The Wand-Maker's Debate: Osric's Wand: Book One

by Jack D. Albrecht Jr.

  “Toby, I have been waiting to hear back from you. Did you uncover the rest of the palace yet?” Osric was smiling with excitement as he spoke.

  “We are making slow progress. Osric, where are you? And why are you grinning like a little boy at harvest festival?”

  “Well,” Osric grinned sheepishly at his surroundings, “it is a bit complicated, are you alone?”

  Toby checked the corridor outside the small office, and closed the door. “Yes, what is going on?”

  “We have discovered some interesting magical artifacts. One of them is a book, which has all sorts of spoken spells in it, and I used one of them to come up here.”

  “Spoken spells? Osric, I don't know what you are up to, but the Turgent's Konsult arrived today and wants you back here immediately.”

  “I am in the middle of an investigation; there is no way we are coming back yet!”

  “Supposedly, they have the culprit in custody, but there are some very suspicious things going on here.” Toby wasn't even sure where to start in his explanation. “I found a journal written by Contege Thamas. It contained his suspicions that there is a corrupt Konsult transferring untrained Vigile recruits to Braya. I think I may have met him today.”

  “Contege Thamas? Braya? Wait, how could they have a suspect in custody already?” Osric's face twisted at the words.

  “I thought that seemed impossible as well. Konsult Dredek must have left Rowain at least five days ago. That means that the Turgent's men had only ten days to hear of the attack and apprehend a suspect. They hadn't even seen the palace yet. As far as I can tell, the only information they had was coming from those incompetent twits the Wizardly Union sent up here to help. But the Konsult is cryptically insisting that your investigation is no longer necessary.”

  “Not necessary? Is he mad!? All of the suspects left Stanton after the collapse, and we still need to stop a war!”

  “Actually, I think it may be worse than madness. The journal I found had a chronological log of dozens of recruits being transferred out of Stanton secretly over the years. The records are concealed somewhere, if they even exist. The transfer orders came from one of the Turgent's advisers. There could be a conspiracy in our own realm! That scares me more than the threat of a few weasels and irua trying to start a war. How close are you to the irua realm?”

  “We were only a week out when our dragon was injured by an eagle attack. We are not even halfway yet, unfortunately. Are you sure the journal said Braya?” Osric appeared to be on to something.

  “Yes, it said Braya. It didn't specifically say the Braya Volcano, but what else could it mean? Why?”

  “It may surprise you to find out, but dragons do not act as our transportation for their own enjoyment; they are enslaved by us. Their oldest and most loved are in cages at that volcano. We only just learned this ourselves, a few days ago.”

  Toby was stunned. How could that be true and no one know about it? “Osric, who told you this? Are you sure they were telling you the truth?”

  “It is difficult to explain how I know the truth of the matter, but I assure you, it is true.” Pain covered Osric's face and his voice trailed off.

  “I believe you.” Toby was confused by the apparent changes in the young Contege, but the blatant emotion in his eyes was enough to convince him that he had proof of the dragons' captivity. “If the leaders of our realm are transferring young, impressionable recruits to the volcano, chances are they are well aware of the enslavement. They must have the recruits working there, and they don't want anyone to know their destination, because no one knows there is work to do at Braya. No wonder they have kept the transfers secret.”

  Osric's mood seemed to brighten. “There may be a way to discover what they are doing, and at least delay a war until we can figure out how to stop it, but we won't be flying back to Stanton. Where are you right now, this very moment?”

  “Sitting in your temporary office in the barracks, the records room.”

  Suddenly, the image of Osric in the light of his wand vanished, but the mountain scenery never wavered. Toby squeezed his eyes closed, thinking the stress of the past days was taking its toll on him. He opened his eyes, expecting to see that he had imagined it, and instead found himself sitting across the desk from the Contege. For the second time that day, he stood up so quickly that his chair went flying backward.

  “Archana's Bones! Where did you come from?”

  “Half a realm away, my friend.” Osric laughed at the look of dismay on the Profice's face.

  “Maybe how would be a better question!”

  “That book of spoken spells I mentioned; this was one of them. I am thinking of calling it the ‘Toby leap' after seeing how fast you can move.” He grinned mischievously.

  Toby righted his chair and sat back down slowly, never taking his eyes off of Osric. Suddenly, he laughed loudly and reached over and slapped Osric on the shoulder. “Can you teach me?”

  “Of course, but if I were you, I would not let anyone see you do it.” Osric winked slyly. “Until we have this mess sorted out, I do not want to give away our advantages.”

  “I agree. I will take any advantage I can get. That damned Konsult used me to select two more recruits. He says they will be returning to Rowain with him as soon as you arrive. I will tell him you need three days for your dragon to heal, and another seven to make the journey back. I don't think I can stall him longer than that. That gives you ten days. You need to travel to the Braya Volcano and find out what is really going on.” Toby leaned across the desk and looked intently at his Contege. “So, what's the plan?”

  14 – A New Direction

  “Look, it's right here in the book! We don't have to wait for Greyback to heal to keep traveling.” Osric pointed at the page in excitement.

  “I have to admit that you have been correct about things up to this point, but how many times do we have to tell you, boy, we can't see anything on the blasted page!” Gus eyed Osric with annoyance, yet there was a hint of respect that had not been present the day before.

  “I've been reading the whole night. This is only the beginning of what we could do!” Osric paced with anxious energy as he spoke. “We do not have to be a part of the enslavement of the dragons anymore. All of Archana can travel as they please!”

  “Although I am impressed with your level of enthusiasm, we still need proof that there are actual words in the book. Waking me first thing in the morning, before I eat, and pestering me is not a good start!” Gus' respect was wearing thin, and he glared at Osric.

  “Eo ire itum!” Osric grinned with pride as he spoke, and disappeared.

  “Blasted boy!” Gus rolled out of the small blanket he was sleeping in, walked through the opening of their chamber in the cave, and yelled, “Can we please get some food in here! A hot drink to wake me up would be great as well!” Then he returned to their chamber, muttering curses under his breath. Pebble giggled and jumped with excitement at Osric's disappearance.

  “Where did he go?” Kenneth sprang to his feet, looking around in confusion. He sighed in relief when Osric reappeared in the same place he had been before he vanished. Osric held up a bunch of lavender colored flowers in his hand with a smile.

  “Where did you get those? Everything is covered with snow.” Bridgett walked toward Osric and lifted the flowers to her nose. She inhaled deeply, their scent reminding her of the serenity and beauty of a sunny morning in a meadow of wildflowers with the unicorns.

  “I went back to Stanton. They grow all over there this time of year.”

  “Stanton!?” Disbelief shown on Kenneth's face as he checked Osric for signs of wounds. “Try something closer the first time, Os! How would anyone be able to help if you appeared over the damned ocean!”

  “It's not like that.” Osric protested, after witnessing the look on their faces.

  Bridgett reached out and touched Osric's arm in concern, “Kenneth is right, how do you know it is safe?”

  “These are areas of ma
gic that are yet unexplored.” Gus' concerned tone contained no anger. “You must show more wisdom in your choices, boy, who knows what could have happened. You must master these spells before you attempt such large actions with them.”

  “I know, I was up all night practicing this spell.” Osric was trying his best to appeal to them. He had been careful, and wanted them to see it. “Look,” he took a deep breath and bowed his head in surrender, “I kept trying it, throughout the night, and traveling larger distances with each attempt. What is written in the book is a great start, but I can show you how to do it faster than if you could read it!”

  “Boy, were you born an idiot or did you have to practice?” Gus stopped rubbing his temples and concentrated his gaze on Osric.

  “What?” Osric didn't understand Gus' reaction, and coupled with the looks he was receiving from Kenneth and Bridgett, they were making him feel rather nervous. He had just spent the night exploring a new magic that nobody knew, and the rush that he experienced from it was astounding. Gus and the others acted as though he had been jumping off of mountains.

  “Did you listen to the story Ero told us, or did you sleep through it?” Gus stood on his hind legs, his paws planted on his hips as he lectured Osric.

  What does the story have to do with this argument? Osric shook his head. “Of course I heard it. What are you trying to say?”

  “After the eagles witnessed that spell, Argan died that night! Are you sure you are alright?” Gus exclaimed.

  “I am telling you, it is safe. You just have to picture where you want to go in your mind. It is easier if you have been there before, but the book says you can go to any location you can see. There was another reason for his death, I know it!” He could remember what he had seen as Ero told the story. Argan had looked sick when he returned, so Osric was sure he would have been sick already if it were due to the spell.

  “There is a cost to magic, boy! It drains energy from you. Do you honestly think you could work all day, and dig a hole all night, without any ill effects? No, you can't, and you know it.” Gus had lost his patience. He motioned to Kenneth to sit him down. “Check him over well, and if he is alright, I am going to examine him with my gift to see why he's not dead.”

  Bridgett placed her hand on Osric's shoulder, encouraging him to sit down. “We have no way of knowing why Argan became ill, but you are risking your life and your mission by practicing magic you do not understand.” She looked him over carefully, checked his pulse, and pulled a few vials of herbs from her belt.

  “I don't understand why you are making such a big deal out of this, anyway. If none of you believe me, then Gus should examine me now.” Osric tried to sit still while Bridgett lifted his eyelids and examined his pupils.

  “Don't you worry, boy, I am going to examine you whether you like it or not; just as soon as she makes sure you are going to survive. You can spare us the naked routine this time as well, that didn't impress anyone.” Gus assured him.

  Osric took Bridgett by the shoulders and gently moved her aside to address Gus. “It is my life on the line, so I can guarantee that I will be careful. I have no desire to die. She can tell you now that I am fine. Let's get this over with so I can teach you what I have learned.”

  Gus glared at him as Osric knelt down with a self-assured look on his face. Gus glanced up at Bridgett, and she shrugged her shoulders. “As far as I can tell, there is nothing wrong with him.” She sat and began pulling stoppers from the vials of herbs.

  “You are too sure of yourself, boy! That will be your undoing if you are not careful.” Gus said as he began his examination.

  Osric sat still, patiently waiting to hear what Gus found. It did not take long for Gus to locate what he had missed the first time.

  “Incredible!” Gus pointed at Osric's back. “How did I miss those?”

  “I told you I was fine.” Osric said with a grin.

  “What is it?” Bridgett asked.

  “These little black orbs, here and here,” indicating two points between Osric's shoulder blades, “they are the dragons' gift of Endurism.” Gus stood wide eyed, shaking his head.

  “What is Endurism?” Kenneth gazed at Osric with admiration.

  Gus explained, while staring at Osric. “A dragon flies by the use of magic. They are too heavy for their wings to carry them far without it, especially with passengers. This gift allows them great endurance with the use of magic. They would die without it, even after only a day of flight. Their gift directs the drain on the body away, and casts it back to Archana.”

  “So, are you saying he can use magic with no physical effects of any kind?” Kenneth grinned widely at Osric.

  “No, even a dragon must rest after a day of flying, but I think he could use magic continuously for several days before he felt the drain on his body. He would still feel the natural drain of energy that humans feel, though, and there may be other affects that we haven't identified yet. With the amount of power you are able to use, Osric, there may be an even greater cost. You must still be careful!”

  “I understand. So, can I show you how to use this spell now?” Osric stood excitedly.

  Gus sat for moments considering all of the information. “You were up all night, you must be exhausted?”

  “Don't worry about me, I can get through another day on adrenaline alone.” As Osric tried to assure Gus, an eagle entered the chamber with a tray of steaming mugs and fruit hovering in front of him.

  “Perfect timing,” Bridgett smiled and removed one of the mugs from the tray as it floated past her, “Osric, these herbs will prevent fatigue from setting in, and give you the energy you need to fight off any illness that you may have contracted, even if you are not yet showing symptoms.” She sprinkled them into the mug and passed it to him.

  Osric downed the contents as fast as he could, scalding his tongue with the hot liquid. The herbs had a slightly bitter flavor, and he reached for a piece of fruit to rid his mouth of the taste. Once he had finished eating, he looked at Gus questioningly.

  “Alright,” Gus submitted, “but once this lesson is over you will rest!” He yelled, as Osric led them outside. Pebble was enjoying the fruit from the tray, and remained inside the cave chasing the small worm-like creatures that crawled along the edge of the cave floor, consuming moss from the rocks. The light reflecting abilities of the moss caused the worms to glow in the dark, and Pebble loved following their luminescent forms.

  Osric stood on the snowy ledge and pointed at the closest mountain's peak. “If I can see it, then I can go there. See that tree, with the big rock formation next to it? All I have to do is picture myself standing on it.” He uttered the words, “Eo ire itum,” and vanished.

  They could see Osric standing on the distant rocks. He was waving at them, and then turned away for a few moments, before disappearing.

  * * *

  Bridgett sat comforting Pebble as they watched Gus pace outside the entrance of their quarters. Kenneth was across the fire from them, sharpening his weapons, with a scowl on his face. They could hear Gus grumbling to himself, when he suddenly stopped pacing.

  “Where have you been?!” Gus growled, as Osric appeared on the ledge outside the cave.

  “We need to get ready to leave,” Osric spoke excitedly, striding past Gus into the inner chamber.

  Kenneth set his knife aside, rose up and took deliberate steps toward Osric. He stared at him for a moment in silence, and then swung his fist, connecting squarely with Osric's jaw.

  “How dare you leave without telling us where you were going!” Kenneth shouted, while the others stared in surprise. “We looked for you for an hour!” He glared down at Osric as he was lying on the ground, recovering from the blow.

  Gus recovered his composure rather quickly and joined Kenneth in the attack. “We used that spell of yours to take us up and down this mountain, rather successfully without your instruction, I might add. All in an attempt to find you!” He sighed with disgust before he continued. “Look at Peb
ble, do you understand what these antics can do to people who care for you?”

  Osric massaged his chin as he tried to recover his senses. “I guess I should have said something, but there was no time for that.” He glared back at Kenneth. “Why didn't you let me speak first?” Osric looked over at Bridgett with pleading eyes, hoping he had her support, at least.

  Bridgett's cheeks flushed in anger. “How could you be so selfish, Osric?” She rose gracefully to her feet as Pebble climbed out of her lap. “I realize you are excited about the new magic, and you want to explore its possibilities, but that is no excuse for being irresponsible. It was bad enough that you tested the spell without considering the consequences, but how dare you leave us here to think the worst!” She stood over him with flashing eyes, and he refrained from standing for fear she may repeat Kenneth's assault.

  Pebble scampered toward Osric, and timidly poked at his arm. “I's was afraid you's dieded!” Then he buried his face in Osric's arm.

  Osric ran his hands over Pebble's fur. He looked up at Bridgett's angry expression in disbelief. He had been sure that she would understand that he had not meant to concern them. “I am sorry that I caused you to worry, I know I left in a hurry, but you are all overreacting.” He muttered, while rubbing his sore jaw. “You need to understand that I am not here only to travel to the irua. We are trying to stop a war! My obligations are not just to this group, I am performing my duty as Contege of Stanton. The responsibilities of my position took me away for a time, that is all.”