The Well of Strands (Osric's Wand, Book Three)

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The Well of Strands (Osric's Wand, Book Three) Page 12

by Jack D. Albrecht Jr.


  Osric sat up slowly, shocked by Gus’s comment. The normally disgruntled, disapproving prairie dog had already turned away, busying himself with finding a place for Happy’s licked-clean plate. Gus had just given Osric his approval as a leader. That had been the closest Gus had come to complimenting Osric in a long time. There was no mocking tone, no sympathetic belittling, and not even a hint of sarcasm.

  Osric knew that none of the men present realized the extent of the tension that had existed between Osric and Gus. Though his Portentist gift had ignited five times during their conversation, the emotion in Gus’s words had demanded more of Osric’s attention. The Portentist gift had indicated hundreds of important events lately, and keeping up on what triggered his gift each time was a full-time job. Although Gus would deny the meaning behind his comment until his death, the significance had not escaped Osric.

  Osric suddenly felt like there was hope for his leadership. Though he still held onto the same feelings he had at the beginning of the conversation, the emotions were no longer as powerful as they had been. Some of the fervor he felt at his own inadequacies, coupled with Eublin and Macgowan’s arguments, began to sink in and steal away his distrust for his own decisions.

  Gus finished by placing the plate on a chair with a flick of his wand, and then he turned back with clear annoyance.

  “That is not why we came here anyway.”

  “Oh?” Osric spoke slowly in confusion, unable to fully appreciate their brief cease-fire of words.

  “My son was here again. He brought five bags of coin to our local brain-addled craftsman and fled again without this lunk making any attempt to stop him from leaving.”

  “I didn’t stop him from leaving, but I didn’t fully understand the importance of restraining him until Gus unloaded on me,” Macgowan said, defending his actions.

  “This is all true, but Pebble made it clear that he was sneaking around, did he not?”

  “Yes, but I thought it would be wise for me to find out why, before I knocked him out, gagged him, restrained him, and came to look for you two. It isn’t the easiest thing to try to convince someone who can travel to hold still while you get his father. I gained his trust and came directly to you, did I not?”

  The tension in the room rose again. Happy lay down on the ground and hid his head, causing a genuine smile to spring from somewhere deep inside Osric. The tension broke and Osric knew what to do.

  “How old is he, Gus?”

  “Five next week. Why?”

  ”I’ve got a plan.” It wasn’t an ordinary plan, but one designed to trap the greatest Wand-Maker in the world. He was not just Archana’s most famous Wand-Maker; he was a five-year-old, traveling, world-famous Wand-Maker. This would have to be a trap like none other, and he knew just how to do it.

  Gus accepted the plan reluctantly, and Macgowan and Eublin laughed at the brilliance and simplicity of the idea. Just when all parts of the plan were agreed upon and assigned, a knock at the door interrupted their revelry.

  “Please, come in,” Gus exclaimed, thankful for the interruption.

  The door swung open to reveal a thin, older woman in a plain green dress. She surveyed the inhabitants of the room and sighed with relief.

  “Miss Carrion!” Gus Exclaimed. “What brings a woman of such fine stock to a humble room such as this?”

  Osric, Eublin, and Macgowan exchanged uncertain expressions at the change in Gus’s tone. Then they turned their gaze to the woman at the door. She blushed a bit at the greeting, and Osric sensed that a long-formed friendship was behind Gus’s uncharacteristic outburst.

  “I…” She stumbled over her words. “I've been sent to get Osric by the barrier guards. I’m to tell him that there is a See-er there to see him. She requested that I say that she has the reason for his heart's torment cuffed by her ear.” The woman looked uneasy while delivering the message.

  Osric stood quickly and ran out the door. Happy trailed behind him, barking encouragement as he followed on his heels.

  11 – Hindsight

  As dusk began to take hold and the pale blues and purples grew even darker in the sky, Osric ran. His heart beat out in rhythm with his changing emotions. All he could think of was seeing her again, and every fiber in his body focused on arriving quickly and finding Bridgett with a See-er. He wracked his mind for the meaning behind someone cuffing her ear, but he could find none. Was she being held against her will? Had she gotten herself into trouble? Was she a prisoner? Whatever the reason, Osric would do whatever it took to have her safely inside the barracks within moments of his arrival. Anger, elation, fear, and a whole host of emotions battled for the foremost focus of his mind, but his frustration at his inability to move quicker pushed him to fight harder. In his blind desire to reach Bridgett, the idea of using the traveling spell never crossed his mind.

  He could see dark shapes moving at the stone pillar he had erected, lending him renewed strength. He was confused to see that they did not appear to have anyone in custody. Was he too late? Had she taken Bridgett and left? Osric watched a small figure step out from behind one of the guards that had come into view, and the impatience in his stance was somehow familiar.

  “It’s about time,” said Gus. Osric’s mind spun at the sound of Gus’s words, confused for a moment at how the prairie dog had gotten ahead of him, but his focus was on finding Bridgett. “Why did you run? Did you forget how to travel already?”

  “Where is she?” He shouted as he surveyed the group.

  “Where is who?” Gus replied.

  “Bridgett. Where is Bridgett?” Osric watched as the dim light revealed the guards, Gus, an old woman, and a younger lady who seemed more interested in her surroundings than his attempt to get answers.

  “Bridgett?” Gus questioned, but every face turned and displayed various degrees of confusion.

  “Bridgett! Tell me where she is. Where is Bridgett? Where did the See-er take her? Where did they go?” Osric could hear the desperation in his own voice, but he did not care. He searched the faces before him and settled on Gus. He knelt and pleaded with Gus, more earnestly than he had ever spoken to him before. “Please, just tell me where she is. Where is she? Where did they go? Please.”

  His voice grew softer until his pleas fell on ears that could not understand his words, but he kept saying, “Please, please,” as he knelt before Gus. Tears began to fall from his eyes, and the older woman realized that there had been a mistake.

  “I…” she spoke softly as she placed a gentle hand on Osric’s shoulder from above. “I am afraid my message must have misled you, my dear.”

  Osric looked up to see the deep, sincere, and knowing eyes of a See-er standing over him. In those ancient eyes, he saw understanding and sorrow in a fashion that reminded him of his own mother when she had tended to his wounds as a child. It was an empathetic expression, and her caress deeply soothed his mind.

  “Boy, if she had brought Bridgett with her, don’t you think it would have been a less cryptic message?” asked Gus, no longer sounding mocking. Osric had never before heard him sound this fatherly, sensitive, and loving.

  Osric slowly stood up, wiping the shame from his face. He felt ridiculous with all eyes on his tear-streaked cheeks. He knew he had muddled his first chance to make an impression, and he had probably wrecked the confidence of his guards, but there was nothing to do for it. He straightened his back and attempted to present a professional exterior.

  “What can I do for you?” He faced the eyes that had comforted him with pride.

  “Well, I and my companion could use a meal and something to drink. Your guards are more than faithful in their duties, but they neglected to provide the provisions they offered us while we were waiting. It took hours for us to receive an invite into this marvelous enclosure.”

  Osric felt her hesitation. He was well aware that hours could not have passed since she had arrived. Any stranger seeking the High-Wizard would initiate a rapid response on behalf of his guards. She was bi
ding for time, concerned for his emotional state, and trying not to push him too hard too soon. He took note of her decision with respect and chose to lead them to the kitchen tables.

  The walk passed by without comment, and Osric used the silence to calm his mind. It was a welcome diversion to having his face scrutinized by the newcomers. A See-er was almost always a trusted mind, so he did not question Fallon’s invitation. The only part that troubled him was that she was not still there when he arrived, which had become an alarming trend after Bridgett had gone missing. In fact, most of the former Maiden did not have time for him ever since they had been relocated.

  Osric led them to their seats and politely asked for David, James's assistant, to bring some food. He was not going to have the head cook summoned for only the few gathered. James was most likely seeing to the purchase of new supplies already—a fact that would surely boost the spirits of the kitchen staff and patrons alike.

  “So, you asked about my purpose here when we met,” the old woman said after she had taken a sip of warm tea. “I should begin by introducing myself properly. My name is Serha. I am a See’er, and I came to Stanton to speak with the High-Wizard regarding his recent cause for distress relating to matters of the heart.”

  “Your request for an audience with the High-Wizard is one of great surprise and interest. But regardless, you had my attention after your”—Osric searched for a polite term—“misunderstood summons.”

  A genuine smile creased the aged face across the table, and a playful tone tinted her response.

  “You truly have a gift for making a person feel welcome.” Serha bowed slightly in her seat as she spoke. “I could not have hoped for more. Personally, I would have labeled my words as cruel, or even ignorant. But you chose tact. I can see that you will become a great leader. I am glad that I have lived to see this day.”

  Osric sat, waiting patiently for more. He did not have the patience for the same sort of idle chat that used to bolster his ego. There were too many lives at stake for him to let that sort of dalliance detract him from his goals. Luckily, she did not wait long to continue. She nodded slightly at Osric, as if she had been impressed by his lack of attention to her flattery.

  “But we are here for other reasons. My young and inexperienced friend has made a large mistake in judgment.” Serha motioned to the woman sitting at her side, and Osric noticed the fearful cast to her face for the first time. He had not taken much time to observe the young woman who had spent the walk, and most of their time at the table, massaging her red ear.

  “She is a See-er as well. I foresaw these events years ago in a vision that accompanied an encounter with yet another of my kind. But, as these events go, I was powerless to stop them from transpiring. I did not even know where I would meet this young lady until the time came for me to play my part.” She shrugged in a simple apology.

  “And what events are you referring to?” Osric leaned forward, his attention piqued.

  “Well, I am a bit concerned for her well-being, but I suppose you deserve an explanation after the poor greeting at the barrier. She was the recipient of a prophecy outside of the normal channels. I’m not going to bore you with the details, but let’s just say that those who are exceptionally gifted as See-ers can tap into Archana and sense the prophecies that are of greater importance to our lives, and see them as they are imparted.” She sighed. “Unfortunately, it does happen, from time to time, that those who are exceptionally gifted can sometimes lack the guidance it takes to utilize their gift appropriately. With that unguided gift, some abnormalities arise. And, as with all gifts, different levels of expertise don't always impart the knowledge that it takes to properly exercise that ability.”

  Osric could sense Serha’s hesitation. She addressed him cautiously and in an almost fearful manner. Fortunately, he had recently been humbled and then humiliated on the subject. The pain of his last two conversations was still too real in his mind to not respect the woman's cautious approach. She was rambling. He was concerned about the time it was taking to learn about what had transpired, but not enough to overreact and lose any ground that he had made. He chose to be patient and to hear whatever news the timid approach would bring. He could sense the importance of her words, not only with his ears. Every gift in him echoed in chorus that there was true portent in what she had to say.

  “You have my attention.” His body vibrated in anticipation. Osric presented a calm and understanding demeanor, fighting against the angst he felt.

  “A properly raised See-er does not set out until they are visited by one of their own. When I was a child, I was out milking my father’s goat when I was raised to See-er.” Osric felt lucky. His first encounter with a See-er came before he knew he had become one. The bloody encounter was vivid in his mind.

  “The young man, Archana bless his bones, imparted on me a vision of this woman's folly and my encountering of your guards. But all visions come with the prophecy meant to guide you to that day. Mine was as such.”

  Osric tensed on his seat, knowing the importance of a prophecy firsthand. David set plates in front of each of them and refreshed their drinks, but it went unnoticed. The silence was louder than any clamor. To Osric’s mind, nothing could penetrate his resolve. He focused with every sense and gift within his reach in anticipation of Serha’s words.

  “Distance and destinies crossed shall lay your burden to rest. Find first the failed sight and lead ignorance to wisdom’s breast. Journey to a stone that fell to rise and pierce the veil beyond. Name those set apart, and set to right what has been wronged. Call for the order to be named. Give vision to the speech in flames. Steel your heart for the end at stake. The High-Wizard awaits.

  “What this all means is for me to impart as I see fit. It seems to me that I am to be of some service to you, but to be honest, I do not know what I am to accomplish here. Prophecy is vague and ambiguous for a reason. It is only to be interpreted by the recipient.”

  “So, is there something that you wanted to tell me? I am a bit confused by your introduction, if all of this is for your mind alone.” Osric’s patience was waning, and he was beginning to feel reluctant about their invitation. He tried to relax, in spite of his misgivings, feeling slightly foolish for expecting something enlightening from her words. Yet, he could feel her emotions leading to an eventual end to the informational conversation she had begun. The end was close, and she felt more nervous than she had been at the beginning about revealing the conclusion.

  “Well, as I said, prophecies are only meant to be interpreted by the recipient,” said Serha. “But lacking proper training, my naïve companion, who is gifted enough to receive prophecies that she does not deliver, attempted to interpret one that was delivered to you.”

  Osric thought about his encounter with the first See-er. The words were still fresh in his mind.

  Victory cannot be achieved until the wand that is not a wand is known by all on their path. It will be wielded in practice by two. It will be known by one but not known. But victory will not turn your path from battle. For this is the second making of seven sevens. Only two of which will be wielded by man. For in man rests the hopes for all. Even now, it grows stronger.

  His mind reeled. There was nothing in the prophecy that could account for any importance to the current circumstance. He felt even more concerned that the newcomers’ invitation may have been ill gotten, and he made a mental note to check Fallon for defects in her Trust gift. Serha noticed him shift in discomfort, but she continued without interruption.

  “The High-Wizard’s heart will break or blight, casting success onto dark or light. When knowledge shared of knowledge gained is won, cast not the common eye upon the stone. First lay the stones from under ground to sky, then shift the sight and weave the flow of time. Build the order, Aranthians arise.” She sighed and Osric stood, drawing his wand in fury.

  Kenneth had given that prophecy to him. That day outside of Rowain had raised many new questions about Osric’s fate and what
the unicorns wanted with him. He had nearly died because he was careless in the use of magic, and he was unaware of the protection spell around the Grove of the Unicorn. On that day, they had also realized that Kenneth had somehow developed the See-er ability, and the prophecy held too many personal meanings. He felt exposed, vulnerable, and even more ridiculous for responding with such anger, but he had already drawn his wand. The damage was done.

  He lowered his wand slowly, and his body convulsed with the tension in his arms. His mind felt muddled, as though he were standing across the room, watching the scene unfold. He did not know why he had reacted so strongly to her words. To counter his outburst, he managed to sheath his wand and bring himself back to a seated position. Serha’s worried expression did not fade so fast.

  “I am sorry…” Osric searched for words. “I was just a bit unprepared for you to speak those words.” The weight of his potential mistake pressed in on him. He reined in his emotions, hoping she would continue to explain how she knew of the prophecy and what it might mean for his endeavors. Though he had recently felt relief from Gus’s support of his decisions, seeing the fearful and pained look on Serha’s face made him doubt himself all over again.

  She studied his face, and her shaken confidence showed through her poised posture. The emotions she was emitting made it clear to Osric that she was having doubts about continuing to speak with him. She feared his anger would not allow him to hear her words without devastating consequences. Osric could feel her searching for reassurance as she sat, staring deeply into his eyes. Then, as though some sudden realization had come to her, she laughed.

  Joy emanated from within, and her eyes shifted to a pure and unadulterated gaiety. She continued her merrymaking, indicating that those around her should join in. It only lasted for moments, but her shift in emotion and action brought a great deal of relief to Osric.

 

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