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

by Thomas J. Prestopnik

  After a hasty meal, they continued through the bare trees with the lapping waters of Wolf Lake to their right. A veil of fine snow flurries swirled through the air and dusted the decaying leaves upon the forest floor. They had hiked for less than an hour as the light began to fade, their pace slowing due to Leo’s sluggish steps. But eventually the island increased in size. They drew closer until they were at a point on the shoreline directly opposite the wizard’s home located a quarter mile from the water’s edge. Suddenly Nicholas voiced exactly what Leo and Hobin were both thinking.

  “How are we supposed to get over there?” He scratched the back of his neck, a slight grin upon his face. “To tell you the truth, I never really thought about it until now.”

  “Doesn’t say much for our planning,” Leo said, rubbing his sore shoulder with his right hand. His left arm was still in its sling.

  “We’ll construct a small raft,” Hobin decided as if it were only a minor inconvenience. “I’ll start first thing in the morning. I have a small axe in my pack and there are plenty of trees.”

  “What about rope to lash it together?” Nicholas asked.

  “No need. A few deep notches here and there will do the trick. It’ll be nothing fancy, mind you, but it’ll float us over to that island.” He wandered deeper in the woods with Nicholas, examining some of the smaller trees and pointing out which ones they might use, eagerly anticipating how to attack the project.

  “We’ve come all this way and now we’re stuck on the water’s edge,” Nicholas complained with an exasperated sigh. “Maybe I should just swim over there, Hobin.”

  “Uh, I don’t think that will be necessary,” Leo called out, gazing suspiciously across the water as Nicholas and Hobin turned around and wandered back to shore.

  “Why not?” he asked as they emerged through the trees.

  Leo pointed across the surface of the lake, now dusted with twilight as the snow began to subside. “Look.”

  Nicholas and Hobin shifted their gazes to the spot that Leo had indicated. After their eyes adjusted to the dimming light, their mouths were instantly agape. Slowly, and no doubt magically, a small, wooden canoe was floating across the water from the island toward their location on shore with no one inside the craft to propel it forward. It moved in a straight, steady line, unaffected by the mild wind and the choppy waves. The three men glanced at one another, each dumbfounded yet delighted at the same time.

  “I guess Frist is alive and home after all,” Nicholas softly said. “And apparently he wants us to pay him a visit.”

  CHAPTER 55

  The Wizard Frist

  Hobin stepped into the water’s edge and pulled the empty canoe onto shore, contemplating the vast powers of the wizard who had sent it across the lake. Inside were two wooden paddles and room enough for three passengers. He grunted in amusement.

  “Exactly what we need,” he muttered. “And perfectly timed.”

  “What was that?” Nicholas asked as he gathered two of the packs to load them into the canoe.

  “Just wondering how this wizard knew we were coming.” Hobin scratched his head. “Maybe he has a network of spies who’ve been tracking us.”

  “Spies or no spies, we have a boat,” Leo said. He grabbed his pack with his good arm and walked it slowly to the canoe. “Saves us from building one so we can finish this mission that much sooner.”

  “Doesn’t sound like your heart is in this adventure anymore,” Nicholas said. He took Leo’s pack and set it in the boat. “You can sit in the middle. Hobin and I will paddle.”

  After helping Leo into the canoe, Nicholas and Hobin slowly pushed it back into the water, climbed in and started paddling toward the island. Nicholas sat in front, gazing at the mass of land before them shrouded in purple twilight. Intermittent snow flurries swirled upon a light breeze.

  The island appeared oval in shape, stretching a quarter mile in length and half that distance in width. The surface, higher in some parts than others, was covered with a variety of trees, thickets of dense brush and a range of low rock cliffs along portions of the island. They glided across the lake’s surface accompanied by the gentle whoosh of water against the paddles. It reminded Nicholas of his time along the Trillium Sea while searching for Ivy. But before he could indulge himself in those memories again, the island drew swiftly nearer as if magically pulling them toward it. Minutes later the bottom of the canoe scraped against the sandy shoreline and they came to an abrupt halt.

  “Here we are,” Nicholas said, his words swallowed in the deepening darkness. He looked at his companions with uncertainty. “Shall we make our visit now or wait for sunup?”

  Leo grimaced in pain. “I’m willing to search now.”

  Hobin cleared his throat before Nicholas could respond. “Not necessary,” he whispered, pointing to the edge of the trees to his left. “Somebody has already found us.”

  Nicholas and Leo turned their heads, startled to see a man with a flickering torch standing on the edge of the tree line. The erratic light cast shadows all about him. Though they were not close enough to see his face in detail, the stranger appeared far too young to be the wizard.

  “We’re getting prompt service for being uninvited guests,” Nicholas remarked as he stepped out of the canoe and helped Leo onto shore. He and Hobin removed the packs and set them away from the water’s edge before pulling the canoe farther inland.

  “He’s waiting for us,” Leo whispered, glancing at the man who stood unmoving the entire time. “Let’s introduce ourselves.”

  They walked up to the figure, curious about him yet not fearful. He appeared to be in his mid twenties, tall with long, black hair and wearing plain clothes and a heavy coat similar to the people they had briefly met in the village of Pomeroy on Beetle Lake. He smiled and bowed his head as the trio approached.

  “I’m guessing you sent that canoe to us,” Nicholas said in a friendly tone to break the tension. “We appreciate it.”

  “You can thank Frist for that bit of convenience,” he politely replied. “He’s been expecting you for about two days now.”

  “How?” Hobin asked. “Were his spies patrolling the woods?”

  “Frist has no spies. I am his sole assistant from time to time.” He stepped forward to shake hands with his guests, noting with concern Leo’s injured left arm in its sling. “My name is Rustin. And I suppose I should rephrase my last comment. Frist has been expecting someone for about two days now, someone carrying something he had never expected to see again.”

  Nicholas suspected that Rustin was referring to the medallion. He decided not to make mention of the object until he met the wizard in person.

  “Frist is very perceptive,” he replied. “We hope to meet him.”

  “That’s why he sent you the canoe and asked me to take you to him,” Rustin said. “He’ll answer the many questions I’m sure you all have. Are you ready?”

  “As we’ll ever be,” Leo said, eager to continue. “Is it far?”

  “Only a few minutes to his abode,” Rustin said. “Though this island has plenty of room for one man, it’s still not very large.”

  “Please lead on,” Nicholas said, feeling their fortune changing for the better.

  “Before you do,” Hobin interjected, “I’ll respectfully wait here and make camp until you return. After all, whatever happens beyond this point is really Nicholas and Leo’s business, not mine. I was only hired as their guide.”

  “Are you sure?” Nicholas asked.

  “I appreciate you confiding in me, but you and Leo were appointed by King Justin to see this matter through. I’ll let you two handle the negotiations. I’ll build a fire here and set up camp. With your permission, of course,” he added, eyeing Rustin.

  “As you wish.” Rustin bent down and grabbed a large stick and set it aflame with his torch. He handed it to Hobin. “You’ll need some light. Night is fast approaching.”

  “Then you three had better be off before it gets here,” Hobin repli
ed, shooing them away before the trio disappeared into the darkening woods.

  They followed Rustin along a well-worn path through the trees. Darkness quickly settled in as a cold breeze weaved its way through the creaking maples and pines. The light snow had stopped, but billowing, coal gray clouds portended a severe winter ahead.

  “Are you from these parts?” Nicholas asked, curious about how Rustin had come to know the wizard.

  “I was born in a village about a two hour walk west along the lake,” he said, telling them of his life in the Dunn Hills and how Frist had taken him on as an apprentice three years ago. “But he is a much older wizard and says that I should seek out a younger teacher if I really want to learn the craft. Though he has taught me many things, I think I aid him better as a servant than as an apprentice,” he admitted, explaining how he brought in supplies for Frist from time to time, apprised him of goings-on in the area and told the wizard stories to keep him entertained. “It’s not the grandest apprenticeship, I’m sure, but to be privy to his vast knowledge of the wizarding world has been a great honor indeed.”

  “Why doesn’t Frist live inside one of the villages if he likes this area so much?” Leo asked. “Why does he isolate himself?”

  Rustin shrugged, unable to fully answer the question. “Though he makes an occasional appearance in the surrounding communities, living a secluded life is the way of the wizards–at least of the original race that wandered from the Valley of the Wizards in the Gable Mountains far in the west. Those who are fit enough in their later lives–reaching ages far older than we ever will–tend to seek out a place they had grown fond of during their travels to spend their final years. I don’t particularly understand it, but it is their way. You might ask Frist more about it if you desire.”

  Leo shook his head, appearing doubtful. “Now that I hear you discuss it, I think not. Sounds like it’s none of my business. We should be thankful that he’s willing to take the time to meet us.” He grimaced, grabbing his sore shoulder.

  “Are you in more pain?” Nicholas asked.

  “That last dose of yoratelli is wearing off,” he said, stopping for a moment. He took a deep breath and exhaled, appearing pale in the flickering torch flame.

  “Perhaps you’ll allow Frist to take a look at your arm,” Rustin said. “He has cured many minor injuries and others not so minor. Ah, we are nearly there,” he said as they turned right along another dirt trail. “He lives past the large boulder at the end of this path. Here you can rest and have some food. I prepared extra soup and fish earlier as we were expecting company.”

  “We’re grateful for your hospitality. It’s been quite a journey from Morrenwood,” Nicholas replied, though in the back of his mind he knew that his days on the road were only just beginning if he intended to go through with his plan to search for Ivy. But for now he would try to enjoy this brief respite, knowing that Leo needed a sustained and recuperative rest before he could return to the Citadel with the key.

  As they neared the end of the path, a large boulder half buried in the ground loomed ahead to their right. Here the trees had been cleared, opening up enough space for a small house and a bit of land for cultivating several gardens. Off to the left was a modest, one-story building constructed of clay bricks and wood. Bluish-gray smoke rose in mischievous swirls through a round chimney. A faint yellow glow was visible around the edges of thick, wooden shutters covering several circular windows. A door constructed of hewn oak, not quite square at the angles, closed out the night.

  “We are here,” Rustin said, leading his visitors to the house. He gently knocked on the front door and called out to the wizard. “Frist, it is Rustin. I’ve returned with guests. May we enter?”

  “Of course, of course!” a voice replied from within. “You needn’t knock every time you step out to run an errand, gather wood or fetch strangers.” Suddenly the door swung open and the old, frail wizard stood outlined against the interior glow, bundled in woolen garb and holding a steaming cup of tea. Despite his thinning gray hair and unshaven face, his quiet, blue eyes emitted a youthful spark from time to time. He eyed Nicholas and Leo for a moment, and after greeting them and asking their names, the wizard introduced himself with a pleasant smile. “Rustin can be too polite sometimes. I tell my apprentice that a good wizard requires a bit of nettles and bad cider about him–attitude wise, of course–as well as patience, foresight and, well, all the rest.” He beckoned the trio to step into the welcoming warmth of his home. “Sit by the fire. I’ll pour you tea.”

  “Thank you,” Nicholas replied, stepping into the room and suddenly noticing that the wizard was staring at him with a puzzled intensity which made him feel both guilty and uncomfortable. “Is something the matter?”

  The wizard stroked his chin. “You look awfully familiar, Nicholas. Have we met before?”

  “I doubt that very much, sir. I had only just been born the last time you were in my village of Kanesbury about twenty years ago.”

  “Ah, you know of my visit.”

  “Stories of the Enâri were rampant when I was growing up. Your name was spoken of fondly and often,” Nicholas replied.

  “Yes, well we can discuss that later,” Frist said, continuing to usher his guests inside while still trying to jog his memory regarding Nicholas’ familiar appearance.

  When the door closed behind them, almost immediately Nicholas and Leo felt the weariness of their travels dissipate as if there was some magical quality to the air inside that was slowly healing them. But even if it was only their imaginations playing tricks, they welcomed the restorative effects. Soon they were drinking tea with the wizard while Rustin prepared a meal at a nearby table. But before Nicholas could explain the purpose of their visit or ask the wizard how he knew they were on their way to his home, Frist attended to other matters.

  “What happened to your arm, Leo? How did you injure it?”

  “It’s my shoulder actually,” he replied, again feeling the pain despite his initial euphoria upon entering the house. He recounted how he was attacked almost three days ago, at which point Nicholas jumped into the conversation, wanting to tell Frist about the medallion and why the Islanders had sought him out in the wild.

  “I suspect I already know,” Frist said, interrupting him. “Your attackers were after that key I created twenty years ago, or at least after something like that key.”

  “Yes,” Nicholas said. “But how did you know?”

  Frist smiled. “Because I can still sense the magic inside it. I have for about two days now which is how I knew someone was looking for me. Its presence grew stronger with your every step closer to this island.” The wizard tilted his head slightly as a look of vague confusion settled upon his countenance. “But something is not quite right about my key, am I correct? I’m certain it’s my magic spell that I detect, but has the object itself been altered? Has it succumbed to a counter spell?”

  Nicholas removed the medallion from around his neck and held it up for the wizard to see. “The key fell victim to the hot fires of a forge and several hammer blows thanks to one of the Enâri creatures who had stolen it,” he said, handing the piece of metal to the wizard who was eager to examine it. “That’s what’s left of your key, sir. Leo and I brought it here from Morrenwood at the behest of King Justin, hoping you could refashion it back into a copy of the original. The wizard Tolapari gave us your location in secret and helped prepare us for this journey.”

  Frist smiled upon hearing the name of his former student and raised his eyes while clutching the medallion. “And how is my old friend and loyal guide? He accompanied me to this place many years ago, pleased that I had chosen him for that honor.”

  “He’s quite well,” Nicholas said. “There’s a good part of nettles and bad cider about him, as you would say.”

  “He tolerates nonsense from no one,” the wizard said. “That’s why we got along so well and why I agreed to advance his training.” Frist grew silent while examining the medallion, recalling
the effort he had put forth to create it that nearly consumed him both physically and mentally. “And the Spirit Box? What has become of that?”

  “It’s safe, too,” Leo said. “The box is under guard in the Blue Citadel. The King is prepared to open it upon our return, or I should say has ordered it be opened upon our return. King Justin and his army will be on their way to Rhiál by then, or possibly already there, when the key is returned. And Prince Gregory will lead a second army to Montavia. Troops from the Northern Isles, along with the five hundred Enâri you had cast under a sleeping spell, have recently occupied that kingdom. King Rowan’s two grandsons escaped to the Citadel and told us of the invasion.”

  “So my sleeping spell wore off,” Frist commented with an air of disappointment.

  “No, it didn’t,” Nicholas said, recalling details that King Justin had learned from Len Harold during a private conversation before the war council. “Apparently one of my fellow villagers from Kanesbury had been duped into entering the Spirit Caves and unknowingly helped awaken the Enâri.” He told the story of George Bane, a glass sphere and an eerie blue fog that somehow brought the Enâri back to consciousness.

  “It seems I have missed much in the outside world,” the wizard said, “so perhaps you should tell me everything that’s happened while we have our supper. I especially want to know more about how my simple, yet elegant key became this metallic monstrosity.” He held up the medallion by the leather cord. “I’m sure it’s a fascinating tale.”

  “I’ll be happy to recount all that’s happened,” Nicholas said. “But first, is there anything you can do to ease Leo’s pain?” He glanced at his friend sitting in a wooden chair closest to the fireplace. And though Leo made an effort to participate in the conversation as if nothing were the matter, Nicholas could detect the severe discomfort he was trying to hide.

  “I can do better than that,” Frist replied. “I’m still a capable wizard from the Gable Mountains despite my advancing years.”