The Secret Of The Unicorn Queen -The Dark Gods Read Online Free

must learn not to toy with us. He must learn not to trespass. I intend for us to ride to that circle and teach him those lessons this very day!" 
         But Illyria shook her head. "I don't know. . . . Something just doesn't feel right about this." 
         "What do you mean, love?" 
         "It all seems too easy. Too convenient. A breeze just happens to catch Kumuru's hood. He just happens to let his face be seen, when he could have safely screened the circle from spies with that sorcerous fog right from the start." 
         Laric raised a questioning eyebrow. "Go on." 
         "Maybe he wanted to be seen. Maybe this apparent threat of his is nothing more than a trick?" 
         "Why would he bother?" 
         "Oh, Laric!" Illyria impatiently tossed back her mane of silvery hair. "We both know Kumuru is an ambitious man. An ambitious king! He was eager enough to make that pact with Dynasian. Well, now he doesn't have to. Thanks to us, Dynasian is. . . out of the way. And, thanks to us, there won't be any interference from Ankzar, either. What better time than this for Kumuru to feed his ambition by conquering new lands?" 
         "Granted." 
         "How can you be so calm about it? Laric, what if Kumuru is after your very throne?" 
         ''Oh, I don't doubt that he is! I'm sure the man would simply love to extend his power and take over Campora. All the more reason for us to ride to that circle and stop him before-" 
         "But what if I'm right? What if the whole thing really is only a trick?" 
         "All right, Illyria. Go on. What if it is?" 
         "What easier way to rob a prince of his throne than to lure him away from it with a false threat of danger? All the usurper would have to do then is see that the prince met with a fatal 'accident,' come in with troops while the capital is leaderless and in a state of confusion, and simply take over!" 
         Sheila could tell from Laric's suddenly uneasy expression that he was seriously listening to Illyria's words. But then the young prince shook his head in denial, saying stubbornly, "No. That hardly sounds credible." 
         "Well, yes, perhaps not. But what if I'm right? Laric, for the sake of Campora, you can't afford to take the risk." 
         He turned sharply away. "And what would you have me do? Up and run home like a frightened child, and leave you to face who knows what peril?" 
         Illyria's eyes flashed. She stalked forward to face the man again. "And what do you think I am? A helpless little girl-child in need of protecting?" 
         Laric grinned. "Hardly." 
         Sheila saw the corners of Illyria's mouth begin to twitch up into a smile, but then the Unicorn Queen resolutely forced her face back into a scowl. "What, then?" she challenged sharply. "A soft, pretty fool, waiting meekly for some big strong hero to come and save me from the ogre?" 
         Laric's grin widened. "Oh, never that! You'd probably be the one to rescue the hero! Come now, my dearest warrior. Forgive me. You know I didn't mean to belittle you, or your skills. It's only .. . I do worry about you.” 
         At last Illyria's fierce scowl faded into gentleness. "And I, you. Oh, but my dear, you must forget us for now.” 
         "I know. I am the prince of Campora. And a prince's first duty must ever be toward his people." Laric threw up his hands in disgust. "I do believe I had more freedom when I was an eagle! But, since I am a prince, I will fly meekly home again, muster my troops, and guard the throne against all comers." 
         Illyria sighed, relieved. "And I and my warriors shall investigate this mysterious stone circle for you. Should Kumuru be foolish enough to linger . . ." Proudly, she looked around at the other women warriors, then suddenly drew her sword in a flash of steel. With a joyous shout, the unicorn warriors all drew their weapons. The sun glittered off the ring of blades, and