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." He
added to the ritual response, "Many have. They do not leave
again." He thought, briefly, of King Peris, of the
Forestmaster, and of betrayal. "But there is much to be
gained here, as well as risk."
"Name the gain." The dragon-man signaled behind
him. The arriving troops moved to the very edges of the
trail, not beyond, and formed twin lines, guarding each
others' backs without a word. They were well-trained for
war.
The stag considered what that meant, but went ahead.
"There is one who watches over this wood." He hesitated,
then amended, "Who rules this wood. All in it, living and . .
. human and animal, serve her." He took a deep breath and
finished, "To take this wood, it is only needed to slay her."
Treachery neither surprised nor impressed the dragon-
man. "And she is?"
"The Forestmaster. The ruler here. A white unicorn."
Several of the company hissed involuntarily. The
leader started. "A unicorn? You suggest a blood-force of
draconians could - "
"Hunt her and slay her, yes." The stag added drily, "It
appears the moral requirements for such a hunt were
exaggerated. That seems sensible, since there is no
morality to such a hunt." He added more plainly, "You
need not be virgins
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