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

by Thomas J. Prestopnik

  The balcony door opened wide. A tall man stepped out to a cheering crowd, though everybody in attendance had no inkling as to who he might be. He stood calmly with an inscrutable smile upon his thin countenance, patiently waiting for the crowd to settle down. Several times he raised his hands, signaling for silence. Finally, after their initial burst of mirth and pent up excitement had subsided, the people below gradually quieted, awaiting the special news.

  “Thank you for being here and for your continued patience,” he said. “I promise to be brief as I stand here with the distinct honor to introduce someone whom you probably didn’t expect to see upon this balcony today. She will explain everything in detail, including the surprising events of yesterday.” When the gentleman uttered the word she, there were audible gasps below and a flurry of whispers as many speculated about the woman’s identity. “So without further ado, and after an absence far too long, I am honored to present to you, Princess Melinda of Maranac.”

  A moment of uneasy silence seized the crowd, several looking skeptically at one another. But when a young lady stepped out from behind the door and stood next to him, the citizens of Zaracosa erupted in applause, ecstatic to have the princess back in their lives. None had known of her fate since she had disappeared from Zaracosa on the third day of New Spring, the same terrible day when her parents, King Hamil and his wife, were assassinated with their driver and personal guards along a wooded dirt road.

  Princess Melinda, a slender woman with long, light brown hair and hazel eyes, politely waved to the crowd as her spokesman moved aside. At the same time, a few other people stepped out onto the balcony and sat on wooden chairs that had been arranged against the wall. One of the individuals, a thin, young man with an unshaven face, walked with a cane and sat down on the chair closest to the side railing, his eyes fixed fondly upon the princess. After what seemed like several minutes of uninterrupted applause, the spectators finally quieted, eager to hear Melinda’s words.

  “Thank you for your generous welcome, though I have done little to earn it except walk a few steps along this balcony,” she said with a gentle smile. The princess wore a dark blue velvet dress with silver trim and a white blouse, and around her neck was a string of multicolored pearls. “Though in the days ahead you will learn more about the death of my parents earlier this year, my uncle’s terrible reign over Maranac and my own disappearance, I want to provide some details today so that you’ll know the truth and have confidence that your kingdom and your homes are protected and no longer at war with our dear neighbors across the lake.”

  Another cheer arose, so many having wearied of the death and destruction waged against Rhiál by King Drogin and his allies. Despite his word that agents of Rhiál were responsible for the assassination of King Hamil and his wife, most had never believed his torturous explanation.

  “First let me say–though many have suspected it–that my Uncle Drogin arranged for the assassination of my parents and the good people protecting them on that awful day last spring. Men in my uncle’s inner circle have been apprehended after yesterday’s events and provided proof of Drogin’s complicity. My uncle was also responsible for my disappearance, though whether out of pity or others motives, he spared my life. I was secretly held prisoner in a cell below this estate so he could illegally assume the reins of power.” Princess Melinda paused while the audience reacted with disgust at Drogin’s crimes. “I have forgiven my uncle in my heart for his actions against me, but I know it will be difficult, if not impossible, for any of us to show that same forgiveness for what he did to my parents and to these kindred kingdoms along Lake LaShear. Only in the months and years ahead will we be able to restore our lives to what they once were. But in the meantime we must struggle along as best we can, relying on each other through the difficult times ahead.”

  “She is a sensible and well-spoken young woman,” King Justin whispered to Minister Pico. Melinda reminded him of his granddaughter who was about the same age. “But where is Drogin? What events happened yesterday that she referred to?”

  “She will address that shortly,” the minister whispered back. “Patience, King Justin. Patience.”

  “Of course,” he replied, glancing at an amused King Cedric.

  “As to the fate of my uncle,” the princess continued, “I will briefly recount what happened yesterday in order to dispel the rumors running rampant in Zaracosa. A more thorough public examination and discussion will be conducted in the days ahead.”

  Princess Melinda paused as she looked down upon the crowd, sobered by the apparent trust they placed in her. She glanced slightly to her right and caught the calming gaze of the young man with the cane which immediately put her at ease.

  “Sometime yesterday, as I was informed, King Drogin was preparing to leave this estate, having received word on the previous day that his army had been defeated in Rhiál. Though he still had a considerable force in this kingdom, it was widely spread out and comprised mainly of the citizens of Maranac who were not wholly devoted to him. The vast majority of his allied troops from Kargoth and the Northern Isles had been dispatched across the lake and were either defeated or fled.

  “I won’t bore you with the minutia of military politics–I’ll leave that to my advisors,” she added with a playful smile, eliciting a round of supportive laughter. “Therefore I’ll get right to the point. Yesterday it was learned that my uncle was to visit me in my prison cell before he departed, with some people around him convinced that he was going to kill me. A few thought Drogin was leaving Zaracosa for good, believing he was on the verge of being overthrown. Others, however, were convinced that he wanted to remove me from the capital city to assure that his authority couldn’t be challenged after his defeat. Though we don’t know his true intentions, Drogin and his closest advisors did make for my cell midmorning yesterday.

  “I later learned that several guards, no longer willing to tolerate the escalating crimes of King Drogin, secretly released a few prisoners who were members of the Hamilod resistance, a small but dedicated force trying to subvert Drogin’s tyrannical rule. The guards told them of Drogin’s intentions, urging them to get reinforcements. So with inside assistance from the repentant guards, the Hamilod fighters gathered their local forces and stormed the estate to save my life. I wish to thank them from the bottom of my heart for their bravery and loyalty to the kingdom of Maranac and for helping to restore its lawful rule. I owe them my life.”

  Again, everyone burst into applause, lavishing their praises upon those who rescued their beloved princess from possibly a most horrific fate. Princess Melinda raised her hand to quiet the crowd.

  “Rumors have flourished regarding my uncle’s fate, so I will correct the record now. It was when Drogin and his most loyal aides were on their way to my cell that members of the Hamilod resistance stormed the royal estate. My uncle and his men were killed in a barrage of arrows after refusing to surrender and taking up arms against my rescuers. Though no one was sure what Drogin’s intentions toward me were, those present at the raid, myself included, clearly heard him give the order to kill a second prisoner who had been held in a cell next to mine for nearly five months.”

  The people were mesmerized by this twist in Melinda’s story, assuming that she had been isolated while in prison. They eagerly waited for her to continue as not a voice could be heard above the lake breezes sweeping through the bending boughs of nearby pines.

  “Being separated by a stone wall, I was unable to see this man during our captivity,” she continued. “But we struck up a friendship of whispered words through the small barred openings in our cell doors when the guards were not in earshot. We discussed our lives, our families and the ongoing war, as well as our likes and dislikes regarding food, art and other simple pleasures. We described ourselves to one another and created lines of poetry to while away the hours and lift our spirits. And because of his kindness and companionship, I survived my ordeal and grew stronger because of it. He told me as much regarding him
self when I saw him for the first time yesterday, though we both feel as if we’ve known each other for a lifetime. So at this time I’d like you to get to know him, too.”

  Princess Melinda’s words were exactly what her fellow citizens wanted to hear from their future queen. In a short time she had created a bond of trust by explaining in detail what had happened to her since her disappearance, and now that she was allowing them a glimpse into her personal life, too, their respect and affection for Melinda swelled with the volume of their rising cheers.

  The princess turned to the people sitting behind her, and with a tender smile aimed at the man with the cane, she extended her hand and beckoned him to step forward. He smiled back as he stood up and walked to her, somewhat ill at ease as the crowd still cheered. They roared with delight when the young couple clasped hands and fondly gazed into each other’s eyes before turning to the gathering below and politely waving.

  “What a striking couple they make,” King Cedric remarked. “My wife would be crying right now were she with me.”

  “They certainly are,” King Justin replied as he distractedly stroked his chin, staring up at Princess Melinda and the vaguely familiar man standing next to her. “I must say, however, that I think I have seen him somewhere before–perhaps even met him once–though I can’t remember where. It’s quite disconcerting. But perhaps I’m imagining things in the heady whirl of recent events,” he said as the people continued to cheer with unbridled enthusiasm.

  “On the contrary,” Minister Pico said. “Your instincts, sir, are most likely correct.”

  “They are?”

  “Indeed they are,” Captain Silas interjected while studying the couple with wonder as he stood behind the King. He lowered his gaze as King Justin turned to him.

  “Tell me, how do I know that man, Captain Silas? And how do you know him?”

  “Though the young man has lost some weight during his incarceration, you most likely met him years ago the last time you ventured to Rhiál and visited King Basil,” Silas explained.

  “It has been years since I traveled to these parts,” King Justin said. “But what has that got to do with–” Then like a faded memory jarred to life by an old melody or a fragrant scent, the King suddenly realized where he had seen the man before. He spun around and again looked up at him standing next to Princess Melinda and gasped in amazement. “I can hardly believe it,” he whispered, shaking his head.

  “Who is he?” King Cedric asked.

  “He is the next King of Rhiál,” he replied, a stunned smile upon his face. “That is Prince Victor, King Basil’s youngest son.”

  CHAPTER 69

  The Many Roads Home

  After Princess Melinda concluded her speech on the balcony, the crowds below reluctantly dispersed as if a grand holiday had sadly come to an end. Afterward, some of the guests from across the lake were invited to a luncheon with her and Prince Victor. But before everyone sat down for the meal, Captain Silas asked Melinda and Victor if he could speak with them alone before joining the others.

  “My father’s most trusted soldier will always have my ear,” Prince Victor graciously told him. “What is on your mind?”

  They moved to a private study overlooking Lake LaShear. A pot of steaming tea had been placed on a serving table between their chairs. With a heavy heart, Captain Silas broke the news of King Basil’s death. Though the monarch had been in ill health before Victor’s disappearance five months ago, the prince was still surprised that his father’s condition had taken such a drastic turn for the worse. He was saddened by the news, yet his heart was warmed by the description that Silas painted of the steady stream of devoted citizens who had journeyed to the royal residence to view the King’s body as it lay in state.

  “Many believe that your brother’s death, coupled with your own uncertain fate, took a substantial toll upon your father’s health,” the captain said. “But despite our loss, the people of Rhiál will rejoice when they learn that you are alive. The line of succession will continue and will count for much in this dark point in history.”

  “I think you would have done a fine job ruling in my stead,” Victor replied, holding Melinda’s hand for support. They sat on a pair of chairs near a large window overlooking the choppy, turquoise waters of the lake, Melinda still in her dark blue velvet dress while Victor wore a tan shirt beneath a brown vest and matching pants. The prince’s walking cane hung upon the backrest of his seat. Captain Silas sat opposite the young couple, glad they had each other’s company during this troubling time. “My father’s ministers made a fine choice selecting you, Silas, even if it was only for a temporary post. The King spoke highly of your service and dedication when we last discussed the war and other affairs of state.”

  “You are kind, sir, yet I’m glad that you will assume the reins of power. It’s what is best for Rhiál,” he said, glancing around the room. A fire crackled in the hearth and shelves of polished pine lined several walls, filled with books and small treasured works of sculpted art. “This room reminds me of one of King Basil’s private areas in his estate, except we now face the water to the west. How long has it been since your last visit across the lake, Princess Melinda?”

  “Almost eight years,” she replied, sipping from her cup of tea. “Though my father and King Basil had amicable relations, visiting each other on occasion and keeping in regular contact through their ambassadors, I was more interested in my studies than politics while growing up.” She smiled as she set down her cup, glancing mischievously at Victor. “I think I saw you once or twice on my last visit. You were a tall, gangly youth who thought himself far wiser than his years, if I correctly recall.”

  Victor chuckled. “Perhaps you were thinking of my brother, Morton, though you are probably correct. But as I would have been seventeen at the time to your fourteen years, I shall attribute your observations then to the infatuation of a young school girl smitten by a dashing prince but not willing to admit it to herself.”

  Melinda smiled playfully. “I shall debate that point with you at a more appropriate time,” she replied, “though I will admit to a bit of infatuation now, my dear sir.”

  Captain Silas cleared his throat as he reached for his tea. “I’m glad to see that imprisonment has not made either of you bitter or jaded about the important things in life.”

  “Our months in confinement were nothing I would wish on anybody,” Victor said in a more serious tone. “And having injured a knee during my last battle only added one more difficulty to the experience. But Melinda and I decided early on in our confinements to strengthen both our minds and our spirits to keep us whole and useful for the day we might be released and called upon to lead.”

  “Victor and I are under no illusions, Captain Silas. We will both have moments of doubt and melancholy ahead of us,” Melinda cautioned. “Yet having each other to rely upon as we weather those moments will only strengthen us and our ability to govern.”

  The couple looked knowingly at each other, silently debating whether to divulge a certain bit of information to the captain. A smile suddenly appeared upon their faces, indicating agreement.

  “Captain, before we join the others, I think now would be a good time to let you in on a secret,” Melinda said. “But you must promise not to share this news with anybody until we make a formal announcement. There is much still to be done to repair the damages of war before we take the next step.”

  “The next step?” Captain Silas sat back and smiled. “I assume you’re talking about marriage.” The couple nodded. “Well, I would hardly call that much of a surprise to me or to the public after seeing you both upon that balcony and your obvious love for one another. But if that is your wish, then I shall certainly keep it to myself.”

  “Oh, we intend to get married,” Victor explained. “Probably sometime in Mid Summer of next year.”

  “Victor has already asked for my hand and I accepted,” Melinda added, blushing slightly. “But that is not the secret we are refer
ring to. There is something else, something of much greater importance we hope to accomplish with the consent of the citizens of Rhiál and Maranac.”

  Silas was clearly intrigued. “And I thought this day couldn’t hold any more surprises. What do you intend to do?”

  Victor leaned forward. “As Melinda said, we will only go forward with this proposal with the approval of the majority of our people on both sides of the water–though I don’t think that that will be a problem. But what we would like to do after things settle down is to sign a treaty of reunification between our two nations, uniting them into one kingdom as they once were. Since Drogin is no longer an impediment to a peaceful reunion, maybe the time has arrived at last to bury the long forgotten disputes of the past. And though my father and King Hamil had both nurtured such a dream for the future, even they were reluctant to wade into those turbulent waters.”

  Captain Silas nodded approvingly. “Now that two new young rulers have arrived, you can easily sweep away the barriers of old and make this a reality. But what would you call this new entity?”

  “Victor and I talked about that while in our cells,” Melinda said. “And as the formerly united kingdom was called Maranac, we both thought that it should retain that name with perhaps a slight twist to help erase some of the recent unpleasantness.”

  “It’s nothing fancy,” Prince Victor explained. “Simply this–New Maranac.”

  The captain smiled. “I rather like the sound of that, preserving the old while forging a fresh path at the same time. I think King Basil and King Hamil would be proud of you both. But in which city will the royal couple reside? In Melinas? Or in Zaracosa?”

  “In Bellavon, of course!” Melinda said. “Though the old capital city on the southern tip of the lake has been divided and in disrepair for some time, restoring her to shine again like new will be a goal that all citizens would strive for with passion as our individual lives are put back together as well.”