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

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