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

by Thomas J. Prestopnik

  “I’m only too happy to share extras, Mr. Souder. Until later,” she said with a pleasant wave before disappearing in the glow of a nearby lamppost lighting the way along the main walk leading into town.

  Shortly afterward, Nyla wandered the murky streets of Melinas, occasionally glancing from side to side, though certain nobody passing by could identify her. After walking along the main road past a butcher shop now closed for the night, she slipped around the corner to her right and headed down a dark, narrow alley, her footsteps echoing off the cobblestones. A moment later she stopped at a wooden door, but before knocking, she looked up and down at each entrance to the alley. Seeing no one approaching or passing by, she rapped upon the door, impatiently waiting for a reply. After a second knock, she heard a muffled voice, apparently its owner not in a hurry to open up.

  “I’m coming,” somebody muttered on the other side. Soon the door was unlocked and opened a crack, a face peering out into the cool darkness. “Who is it?”

  “I’m looking for Bosh. Is he here?”

  “Who’s asking?”

  “I’m asking,” Nyla said sternly, stepping into the faint firelight escaping through the crack and removing her hood. When the man recognized her face, he quickly stepped back and opened the door all the way, inviting her in.

  “What are you doing here?” he asked, glancing down both ends of the alleyway. After she entered the room, he closed the door and locked it. “You’re not supposed to visit this place, Nyla. You know the procedure.”

  She sighed, not in the mood to be lectured to. “I helped design the procedure. Now is Bosh here or not? I need to speak with him at once. I have important information that couldn’t wait to go through proper channels.”

  “All right,” the man said, appearing tired and disheveled. “He’s in the back room discussing things with the others. I’ll get him.”

  “Thank you.”

  A few moments later, a tall, unshaven man sporting a tangle of dark hair and dressed as if he worked on a fishing boat entered the room, a smile of surprise registering upon his face the instant he saw Nyla. “I can’t believe you’re here,” he said, his voice grave yet exhibiting an affectionate edge as he rushed to her.

  “I got tired of standing over steaming kettles and listening to chatty underlings,” she joked. She took his hands in hers and kissed him, letting the man hold her in his arms. “How are you, Bosh?”

  “Better now,” he replied, kissing Nyla on the back of her head as she rested it on his shoulder. “Still, why are you here? What’s so important that you ignored procedure?”

  She stood back and looked Bosh in the eyes, a thin, knowing smile upon her face. “I may be able to lead you to some valuable information that will help our effort. But I had to be quick about it. We may not have another opportunity.”

  “Go on,” he said, inviting her to sit at a small table against one wall. A candle flickered on the tabletop in the otherwise spartan room. Low flames burned in a nearby fireplace.

  “An army from the west has recently arrived, if you haven’t already noticed.”

  “How could anyone miss it?” he said. “Word has already been sent south with the particulars.”

  Nyla explained about the gathering in King Basil’s room earlier that day with King Cedric, Prince William, Eucádus and the others. “Later, they met for lunch to strategize against King Drogin, no doubt, except for King Basil. He is still very ill.”

  “That’s not surprising, Nyla. But unless you were allowed to sit in on those gatherings, how does this help us?”

  She smiled. “Because I know exactly where the young prince of Montavia is going to be tomorrow evening, nearly alone and unprotected. Can you imagine what military details he might possess?”

  Bosh rubbed his whiskers, suddenly interested in where the conversation was heading. “Tell me how you know this.”

  Nyla explained that Prince William had struck up a friendship with Aaron, one of her kitchen workers, and told of their planned excursion along the docks on the following evening. “Should you somehow confiscate that young bit of royalty, think of the benefit to our cause, to our leader.”

  “I’m doing just that,” Bosh said, nodding.

  “Drogin planted us here months before the war started, and though I’m able to glean a few scraps of information from inside the estate from time to time, it can’t compare to anything like this opportunity,” she said, brimming with excitement. “What propitious timing too, with Drogin on the verge of an attack.”

  Bosh reached across the table and held Nyla’s hands. “This could be very useful, my dear. Tell me more.”

  She gave Bosh detailed descriptions of William and Aaron. “If one of your men keeps a lookout of the estate before sunset, you will most certainly see the boys as they leave. You can follow them from there to the docks so there is no mistake.”

  “There are several vantage points close by, yet still far enough away to remain discreet,” he said. “Though I feel confident that this war will end in our victory, I won’t turn up my nose at a possible advantage like this.”

  “I thought not, so I risked the visit,” Nyla said. She kissed Bosh’s hand still warmly clasped to hers. “But I must leave soon. I’m never out too long on my walks and don’t want to arouse anyone’s suspicion. I’m visiting my sister again tonight.”

  Bosh grinned. “You don’t have a sister.”

  “But I’ve always wanted one.”

  “When we’re back in Zaracosa where we belong, you’ll be so happy that you won’t even think about such things,” he said as he walked Nyla to the door. “We’ll have much to do then, helping Drogin rule these lands as they should be. Imagine the rewards he’ll send our way if this latest ploy helps our cause.”

  “I’m imagining,” Nyla said. “But even if it doesn’t...”

  Bosh nodded, a snakelike smile beneath his furrowed brow. “Don’t worry. Prince William and his friend won’t be returning to the estate. You’ll have to hire another worker to wash the crockery, I’m afraid.”

  “Oh well, the inconveniences of war.” She kissed Bosh goodbye, caressing his face with her hand. “Farewell, husband,” she said before draping the hood of her cloak over her head.

  “Farewell, wife,” he replied with a distant smile. “Watch yourself.”

  “I will,” she promised, gazing into his eyes one last time before stepping out the door and back into the cold, black chill of fading autumn.

  After a thick, morning fog lingered upon the lake and surrounding area for a time, the next day turned sunny and cool as billowing clouds sailed lazily overhead. King Cedric, Captain Silas, Eucádus and the other captains and Clearing leaders made separate rounds to the various battalions encamped in the fields to the west and south of King Basil’s estate. The King himself remained inside, though received regular updates from couriers on the battle preparations. Troop movements to the north to meet up with the raft builders from Altaga, and to the south to directly confront Drogin’s main army, were scheduled to begin in three days.

  Today, William had the pleasure of accompanying Eucádus and Ramsey as they inspected and consulted with some of the troops stationed on the western field. He proudly rode upon Lester as the trio made their rounds all morning and into the afternoon. On a few occasions, he rode alone to the estate to deliver correspondences directly to King Basil as did other couriers from different locations.

  As Eucádus and Ramsey neared one tent to discuss matters with several company leaders, William gazed about at the activity swirling around him, a heightened sense of anticipation enveloping the mass of military might. Some men engaged in training exercises, the clanking of metal swords and the swish of speeding arrows wafting through the air. Others tended to the mundane tasks of stoking the bonfires, washing laundry, mending tents and preparing meals for the sea of soldiers. Sweet smelling wood smoke drifted into the sky and dispersed on a mischievous breeze. He viewed the landscape as a stunning and exhilarating s
ight, yet knew that when this vast engine of war finally moved forward and the clash of swords drew actual blood, his mind would harbor none of the romantic notions in which he now indulged.

  “Such an impressive view never wears off,” Ramsey commented to him as they wandered through one company of soldiers near noontime among a sea of colorful flags and banners fluttering in the breeze. “It’s amazing how a committed group of men will fight for the freedom of others when they’re organized behind great leaders. Yet I’m equally amazed, though in a different way, when I witnessed so many men from my country of Linden tolerating the slow corruption of our nation to Vellan’s will. It was as if they simply gave up without a fight, letting him methodically wrap up Linden’s cherished way of life in twisted webs of deceit like a gluttonous spider.” He shrugged as he looked at William. “I will never understand it to my dying day.”

  “Nor would I,” William said, “though I’m pleased that none in Montavia were happy to see Caldurian and his Island troops attack our kingdom.”

  “But your land was attacked in front of everyone’s eyes. The invasion of Linden, Surna and Harlow was executed subtly at first as too many leaders walking the corridors of power were corrupted one by one, ultimately blinded as to where their loyalties should have lied. Now the mountain nations are on the verge of an Enári invasion to follow the political dismantling of our governments. We must succeed here to have any hope for victory back home.”

  William slapped Ramsey on the back and offered an encouraging smile. “I’m certain we’ll succeed. I admit I was less hopeful when I heard the sad stories about your homeland during the war council. But standing here in the light of day and seeing all this before me, my confidence is renewed.”

  “Those are heartening words,” he replied as he rubbed a hand through his mop of dark brown hair. “Let’s hope that sentiment remains when gray clouds gather and darkness falls.”

  “Always the optimist!” William joked. “But before I ride back to deliver Eucádus’ next report to King Basil, let’s find a bite to eat. No matter how bad things might appear, a good, hot meal is sure to turn your thinking around.”

  After a brief lunch with Ramsey and a few other soldiers, William rode back to the estate to deliver his latest report to King Basil. The King was in a fine mood, having finished eating lunch himself after waking up from a short nap. He invited William to stay for tea, eager to speak with the young prince about matters other than war and politics. William was delighted to join him, sitting opposite the monarch in the same chair King Cedric had occupied upon their arrival. A stream of bright sunshine pierced through the partially closed drapes on the lakeside window, scattering the dusky shadows that had gathered inside the room.

  “I grow weary of the constancy of this struggle and crave some conversation, however short, about any other subject,” the King said as William poured them tea from a steaming kettle. “I used to quiz my sons, Victor and Morton, on the names of the various mountains in the Ridloe chain or the types of industry prevalent in each province of Rhiál and such. They seemed to enjoy it, especially after they grew smart enough to counter my inquiries with questions of their own. When the boys stumped me, they had a fine time announcing their victory to any who would listen!”

  William laughed as he imagined those two young princes barreling through the corridors, shouting with joy. “Reminds me of competitions I had with Brendan, but being the older one, he usually won them all whether in athletics or intelligence.” He sipped his tea with a heavy heart. “But now they are all gone, your sons and my brother. It is hardly fair, is it?”

  “No, it is not, and my heart breaks because of it,” King Basil replied, a thick melancholy entwined with his words. “But as short as their time was, my sons had lived full, adventurous lives. I am truly saddened that Brendan had fallen in the prime of his youth. You may never be able to reconcile that fact, William, but always remember your brother when you live out your days. In time, the hurt will diminish some and good memories will take its place, but I will not say that that road shall be easy. It will be as exhausting and painful as, well, this war.” The King managed a smile. “And I had mentioned that I didn’t want to talk about it.”

  William nodded. “I’m afraid this war and their deaths swirl about us whether we wish to recognize it or not. I don’t suppose we have a choice.”

  “I guess not,” he replied, eyeing the dark corners of the room. He slowly raised his cup to William and offered a toast. “Here’s to those who left us, too soon and without warning. May their memories forever linger.”

  William lifted his cup, and through the rising steam he noted an overwhelming grief set deep within King Basil’s eyes, knowing that it mirrored his own and wondering how long it would torment him. The pair silently sipped their drinks, the room awash in streaks of dazzling sunlight amid a swirl of bitter shadows.

  William met Aaron bounding down the corridor adjacent to the kitchen a few hours later, both eager to taste the fresh, evening air and feel a cool breeze off Lake LaShear. They exited the main entrance of the estate, sauntered down the front walk as the lampposts were being lit, and passed through the gate in the stone wall to the front road. As they wandered toward the city, pointing at distant ships on the water while chattering away, neither boy was aware of a man watching them from behind a thicket of trees upon a weedy knoll, the stranger’s eyes fixed upon their every movement. After William and Aaron entered the main part of town, the man left his post and followed, keeping a safe distance as he blended into the passing crowds and thickening shadows.

  “Though he hasn’t yet told me directly, I think Eucádus is going to ask me as a favor to stay with King Basil when the army departs,” William said, though with none of the disappointment he would have shown just a day earlier. “To keep him company and act as his personal messenger and the like. I don’t suppose I’d mind either. I’ve grown fond of King Basil and we have much in common.”

  “Didn’t you tell me yesterday how anxious you were to wield a sword and avenge your brother’s death?” Aaron asked, imagining himself doing the same in honor of his missing father.

  “Sometimes I talk without thinking,” he replied. “Despite my desire to contribute on the battlefield, I believe my presence at King Basil’s side might help him more than any medicine. And me, too, I must admit. I hope that doesn’t sound selfish.”

  “After what you’ve been through, it sounds normal.” Aaron pointed far down the shore as they wandered along the main road. The wooden docks were crowded with small crafts bobbing upon the water. “I see a fire burning by Jack Grindol’s shanty. He must be planning to work late tonight repairing his nets. Chances are he’s frying up some fish for his evening meal.”

  In the light of the Fox Moon, now near first quarter, William noted a look of hungry anticipation upon Aaron’s face. “I thought you just ate dinner before I arrived?”

  “And your point would be?” He burst out laughing. “My stomach has room for another meal and then some. Besides, Jack always cooks extra. He’ll have enough for both of us. He’s a great storyteller, too. I’ll bet he’s never talked to a real prince before.”

  “Lead the way,” he said with a smirk. “But I’m thinking that I’m getting the better deal here.”

  They continued down the road until the sandy shore widened to their left. Several bonfires crackled in the fading twilight. But just before William and Aaron stepped onto the beach, they heard a faint call farther down the street now vacant of passersby and dimly lit only by the Fox Moon and the light flowing out of nearby windows. William looked up when he heard the voice again.

  “Over there,” Aaron said, pointing. “I see someone on the ground up ahead.”

  He and William hurried toward the person, surprised to see a man sitting on the edge of the road with his back against a vacant building. The stranger, unshaven and grimacing, appeared to be in pain as he massaged his right ankle through the side of his boot. He looked up at the boys
, grateful that they answered his call.

  “What happened, sir?” Aaron asked.

  The man laughed, seemingly embarrassed. “Caught my foot in a rut down the road a ways. Twisted it bad, I think.” He took a deep breath, continuing to tenderly rub his ankle. “Thanks for stopping.”

  “Can we help?” William asked, kneeling down on one knee next to him.

  “I’d appreciate a hand up,” he said. “I don’t live far from here. If you could help me hobble back, I’d be most thankful. So would my wife.”

  “Happy to do so,” William said as he assisted the man to stand, allowing him to lean upon a shoulder for support. Aaron helped to guide him from the other side as they walked back in the direction from which they had come.

  “I’m Meklas, by the way,” the man said, shaking William and Aaron’s hands as they introduced themselves. “I live around the next corner near that butcher shop. Sorry to impose upon you like this.”

  “It’s not a problem,” Aaron said. “Will and I were looking for something to do.”

  “Can we find a physician for you?” William offered.

  “No, no,” Meklas insisted. “I just want to sit by a fire and rest my foot on a chair. If I don’t feel better by morning, maybe I’ll seek help. Ah, here’s my lane.”

  He pointed to the butcher shop ahead, dimly lit by a nearby lamppost. The trio turned down the darkened, cobblestone street to their left, their footsteps echoing off the walls and consumed by the night. Soon they approached a wooden door that Meklas indicated as they eagerly helped the struggling man to his destination.

  “Just a couple more steps and you’re home,” Aaron said.

  “I only hope my wife doesn’t scold me,” Meklas remarked with a trace of mirth in his voice. “I was supposed to have been home an hour ago. She’ll insist that I got my comeuppance for being late to the dinner table again.”

  “We’ll speak in your defense,” William promised as Meklas knocked on the door.