Drawn by the sound of voices in his forest, the unicorn watched from the bushes. In the clearing a young woman was tied to a post, as another shouted and waved a wooden staff.
The bound girl then said something too quiet for the unicorn to hear clearly. He pushed carefully through the undergrowth to get closer.
“No Princess, I expect you to die!!” screeched the other woman. “Your kingdom and riches will be mine!”
Suddenly she raised the staff and aimed the tip at the princess. A crimson bolt of magic struck the girl, stripping away her life force. She slumped to the ground, still tied to the post. The sorceress waited a few moments before marching from the clearing.
The unicorn hurried over to the princess and bit through the rope binding her hands. He used his magic to keep her alive for the moment, but he knew even he could not fully restore her life. Instead he would offer her a choice.