Word of the Day: Disease

The Hunter drags the unicorn right before the King:

"Your Majesty, I'm here at last. I've brought the solid thing.

We'll cut the horn and use the magick — cure all disease.

And when the horn grows back again, the process we'll repeat."

          "But will this practice harm the beast? How much can it take?"

          "My King, like antlers on a stag, it will not feel the break."

The cautious King pinches his chin. He has the final say:

"Chain the creature. Saw the horn. Guard it night and day."

But the morning after, there is grieving with the news.

In the stable corner lies a hornless carcass — bruised.