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

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