and clean each individual barrel of water that we have stockpiled for the journey We were counting on finding another horn to purify it all Is there enough water stockpiled to last for a month Sam asked I think so if they’re careful with it Sylvie said That’s a lot of work for Barloc Sam said looking worriedly at the unicorn Tuck nodded He might not have the energy It’s up to him Sylvie said I am a healer Barloc told Sam I would never shirk from saving those in need I will try my best Even if Barloc does this what will happen if we can’t restore all the horses horns Tuck asked Sylvie pondered his question as a cold wind blew down from the mountain and
across the reservoir Then we’re no worse off than before she said We will merely have delayed the town’s crossing Sylvie straightened her shoulders I need to speak to the mayor about this She tightened her bag strap across her shoulders We all do He should be at the water barn now assessing the barrel situation Let’s go The sun had passed the middle of the sky and was ticking toward sunset Tuck checked his watch as he hurried to join Sam and Barloc They were soon among a throng of townspeople scurrying around the main street making their final preparations to relocate They’re taking risks too Sam thought They don’t know if they’ll survive their journey but they have to try Just like we do
Her thoughts gave her a spurt of hope and she walked faster toward the barn Sylvie slid open the barn door and stepped back letting Sam Tuck and Barloc enter first The musty smell of damp wood and old hay filled the air They found the mayor a tall plump man in a patchwork overcoat counting barrels and making notes in a journal He peered up at them his spectacles sliding down his slightly pointed nose His puzzled expression cleared when Sylvie stepped forward He tapped his journal in agitation Ah Sylvie Please tell me you’ve found another horn Mayor Wilkinson Sylvie said twisting her hands together I’ve found one yes but there’s something you need to know The mayor listened intently as Sam
