The High-Wizard's Hunt: Osric's Wand: Book Two

by Delay, Ashley

  “Not yet. For you yourself do not know where you are headed,” Aridis replied. “I have no weapons, nor wands, to supply you with for your journey, but perhaps I can suggest your route. What is it you most desire?”

  “Osric’s head!” Thom cut in.

  Aridis rummaged through a cabinet and provided them with food and fresh water, a few spare tunics, and a pack to carry it in. Ignoring Thom’s outburst, Aridis addressed Aron.

  “You traveled quickly. I did not expect you to arrive at the ruins last night.”

  “What do you mean? You were expecting us?” Thom asked in surprise. Aridis laughed.

  “Where else would you go? You have no weapons, no supplies, and no means of communication,” he responded to Thom sarcastically, then turned back to Aron. “Tell me your tale.” Thom looked resistant, but Aron rehashed the events that had occurred since their departure from the volcano. Aridis nodded his head as Aron finished.

  “So how is it that this man, Osric, was able to best you and your men?”

  “He was aided by the eagles and the dragons themselves,” Aron answered.

  “The dragons had been caged in that mountain for many years, yet one man was able to break the spell that contained them?”

  “I have no knowledge of the magic he used, but it was obviously powerful.” Aron sneered in disgust as he thought about it.

  “The dragons respect him. Perhaps you should as well,” Aridis stated thoughtfully.

  “Respect him?” Thom gasped. “He’s destroyed the only mode of rapid transportation on Archana. You think we should look up to him for that?”

  “You have your feet. You have your tongue. You are no less capable of traveling than you were before he arrived. What you lack is knowledge.” Aridis stared Thom in the eyes as he spoke, commanding his attention. “But it would be foolish to hate him for knowing more than you. For then, you will have no way to gain the knowledge he possesses.”

  “What say the dragons of our heads?” Aron changed the subject. “Can you convince them to stop hunting us while we continue our journey?”

  “Your head, nor your hide, is a worthy target for a dragon,” Aridis chided. “You think too much of yourself.”

  “They have been overhead as each of us died, one at a time, one way or another,” Thom sneered.

  “What indication do you have that the dragons intended your demise?” the old man replied.

  “They have hunted us every step of the way here,” Aron stated.

  “You have lived so long by your sword, you have forgotten how to use your eyes,” Aridis scolded. “The dragons will not harm you. Sufficient time has passed. The ruins should be safe for the day, and perhaps we can scry your destination from amongst the stones.”

  Aron packed the meager provisions and drained his mug of rulha. They headed back out the cave entrance to the lake shore. Suddenly, Thom stopped and addressed the old man.

  “Aridis, I have flown over this forest on dragonback many times. Yet, I have never spied this lake. How is that possible?”

  “Like I said, you have forgotten to use your eyes,” Aridis responded.

  Where the lake came closest to the trees, Aridis again rapped his staff against the large tree trunk and the vines parted. The old man led them back into the forest and they retraced their steps to the ruins. When they reached the crumbling stones of the elven city, Thom was shocked to find them as he always had before. No vines to be seen, and no sign of Asram’s body.

  “They grow like that every night?” Thom asked.

  “No, not every night.” Aridis did not elaborate as he led them deep into the ruins to the center of the abandoned city. He stopped in the middle of a round structure which once had a domed roof, but little was left of the stone obstructing the sky. Small, round windows looked out from the crumbling walls at evenly spaced intervals.

  “Elven mages erected this chamber during a solar eclipse. It was used for many purposes, but primarily for astrological divination. I find these stones offer me the clearest scene of one’s future I have witnessed. If I am going to learn where you are going, this place will be the one to show me.” Aridis directed Aron and Thom to sit in the center of the chamber. He sat down across from them, their bodies forming a triangle, and took Aron’s hand in his own. He pulled a shard of stone from a pocket and pierced Aron’s finger with the sharp tip, squeezing three drops of blood onto the stone floor. “Past, present, future.” Aridis’ voice was rich with power. He drew a vial of clear liquid out from another pocket, removed the stopper, and poured it out. He watched the liquid mingle with Aron’s blood as it ran outward along the cracks of the stone. He pointed a bony finger at the center of the puddle. “Your past is obvious.” Aridis swirled his finger through the liquid. “Your present is visible.” He indicated the many different paths of the liquid running along the cracks in the stone. “Your future is discernible.” He traced the air above one crack, in which the majority of Aron’s blood had flown, slowly with his finger as he spoke, “You will travel northwest. Your journey by sea will be uneventful, but you will not find what you seek at your destination. Set aside your hatred and seek out the man who placed you. Put your power in his hands and he will deliver that which you most desire.” The trickle of liquid came to a stop and Aridis glanced up. “That is as far as we can see.”

  “Sounds like a bunch of gibberish to me,” Thom muttered as he stood and dusted off his clothes.

  “There is a reason you are not in charge, Thom,” Aron scolded. “Aridis, thank you for your assistance. I believe I know where we should go from here.” Aridis nodded and turned to walk from the structure, a ponderous expression on his face, as Aron continued speaking. “Thom, there is only one port northwest of here. If we leave now, we can be there by nightfall. I expect we will arrive just in time to board a ship.” Aron ignored Thom’s further complaining, shouldered their pack, and walked briskly through the ruins.

  *

  Aridis followed the path that was obvious to his experienced eye as he made his way back through the forest. He tapped his staff against the trunk of the old, familiar tree and passed under the vines as they parted. He paused for a moment and looked out over the lake before proceeding on to the cave. As he entered, he turned and cast a protection ward on the opening to warn him if anyone came near. He crossed the small chamber and tapped on the wooden door, sighing to himself as it opened. He glanced around the large, well lit room as he entered, making sure all four men were accounted for. He approached the bed and checked the bandages on the arm of the man lying in it. His face was ashen, but his breathing was regular and the wound was clean and dry.

  “Is Gad going to be all right?” A small man asked from one of the chairs at the table in the corner of the room.

  “I believe so. The dragons found him in time, or he would certainly be dead by now. The spell I cast, and the herbs I administered, should stop the poison from spreading long enough for him to regain his strength and fight off the infection,” Aridis assured him. He turned and addressed the newest arrival. “My name is Aridis. I have a relationship of sorts with the dragons. Have the other men explained to you what has happened?”

  “Did a dragon really save my life? All I can remember is waking up and realizing I couldn’t breathe, and I couldn’t see anything. I heard Thom yell for Aron, and then after what felt like an eternity I saw claws tear through the vines that were tangled above me and I was lifted into the air. I thought I would be its next meal, and then the next thing I knew, the dragon landed and just let me go. I turned around and there were Landin and Shrad, standing next to a concealed doorway in the middle of the forest.” Asram shook his head in disbelief as he spoke.

  “The dragons were tempted to kill you as you have all done them a great wrong, but I convinced them that evil men are rare and you may better serve the world as enlightened men rather than ignorant soldiers. I have seen indications that you four will serve a valuable role in the events of the near future, but you will need
to travel once Gad is able,” the old man replied.

  “I never would have believed it if I had been told the dragons would save us, rather than eat us, but I am glad that beast caught me before I hit the base of the cliff,” Shrad added as he stood and began to pace the room. “Aridis, what do you mean, we will serve a valuable role?”

  “Sit down, and I will explain to you what I have seen of your futures.”

  Chapter 10

  ____________

  Romancing the Warden

  Osric paced his room in the underforge, unable to sleep. Two weeks of dreams had taken a toll on his body. His mind raced with the day’s events. Osric explained what he had seen in the vision Kenneth had shown him, and the words of the prophecy he had heard, but none of them knew what to make of it. The vision was pretty clear, and Osric dreaded the events that could possibly lead up to such a situation coming to fruition. The prophecy, on the other hand, was frustratingly vague. Gus had puzzled over its meaning for a long time, probing Osric with questions about anything he may have left out or forgotten. Yet, they had no greater understanding of what it could refer to than when he first traveled into the grove. It was just one more mystery to add to the ever growing list that plagued Osric night and day.

  Luckily, the Vigiles were fine in Stanton. Osric had contacted Toby shortly after he talked to Machai. They were all without work, but they were attending to the people of Stanton outside the palace rubble. Several of them were starting to resume their normal lives, and Macgowan had even aided in the hunt for more food. The poor man still did not speak much, but Toby was impressed with his work in helping the others.

  Osric continued to pace as his thoughts raced. Too many things had happened since his waking for his mind to settle in one place. The unicorns would not see him and had the Maidens keeping him away. There was a plot in the Turgent’s government, and they had no idea who was behind it. His wand and sword had been remade, and they looked like the property of the Turgent himself.

  What troubled his mind more than anything else was Bridgett and everything that had occurred between them. He was at a loss for words and did not know what to do about it. He wanted nothing more than to see her smile, and he found that he could not dwell on anything else. His brow creased with his attempt to wear down the stone floor in his room. Seeking less confinement, he took to the halls of the Underforge for comfort.

  The echo of his footsteps helped to calm him as he traced the elaborate interior. He found himself close to the corridor that Kenneth slept in and considered stopping by for his thoughts on Bridgett’s actions. He raised his hand to knock, and paused. Jane’s playful laughter pierced the silence, denying him the company of his best friend. Happiness was not an easy luxury to find with the situations they had each been subjected to over the previous weeks, so he was relieved that it came for Kenneth so quickly.

  He resumed his journey through the halls and then picked up his pace. He rounded a few corners rashly before stopping at the door that had caused his sleeplessness and knocked. The door opened and Bridgett peered out in a night shift. Her hair was freshly brushed and she looked wide awake.

  “I told you to come back for your sword in the morning.” She grimaced and slowly began to shut the door.

  “I didn’t come for my sword. We need to talk.” Osric placed his bare foot in the door to keep it open.

  She looked down and then slowly raised her head. “Remove your foot, or you will be staying a lot longer than the night.”

  “You’re not going to hurt me.” Osric closed his eyes. “Can we talk, please?”

  Bridgett stared at him for a moment and then relinquished her hold on the door, letting it swing open. Osric stepped in carefully, examining the room. Pebble lay snoring on the foot of the bed, and the blankets had not been pulled back to allow her entrance. His sword sat on top of a desk, along with an ewer of water and a book. No decorations or color of any kind were visible in the sparsely furnished chamber.

  “Well?”

  “I’m sorry, I just—” Osric stumbled over his words again, growing frustrated with himself. “This isn’t what I expected to see in your room.”

  “You came here in the middle of the night to discuss my lodgings?” She pushed him back toward the door. “I am sorry, but I am tired.”

  “Wait.” Osric’s protest was received, and she let him stay, looking impatient. Osric took a deep breath.

  “He’s a silly unicorn,” Pebble snorted and began to snore again.

  Osric smiled, looking back at the bed. “He’s a good pup.” He nodded in Pebble’s direction and then looked back into her eyes.

  “He is smart, too.” Bridgett put her hands on her hips and Osric could feel daggers drilling into him from her stony gaze. “You men do not give him enough credit. He has been making wands since we arrived. He will not tell anyone what he is doing, but I have seen him gathering sticks in the woods. The unicorns are very curious about him. I can sense that much. They see his potential, and many of them follow him around when he is making them.” She looked back at Pebble, remaining rigid where she stood.

  Osric felt an unfamiliar sensation. It was as though, as she gazed at Pebble and he at her, he could feel himself pulled in a direction that he knew was right, a direction that he must take. It seemed much of the potential of his life was captured in that moment. His body moved of its own accord. Not controlling him, but guided by him and at the same time out of his control, as though he were watching himself from outside his own body.

  Osric stepped close to her. As she turned, he leaned in and took Bridgett in his arms. Their lips met as he returned to himself and his Portentist gift surged with power. The importance of the moment reverberated within him as he held her. Suppressed hunger roared with a vehemence he had never felt before. He took in her scent, subtle like distant lilacs carried on a spring wind. He noticed the feel of her lips, soft and warm, with a hint of denial. He relished her embrace and how she fit perfectly, molded against his chest as he wrapped his arms tighter around her. Moments faded into days, and years transpired in mere breaths, and yet only the briefest of moments passed by them. Slowly, they fought to pull themselves away from what they both felt, what they desired. Osric trailed his fingers down her arms as he backed away, unable to look up from her stunning, blue eyes.

  Bridgett stood in front of him with watery eyes, her lower lip trembling in the silence between them. Osric could not speak. It was not what he had planned, and his gift had prompted it. Did it? Or was it me? But the Portentist gift had activated, he knew that much. He looked at Bridgett, just as she drew back her fist and punched him in the mouth.

  Osric stepped back, alarmed. He stuck his finger in his mouth, feeling at his teeth to assess the damage. Bridgett followed him as he backed up. She grabbed him by the arm and shoved him out into the hall.

  “How dare you,” she whispered through clenched teeth. “Do you think because you cannot sleep, I shall keep you company through the night?”

  “No, I just came to talk.” Osric was stunned by her passionate anger.

  “Oh, you call that talking?” She glared at him as a single tear rolled down her cheek. “You have every intention of leaving here tomorrow to go off on some mission to save us all and you would lose your focus by being distracted with this? I will not allow you to put yourself at greater risk for the comfort of one night.”

  “No, I just wanted to talk. I never meant to imply that I—” Osric was cut off by her retort.

  “Distractions will not serve you well. Nor will my heart be served by the knowledge that you are at even greater risk for my affections.”

  “Bridgett.” She calmed a bit hearing him call out her name, but anger remained vigilant in her eyes. “I don’t know what happened in there.” He reached down and grabbed her hand in both of his. They stood in her doorway, eyes locked on each other, but her stubborn expression did not soften as he searched for words.

  “You go,” she spoke softly, yet sternly. �
��Go and find out who is responsible for initiating this war.” She turned and opened the door to her room, hesitating before closing it. “Then, you may kiss me. Not before.”

  The door clicked shut and Osric leaned against the frame. He could hear her breathing on the other side.

  “I wish things were different,” Osric whispered as he ran his hand down the rough wood of her door.

  “Me too.”

  Chapter 11

  ____________

  A New Assignment

  Aron stood at the railing of the ship watching the cliffs of Rowain grow larger on the horizon. Their journey had been uneventful, just as Aridis said. Aron wondered how the rest of his cryptic prediction would play out. They had arrived at the docks just as the ship was preparing to sail. The captain said their fresh water supply had been compromised, and they were forced to dock at the abandoned port to resupply from the springs. Aron convinced the captain to allow them passage to Rowain, although for a higher fee than he normally would have agreed to. The captain said it was unsettling that the men had appeared during the short time they were docked, and he required the extra coin for the risk he was taking in letting them board.

  “So where do we go from here?” Thom asked.

  “According to Aridis, we go see the man who sent me to Braya. I doubt we will get an audience with the Turgent, but he has Konsults who issue those orders for him.” Aron walked away from the rail to retrieve their pack, and as soon as they made port, Aron and Thom set out for the palace at Rowain.

  Rowain was a massive city. A steady flow of traffic, from merchants to beggars, occupied the wide road leading to the gates. The wall that surrounded the city was impressive, and no army had ever successfully taken the city. The towers of the inner wall could be seen from the distance, and the flags that donned the palace turrets, beyond on a rocky hillside, could be seen waving in the salty breeze. A maze of shabby homes built several stories tall, market stalls, and more permanent trade shops occupied the space between the two city walls. The lower city, as it was called, was home to a variety of races, guilds, and every type of lowly criminal and unscrupulous sort. The smells mingling in the air varied from the spices of sweet cakes sold by wandering vendors to the cloying aroma of incense and lust from the less admirable districts.