The High-Wizard's Hunt: Osric's Wand: Book Two Read Online Free PDF Page A

approached the edge of town. Greyback circled above the dragon platform, and they could see men unloading supplies from the backs of several dragons. One small dragon, on the far side of the platform, cried out as they approached. It looked as though she would leap into the air to greet them.
    Osric spoke quickly, “Greyback, tell the dragons that they must not acknowledge that they know who I am. If they make a scene, it could get me killed. No one must know that I released the dragons from their imprisonment until we find out who was behind it!” Instantly, they could see the dragon calm. Greyback swooped away from the platform, passing time until there was room for her to land. The city sprawled out below them and Osric took a deep steadying breath. He was relieved to be home, but things had changed since he was last there. He had changed. For a moment, he wished everything could just go back to the way it was before the attack on the Ratification Ceremony. Life was simple before he had been promoted to Contege of the Stanton Vigiles. He had been happy with his quiet life patrolling the city, never wondering if there was more to himself than his Portentist gift and his swordsmanship, and not having to think about the politics and potential repercussions of war and conspiracy.
    Greyback glided slowly through the air above the palace grounds. Osric trembled with anger at seeing the sight where all of the trouble had begun. Still, it was obvious that crews had worked day and night to clear the debris and begin rebuilding the palace. Noticing an opening, Greyback circled around and landed gracefully on the platform.
    Stepping off of Greyback’s wing and feeling the stone of the dragon platform again filled Osric with a sense of relief. Not too long ago, the thought of returning to Stanton seemed unlikely. However, he had not imagined his intended journey to speak with the irua would have ended the way it did either.
    Gordyn and Dru stood nearby on the platform as they disembarked. Why his Vigiles were guarding the dragon platform was beyond him, but those questions could wait a bit longer. Osric took a deep breath, basking in the scent of home.
    “Greyback, I want to thank you for the pleasure of your company. It has been an honor getting to know you.”
    “Oh, the pleasure was all mine,” she spoke softly and placed her head on Osric’s shoulder, leaning in for his embrace. “I will be watching you with great interest High Wi…er, Osric. If you need anything, I will be close by.” She stumbled over the intended address, remembering his desire to remain anonymous.
    “Wait here for just a moment, Greyback.” Osric motioned for Kenneth to say his goodbyes and made his way toward Gordyn on the steps of the platform. He had no idea if word had already reached Stanton of the dragons being free, so keeping up appearances was important. Both Gordyn and Dru had their attention on the city and had not noticed them land. They were clearly distracted by the progress on the palace and not bothering to take notice of all of the commotion of landing dragons around them.
    “Gordyn.” Osric was greeted with a look of bewilderment when he called out the Vigile’s name.
    “Archana be praised! What took ya so long?” Dru grinned awkwardly as Gordyn greeted Osric with a slap on the shoulder, but the young Vigile looked nervous trying to decide what action would be appropriate to greet his Contege. In the end, Dru offered a shy handshake. Osric did not hold the shyness against him; he had once been a young recruit and remembered the feeling.
    “I’m afraid it is a bit too long a tale to tell at this time, my friend.” Osric shrugged off the question as he prepared his expression for his feign. He dug through the pouch on his belt, indicating his lack of resources. “Right now, I have to pay this dragon something for the journey back, or we may all have some trouble in the morning.”
    “Let me see if I have the coins to cover