The High-Wizard's Hunt: Osric's Wand: Book Two (34 page)

BOOK: The High-Wizard's Hunt: Osric's Wand: Book Two

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The High-Wizard’s heart will break or blight, casting success onto dark or light. When knowledge shared of knowledge gained is won, cast not the common eye upon the stone. First lay the stones from under ground to sky, then shift the sight and weave the flow of time. Build the order, Aranthians arise.

Bridgett sat back in her chair, stunned. She was acutely aware that she had not just heard a swindler’s ply for coin. That was a genuine prophecy, and the implications made her tremble in fear.
The High-Wizard’s heart will break or blight, casting success onto dark or light.
The water had shown her the possibilities. When Osric embraced her, the fire raged unchecked and everyone they knew fell around them to the flames. Eventually, they were engulfed in the fire and consumed. Images of her and Osric separated by a great rift with anguished expressions shot terror into her heart. Yet, as Bridgett stood on the brink of the chasm with no access to his loving arms, Osric vanquished the flames and conquered their source.

“Are you telling me that if I do not break Osric’s heart, then I will be the reason for his failure?”

“I do not normally interpret prophecy sweetling, but I think it is far worse than that.”

“So what does it mean?” The woman touched her finger to the surface of the water and Osric’s image disappeared in the resulting ripples.

“As far as I can tell, you hold the key to his heart. His heart must either be broken, or it will decay. Not only will darkness reign, but Osric’s life would cease. You must either refuse to love him, or resign to killing him.” Tears streamed down Bridgett’s face at the woman’s words.

Devastated, she rose to her feet and stumbled from the shop. Her basket of fruit tumbled to the road, forgotten in her blind sorrow. Somehow, Bridgett made it back to the barracks. She could not stop the constant stream of tears flowing from her eyes, and she groped for the wall to guide her steps toward her chambers. Her hand felt heavy and leaden as she reached for the handle to her room. Once inside, she collapsed on the bed and sobbed into her pillow. Her body was wracked with anguish, but as her mind began to go numb from shock, at last she was able to still her tears.

She stood and moved quickly to the large armoire. Within moments, her belongings were packed and she was convinced of her only option. She paced the room silently for a while, the prophecy echoing in her head as she walked. Then suddenly, she stopped and stood perfectly still for the span of many deep breaths. Calmly, realization settled over her, and she slung her pack over her shoulder. It was her only choice. Someday she hoped Osric would forgive her.

“Eo ire itum.”

DEDICATIONS

Molly, never let anyone tell you what you can’t do. You are an amazing girl, and you can do anything you set your mind to. Remember that, Jelly Bean!

~ Jack

For what would life be without love? Thank you, my loves, for believing in me.

~Ashley

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Edited by Kris Kendall of
www.final-edits.com

Cover designed by Rodrigo Adolfo at
www.radolfo.co.nr

Many thanks to the family, friends and strangers who contributed their time and talents to help us along the way. We want to extend a special thank you to all of our beta readers. A special thanks goes out to all of our fans who have helped to make our first book so successful. We could not have done it without you!

THE AUTHORS

Jack D. Albrecht Jr. resides in Colorado. He is a devoted father and a full time student. His new found passion for writing consumes most of his time, but once in a while he can still be found under the hood of a car or studying for his Pharmaceutical degree.

Jack has been an avid reader for most of his life, with Sci-Fi and fantasy being his favorite genres.

Ashley Delay lives in Colorado, but she dreams of warmer winters. She divides her time between family, friends, reading, writing, teaching, and studying.

Osric’s Wand: The Wand-Maker’s Debate (A Kindle #1 Best Seller) was the first published novel for both Ashley Delay and Jack D. Albrecht Jr.

Osric’s Story will continue, but in the mean time try reading these other great fantasy books…

7 Folds of Winter
… A YA Epic Fantasy For All Ages!

Let’s see why…

“A bold new voice just burst onto the Young Adult Fantasy scene. With such strong characters and intricate world building, Carolyn McCray has just raised the bar for YA fiction.
7 Folds of Winter
?
In one word? FANTASTIC!”

~ ParaYourNormal – Book Reviewer “I normally don’t read fantasy books, but when I read
7 Folds of Winter
, I couldn’t help but get attached to the characters and their struggles. The author did an amazing job of expressing each individual character’s voice and role in the story. I know teens that have a taste for action, adventure, and romance all in one will love to read this book!”

~ LilSkittles12 – Teen Reviewer

“
7 Folds of Winter
is a unique mix of characters thrown in together by the Fates to travel across this amazing white icy world to save it and each other, but will it be enough?
7 Folds of Winter
is a roller coaster in a snowstorm. Exciting! Chilling! Exhilarating!”

~ The Pirate’s Bounty – Reviewer Extraordinaire “Traven is alone, hounded by those he is trying to save and relying on the old stories his Granny taught him to stay alive… All is not what it seems though, and perhaps the old tales don’t hold true as they once did. With this riveting story, Carolyn McCray is a powerful new voice in YA fantasy and you’ll never look at the seasons the same way again.

Emma Gilbert

This Writer Bites Back – Book Reviewer
To purchase or sample
7 Folds of Winter
simply click here!

Contact Information

www.osricswand.com

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On twitter
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