The High-Wizard's Hunt - By Ashley Delay Page 0,112

still. He wasn’t sure if he even drew a breath. Very gradually, Osric was able to bring the flowing river of strands to the surface of Archana.

Then shift the sight and weave the flow of time…

Osric guided the flow of the strands of time to the first pillar. He carefully wove the strands through the existing Elemental magic of the stone, and around the strands of the invisibility spell, then along the barrier created by it to the next pillar. When he had successfully woven time into the entire circumference of the spell’s effect, he channeled the flow of the strands to the top of the barracks and back down into Archana’s core. The river of time had never been interrupted.

Osric had not stopped time, but he had managed to trap it.

Gus’ ears were twitching uncontrollably, but Osric was not yet done. He stepped carefully to the first pillar, rested his hand on the stone, and deactivated the invisibility spell. Each pillar in turn was brought back into the visible spectrum, and finally, he approached the barracks. When he was finished, the space looked just as it had when he had begun. Except, Fallon was nowhere to be seen.

“Here goes nothing,” Osric took a deep breath, “Fallon, may we enter?”

“Please, be my guest.” One at a time, each member of the group was invited inside and Fallon was once again standing among them. “You did it, Osric. You recreated the spell.”

Osric smiled and nodded, as shocked as she was that it actually worked. Fatigue was evident on his features as he walked away from the structure to take in the entire scene. Kenneth caught up to him at the pillar line with a look of sheer joy on his face.

“I have to say, watching you do all of this is the only thing I have ever seen take the words right out of Gus’ mouth.” He shoved Osric playfully. “But his ears are twitching madly!”

“Good, even I am impressed by this one. I have no idea how I could have learned it. It just came to me.” He looked up at the closest pillar, amazed at how his life had turned out. “How is Bridgett holding up?”

“She has been as silent as Gus, but the smile on her face is as genuine as the sadness. I am glad you two finally made peace with your passion.” There was no hint of frivolity in his words. Kenneth spoke with honest thankfulness and pride as they both looked at the tall stone standing as a symbol of something new and exciting. “Do you think it will last?” He nodded in the direction of Bridgett sitting in the grass behind the two of them. Osric could tell by the tone of his voice that Kenneth was not referring to the spells he had cast to create a permanent safe haven.

“My father once told me something I have always held to.” Osric put his hand on the pillar, gazing up at the duplicate of the spell around the Grove of the Unicorn. “Both parties in a relationship should feel lucky to be together, but the ones who last have no idea how lucky the other half is.” He looked back at his friend. “She has no idea how lucky I am to have her in my life. So yes, Archana willing, it will last.”

*

Bridgett walked through the market square, smiling and waving at friendly faces as she stopped to select fruit from one of the stalls. Her thoughts drifted to Osric and the recent accomplishments he had made. She felt that something had been missing for her entire life, and now she was complete. Being close to him was like taking a breath of sweet, spring air after a lifetime of barely breathing. He was her shelter, her oasis, her beacon of light in a world of darkness.

She had a hard time believing that she could come to think of another place as home, but she realized that she had indeed started to think of these people as her own. The residents of Stanton returned her salutations with cheerful smiles, and many already knew her by name. Merchants were once again busy carting their wares through the streets. The pleasant nature of every family, each creature, and the variety of visitors lived on, in spite of the danger they had recently been forced to endure. Their faces displayed pride and an expression of triumph as they went about their day. Bridgett saw a young