The issue of hunting an animal to extinction is a difficult one, and it adds tension to the events of the story. It may be hard not to root for the unicorn to get away if it is the last of its kind. The hunters are provided by Yolen with strong, credible motivations.

Duke William hopes that the animal's horn will, as Brother Bartholomaeus claims, provide him with immunity against poisons.

He points out that even if the horn provides no such protection, the mere fact that people think it does—and that he has it—should discomfit his enemies. James wants to prove himself worthy of joining his father on a hunt, and he hopes to prove himself while hunting the unicorn. Other hunters join for the glory of the kill, because they must accompany the Duke because they are retainers, and because...