Nicholas Raven and the Wizards' Web (The Complete Epic Fantasy)

by Thomas J. Prestopnik

  Nicholas shrugged. “I’m not sure. I’m just a bookkeeper in a gristmill, after all, and work part time on Maynard Kurtz’s farm. For what possible reason would anyone want me out of their way? I have no power or influence in the village.”

  “Apparently someone thinks you do,” Leo said.

  “You know Maynard Kurtz?” King Justin asked. “Len Harold mentioned that man’s name to me during our discussions. It seems he was appointed as acting mayor in Otto’s absence.”

  “Is that right?” Nicholas asked. “Maynard’s a good man, and the village did a wise thing to select him. I live in a small cottage on his farm. He defended me to Constable Brindle after I was accused of the robbery. He’s been like a father to me for much of my life.”

  “Pardon me for interrupting,” Nedry said, an elevated sense of urgency in his voice, “but all this talk of local politics and whatnot in Kanesbury, while interesting to a point, doesn’t address the matter of the melted key lying upon this table or the fact that one of Vellan’s Enâri creatures is camping on the grounds outside the Blue Citadel.”

  “Fear not, Nedry. I’ll have several guards keep an eye on Jagga from a distance as a precaution,” the King said. “But from what Carmella has told us, I’m willing to give him a bit of leeway and not toss him in a prison cell. If he was a danger and up to no good, why would he give Carmella the key in the first place? I think Jagga genuinely desires his freedom from all superiors.”

  “I agree. Yet possessing the key affords us an opportunity,” Tolapari said. “If it could be reforged and used to open the Spirit Box, thus destroying the Enâri race, think of the grievous blow such an act would deliver to Vellan. Kargoth would forever be cleansed of the Enâri’s insidious presence.”

  “As would Montavia,” Prince Brendan said. “And if this act was accomplished right before any attempt to retake Red Lodge, it would greatly enhance our efforts since all of Caldurian’s Enâri troops are stationed in and around my grandfather’s residence.”

  “Then why not take the medallion to one of the smithies in the Citadel and refashion it into a key as soon as possible?” Leo asked. “I shouldn’t think that that would be much of a challenge.”

  “No indeed,” Tolapari said, glancing at the King with a trace of doubt in his troubled eyes. “It would be quite easy to have the piece of metal reforged into a key that would fit the Spirit Box. Having it open the box is another matter entirely. I’m afraid the task won’t be so easy.”

  “By the look on your face, I suspected not,” King Justin remarked despondently. “Where is the flaw in Leo’s suggestion?”

  “Reshaping the key is easy. Reshaping the magic spell within it is a whole other matter.” Tolapari picked up the medallion again, the tips of his fingers and the marrow in his bones attuned to the magic pulsing within. “As I said earlier, its magic has been altered, or possibly lessened, by the intense heat of the forging process. I sense that the original spell cast by Frist is not whole. Only the wizard himself could reconstitute it to its original potency and purpose.”

  “Still, it is possible, isn’t it?” King Justin asked.

  “Yes, very much so,” he said, gazing at the medallion before setting it down on the table. “But first you must find him.”

  “Find him? Where exactly is this wizard?” Carmella asked, contemplating the fate of her gift from Jagga.

  “He is spending his final years alone, as do many of the true wizards from the Valley. I guided him to a place of his choosing some time ago,” Tolapari said, “a request I was deeply honored to fulfill as one of his earliest apprentices.”

  “Where is this place?” Megan asked.

  “Oh, a guide would never reveal such a piece of information unless under the most dire circumstances,” he replied. “And though this situation qualifies, I will only divulge Frist’s location in secret and only to those few who absolutely need to know.”

  “Fair enough,” King Justin said. “But you still deem this a viable option?”

  “Very much so, assuming that Frist yet lives. The damage we could do to Vellan would greatly improve our chances for victory over Kargoth if we confront him in the future. And as Prince Brendan said, it would give us the upper hand in Montavia, too. So the time we have to take advantage of this opportunity is slim since we cannot put off sending assistance to King Rowan for too long.” Tolapari glanced at the nine individuals hanging on his every word. “Because of these intricacies, I recommend that word of this development not be allowed outside this group. We should swear ourselves to secrecy until after the key is reforged and used to open the Spirit Box.”

  King Justin noted the wisdom of Tolapari’s suggestion. He urged everyone to extend a hand forward and touch an edge of the medallion, swearing them all, including himself, to keep the details of their plan a secret unless success should one day shine upon them. After everyone in unison pledged their solemn agreement, they each sat back in silence for several moments, staring at the medallion and wondering what good or ill would come of Jagga’s gift. Finally, King Justin’s voice broke the hypotonic silence of the room punctuated only by the crackling flames from both fireplaces.

  “I thank you all for taking such an oath. But in doing so, we have backed ourselves into a corner,” he said, briefly tossing to both Nicholas and Leo a commanding and beseeching glance. “Though Tolapari hasn’t yet revealed where the wizard Frist is living out his last days, the medallion must still be delivered to him. And soon, if it is to do us any good, perhaps saving countless lives among the free people of Laparia should we succeed. But we have yet to appoint any individuals to accept this secret mission.”

  “I would be the first to volunteer,” Tolapari said, “but I feel I must accompany the mission to retake Montavia. I must confront Caldurian once and for all as someone should have done a long time ago. He has grown powerful under his master’s tutelage, causing as much trouble throughout Laparia as Vellan himself.”

  “I was hoping you would offer your services in that capacity,” King Justin gratefully replied. “And as I will be leading the troops to battle in Rhiál, I will appoint my son to spearhead the charge to Montavia with Princes Brendan and William riding at Gregory’s side to help free their homeland. Your presence, Tolapari, makes me optimistic of the outcome.”

  “And your words give me hope, King Justin. My brother William and I cannot express our thanks for your assistance,” Brendan replied as William echoed his sentiments.

  In the meantime, Nicholas and Leo glanced at one another knowingly, each having been mentally calculating who in the room remained to go on such a mission. King Justin had made it perfectly clear that he and his son would each lead troops into battle, with Tolapari, Brendan and William accompanying Prince Gregory to the east, which immediately discounted half the people at the table. And since Nedry was too old, and the King most certainly wouldn’t allow Megan or Carmella to undertake such a journey, Nicholas and Leo realized what was expected of them. If the King’s imploring gaze just moments ago hadn’t put them on the spot, then this not so subtle process of elimination certainly did.

  Yet Nicholas also felt a rush of pride, believing that King Justin deemed him worthy of his trust and capable to perform such a vital task. He was again reminded of his desire to join the King’s Guard before a whirlwind of intrigue had blown him off course. He glanced at Leo, trying to read his thoughts. When Leo returned a discreet nod, Nicholas knew that his friend was thinking along the same lines. They had guided Megan safely home, after all, and tracked down Ivy after a long and arduous journey with the odds stacked against them. Surely delivering a medallion to a wizard hidden somewhere in the wilderness, and then returning to Morrenwood with a finished key wouldn’t prove too difficult a challenge. He realized that it was time for him and Leo to step up with pride and do what they could for the safety of Arrondale. Before a lull in the conversation had formed, he addressed the King, hoping he sounded more steady and confident than he felt.

 
“With your permission, sir, Leo and I would be honored to embark on this mission,” he said.

  “We just await your orders, King Justin,” Leo added, “should you consider us up to the task.”

  King Justin nodded, a pleased smile upon his face. “Indeed I do think you are both up to the task. Considering all the obstacles you’ve overcome to bring Megan safely back here, I have no doubts whatsoever. I happily accept your service.”

  Nicholas and Leo each nodded to the King as Megan and Carmella proudly showered smiles upon their friends. Everyone else in the room was equally confident that the two young men could accomplish the mission just as well as anyone else with proper guidance and preparation. Yet Nedry had a few lingering doubts and decided to address them now while the moment was appropriate.

  “Though I’m satisfied with your choice of these fine individuals to seek out the wizard Frist,” he said, “I wonder if we might have acted too swiftly in confining this matter to the ten of us.” Nedry realized that the constant stress of the job was causing him to overanalyze situations and worry for no reason, but he was duty bound to speak his thoughts. “Wouldn’t it be wiser to send a contingent of soldiers with Nicholas and Leo for their protection and to ensure the safekeeping of the medallion?”

  “I briefly considered it,” the King replied. “And though I appreciate your concern, Nedry, I think the success of this assignment lies in secrecy and swiftness. We’re not engaging in battlefield maneuvers but in a mission of stealth. Drawing attention to it is the last thing I desire. I will let Tolapari instruct our candidates about where to go and the best way to proceed, trusting that good fortune will follow them each step of the journey. The medallion made its way to us in a most inconspicuous manner. I believe that same simplicity will guide Nicholas and Leo in their task while the rest of us prepare to launch the rumbling engines of warfare.”

  “Then I ask, King Justin, that you allow my brother and me to accompany them on this assignment,” Brendan said. “We are happy to contribute to the success of the mission since it will help free Montavia, and frankly, I would hate simply to wait around as a bystander while others do all the work.”

  “I agree,” William added with a bit less confidence than his older brother, yet with equal sincerity.

  King Justin swiftly tamped down their noble ambitions. “I understand the many reasons why you two would volunteer for this mission, but chances are that you will be leaving for Montavia before Nicholas and Leo return. You will yet have your part to play in this matter. But rest assured, you will not simply wait around until the army sets out. You will be consulting with Prince Gregory on all aspects of the raising and deploying troops to your kingdom. King Rowan will hardly recognize you both when you return.”

  Brendan offered a feeble smile. “I realize you’re trying to accommodate and protect William and me at the same time, King Justin, and I will obey your veiled request to remain here. But I wish I could offer something more substantial to this effort, moving events instead of waiting for them to direct me.”

  “We must all play the parts we are destined to,” Tolapari said, “no matter how tedious they sometimes seem. Yet you may face grueling challenges before this is all over, whether you wish to or not. So be prepared for the call when you least expect it.”

  “Wise words for us all,” King Justin agreed, glancing at his advisor. “Don’t you think so, Nedry?” he asked, wanting to end any further speculation on the matter.

  “I do indeed, sir,” he replied, his mind preoccupied with a sudden thought. “I do indeed.”

  “When will Leo and Nicholas leave, Grandfather?” Megan asked, gently squeezing Leo’s hand below the table. “Have they no time to rest after their travels?”

  “Fear not, Megan,” he replied, noting her obvious affection for Leo. “I won’t boot them out the door right this minute. There are preparations yet to be made, and Nicholas and Leo have earned a bit of rest. However, if this task is to be completed in order to give us an advantage in Montavia, it must commence soon. Though our armies and supply trains must still be assembled and advance scouting parties dispatched, I think that Gregory should leave for Montavia by the end of next month at the latest, though each day sooner, the better. I most assuredly will be in Rhiál before then, facing whatever threat King Drogin has prepared. Therefore, if Nicholas and Leo depart at dawn on the fourteenth of Mid Autumn, three days from tomorrow morning, that will give them four weeks with possibly a few days to spare to complete the journey.” King Justin turned to Tolapari. “Will that be time enough for wherever they’re going?”

  “Quite sufficient,” the wizard said, “assuming there are no unusual delays. But who can ever say what trouble might prowl among the shadows on the road, especially when time and secrecy are of the essence?”

  Prince Gregory offered an amused grin. “And on that cheerful note, I think we should all repair shortly to one of the dining rooms and have a proper meal if we are done in here, Father.”

  King Justin nodded. “I agree. After sitting through both the war council and this impromptu second council, we all need some air and nourishment to clear our heads. There’ll be time enough later to attack the details.”

  The King stood and exited the chamber as the others followed amid small talk and whispers, all eager for a leisurely break and a hot meal. Nicholas and Leo talked among themselves as they left the room last of all, wondering exactly what kind of an expedition they would be facing as they closed the door behind them, leaving the room in utter silence.

  Dooley remained in the rafters for several minutes, ecstatic that the pair of meetings had finally ended. His neck and back ached terribly and pangs of hunger gnawed at him until he could barely tolerate it. At last, confident that he had a few minutes to make an undetected escape, he flipped off his hood, crawled among the rafters and clambered down one of the wooden support posts, smiling with relief when his feet finally touched the floor. Spying the bowls of leftover fruit on the table, he grabbed two apples and shoved them in his coat pockets before peering out one of the doors into the main corridor. Everyone had left and the hallway was as empty as when he first arrived. Without delay, he slipped out the door and hurried down the steps to the lower lever, making his way outdoors as stealthily as a midnight cat.

  About an hour later as the afternoon wore on, Dooley and his workers were once again on the road, a caravan of thirteen wagons leaving the borders of Morrenwood and starting the long journey back to Kanesbury along King’s Road with Dooley at the lead. Less than five minutes outside the city, a large black crow alighted on the seat next to him, cawing once to get his attention, though it was totally unnecessary as Dooley had noted the bird’s fleeting shadow and intimidating wingspan before it landed.

  “I was told to expect a visit from you,” he softly spoke to Gavin before glancing at the wagon behind him. But the driver was far enough behind not to hear or notice Dooley speaking.

  “What have you to report?” Gavin asked. “Caldurian awaits my return in Montavia, anxious to hear what information you gleaned from the war council.”

  Dooley swallowed, prepared to lie to the crow in part to cover up the fact that he had fallen asleep through all of the meeting. Luckily, the mystifying arrival of Nicholas and the others provided him with some useful information to make up for his mistake.

  “The war council was short on specifics, Gavin, though King Justin is planning an eventual assault to repel the invasions of Rhiál and Montavia.” Dooley felt fortunate that the King had referred to such actions when he was speaking to Nicholas. “Unfortunately, the details will be hashed out at later meetings.”

  Gavin flapped his wings in disgust. “I flew all the way to Morrenwood to receive such a useless report? Caldurian already suspected that King Justin would try to rally his neighbors for support. We wanted to find out the who, when and where of all of it. The wizard will be hugely disappointed!”

  “Don’t condemn me so fast,” he replied. “I may not have
much to report on the council, but I found out some very interesting bit of news afterward.”

  “Oh?” Gavin asked. “Redeem yourself and tell me at once.”

  Dooley repeated what he had heard about the medallion and the plan to take it to the wizard Frist and have it reforged, careful not to reveal Nicholas’ name. Though Nicholas had arrived in Morrenwood by chance, Dooley felt that Caldurian would blame him nonetheless should he ever find out since he and Farnsworth had been instructed for some mysterious reason to get Nicholas out of the wizard’s way. “If they succeed, Vellan’s creatures are doomed. King Justin mentioned that he is in possession of the Spirit Box. One turn of the key and it is over for the Enâri. That information alone is worth more than all the words spewed at some tedious war council.”

  Gavin agreed. “Caldurian will be distressed after he learns about this–and not too pleased having to report it to Vellan either.”

  “But there may be a way to stop it,” Dooley said, grabbing Gavin’s attention. “The two men who will be taking the medallion to Frist are leaving at dawn on the fourteenth day of Mid Autumn. Though it wasn’t revealed where the pair is going, if you remain at the Blue Citadel until then, you can follow them from the air for a while to get a general idea in which direction they will head. Then report the information to Caldurian at once. He will know how to proceed thereafter.”

  Gavin congratulated Dooley on this stroke of luck. “Caldurian has stewed for years that the key was stolen from his beloved Xavier who died at the hands of the thief. To get it back will elevate you a few notches in the wizard’s mind.”

  “Only happy to assist. The rewards are irrelevant,” Dooley said with feigned indifference. Yet he feared to imagine what might happen to him if Gavin could only read his thoughts and discover that he was the culprit who had thrown the fatal stones at Xavier twenty years ago. Though this new information might absolve part of his childhood crime if the key were returned to Caldurian, he knew that his horrific act would always hang over him for the rest of his life.