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It was just then the Lady felt Feverfew give a start. The hum, as her magic showed, shocked the Lady and everyone.
The Lady stared with wonder as Feverfew, standing upright, began to walk towards Batach. The glow of magic from the elf girl was blinding.
Batach stared at the girl, his eyes growing even wider, when he realized the elf girl had magic more powerful than his.
He turned towards the Lady, when she screamed, “It's time! Her magic has shown itself! Feverfew, finish the monster off! Destroy him, and let it be a warning to others, no one can withstand the magic of, Feverfew!”
But Feverfew remained standing still, her magical glow dimming slightly. The hum grew louder and louder, until the very area around the square trembled. It was as if a great earthquake was taking place.
Even the Dawgs, and the few monsters that were left, stopped fighting, as they stared at the slim elf girl.
The eruption, when it happened, shocked everyone, as red magic, a magic no one had seen before, blasted from the glowing elf girl, straight at Batach's head.
Batach, though in shock, protected his head, magic leaving his body to concentrate on protecting his eyes.
And it was then, Eager came racing into the square. With a wicked “neigh!” he leapt high into the air, his horn glowing brightly with magic. He soared straight to a shocked Batach.
Eager's horn pierced the middle of Batach's broad chest and into the monster's evil heart.
With a shocked cry, Batach pushed Eager aside, breaking off the unicorn's horn.
As Eager fell, breathing heavily, Batach, with his eyes still wide with shock, collapsed onto his knees.
It was then, the most powerful magic ever seen, erupted from the furious Feverfew, annihilating Batach, blasting the monster's body into tiny pieces,
The other monsters, seeing their leader dead, roared with fear. As one, they turned to run away. But Feverfew's magic sought them out, roaring with anger, as she blasted each monster to pieces, until the streets were covered with their dead bodies.
Chittering with excitement and frenzy, the rest of the Dawgs fell on the dead monster's, the sound of their chewing, echoing all around the Lady and the others.
By then, Feverfew, the magic still glowing from her almond-shaped eyes was bending over Eager, who lay on his side whinnying with pain.
Tears blinded her as she studied her injured Unicorn. Eager’s horn, had been broken in two.
Just then, the Lady hurried over, followed by Orleo and some of the Elders.
“Feverfew,” she whispered, placing a hand on the elf girl's shoulder, and handing her the broken part of Eager's horn, “use your magic. Eager needs the magic of his horn to live. Focus on his horn.”
Feverfew stared stupidly at the Lady, “His... his, horn? What do you mean?” And it was then she understood. Taking the broken part of Eager's horn from the Lady, she gently placed it in position, against the small part attached to Eager's head, and suddenly, both Feverfew and Eager began to glow all over. The hum of magic seemed to vibrate both unicorn and elf girl, until suddenly, with a “POP!” the glow disappeared.
Neighing, Eager scrambled to his feet.
Everyone could see the misty glow of magic all around the creature's attached horn. It was whole again.
Whinnying softly, Eager stretched his head towards Feverfew and his beautiful eyes studied the elf girl for several seconds. Then, with a shake of his mane he turned and galloped away.
“Eager!” cried Feverfew. “Wait! Eager!”
The Lady placed a hand on her shoulder and said, “He'll be back when his magic is restored fully. One day you'll be walking in the forest and you'll find him.”
With a cry, Feverfew hugged the Lady.
****
Some time, later, as they headed back to Prahl, Feverfew spoke to Ferol.
“You did really well, Ferol,” she said softly. “If you hadn't fought with the monster for so long, we all might have perished.”
Ferol sniffed back a tear. “No, Feverfew,” he whispered. “You were the one who destroyed Batach. I... I'm sorry... I was a fool to think I could have done it.”
Feverfew studied him for several seconds. “Ferol, what you were saying earlier... about the other Specials. I didn't feel like that... neither did they. It was you. You thought you weren't good enough... you were. I always knew that...”
Ferol frowned. “You did... but I thought... ”
“Can we be friends?” asked Feverfew, reaching to take his hand, and just then the Lady came over to them.
Friends, she thought, smiling. They'll be more than friends. Oh, my, what a family they will have.
****
By the time they all returned to the hall, where the Healers had begun to spread out and use their healing skills on the survivors, the Lady's arm was almost healed.
Orleo, Roleo and the other Elders that had survived the battle, were gathered in the caves. Using their magic they summoned the remaining Dawgs back. Shortly, the rodents were heading deep underground to wait until they were needed again.
****
Several days later, Salter and Magnus arrived, just in time for the celebrations that had been put off until most of those who had been injured were strong enough to take part.
****
In a quiet corner of the forest, on the edge of Collegian, the Lady thanked her grandfather.
“The boy has shown an interest in learning our ways,” said Magnus.
“Salter? He has?” The Lady frowned. “I never thought...”
“It will be fun teaching him,” said her grandfather. “It's been a while since I helped you learn the ways of magic. I miss those happy times.”
“So do I,” said the Lady smiling.
Her grandfather held out his arms. In a second, his granddaughter was enfolded in them.
“Goodbye, granddaughter,” whispered Magnus. “I'll return when the boy is old enough to make up his mind. Goodbye...”
Margrit watched, as her grandfather walked across a clearing. Before disappearing into the trees he turned and waved.
Seconds later, nothing remained to show that the two most powerful beings in the land had been there.