The Wand-Maker's Debate: Osric's Wand: Book One Read Online Free PDF

making you a wand today! You have gotten quite enough out of me already, haven't you?”
    The man backed up, nodding his head in agreement. “Yes, Sir!”
    “Now, be off with you.” The man began to walk northeast. “You might be able to curry some favor by ridding me of another mouth to feed, mighty hunter!” He called, with a snort of bitterness as he resumed his walk south toward Lady Carrion and her wonderful food.
    He hoped that he would catch her making dinner for herself, although she would gladly make him dinner if he asked, it did not feel the same as showing up just as she pulled a minced meat pie out of the oven. She was a talented cook, and he knew she loved to be appreciated for it, so they both benefited from the arrangement. Besides, the minced meat pie was well worth the gas it gave him. After the incident with the pathetic hunter, he could use a warm, home cooked meal. It was shortly after eight, by his reckoning, and that was about the right time. His evening might still have a high point left.
    Time passed quickly as he complained to himself while walking toward her home. As he approached, he could smell fresh baked bread and beef stew, and could see the smoke coming from the brick chimney as he made his way to the cobblestone path that led to her door. His mouth watered in anticipation of the meal.
    A bright flash in the western sky, in the direction of Stanton, stopped his progress. That's odd, he thought. He did not see any clouds, perhaps they are setting off some more fireworks. As he approached the steps, he felt a strong gust of wind that set in the chill from an already cold day. He could not wait to step inside and feel the warmth of the fire, and eat some of the delicious food he could smell. At last, he came to the door and pulled on the rope she had dropped down for when he visited, and he heard a bell chime within the house.
    “Come in, Gus.” Announced a delighted voice from inside. Gus walked in through the small door she had hinged especially for him. “You are just in time; I was pouring a bowl of stew. Would you like some?” She asked knowingly, as she ladled soup into a second bowl. Her light blue dress and white apron swirled around her ankles as she gathered dishes and bread to accompany the stew. Her long brown hair was tied back in a tail to keep it out of her way while cooking.
    Not wanting to give his intentions away, and acting his role in their mutual arrangement, Gus spoke with an affectionate flare.
    “Why, Miss Carrion, I was just in this area and wanted to see if I might borrow your sink to wash my sticks before I brought them home.” He swept one paw out before him and bent his small body in an exaggerated bow as she turned toward him. “However, I would be a fool to turn down such a delightful smelling meal from a beautiful lady such as yourself!”
    “Oh, Gus, you are such a flatterer.” She said with a genuine smile, as she moved to make sure her spatula wand could be seen in her belt. “My days of being a Miss are long since over, as you well know,” shaking her finger playfully at him, “but I am delighted to have your company, as always.” She turned back to cut bread for them both. Gus set his satchel of sticks on the ground in front of her sink and climbed up to the table while she finished preparing their meal.
    He heard a commotion outside, and stood erect on his hind legs to allow him to see past Lady Carrion out the window. There were several men running through the meadow. One man stopped, catching his breath, and spoke to her nearest neighbor. His arms waving wildly, and pointing in the direction of Stanton, he appeared to be in a panic. Lady Carrion cast a confused look at Gus as they watched a second man run up to her house and knock frantically at the door.
    “Come in.” She said timidly, not knowing what to expect. Gus remained standing to better see him as he entered.
    The man opened the door only enough to stick his head in, and