Free The Wand-Maker's Debate: Osric's Wand: Book One by Ashley Delay, Jack D. Albrecht Jr Page A

intensified to a growl.
    “I have a better idea; we will stop and ask Eni on my way home to pack!” Osric glared at Gus, “If anyone will tell me what you won't, it will be him. Let's go.”

 
     
     
    6 – All Aboard
     
     
    Osric shoved a change of clothes and some hard bread into his pack. He had been sure that Gus was toying with him, but Eni had stated that he saw no difference in the magical make up of Gus' wand and his. Rather than explain the situation, Osric had thanked him quickly for his assessment and stormed off in frustration. Gus had been surprisingly reserved in his gloating as they had walked to Osric's home, but he had a hard time stifling his laughter at the angry expression on Osric's face.
    Osric gathered the last of his things, including a bow and quiver, a few cooking utensils and silver for supplies, and sat down at his small table. He pulled out a map of Archana and began planning his route to the irua territories. Depending on the dragon, he could make the trip in as little as a month and a half, but he would need to prepare for unforeseen delays. He hated leaving town while so much needed to be done there, but Toby was more than capable of overseeing the Vigiles and the excavation of the palace. He had to find out who was responsible for the attack on the treaty signing before one of the races decided to seek their own revenge.
    “Are you going to stare at that map all day, or can we get you to your dragon so I can get back to work?” Gus was annoyed by the length of time spent in preparation, and the sooner Osric left town the sooner he could go back to his life.
    “As old as you are, I would think you would have learned patience along the way.” Osric stood and folded up the map, tucking it into his pack with the other supplies.
    “There is a fine line between being patient and tolerating incompetence, boy.”
    “You seem to think everyone but yourself is incompetent, Gus. Maybe it is a reaction to the company.” Osric took one last look around his modest home and shouldered his pack and his bow. “Let's just get to the Dragon Deck so I can be on my way. Do you think you can stop insulting me until then?”
    “If you stop acting like a dolt, then yes.” Osric sighed audibly and led the way out the door.
    Osric had never left Stanton before; no further than Lothaine, that is. He wasn't sure what to expect, but as the Vigile Contege, it was his duty to investigate. All of Stanton's governing body had been in the palace, so he knew he must carry on without orders.
    He stopped at a tanner's shop and purchased a leather pouch for his wand. The last thing he wanted was to lose another one. Things would have happened much differently if he hadn't lost his last wand in the palace. As they passed through the town on their way to the Dragon Deck, Osric's temper cooled and his frustration waned. He had lived in Stanton his whole life, and knew every building and alley way. He recognized the smell of the blacksmith's wife's famous corn porridge, and the sound of their children's laughter, as he passed their home. He saw the garden where he and Kenneth had picked raspberries every summer in return for a slice of the baker's berry pie. He knew the trip would be dangerous, but he had to believe he would see his home again.
    As they approached the Dragon Deck, Osric looked off toward the palace. In the moonlight, he could see people hard at work. Many were casting spells to keep the rubble from collapsing further, while others levitated pieces of the palace walls. Chunks of stone were being lifted away, floating through the air and piled nearby. Osric climbed the steps to the stone platform and found James waiting for him. He could see Kenneth and Toby striding toward them from the palace grounds.
    “Osric! Do you have everything you need?” James inquired, when he saw they had arrived.
    “Yes. Were you able to gather enough food?” Fatigue was apparent in Osric's voice. The effects of the