He and Ramon hauled the deceased unicorn up from the pit, and took it to the ceremonial burial marshes that the unicorns used.

Dominic waded into the marshes, carrying the deceased unicorn. He arrived at a predecided location, and unloaded the deceased unicorn into the mire. It slowly sank out of sight. "You are now free to join your ancestors. Until we meet again, run free." Dominic headed out of the marshes, and rejoins Ramon. The two went to a nearby spring where Dominic cleaned the marsh muck off his pants, and took a bath as well. As soon as his clothes were dry, Dominic redressed, and together with Ramon, they returned to the herd tunnel and to the elders.

After Ramon has explained Dominic's actions, the elders looked to Dominic. They questioned him, and Dominic told them everything that had happened. The elders seem pleased with the answers, and the meeting was adjourned. Dominic and the white llama seated themselves at an overlook on the edge of the herd grounds.

"You were very brave, Dominic. Not only did you defend a member of the herd, but you appeased the spirits, as well. And the problem is solved. I am very pleased with you, Dominic."

Dominic sighed and blushed a bit. "I didn't really do that much. I did what I had to do. Nothing more."

The white llama said nothing, but was obviously proud of Dominic's actions. "Tomorrow, we leave for the next herd location. I will revert to being a white stag when we arrive. I am worried about that herd mainly because no one responds to the messages I mentally send them."

Dominic looked to the white llama. "Where do we go tomorrow?"

The white llama sighed. "To probably the most dangerous area for a unicorn to be. And more dangerous for a human. We will be going to see the Wicklow Mountain Herd located just South of Dublin, Ireland. I need to warn you, Dominic. No human has ever laid eyes on their home before, and we're taking a risk just going there. They may not forgive me for bringing you in."

Dominic asked, "Is the problem they are having dangerous to humans like myself?"

The white llama replied, "Very. You may end up trapped by it. But if you become trapped by the danger, I will stay there with you. You are my friend."

Dominic smiled and rested against his friend as the night finally settled in.

The next morning, the two were standing between two stone columns. The air shimmered as the gate formed, and the two walked through together. For some reason, this trip was much longer than all the others. Once they finally emerged, Dominic's senses were assaulted by something sweet-smelling and hypnotic. Dominic passed out immediately. When he next awoke, he found himself lying on a straw bed next to his white stag friend, who was also waking up now.

"Where are we?" Dominic asked.

The white stag stood up and looked around the chamber. He sighed. "In jail, I'm afraid." He looked back at Dominic and his eyes opened wide. "Um, Dominic. They removed all of your clothing."

Dominic looked at himself and sighed. His thoughts were about the videotape proof that unicorns exist, along with the rest of his personal equipment. "That's not important, my friend. Any idea on why they put us in jail?"

The white stag replied, "You, for being a human. Me, because I brought you here."

Dominics got up and looked around. "Any idea on how long they keep people in jail? I mean, I don't see any skeleton bodies in this chamber."

The white stag walked back over next to Dominic. "The last human they found in their lands was locked up for seven years. Then when he started looking ill, they took him back to human civilization and left him there."

Dominic blinked his eyes! "Seven years?! I can't stay here that long. That is completely unfair. What did I do to them?"

The white stag sighed again. "You're human and you are in their lands. That is enough for them."

Dominic walked over to the door and raised his voice. "Hey! Guard! I want to speak to an elder! I am totally defenseless without my clothes! Open the door, unless you are afraid of me!"

The door did indeed open, and the unicorn that pressed his horn's tip into Dominic's chest did not look happy. "I fear nothing. Why do you want to see an elder?"

Dominic gasped, "I- I- I want to prove my worth to the herd. Am I not allowed a fair trial? Or is this the true justice of the famed honorable unicorns?"

The unicorn slowly pulled back and said, "I am one of the elders. How can you prove your worth to the herd? Think carefully, because you will not gain another opportunity to leave."

Dominic took a careful breath, then said, "I am willing to take any tests the herd is willing to put me through. I am willing to do what it takes to prove that I am not dangerous to the herd. And I want to help the herd solve their problem or curse. Will you give me that chance?"

The unicorn elder asked, "And what of your friend?"

Dominic replied, "His only crime was bringing me here. If I prove to be worthy to the herd, if I am able to pass your tests, then his actions will prove to be not criminal, but justified."

The unicorn elder smiled, "That was well-spoken, Dominic Vanlyone." He turned to the white stag. "He is just as you said he was, old friend."

Dominic blinked his eyes, then looked back at the white stag. "'Old friend'?"

The white stag chuckled, "I am the elder's old friend. Not the 'old friend' you are thinking of." He walked over to the door. "May we exit this waiting chamber now?"

The unicorn elder chuckled, "Of course. Follow me." He led Dominic and the white stag down the tunnel like corridor of hallways, and into a proper guest chamber. It was clean, yet the lack of furnishings prove it proper for an animal of the white stag's standing. "I will return later." The unicorn elder departed.

Dominic looked to the white stag who was curling up on the padded mattress. "Why am I naked? Where are my clothes?"

The white stag looked to Dominic, "I found out that you were videotaping your visits to each herd. As you didn't ask them if you could take their pictures, I had to assume that you were going to go back on your word to me later. You will get your clothes back when we are ready to leave this herd's region." He curled up and lay his head down and went to sleep.

Dominic was shocked and sighed. He walked out of the chamber quietly and down the hallway. Dominic didn't bother to look to see where he was going, and eventually entered a chamber where a large male unicorn was resting. He watched Dominic enter the chamber and sit himself down in the corner behind the large barrels that were stacked near that corner. The unicorn said in a pleasing Irish accented voice, "My name is Kavan Keefe. What is your name?"

Dominic sighed, replying slowly, "I am Dominic Bastian Vanlyone. Just call me Dominic."

Kavan looked over in Dominic's general direction. "What brings you to my personal quarters?"

Dominic lifted his head and looked around the chamber. It appeared to be a modified wine cellar. "This is your room? I'm sorry. I didn't mean to disturb you. I will leave if you want me to."

Kavan replied, "Come here and sit with me. It's been ages since I've seen a human in these halls. Come on over here. I don't bite."

Dominic slowly got up and went over and sat very close to Kavan. "I was taking pictures of real unicorns so I'd have proof that they existed, and now everything has been taken away from me."

Kavan nuzzled Dominic's neck and face. "It wouldn't matter how many pictures you took, Dominic. Anyone who looked at the pictures would not believe they were real. Seeing is believing, you know. And no unicorn I know would hand themselves over to a group of humans."

Dominic hummed. "I didn't think of that. You are right, of course. What does it matter now? I guess I am going to stuck here for a while, aren't I?"

Kavan continued to rub against Dominic. "Why would you say that? While it is true that you cannot leave this enchanted realm without the white stag's aid, that does not make you a prisoner. I mean, you came to my chamber freely, didn't you?"

Dominic looked to Kavan, realizing that the statement was indeed true. "Tell me: Where on Earth are we right now? Are we in Ireland?"

Kavan nuzzled Dominic some more. "We're not on Earth. You're in 'The Realm'. This is where we unicorns are taken to protect us from cruel humans. Only one other human has ever been here in living memory. He was stripped naked, like yourself, and he used to come by quite often. Then one day, he stopped coming. I never found out what happened to him. Now you are here, and you are very handsome, like myself. It's nice to be able to talk to someone other than a unicorn."

Dominic blushed, "I am not as handsome as you are. I am just me."

Kavan nuzzled Dominic's cheeks some more. "I think you are. You may rest here with me. Tomorrow, someone will come by to find you. They usually do. There are times I wish I could return to the outside world and see what's what out there for myself."

Dominic softly said, "I wish you could come home with me." He sighed. "Oh well. Not much chance of that happening, is there?" Dominic lay himself down behind Kavan on the padding, and slowly fell asleep.

Kavan quietly said, "You never know what is possible, Dominic. You never know."

Dominic slept longer than he intended. When he awoke, he found that he was once again wearing all his clothes, and all of his equipment had been returned. He immediately sat up, opened the video camera, and took out the videotape and tossed it into the back corner of the chamber, behind the barrels. Then, he just sat there and cried. Kavan awoke when he heard Dominic crying. He looked around the chamber. He saw the white stag and two of the elders standing in the doorway. He looked over behind himself and nuzzled Dominic gently. He then turned back to the doorway. The elders and the white stag were gone. Kavan again turned back to Dominic and nuzzled him some more, shushing Dominic softly, and speaking soothing words.

The passage of time was difficult to discern within 'The Realm', but eventually, Dominic's stomach told him that he needed food. He mentioned it to Kavan. "Where can I find something to eat?"

Kavan got up and replied, "I was wondering why you weren't asking about food. You must be starving. Come with me. I'll take you to where you can get something to eat. I might get something myself." Kavan and Dominic headed out of the chamber, and down the corridor nearest the chamber. The two soon emerged from the tunnel into what appeared to be an orchard. Kavan led Dominic over to one tree in particular, and stretched his neck up into the tree and bit a branch securely. He pulled it down, and Dominic plucked four large apples into his arms. Kavan then released the branch and sat down with Dominic. Together they ate apples until they had both had their fill. They both fell asleep at the base of the tree.

Much later, Dominic was awakened by the white stag. "Dominic. It's time to speak to the elders."

Dominic reached over and shook Kavan until he woke up. He sat up and stood gracefully. Dominic also got up and said, "The elders finally want to see me? What took so long?"

The white stag replied, "They were politely allowing you to get to know the arcane prince, Kavan Keefe."

Dominic blinked his eyes, as he looked to Kavan. "Really?"

Kavan smiled and replied, "It is indeed true, Dominic. But I didn't want my title to get in the way of me getting to know you. I can see why the white stag likes you, because I like you too. You had better go see to the elder's summons now. I hope I can see you later."

Dominic looked to the white stag and said, "I'm sorry about the videotape."

The white stag replied, "I know you are. I knew I could trust you. Now let's get going." The two headed off to another section of The Realm, where the elders were gathered. Their colorations varied between each unicorn. The white stag and Dominic sat in the designated spots within the circle.

"Honored elders. I thank you for this audience." Dominic politely exclaimed.

The largest elder white unicorn said, "The white stag brought you to us to solve our problem. If you cannot solve the problem, you will most likely become trapped here in The Realm for the rest of your life. This is not a threat, but a proven fact. If you succeed, you may name your reward. Also, if you succeed, you will become an honorary member of this herd. Indeed an honor for a human. Now, the problem itself. A demon horse has taken over a section of our lands. We seek to remove him. We don't care how you do it, just remove him."

Dominic swallowed slowly, saying, "Very well, I will see what I can do. Where is this demon horse at currently?"

The elder unicorn replied, "He has taken up residence in the sheltered gulley West of here. The white stag will take you to there. Good luck, Dominic. All others who have gone before you have failed. Do your best, that is all we can ask."

Dominic and the white stag politely left the elder's circle, and headed West to the sheltered gulley. When they arrived at the entrance, the white stag said, "You must go on alone. This is your testing. If you fail, I will enter and stay with you, as I promised before."

Dominic entered the dark sheltered gulley, as he rounded the corner, he got a full view of the demon horse. He was oddly an anthropomorphic creature. His black hooves were cloven, and he was fully developed as a stallion. He didn't seem concerned about his nudity, and was putting off a surprisingly wonderful scent. His hide was like a golden brown, although it seemed to flow like a river all over his body. He had originally been sitting in the position of the famous statue, The Thinker, but raised his head and gazed at Dominic, as he entered the enclosed chamber.

"So, they sent another human. Do you know why you're here?" the demon horse asked.

Dominic replied, "The elder unicorns wish you to leave The Realm. But tell me: why are you even here for? You don't seem very demonic to me."

The demon horse sighed, then replied, "It's hard to leave when only one creature can open the gate out of this realm. Why am I here? No one has ever asked me that before. I am here because there is nowhere else to go. There are two ways to get me to leave The Realm. One is for you to fight me. When you slay me, I will vanish from The Realm. The catch is that you will transform into the very demon horse you had just slain. So that is no good. The other way is to get the white stag to open a gate out of The Realm, and have him escort me out. But he won't come in here himself, so that won't work either. What happens if you can't get rid of me? Did the elders say?"

Dominic hummed. "They didn't say. I am assuming that I am not allowed to leave your gulley unless you either leave The Realm on your own, or I vanquish you. Oh lords. This is an impossible task. There is no way to succeed without losing in some bizarre way. Unless..." He looked at the demon horse. "I have an idea that is crazy. Can you assume the shape of a normal horse?"

The demon horse said, "Yes, I can. What's on your mind?"

Dominic replied, "I think I know how to get you out of here. That is, if you don't mind me riding you out of The Realm."

The demon horse seemed to brighten a bit. "I will do as you ask if it can help me leave here."

Some hours later, Dominic rode the 'horse' out of the gulley. The white stag trotted along beside them, and asked, "Is that who I think it is, Dominic?"

Dominic merely nodded his head, then said, "Shall we go tell the elders that the problem is solved?"

The three arrived back near the elder's circle. At first, the elders were shocked to see the demon horse, but when they saw Dominic riding him, they calmed down quite a bit. The largest elder white unicorn congratulated Dominic on succeeding in his task. They made Dominic an honorary member of the herd, and later that night, a large meal was had by all. When Dominic was asked what he wants as his reward, he whispered the request into the elder's ears. They blinked in surprise, but promised to make it so. Dominic spends another night's rest with Kavan, explaining that they would meet again.

The next morning, Dominic, astride the demon horse, and the white stag bid a fond farewell to the unicorns of The Realm. The white stag activated the gate spell, and the air shimmered as before. Together, the three headed through the gateway. They emerged from the gate back at the deer stand in the forest in Missouri. The white stag smiled and nuzzled Dominic fondly.

"When you get home, be sure to check your backpack. I retrieved your videotape from Kavan's chamber. I believe you have earned it. Until we meet again, Dominic. Farewell." The white stag was just gone. Literally gone! Dominic blinked and looked all around.

Dominic said to the demon horse, "I guess that's one way of vanishing." Dominic dismounted from the demon horse then stood back. "As per our agreement, you are free."

The demon horse looked at Dominic. "Mount back up. I'm going home with you. I have nowhere else to go. And you did say you had extra space, correct?"

Dominic blinked his eyes. "Are you sure you want to come live with me?"

The demon horse said, "Of course. And don't worry: I won't talk unless it's just you and me. So none of your human friends will need to know that I can talk."

Dominic mounted back upon the demon horse, "Very well. Let's go. I think you'll like it. I hope my sisters are done looking over the house and property by now."

The two rode back to the river, crossed it, and arrived back up at the house. Dominic parked the demon horse on the private deck connecting to his private office, and dismounted. He walked into the house, and quickly located Sallee and Shane carrying their bags to the front door.

"Leaving without saying goodbye? How rude!" Dominic said with a smile.

Sallee smirked, then said, "Leia left an hour after you did, then Jo got a call from the farm, so she loaded up Lightning Strike, and headed home. That was yesterday. Shane insisted we stay another day. I'm glad I got to see you return." She hugged Dominic, then picked up her bags and headed out the door.

Dominic whispered to Shane, "What did your 'contacts' find out about the 'unicorns'?"

Shane smiled. "No need to whisper, Dominic. My superiors sent a team of scouts into the forests of England, and rounded up an encampment of conspirators. Terrorists from Beirut. My superiors are sending me a medal for alerting them to the threat. The terrorists had a unicorn's head sewn into their uniforms. So my superiors are happy. If unicorns are real, then I think they are better off hidden from the eyes of humans. Thanks for having me over, Dominic."

Shane hugged Dominic, then picked up his bags and headed out to the TV van. Sallee and Shane then left. Dominic opened the electronic gate for them, then closed it afterwards. He headed back through the house to where he left the demon horse, and brought him into the house itself. The demon horse transformed back into his anthropomorphic form, and promptly took over one of the second floor master bedrooms. Dominic later heard the jacuzzi tub being filled with water, and the demon horse settling down into it. Dominic chuckled, then headed back to his office.

Ending Evaluation:

Dominic was typing his final report on his trusty electronic typewriter. The demon horse was sitting in the easy chair drinking a cold beer. Dominic smiled as he gazed at the new addition to the office and den: an ancient stone gateway, empowered to allow Dominic to pass through it whenever he liked to go visit The Realm, as well as, Kavan Keefe. A fine reward.

Dominic looked over his report.

_To Whom It May Concern,

During my extensive investigation into the existence of unicorns, it has been decided that the said creature assumed to be a unicorn is nothing more than a one-horned deer of a previously thought extinct variety. It is in my personal opinion that the said species should be placed upon the endangered species list and protected by federal laws._

Dominic Bastian Vanlyone

Footnotes: (F1) Chess appeared in Animals Enforced (CT-03) & in The Chess Master (my novel in progress.) (F2) Shane Wayne served as a Green Beret in the U.S. Marine Corps.