The High-Wizard's Hunt - By Ashley Delay Page 0,84

down his cheek.

Chapter 18

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Preparations

Osric paced the length of the small room. He held his wand in his right hand and Legati in his left as he turned to face the door at every sound. Osric looked at the chair in the room and fought the urge to sit down while he waited for Bridgett. Footsteps were approaching in the narrow hall of the Vigile headquarters. Osric stepped close to the wall near the door so he could defend himself if indeed it turned out to be unwelcome guests.

“Osric, we brought Machai back with us. He wants to see you, and he has some news.” Bridgett’s voice echoed down the corridor. A smile found its way onto Osric’s face at the sound of her voice and the rough grumblings of Machai. He could make out the footfall of several others as they grew close.

“The stone that be forming these walls should have been being cut against the lines. It would be creating more color. This dull, grey hue be drawing all the joy from me heart.” Heavy, rapid steps gave Osric an idea of Machai’s mood, as if his complaining wasn’t indication enough.

“I have never been in this building, but I agree.” The voice of a strange woman reached his ears.

“I don’t know, they built this place for function, not for beauty.” Yet another unfamiliar voice of a man pierced the air.

Sheathing his sword and raising his wand, Osric stepped through the door. “What are you doing bringing others here?” Osric’s whisper carried as much authority as he could force when addressing Bridgett.

“These two need to speak with you as well.” Bridgett arched an eyebrow and smiled. “This is Margaret. She has been helping get clothing and blankets to the citizens who lost family members in the palace,” she indicated the petite, black haired woman following her, “and this is Tobias. He runs one of the many hunting parties that have been providing them with food.”

Osric motioned for Bridgett to follow him into the room to discuss the new arrivals. She complied, and Osric shut the door behind them. Fighting back the urge to attempt another kiss, he forced her to the wall.

“Why would you bring others here? I don’t need vendors’ and hunters’ deaths on my hands!” Osric forced the words out through grinding teeth.

Bridgett pushed back and Osric found himself bracing to avoid a fall against the desk in the room.

“If you would only listen to them, you would find out that they have a great deal to offer. Besides, they came to us, we did not go to them!” She backed him up even further as she tapped his chest with a finger. “There are a great deal of your people who want to fight. You need to start trusting those who surround you. I have been using my Empath gift my entire life, and I know how to tell if someone is genuine in their intentions.”

“Trust is not the issue.” He sought to express his frustration while suppressing his desire to embrace her. “They could die if they are found out, and it is my responsibility to protect them.”

“I have news for you.” Bridgett laid her open hand firmly against his chest. “They have been protecting the people too, but they have been doing it with food and blankets. A sword is not the only weapon that can kill. If the Kallegian have their way, Stanton may become a ghost town from starvation and the harsh winter. These people have been seeing to it that we all survive.”

“And all of their efforts will end in bloodshed should the Kallegian put a sword through their gut for not turning me in!”

“And their lives may end due to an empty gut if they do nothing.” Lowering her hand to take his, Bridgett looked into his eyes. “Osric, this is a pointless argument. These people are the ones who informed the Vigiles to go into hiding when the Kallegian started rounding them up. They sought us out because they are tired of being herded around like animals, and you inspired that in them. They will fight whether you let them or not. People are going to die, but if you lead them, a lot fewer will end up in a grave.” Sympathy adorned her face and she stepped even closer to him.

“I don’t know how to lead them,” Osric said painfully.

“Osric, you have everything you need within you to be the greatest leader this world has ever seen. Use the