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

by Thomas J. Prestopnik

  “We wish to inquire about arranging an audience with your King,” Eucádus said. “At his convenience, of course, though today if possible.”

  Before the guard could reply, the front door opened and a tall, stern looking woman with white hair and piercing blue eyes stepped out and glanced at the group of sixteen. A younger man serving as an aide stood behind her. Eucádus politely nodded to the woman, but before he could utter a word, she abruptly held up a hand and sighed.

  “No, no, no! This won’t do at all. Far too many at one time,” she said, scanning the array of faces. “Though King Cedric was expecting another visit from your group after seeing the campfires on the border of our lands, he is not in the mood to host the likes of a celebration. He has already granted you an audience, sir,” the woman explained to Eucádus, “but I can only allow the administrator of each Clearing a seat at the table, as it were. The other,” and here she began to furiously count, “…eight, nine, ten, eleven of you shall be escorted to a waiting area where breakfast shall be provided.”

  Eucádus couldn’t conceal a smile of gratitude and amusement as he placed a hand upon William’s shoulder and ushered him to the front of their group. “Minister Nuraboc, I kindly request that you allow this young gentleman to also attend our meeting, for he wishes to speak with the King. It is of the utmost importance.”

  The Minister looked down upon William with a probing gaze. “And he is…?”

  “This is Prince William of Montavia who has much to tell the King,” he explained. “He has traveled far and has endured many harrowing ordeals.”

  Minister Nuraboc noted William’s blond hair and the silver ring on his finger, and though she had never met the boy before, she possessed the political acumen to know that those would be two attributes of a royal grandson of King Rowan. “Did you escape your homeland, sir, or had you already departed before the invasion?”

  “Escaped, ma’am,” William replied. “My brother and I had fled to Morrenwood to seek help from King Justin.”

  The Minister noted a tinge of sorrow in the boy’s eyes and softened her tone considerably, deciding to let any further inquiries be handled by King Cedric. “I am truly sorry for the turmoil visited upon your country, Prince William. Of course you may consult with the King. We are honored by your visit.”

  William politely nodded. “Thank you, minister. And I am honored to be here.”

  “As are we all,” Eucádus added.

  “Then would the sixteen of you please follow me inside to the foyer,” she said, signaling the men to accompany her at once through the doorway. Minister Nuraboc introduced her aide and instructed him to escort the ten captains to a nearby dining area for breakfast while the others proceeded down a separate corridor to meet with King Cedric. “Despite any misgivings you may harbor because of your previous meetings, the King is anxious to meet with you, Eucádus,” the minister said as she led the remaining six to a reception area adjacent to one of the interior gardens.

  “Well, I suppose that’s as good a reason as any why I should look forward to this visit more than the others,” he replied halfheartedly as they walked swiftly through a second hallway. “But I will let King Cedric speak before my doubts are allayed.”

  “I wouldn’t expect any other answer from the leader of the Star Clearing,” she said with a faint smile. They approached the reception room and entered through a small carved archway of rich, polished oak.

  The chamber was uncluttered and bright, its white walls trimmed with elegant pine molding and adorned with framed charcoal drawings. Several large leafy plants towered in the corners of the room while a multi-paned arched window overlooked an outdoor garden, allowing in light from the southwest. Wooden chairs were arranged on either side of a large fireplace on the opposite side of the room, while a table covered with white linen stood against the side wall. Members of the kitchen staff had earlier brought out pitchers of cool drinks and platters of various cheeses, breads and fruits and set them upon the table with plates, cups and cloth napkins. A set of blue candles had been lit and displayed on one corner of the elegant arrangement.

  “Welcome to my home, gentlemen,” said a soft-spoken King Cedric while standing near the window with his wife, Beatrice, and their two young children, a son and a daughter. He was dressed in rather plain clothes–a beige shirt under a plaid vest, brown trousers and a matching pair of boots. The light brown hair growing around the sides of his balding head was flecked with wisps of gray. A pleasant smile beamed from King Cedric’s oval shaped face as he approached to shake the hands of his visitors. “I’m delighted to see the five of you again, and all at the same time for a change,” he said, firmly grasping Eucádus’ hand with whom he was most familiar. He then greeted the other four leaders, namely Ranen, Jeremias, Uland and Torr of the Oak, Fox, Pumpkin and Haystack Clearings, respectively. “This is indeed an honor.”

  “It is all ours,” Eucádus replied.

  “Thank you for speaking with us on such short notice,” Ranen added, eyeing the food table. “And for your generous reception.” He was about the same age as Eucádus, bulky and slightly taller with long, black hair tied up in back with a strip of blood red cloth.

  “I was expecting you for a final visit one of these days after the war council in Morrenwood had concluded,” the King said. “As soon as my guards saw your encampment forming on the border of the Ebrean, I suspected you would be on your way shortly.” He introduced his wife and children to the men of the Clearing. His son, Liam, who was seven years old, smiled proudly when he was introduced, revealing a missing lower tooth which elicited a ripple of affectionate chuckles from the guests.

  “Liam lost his tooth two days ago and is very proud of that accomplishment,” the King explained as he brushed a hand through his son’s hair. “He was a very brave boy.” King Cedric then took note of William, observing the silver ring on his finger before glancing up at Minister Nuraboc for an explanation.

  “Sir, this is Prince William of Montavia,” she said. “He has traveled here with Eucádus and his associates and has need of a word with you.”

  “Yes, yes. Thank you, Judith.” The King shook hands with William. “A prince of Montavia has traveled all this way to see me. You must have a story indeed, young man. My representative, Osial, who had attended the war council, mentioned that you and your brother arrived by surprise at the conclusion of that meeting. Osial would have been here, but he is on another assignment. I look forward to hearing from you and learning more about the invasion of your country. A sad state of affairs indeed.”

  “I shall answer any of your questions,” William said.

  “And I all of yours.” The King clapped his hands. “But first let us partake of some of the fine food and drink my staff has prepared, then after we can sit by the fire and discuss, well, those matters that we are all here to discuss!”

  About twenty minutes later, after eating and lighthearted conversation around the table, King Cedric’s wife and two children departed the room, leaving the others to their private deliberations. The King occupied a chair closest to the fire opposite Eucádus, while William, Minister Nuraboc and the other four leaders filled out the remaining seats. King Cedric leaned back and rubbed his chin, noting the steely gaze in Eucádus’ eyes.

  “Well, I suppose I should reveal my decision forthwith, and then we can take things from there,” the King said. “That is why you are here, after all. I’d like to tell you that–”

  Eucádus suddenly raised his hand, his tone urgent. “Please, sir, before you say anything, I ask that you indulge me for one moment to speak my piece, and then perhaps hear out Prince William. His story alone is of dire relevance.”

  “You may both speak for as long as you wish,” he kindly replied, “but first let me say that–”

  “I do not wish to appear rude,” Eucádus again interrupted. “That is not my desire. But I beg that you let us have our say before you render your decision.” He leaned forward in his chair, eyeing
his four counterparts for moral support before once again addressing the King. “The fate of so many will depend on your pronouncement.”

  King Cedric seemed slightly taken aback, though not offended in the least. He glanced at Minister Nuraboc who only responded with the slightest tilt of her head. The tension in the room grew as thick as storm clouds as the King folded his arms. For a moment, Eucádus thought he had stepped over the line, trying to present his case for an alliance before King Cedric could shoot him down. But the mood lightened considerably when a thin smile appeared on the monarch’s face.

  “You seem a man possessed, Eucádus, so I will defer to you,” he said with an easy tone. “And I do not find you rude, by the way, so let that not worry you or your colleagues. Speak your mind, and I will listen attentively.” He then addressed the four other leaders. “And after that, each of you may also contribute whatever bit you think I should hear. Last of all, Prince William can apprise me of his exploits. Then, and only then, will I have my say in these matters.” King Cedric brushed the hair along one side of his head. “By then, of course, I think all of us will be ready for more food and drink regardless of the outcome. Agreed?”

  Eucádus nodded. “Agreed.”

  “Then by all means, my friend, proceed.”

  “Very well,” he replied, taking a slow, deep breath. “As you know from Osial’s report of the war council, King Justin is forming two armies, sending one to free Montavia and the other to Rhiál to aid King Basil in his fight against Maranac. That is where our small army will march to also, though precisely when King Justin’s troops will arrive there is not known. But we must leave soon, and so it is vital that your army accompany us. We are less than four thousand men from the Clearings, and though a potent force, I fear we are not enough to alter the course of that war alone. But with the men of Drumaya at our side, we would be a power to be reckoned with. The war goes ill for King Basil and Rhiál, such was the word at the council. It is only a matter of time until King Drogin of Maranac achieves control of the region.”

  “And Drogin’s success simply means another foothold for Vellan to occupy in Laparia,” Ranen elaborated. “If Drogin achieves victory, soldiers from the Northern Isles and the Enári will have another place to call home. You know this is so, King Cedric.”

  The King kept silent as he listened to the pleadings of the five leaders and to the warning that, regardless of the outcome of their efforts in Rhiál, they would never return to the Ebrean Forest to live. Should they succeed in Rhiál, they would continue on to a final confrontation with Vellan in Kargoth. But should they lose, that would be the end of their resistance movement, and it would only be a matter of time before Drumaya itself was overrun by Vellan’s locust-like army. When Eucádus and his friends had finally exhausted their arguments, King Cedric addressed the young prince, inviting him to contribute to the debate.

  “Eucádus asked me to speak about Caldurian’s invasion of my country,” William said, “though I suspect you already know the particulars after my brother and I spoke at the war council.”

  “Ambassador Osial’s report was detailed,” the King replied.

  “That is why I will tell you a different story, one concerning my brother,” he said. “One of a more recent nature. It is a horrible tale, yet there is an element of hope around its edges.”

  King Cedric saw a veil lift in front of William’s eyes, revealing a wrenching pain within their watery depths. He couldn’t imagine what experience this young boy had endured, but his heart chilled and his spirit trembled when he learned of the vicious attack in the hunting cabin and of Brendan’s subsequent death. The contemptible hand of Vellan apparently reached into even the most obscure corners of Laparia, creating havoc and death with its touch. King Cedric and Minister Nuraboc were deeply moved by the boy’s account, both unable to speak for several moments after he had finished.

  “I cannot adequately express my condolences for your loss, Prince William. Your brother’s death must be a grievous wound to your heart,” the King said.

  “Thank you for your understanding,” William replied. “But there is more to my story. There was a reason for the attack which I cannot fully reveal because of an oath I have taken, yet something is in motion that might give you hope for our eventual success and alter your outlook about joining our cause.”

  “Please tell me.”

  Without alluding to any specifics about the medallion or of Nicholas and Leo’s mission, William did his best to paint a picture of their small chance to wound Vellan, perhaps fatally, and possibly soon. King Cedric listened to his cryptic explanation with intrigue, feeling his heart lighten with the possibility of good news.

  “Though my brother and I were mistaken for the other two on that secret mission, I can only guess that Brendan’s death has bought them valuable time and safe passage,” William concluded, gazing up at the King with a sad but determined expression.

  “I didn’t expect to hear today what I have just heard,” King Cedric remarked. “Had I an inkling of what you had been through, William, I would have told you my decision right from the start and spared you from having to relive your horror despite Eucádus’ dogged persistence to speak his mind first. But that is how the morning has unfolded.”

  “What are you saying?” Eucádus asked, his hopes deflating as he locked gazes with the King, his hand gripping the side of his chair.

  “What I am saying is that–we are with you.”

  “But surely, King Cedric, you cannot–!” Eucádus’ words flew from his mouth before the King’s comment had had a chance to register in his mind. He quietly sat there as still as a tree on a windless day, his eyes open wide, his mouth slightly agape, considering if the words running through his head were indeed the ones King Cedric had actually uttered. He glanced at the other members in his group, all now grinning and in buoyant spirits, before looking again at the King. “Did you just say that–”

  “–my troops are with you? Yes,” he calmly replied, relishing the dazed expression upon the face of his guest. “Yes, I believe I did, Eucádus. That is what you wanted to hear, wasn’t it?”

  “I think it was,” William said with amusement.

  Eucádus nodded, his thoughts aflutter. “Yes, it definitely was, but…” He leaned back in his chair, staring at the King. “You say you had planned to join with us. When did you decide this? And why?”

  King Cedric stood to stretch his legs, pacing in front of the large fireplace, a satisfied smile upon his face. “I had planned to tell you right at the start of this meeting, hadn’t I, Judith?” he said, eyeing Minister Nuraboc.

  “He did indeed,” she replied, obviously pleased to have been in the know.

  “Yet because you had been so determined to speak first, Eucádus, I decided to let you have at it, even though I needed no further convincing.” He shrugged, resting an arm on the edge of the mantelpiece. “But you are younger and more eager than I am, I suppose, so I understand your enthusiasm. Osial told me of the battle of words you had with the ambassador from Harlow at the war council, your fellow countryman. I was prepared for much the same here today. And your lands have been invaded while Drumaya is still free, so the desire for swift results is also in your thinking.”

  “All you say is true, King Cedric, and I apologize if my presentation appeared brusque now and then,” Eucádus said.

  “No apology necessary. It is a refreshing trait from time to time.”

  “But still, I must ask you again–why did you change your mind and decide to join us?” he asked. “When did this transformation take place?”

  “Well, I suppose it is now my turn to tell a story,” he said, retaking his seat. He thought for a moment as the flames crackled in the background while a flurry of falling leaves, visible through the arched window, swirled in a gentle breeze in the adjacent garden. “But perhaps I should tell you first about my son. Liam, you remember, lost his tooth about a week ago.”

  Eucádus furrowed his brow, noti
ng a similar bewildered expression upon William’s face when the boy glanced his way. But as this was the King’s home, Eucádus felt obligated to hear him out. “I remember,” he said. “Please, tell us more.”

  “It was the most amusing thing, in a sweet sort of way, to watch Liam walk around our home while constantly wiggling that tooth for days on end, hoping it would fall out, yet afraid to give it a good pull.” King Cedric uttered a delighted laugh. “I even offered to do the deed for him, but he would have none of that, allowing it to consume his time yet fully aware of the final, inevitable outcome. Then one day he was chewing a pear and bit down on the wrong side and, well…” The King casually waved a hand through the air. “He buried the tooth in one of the gardens and made his wish.”

  Eucádus nodded at King Cedric, slowly seeing beyond a few of his long held perceptions of the man. He finally understood a little bit more about the ruler of this kingdom. “And I hope his wish is granted, sir.”

  “So does he,” King Cedric said with a smile. “Though I’m not supposed to know, Liam subtly informed his older sister, who then told my wife, Beatrice, who then told me, that he wants a dog. But we shall see.” The King studied the shroud of exhausted worry upon Eucádus’ face, imagining what he and his demoralized people have been enduring for so many years. “I am not a naïve man, Eucádus. I know how the world operates. But I have always put the security of my people first and have kept them safe. Alone, or even allied with you, we could not have withstood a direct attack on Vellan no matter how much we may have wished it. But when King Justin sent word that a war council was to be held, well, I guess that that was my bite on a pear.” Eucádus raised an inquiring eyebrow. “You see, deep in my heart, I knew one day in the near future that Vellan would either be confronted by our free nations or he would consume us all. And though I sent Osial as my representative to the council with instructions for caution, I knew that King Justin was going to act regardless of the prevailing mood. The war council was just for show. Let’s be frank–if King Justin determined that Arrondale was threatened, then what other nation in the region could seriously claim itself to be safe?”