The High-Wizard's Hunt - By Ashley Delay Page 0,25
realization.
“And I am sure this is going to make sense to me sooner, rather than later.” Kenneth arched an eyebrow at the implied significance of Osric’s statement.
“Follow me.” Osric shifted eagerly as he explained. “We have the hunter’s code so that all can be hunted to nourish another creature. The code allows for Archana’s inhabitants to be fueled by our flesh; we serve a purpose in death. We were always taught that the hunt also allows future generations to gain our abilities. Our blood carries our gifts from one generation to the next.”
“Yeah, I know. I watched the same fire tellings as you when we were boys.” Kenneth was growing impatient at the prolonged explanation.
“Well, if we are to pass anything on from the hunt, then there should still be magic within us after we die!”
“So, you’re saying that everything we were taught as boys is wrong?”
“I don’t know what I am saying, but I can’t make sense of what I am seeing. I’m sure Gus would have something to say about this. I need to talk to him and see how they are doing anyway.” He sighed and went back to his rock while Kenneth finished lashing Garron to the limb.
Osric cast several different spells as he waited, watching the magic as it danced in his newly enhanced vision. Each spell brought a different vibrant color coursing through his body. It was new and exciting, and he reveled in the gift as he examined the colors of the life that surrounded him.
“You ready to go?” Kenneth stood behind him, loaded for the trip.
“Yeah,” Osric stowed the wand, “Toby is probably back in camp already.”
*
“There you are,” Toby said as Osric and Kenneth rounded the bend into camp. “I thought I was going to have to come after you. Here,” he tossed a ring to Osric, “this hunt was your idea. I think you earned that for the relaxation we were afforded.”
“Thanks.” Osric examined the ring in his hand. “I’m honored that Garron would want me to have it,” he said as he slipped the ring on his finger. “It fits perfectly.”
“What was the holdup? You get lost out there?” Toby grinned.
“No, Os here felt like examining half the world with his gifts.” Kenneth nodded.
“You know what it was like when you were young and getting to know your gift? Now imagine that tenfold. I have a lot to learn these days, and I have to take advantage of any time I can to study them.” Osric winked and vanished from sight. Toby’s eyes went wide and Kenneth shook his head, amused. Toby jumped back as his sword was drawn from its sheath and waved in midair before him. Osric reappeared, grasping Toby’s sword and handed it back to him. “I need all the practice I can get.”
“I must admit, I still don’t understand how this happened. We all get the one gift, and this lucky bastard is swimming in them.” Toby feigned a jab at Osric’s chin.
“Hey, I can’t control all of them, and the See-er gift seems to choose the most inopportune moments to rear its head. It’s not all fun and games in here.”
“The man with a room full of gold, complaining about the lack of space in his house.” Kenneth laughed.
“Funny,” Osric growled, “you try it and see if you like everyone looking to you for answers, poking and prodding you every chance they get.” The forest was thinning as they approached the last stretch back to Stanton.
“Ah, I would just poke back. And if they asked me for answers, I’d send them to you.”
“Not to interrupt, boys, but I think we have a problem.” Toby stepped in front of Osric and pulled the two men to a squat. “Look!”
Osric followed the gaze as he perched at the tree line. The streets of Stanton were filled with uniformed soldiers with the familiar mark of the Wizardly Union’s golden wand standard emblazoned on their breastplates. Threads of brightly colored embroidery, representing strands of magic, were woven through the heavy hooded, black cloaks of each man, recognizable even in the distance. The men appeared to be merely loitering in the streets, but their presence was unsettling.
“By my buried bones,” Kenneth exclaimed quietly. “Why are the Kallegian here in such a large number?”
“I’m not sure, but I don’t think we should be walking into the town without some idea of what they are doing here.” Osric looked to Toby for confirmation of his thought.