They had reached the boundary between the middle and deepest reaches of the Forbidden Forest. The trees grew more thickly here, but not so densely that they blocked out everything.
Sunlight pierced through like swords, leaving shafts of light in the air and scattering flecks of gold across the ground. A stream wound past, its waters clear and bright in the sunlight.
Near the stream lay an incongruous expanse of loose stones. A boulder rested against a large tree, its hollow interior forming a cave.
"A nice spot, with plenty of magic, too..."
Silan activated his Wizard's Eye and carefully surveyed the surroundings, surprised to discover that these stones actually rivaled moonshadow stone.
They were more than suitable for use as smelting materials.
"Ever since her fright, Jinky has been terrified whenever she sees the others in our herd. We could only stay here for the time being." Clop leaped across the stream and bent his knees to let them down. "Follow me."
They approached the cave entrance. In a blur, a slender, graceful white shape flashed out of the cave.
It was another unicorn.
This unicorn was slightly smaller than Clop, with smoother, softer contours and a somewhat longer mane that flowed like silver sand.
"Clop, you're back." The unicorn paused at the cave entrance, then trotted briskly toward them.
The unicorn bent her knees and lowered her head to Silan, her long mane spilling loosely around her. "You must be Mr. Prewett," she said softly.
"This is my wife," Clop introduced her.
Silan and Hermione greeted her. "Let's take a look at your child first."
"Nothing would please us more," said Clop.
The two unicorns led the way. Once they entered the dark cave, their snow-white bodies gave off a soft glow, lighting the path ahead. A hole