The Wand-Maker's Debate: Osric's Wand: Book One (7 page)

Gus ignored him, clearly distracted, and Osric followed his gaze through the trees and saw what had caught his attention.

5 – Interest and Intrigue

The three unicorns were striding purposefully toward the toppled palace, accompanied by a beautiful woman. Her russet hair flowed freely down her back, and her modest gown of variegated earth tones clung gracefully to her figure. Hues of amber and olive, bistre and emerald shifted with each movement as she approached the palace grounds. Osric had the same impression of the ground gliding beneath her as he had while watching the unicorn.

In the distance, Osric saw something jump down from the rubble, right where he had descended that morning, and make its way toward the woman and her unicorn companions. It moved with the same majestic grace as the three unicorns crossing the field. Its white coat gleamed with the same unnatural shine, but its forehead was unadorned by the distinctive spiral horn of a unicorn.

Osric stepped out from the trees and crossed the expanse of manicured grounds; he had an overwhelming urge to be closer to the woman. The closer he got to her, the stronger it was, and he was unsure if it was his Portentist gift pulling him or something else entirely. He was hypnotized by her elegance as he watched her examine the animal. She traced her hand delicately up its muzzle to its forehead, and rested her palm at the point where the horn would be. Osric stood, transfixed, as he reached the strange group, unable to take his eyes from her movements.

Gus had been only a step behind him, and nearly collided with Osric's boot in his eagerness to perform his own examination of the beautiful animal. Gus was a flurry of movement, running around the hoofs of the hornless unicorn, and weaving about the legs of the other three in his excitement.

However, the woman was a vision of calm. Her gentle hands moved purposefully, inspecting the animal without fear. A pleasant, peaceful smile adorned her thin lips, and lit her delicate face. Her bright blue eyes shone with knowledge and confidence that belied her youthful appearance. Her long dress was cinched at her waist by a jeweled belt, securing a silver dagger and several bottles of herbs and tinctures. Standing near her, Osric could see shades of gold and honey in her hair, softening her commanding presence. Osric suspected he knew why she moved with such grace, but he had thought those women only existed in stories.

“Is it a unicorn?” Osric asked, taking a step closer to her.

“Yes.” She smiled over at him and his breath caught in his throat. “She will heal.”

“So, the horn will grow back?” Osric asked, while Gus finally stopped running around in circles and stood on his hind legs, gazing at each of the four animals.

“Of course it will.” She said with a soft laugh. “I am pleased to hear your concern, but these creatures cannot be killed.”

“I think this one saved my life.” He said.

“Oh?” She turned and looked directly at Osric. “It is possible.”

“A lot of strange things have happened lately.” Osric was remembering the pearl, the split pull of his gift, surviving the explosion, and the power lock. “Tell me something,” He paused, trying to word his question in a way that would get him an answer without having to explain everything that had happened. “What would cause it to lose its horn?” He asked hopefully.

“There are several possibilities.” She said, turning her attention back to the unicorn. She untied one of the bottles from her belt and sprinkled something into the palm of her hand. As the unicorn nuzzled at her hand for the substance, she rested her forehead on the place where the horn should be, sighing softly. A red stone amulet slipped from where it had been tucked inside her dress and rested on the muzzle of the unicorn. “They can shed their horns, or lose them in a massive power usage, or a fight over territory.” She said as she straightened, tucking her amulet away, and opening her hand to allow the unicorn to lick the herbs from her palm. She stroked the unicorn's muzzle with her other hand, a faraway look in her eyes.

“So, do you think that she could have shielded me from the blast, and that caused her to lose the horn?” She brushed her hands off and looked intently at Osric.

“To be honest, I am not sure,” Osric could see silver flecks in the blue of her eyes. “But one thing is certain; they have taken an interest in you. I am Bridgett,” she held out her hand, “Maiden of the Unicorn.”

So Osric had been right about her. Stories told of the mystical sect of women who lived among the unicorns, but he had never known anyone who had met one. Osric brought her hand to his lips and brushed it with a kiss. She would know more about the unicorns than anyone else on Archana. Perhaps she could help him find out what their involvement was.

“I am Osric, Contege of the Stanton Vigiles, and so far, sole survivor of that pile of rock that used to be Stanton Palace.” He blushed when he realized he was still holding her hand in his.

“I think you have an admirer.” Gus had ceased his inspection of the unicorn long enough to interrupt their introductions. “That is so cute!”

Osric's cheeks darkened and he took a step toward Gus. He had a hard time believing that such a small creature could be so brazen.

“I'm reconsidering the dungeons, old man.” Osric started to reach for him.

“Now, gentlemen.” Bridgett stepped between the two of them. “It seems we have more important matters at hand.” She said, addressing Osric.

Gus and Osric glared at each other briefly, then Osric looked back at Bridgett and his expression softened. He still felt drawn to her, and he needed to know more about the strange unicorn.

“You're right. I will deal with him later.” Osric sent one last threatening look at Gus.

“What took place here last night?” Interjected Bridgett, cutting off Gus' retort.

“Representatives from nearly every race on Archana gathered to sign a peace treaty. Before the signing could take place, the palace was sabotaged. It collapsed with everyone, including myself, still inside.”

“Why do you believe you were saved by this unicorn?” Bridgett asked, stroking her silvery mane.

“Just before the implosion, she collided with me, pushing me further into the throne room. Had she not, I would have been crushed where I stood when the ceiling fell down.”

“That was all she did? You didn't notice anything else?” Osric thought back to the previous night, but could not recall anything more.

“No, she ran into the palace while the other three remained outside, collided with me in the throne room, and I must have passed out when everything collapsed. I don't remember anything else. All I caught was a glimpse of her horn before the explosion. I did not even know for sure what I had seen until I was informed by the guard that a unicorn had entered the palace.”

“What is your magical gift?” Her sudden change of subject caught Osric off guard.

“I am a Portentist.”

“A Portentist?” She asked, with a curious, almost disappointed expression on her face.

“Yes, I can sense intent, and as of late my gift has been triggered more frequently than ever before.” Osric replied. “Were you with the unicorns last night when they approached the palace? I don't recall my guards mentioning you, and I think that is something they would remember.”

“I traveled with the unicorns for the past three days, but as we neared Stanton they became restless and increased their pace. I was unable to keep up and made my way into town on my own. I arrived late last night and found accommodations in an inn near the market.”

Osric's face suddenly lit with excitement, and he asked. “You must communicate with them; can you help me speak to them?”

Bridgett shook her head gently. “I cannot question them for you, if that is what you mean. I am an Empath. It is more of an impression of need or intent, rather than a conversation. I know what they need from me, and I can express myself to them to an extent, but it is limited.”

“I understand, but if I could speak with them, it may answer many of my questions about their involvement, and why she risked herself to save me. Does it hurt, for her to lose her horn?” Osric asked with genuine concern.

“The herbs I gave her will calm her, but she is not in pain.” Bridgett smiled at him. Most men she came across were far more interested in the idea of the mystical creatures, than in their well-being. “I believe that the unicorns did protect you, Osric, and I am sure they have a good reason for doing so. When they are ready for you to know why, they will show you, somehow. That is their way.”

Gus walked back and forth studying the unicorn while listening to their conversation. Experience had taught him that most things are simpler than they appear and he was captivated by the creatures. Being able to view the magical strands that made up the world, he knew that the unicorns were special, but he had never been able to discover their secrets. He was sure that they were the key to the wand debate. The answer was there, in the threads that made up their magic. He just couldn't see it. He suspected that the unicorns intentionally hid something from the rest of the world, and he was determined to find out what it was.

The Maiden of the Unicorn had spent her life with the animals. Gus knew of them, and for years he had hoped to meet one. Perhaps she could provide him with an answer that he couldn't see. Osric's wand was something he was curious about as well. Pebble was not usually one to embellish a story, and even he doubted the simple explanation that Osric had chosen an undiscovered spell to bond with a new wand.

“Well,” Gus wanted the chance to speak with them both. “As fun as it is to listen to you two, I think we should all move inside and start making dinner plans.” Osric looked up and realized the sun was already making its descent toward the horizon.

“We can speak more in the outpost.” Osric agreed with Gus. “My Vigiles should be meeting me there soon to make their reports. I need to learn as much as I can to plan a course of action.” He led them back to the path and they made their way to the small building.

Gus asked Bridgett about the unicorns as they walked. “Lovely Lady, forgive me for failing to introduce myself in my excitement. I am Gus, a simple Wand-Maker. I have sought to study these magnificent creatures my entire life, and I have lived a very long time. Do you mind if I ask you a question or two?” Osric was surprised to hear Gus speak to her so eloquently, as he had only heard sarcasm and insult from the old Wand-Maker thus far.

“Pleasure to meet you, Gus. I would be happy to answer your questions, if they fall within my realm of knowledge.”

“I have heard that unicorns are present when any new magical gift is born into Archana. Is it true?” Gus smiled pleasantly.

“The unicorns frequently carry Archana's blessing to newborns, but who is to say what motivates them to bless one birth and not another.”

“Ah, of course, you can't see if they are born with a new gift, how foolish of me to assume. Can you tell me if they truly use magic intentionally, or do they use it only instinctively?”

“I can only tell you that I have seen miraculous things in the Grove of Unicorns, and instinct does not explain them all.”

“Really? Do tell!” Gus was excited to hear examples of the magic performed by unicorns.

“All stories for another day, my friend.” She said kindly, as they entered the security outpost and Osric busied himself finding chairs for them.

“Yes, I have heard that it is difficult to pry secrets from the Maidens, but I will hold you to the telling of those stories.” Gus stated playfully, then he turned to Osric, “So, do you still insist you are perfect, or are you ready to tell the truth now?” His change in tone left no doubt in Osric's mind that he was addressing him.

“I told you what happened. I lit the tip. Why would I ask you about this wand if I had made a mistake?” Osric slammed the wand down on the table in frustration. He unbuckled his sword belt, leaning the scabbard against the wall, and stretched the still aching and tight muscles of his back.

“Only you can answer that, boy. But speaking the truth; that is something you can control.” Gus knew something had happened, and he wanted to know what, but he wouldn't admit that to Osric.

Despite all of the day's uncertainty, Osric could be sure of only one thing; he did not like Gus.

Just as Osric had sent one of the recruits to find them something to eat, Kenneth came storming through the door gasping for air.

“Thank Archana I found you.” He burst out, leaning on the door post to catch his breath.

“What is it?” Osric asked, rushing to his best friend's side.

“Well, Sir,” he addressed Osric, “I have spent the day so far, talking to the volunteers as we worked to uncover the palace. As I struggled beside them, we began to unearth survivors. They had taken to cavities created as the walls fell. Not many, mind you, but there were survivors.”

“Survivors!? That's wonderful!” James came rushing in just in time to hear the news firsthand, a stack of wooden plates and utensils in his hands.

“Well, as we uncovered the wash facilities, we discovered a servant woman who saw something suspicious.” All eyes in the room and every ear waited in anticipation as Kenneth tried to hurry the story along. “She said that she was in a room changing out the linen when she heard two voices in the hall, whispering about plans to escape. She was afraid they were criminals from the dungeons so she walked to the door to get a closer look.” Osric offered him a chair while he continued his story. “She could not see them both, as one of them was on the other side of the wall, but she saw the other. He talked about burrowed tunnels under the throne room. One led directly under the head table.”

Osric couldn't believe what he was hearing. He would have sensed it if he was there. Why did he feel the need to make rounds then? Why didn't he stay at the palace the whole day? He tortured himself for that choice.

“He said he would go through, jolt the table and cause the pearls to fall off of the table, and then throw his on the floor to join the others.” Kenneth said, looking sad. “She has known for two days now. She thought it was a prank, a noisemaker. She had no idea this would happen, so she said nothing.”