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

day's stress were taking their toll.
    “Three weeks of dried meat, hard rolls, and about a week of honey bread.” James said with a smile. “All good energy food.”
    “I only asked for two weeks.” Osric protested.
    “Yes, but your journey will take nearly two months. Dragons can't fly for days on end. The last thing we want is for you to end up starving to death in the desert of Angmar. You will have to resupply in Barlington, anyways.”
    “Thank you, James.” Osric dug out the silver he had gathered from the house, and offered it to James. “This is not enough for all you have done, my friend.”
    “No need, Sir. We all must do our part.” James waved away the payment.
    “You will need it to resupply your cart; there will be many in need of your services over the next few weeks. Take it. That's an order.” Osric said with a grin.
    “I wish I could go with you. This should be quite an adventure.” James reluctantly accepted the payment.
    “No, James, I need you here. You have a gift for hearing things of importance, and I need to be kept informed.” Osric explained. “Now take out your wand so I can reach you.”
    James shrugged and took out his wand. He could never leave his cart behind anyway. He held it out and Osric touched the tips of the two wands together, and cast a spell of recognition so his wand would link with James'. He would be able to speak with James from anywhere by using a communication spell. As they completed the link and replaced their wands, Kenneth and Toby joined them on the platform.
    “Which dragon is ours?” Kenneth inquired.
    “The large grey, over there.” James said, pointing across the platform at the dragon, which had several deck attendants fastening seats to its back. “Her name is Greyback.” Osric raised one eyebrow at Kenneth.
    “Ours?”
    “Well, yeah. You didn't think I was going to let you run off to Angmar without me, did you?” Kenneth was equipped with what looked like every weapon he owned.
    “This is a diplomatic mission, Kenneth, not an invasion. If I bring you and your army of weapons with me, the irua will accuse me of starting the war.” Osric grinned and slapped his best friend on the shoulder, “I will be happy for the company though.” Kenneth crossed the platform to check on the supplies being loaded onto the dragon, and Osric turned to Toby.
    “I am not sure how long I will be gone. Will you keep things in order around here for me?”
    “Of course, but hurry back. You know I don't want to do your job any longer than I have to.”
    “You will need to oversee the cleanup at the palace, and Archana willing, you will find more survivors in the rubble. If you learn anything more about the origin of the blast, or who was responsible, contact me immediately.” Osric linked his new wand with Toby's, and then crouched down and spread the map out on the stone platform. He was describing his intended course to his Profice when the smell of lavender broke his concentration. He looked up to find Bridgett smiling down at him.
    “You have gained the attention of the unicorns, indeed, Contege Osric.” He stood quickly and returned her smile. “I was unable to learn much more about their interest in you, but they will not allow me to travel with them.” His smile faded in confusion.
    “Have I angered them in some way? Why would they turn you away?”
    “Actually, I believe they want me to travel with you.”
    “Bridgett, this could be very dangerous. I can't expose you to such risk. We have no way of knowing what we will encounter, and it is not likely that the irua will welcome our visit.”
    “I understand the risks involved, Osric. I will not be a burden to you, and my abilities as an Empath may be very useful. If you feel that the unicorns' presence here is unimportant, leave me behind. If you believe, as I do, that there is more to it than curiosity, then let us be on our way.” Osric ran his hands through his hair in frustration. He knew