The unicorns outside the hut whinnied and tore up the ground but they let her pass As she entered the hut she saw that Uncle Mitch was bent over a baby unicorn lying on a bed of leaves its tiny body struggling to breathe Uncle Mitch jerked his head up when he heard her come in then rushed to set the bowl down and meet her halfway with one long stride To her surprise he embraced her his hug big and comforting He smelled like straw and earth Sam how did you find me He pulled away with a tense look shadows from the fire streaking his face
I stayed up all night watching for you to come back across the sea and the fog finally lifted to show us the island Tuck came up behind her Tuck brought us here in his boat Uncle Mitch blew out a big sigh scratching his scruffy chin I’m sorry if I worried you I knew the fog clock was running low but if I’d gone home this little one would have died He glanced at the baby unicorn then peered down at the children with exhausted eyes He put a hand on Sam’s shoulder I’m sorry I couldn’t return I thought I’d wished you away and you’d be gone forever Sam said the words tumbling out
Uncle Mitch smiled and looked kindly at her I don’t blame you for wishing that I’m sorry I yelled at you He put his other hand on Tuck’s shoulder Both of you Thank you for coming Tuck smiled shyly Uncle Mitch knelt by the baby unicorn’s side Barloc’s very sick He was born last night and hasn’t even been able to stand yet You name the unicorns Sam asked Yes a name is important He placed a hand on the creature’s neck stroking it softly Barloc means strong warrior filled with hope It’s what the island needs
A grown unicorn approached the front of the hut rushing in to rub horns with Barloc then dashing away again That’s Barloc’s mother’s friend Truad She’s very upset because Barloc’s mother died last night while giving birth to him Uncle Mitch bent his head to the baby unicorn Only one unicorn is born every century They live a long time Barloc’s mother has gone too soon Are the horns and the tails in your hidden room from all the unicorns that died Sam asked Yes he said listening to Barloc’s chest When a unicorn dies it fades away and all that remains is its
