The High-Wizard's Hunt - By Ashley Delay Page 0,16
a large, elaborate sign.
Osric laughed at the grand gesture. James was right, and if the faces of those receiving the free food weren’t exactly smiling, it certainly did appear to help their state of mind. The incremental increase in their mood did wonders for James’ attitude, and Osric knew the man well enough to know that it wasn’t for his own pride that he reveled in it. Osric was proud that he had men like James on his side, and he only hoped it would be enough in the trials to come.
“Carry on.” Osric slapped them on the back and made his way through the paths that surrounded the rubble. He walked quickly to the tent that Dredek was using while commanding the Vigiles, and he noticed no guards present outside the door. He expected to see candle light, or at least the light from a wand illuminating the pale fabric of the crudely built enclosure, but the barren appearance left him feeling a bit unnerved. He moved inside cautiously and found the room empty except for the large table in the center. It didn’t look like they had left a long time before, as smoke trailed lazily from a candle in the corner.
The tent had an odd feel to it. Osric checked within himself, but none of his gifts were activating. Something just felt wrong, so he scanned the contents of the room. A bowl sat turned on its side in the back, and it caught his attention. He made his way slowly around the enormous table, not sure what to expect. On the floor, in the shadows, lay the body of a slender man, his spectacles lying askew across his pinched face. Osric knelt down and felt for a pulse, but he knew it was unnecessary.
Osric didn’t know the man, but he knew that the pale cast of his skin was not normal. The body appeared odd as it lay on the floor. He had seen dead bodies before that appeared to be asleep. This was different. The wide open eyes and horror filled expression of the man seemed void, as if there had never been life behind those eyes. Gazing at the eerie corpse filled Osric with an uneasy feeling. He grabbed his wand and held it out before him, focusing his power on the thought of contacting his men. A shimmering white light ignited above his wand, displaying the image of Toby and Kenneth walking toward the training grounds.
“Toby, Kenneth, I need to see you in the Konsult’s tent, now. Bring Gordyn.”
In a short span of time, Toby and Kenneth joined Osric in the tent. Osric had busied himself lighting the lanterns and candles while he waited, and the low light made the ashen appearance of the dead man’s skin look even more disturbing. Toby stared down at the body, unable to avert his gaze. Gordyn had not yet joined them, and Osric was growing impatient. Toby shook his head and turned to stare out the small window of the tent.
Osric’s mouth turned down at the obvious concern on his Profice’s face. It wasn’t as though Toby seemed to know the man well, but he was certainly very disturbed at the man’s death. Obviously, Osric felt bad that the man had died, but he wasn’t sure why Toby seemed so distraught.
“Toby, why exactly are you so upset? I hate to see a man lose his life, too, but something else seems to be bothering you.”
“This man’s death is going to be the beginning of a fire storm, Osric. He is one of the Wizardly Union officials I told you about.”
“Aren’t they responsible for matters of magic?” Osric prodded Toby to explain himself, and his dark eyed expression suggested fear.
“Oh, yeah. That and making sure the public is aware of new discoveries that would make their lives easier.” Toby pulled a chair out to support his leg and leaned in. “If you think that means they have no power, think again. They use their knowledge to gain power by demanding things before they give up the knowledge.” He let out a small chuckle. “Don’t think they give up the good stuff either.”
“Sir,” Gordyn stepped in the room, “sorry. I had a hard time getting away from the crowd.” He noticed the body on the floor and took in a sharp breath.
“Gordyn,” Osric drew his attention, “when did you last see the Konsult?”
“He took off on a dragon just before I got your orders to help the poor