They lingered after lunch, allowing the fire to burn down to a pile of embers that glowed like watchful eyes. Nicholas settled in for another nap against a large oak. Max tended to the horses, cleaning their hooves and brushing them down. The chirping of distant birds and the lapping waves cast a hypnotic serenity across the landscape. But only minutes later Max looked up, thinking he had heard a distant rumble of thunder. He scanned the northern horizon and soon three men on horses drew near. Seeing Nicholas still asleep in the cool shade of the oak, Max let him enjoy his rest and greeted the visitors. He immediately recognized one of the faces and smiled.
“Punctual as usual,” Prince Gregory said as he dismounted. He extended a hand to Max. “It’s good to see you again, my friend.”
“And you, Prince Gregory, though I anticipated waiting a few more days. I’ve timed my arrival perfectly.” Max eyed the other two men on horseback and scratched his head. “So is this the army that your father sent to confront Vellan?”
The prince laughed. “The rest are about a mile back just beyond that low ridge,” he replied, pointing north across the lush landscape. “You’ll see them shortly. I, however, spotted the trail of smoke from your fire and decided to investigate for myself, assuming that this time it was really you camped out along the lakeside.”
Max furrowed his brow. “This time? Have you met others along this desolate stretch?”
The prince nodded, a vague smile upon his lips. “It’s a long story which I’ll fill you in on later, but first we need to–” He suddenly cut his words short when he saw a man emerge from the shadow of the nearby oak, stretching and running a hand through his mop of brown hair. “You brought company along, Max. It’s so unlike you to–” Prince Gregory again stopped himself as Nicholas drew nearer. His eyes widened in disbelief when he recognized the young man’s face, though he continued to look on in bewilderment. Nicholas hurried over to greet him.
“Prince Gregory!” he piped up with a smile as he shook the man’s hand. “Happy to see you again. It’s been far too long.”
“Nicholas Raven?” he replied, his tone a mix of astonishment and disbelief. “What in all of Laparia are you doing here?”
“That, too, is a long story,” Max said, “though Nicholas will be happy to recount the details at your convenience.”
“I can’t wait to hear them.” The prince looked upon Nicholas as if he had seen a ghost, almost at a loss for words. “This marks two days in a row that I’ve been astounded by a surprise visitor on the shores of Lake Mara.”
“What are you talking about?” Nicholas inquired.
Prince Gregory shook his head, trying to make sense of all that had happened in so short a time. “I’ll explain later, but first tell me this. Did you find Ivy? Leo Marsh told us of your quest after he returned to the Citadel with the key.” Nicholas’ smile quickly vanished and Prince Gregory needed no further explanation.
“I’m still searching,” he said, “yet haven’t given up hope.”
“Nor should you,” the prince replied with heartfelt sincerity. “And when you feel up to it, I’ll be eager to hear all that has transpired, as will Leo.”
Nicholas was taken aback. “Leo is here?”
Prince Gregory nodded. “He refused to remain at the Citadel. Your guide, Hobin, accompanied him as well. And Carmella, too.”
A smile returned to Nicholas’ face. He couldn’t wait to see his dear friends and asked where they could be located. Just then, the front lines of the army advanced over the low ridge. Prince Gregory dispatched the two soldiers on horseback to find King Justin and inform him that Maximilian had arrived with a surprise visitor. They rode out as the lines of soldiers and supply wagons slowly came to a stop a quarter mile up the lake.
“My father will allow the army an extended rest for the remainder of the day now that you’re here,” Prince Gregory told Max. “All of us could use a break after the many miles we’ve endured over the past thirteen days. In the meantime, we’ll coordinate our respective timetables for the attacks on Del Norác and Deshla. If you’ll follow me, we’ll find the King and his counterparts. My father will be eager to see you both.”
“If you don’t mind,” Nicholas said, “I’d like to pay a surprise visit to Leo and Hobin first. I’ll be the last person they ever expected to see here.”
“You’ll probably find both of them with Carmella somewhere on the east flank along the last third of the line. Just look for her rickety wagon and colorful cloak.”
“I remember both with clarity,” he said. “And I promise to pay my respects to King Justin shortly thereafter.”
“Take all the time you need. After having had that key remade and returned to the Citadel, my father will allow you all the leeway in the world.”
After gathering their things, Nicholas and Max climbed on their horses and accompanied the prince toward the now motionless army. Nicholas took leave of his companions when Max and the prince veered to the west side of the massive military line to locate King Justin. He eagerly continued along the lakeside for several minutes, passing companies of soldiers who had already spread out in an orderly fashion over the open field to set up their encampments. Tents were quickly raised and firewood gathered among a scattering of tree thickets for the extended stay until tomorrow morning.
Soon Nicholas neared the supply lines on his left, keeping his eyes peeled for any sign of Carmella’s boarded-up wagon. All the horse-drawn carts filled with food and other supplies were being spaced out forward and to the west to create enough room where the drivers and their staffs could set up individual camps next to each vehicle. Nicholas weaved his way in and out of the grunting horses and bustling workers who were tending to their temporary quarters while simultaneously planning for the distribution of food rations for the evening meal. Some of the soldiers were sent out with nets and lines to fish on the lake while others hunted in a stretch of nearby woods and fields for small game to supplement and extend the supplies of preserved meats and other provisions.
Finally, through a small crowd of shifting people carrying armfuls of firewood and baskets of food, Nicholas spotted a woman sitting on a small crate in the near distance with a cloak of bright colors draped over her shoulders, her back partially turned to him. He had found Carmella, noting her light blond hair slightly unkempt as usual, and a pair of beige gloves extending up to the middle of her forearms. Her horse and wagon stood under the thin shadow of a bony maple tree. Carmella was talking to a man building a fire in a small circle of rocks. Nicholas smiled as he observed Hobin, happily busy in his element as he struck a pair of fire stones over dry tinder to start a blaze. Sitting on another crate to Carmella’s left was Leo. He wore an unbuttoned wool coat and a knitted cap despite the mild weather. Nicholas dismounted and observed the trio from a few yards away as they talked among themselves, unaware of his presence. He was delighted to see his friends again as the torment and loneliness of the past several weeks slipped off his shoulders like a burdensome traveling pack.
“What I’d give for some fresh game right now,” Hobin said as the first flaming tongues reached up from the fire pit. He added bits of kindling to fuel the blaze, blowing a gentle stream of air at the base. “I’ll head out into the field shortly and see what these lands can provide. A bit of turkey or rabbit would go down nicely. Or maybe I should try my hand at the lake?”
“Can’t you sit still even for a moment?” Carmella asked with a cheery laugh.
Hobin glanced at Leo who appeared distracted by a pleasant daydream. “Are you imagining the enticing aroma of roasted turkey?”
“No,” he replied. “I was recalling a wonderful meal I had at the Plum Orchard Inn. Roasted pork and vegetables, freshly baked biscuits and a bowl of–”
“–apple-cinnamon relish. Here we are on the verge of battle, and all you and Hobin can think about is food?” a voice interrupted from behind. In unison, Leo and Carmella turned around in their seats and Hobin looked up from the fire, all wide-eyed w
ith mouths agape as Nicholas stood before them wearing a crooked grin.
“Nicholas?” Leo jumped up and did a double take upon seeing his friend, unable to fathom how he could really be here as he walked over and gave him a hug. “I can’t believe it’s you!” he excitedly said, rapidly firing a series of questions about how he had arrived and where he had been. But before Nicholas could answer, Leo looked around, noticing that he was alone. His enthusiasm waned, replaced by an air of cautious optimism. “And Ivy?” he softly added. “Did you find her?”
“Yes and no,” he replied with little emotion, dampening the celebratory mood. “I’ll explain soon, but first I want to hear from all of you. I’ve missed you terribly.”
“As have we,” Carmella said, standing up and wrapping her arms around Nicholas as if he were her son. “I was heartbroken when I learned that Leo had returned to the Citadel without you, but your being here is the best news we’ve had in quite some time.”
“My sentiments exactly!” Hobin added with a hug of his own, delighted to see his hiking companions together again. “I honestly didn’t think I’d ever see you again, Nicholas, as you had your heart set on going to the Northern Isles.”
“I had my heart set on finding Ivy,” he replied. “Fortunately though, I didn’t have to go there.”
“Oh? Tell us what happened,” Carmella said. “You’ve been on our minds every day since you left the Citadel.”
“I can say the same about all of you,” he replied, gazing fondly upon his friends.
The four were soon sitting in front of the fire discussing their adventures, seemingly in a world of their own as the army units went about their business. Nicholas recounted his time in Illingboc, his adventures aboard the Bretic and his rescue of Ivy on Karg Island. All listened with amazement as his story continued up the Lorren and Gray Rivers, and then with dismay as he explained how he and Ivy were forcibly separated.
“Though my search has been a leap of faith, she is most likely in Del Norác,” Nicholas said. “And my only companion most of the way has been blind hope, at least until I met Malek and his friends. Despite the impending raid on Deshla, my prospects of finding Ivy don’t look encouraging.”
“You found us,” Carmella said with a buoyant smile. “Take heart in that for now.”
“I will,” he said, bowing his head with a hint of despondency. Suddenly his mood changed and he looked up at the others with a smile. “But you’re not the only ones I found. I had nearly forgotten.”
“What are you talking about?” Leo asked.
“You won’t believe who Ivy and I visited on our way back to Morrenwood before Brin took us captive. You especially, Hobin.”
Hobin furrowed his brow. “I don’t know anybody in those parts.”
“Oh, I think you might.” Nicholas described the time he and Ivy spent in Illingboc, including the party they had attended. “While leaving the festivities, we met a young lady named Miriam who wore a stone pendant tinted a light shade of blue. It gave off silver flashes when the light hit it.” He caught Hobin’s steely gaze now filled with a swirl of heartfelt memories. “The stone was identical to the one you carry, Hobin. Miriam said that her Aunt Emma had given it to her.”
Hobin sat speechless, his mind drifting back years ago to the shores of Lake Lily where he and Emma had found the pair of stones and fell in love. “What’d she say of her aunt?” he asked after clearing his throat.
Nicholas recounted the visit to Emma’s farmhouse. “Her name is Emma Covey, but she lives alone as her husband had drowned years ago when they lived near the sea. She never remarried. Emma was moved when she saw the stone again.” He explained that Emma had left a note for Hobin with a neighbor twenty years ago before her family moved away from Lake Lily. “Over the next two years, she and her family had moved to other temporary homes until they eventually left the Dunn Hills and settled down along the Crescent.”
“I never received her note when I returned to the lake that following summer,” Hobin sadly replied. “Maybe whoever held it had moved on as well, or lost it or forgot about it. I asked for information about Emma and her family and even searched for her in some nearby villages, but no luck. Too much time and distance had intervened. And now…” Hobin sighed, looking at the ground.
“And now she still loves you,” Nicholas said. Hobin slowly raised his head upon hearing those words, filled with mixed emotions. “She told Ivy and me that she had never stopped loving you and would like to see you again. I promised to get word to you, assuming I’d see you either in Morrenwood or back home in Woodwater.” He chuckled to break the tension, putting Hobin at ease. “As you can see, that didn’t work out very well.”
A thin smile crossed Hobin’s face. “No, I guess not.” He stood up, folding his arms tightly about his chest as he haltingly paced about. “Emma actually said that she wanted to see me again?”
“Several times. All you have to do is ride north. I can draw a map to her house.”
Hobin caressed his chin. “Well isn’t that something, and after all these years.”
He continued to pace, silently debating with himself as if the others weren’t present. Nicholas, Leo and Carmella glanced at one another and smiled, delighted for their friend. Curiosity got the best of Carmella and she asked Hobin pointblank.
“So, what are you going to do about it?”
Hobin turned and glanced at his friends, startled back into the moment. “I’m going to think about it,” he said, sitting back down. “And I’m going to think about it alone.” He shot a glance at Nicholas. “Still, you might want to start drawing that map.”
“Happy to.”
“A good first step, Hobin,” Carmella said encouragingly, patting his arm. “And if you’d like to talk more about it later…”
“That’s the last thing I want to do,” he grumbled, though his mood was still upbeat. “Now can we please change the subject?”
“I think we’d better,” Leo chimed in with amusement. “Let’s not push the man.”
“Thank you,” he replied as he added fuel to the fire. “Now, Nicholas, tell us about Ivy. That’s a bit more important than a twenty-year-old romance, don’t you think?”
Nicholas nodded, happy to change the subject for Hobin’s sake. “I’ll travel through Linden with Max and head back to the Champeko Forest,” he explained. “From there we’ll position ourselves closer to Del Norác and await King Justin’s signal before we launch our attack. But if Ivy isn’t a prisoner in Deshla, I’ll have to look elsewhere. Malek said he’d allow some in his army to help with my search, but the closer we get, the less I sense that Ivy’s welfare is anyone else’s top priority. There’s so much other work to do.” He gazed at the snapping flames, taking solace in their mesmerizing dance as the merriment of moments ago dissipated and his mood dampened. “As the prospect for war grows, the plight of a young woman easily gets lost in the commotion.”
“Sorry to hear that,” Hobin said. He caught a telling glance from Leo and immediately guessed what he had in mind. Hobin nodded in silent reply as Nicholas still stared at the fire. “Sometimes it feels like you’re alone even with an entire army behind you.”
Nicholas looked up. “Malek’s army can’t match this one in size, but I understand your meaning.”
“Which is why you won’t be alone no matter what happens,” Leo said, noting the bewildered expression upon Nicholas’ face.
“Hmmm?”
Leo rolled his eyes good-naturedly, realizing that his friend hadn’t yet grasped his point. “Hobin and I are going with you, Nicholas. It’s time the three of us got back together on the road.”
Nicholas shrugged with bemusement. “And when did you both decide this?”
“Probably a moment after you stepped into our circle,” Carmella remarked with a delighted laugh. “And if I were you, I wouldn’t argue the point.”
“I’m more than grateful for the offer,” Nicholas said, “but aren’t you two obligated to King Justin’s
army?”
“Luckily, I know the man very well,” Leo said. “I’m certain he’ll grant Hobin and me his leave.”
Hobin chuckled. “Returning the key to the Blue Citadel and opening the Spirit Box has given Leo some sway around here, though he’s never used it.”
Nicholas turned to Leo in surprise. “You opened the Spirit Box?”
He nodded. “I had hoped to hand the key over to King Justin and be done with it, but things didn’t work out that way.”
Nicholas told them how he had learned about the destruction of the Enâri race after journeying to Malek’s camp. “I figured that you and Hobin were safely back in Morrenwood by then, but assumed King Justin would have the honor of opening the box.”
Leo grunted in amusement. “Safely back? Honor? There’s a lot you need to learn about life in the Citadel after we returned.”
“I think I’m about to find out.”
Leo, with comments from Carmella and Hobin, explained how the key had come back to Morrenwood and told of the invasion of the Citadel and the nearly successful attempt to replace the King. Nicholas listened in shocked disbelief about Leo’s fight with Mune in the upper chamber, Carmella’s fiery encounter with her cousin and Jagga’s demise upon the opening of the Spirit Box.
“Opening that box wasn’t the tame affair I had expected it to be,” Nicholas said.
“Considering that I literally had to get Mune off my back before I could turn the key, I’d say no.”
“And you still feel the effects?” Nicholas asked, indicating the knit hat and wool coat Leo was wearing in the near balmy weather.
“Some days are better than others. But a few chills are a small price to pay compared to what others endured,” he said. “It was a bloody day, Nicholas. Several of King Justin’s finest men lost their lives in the attack, including one who accompanied me to the stairwell of that upper chamber. Mune had killed him,” he said with bitterness. “Stabbed him to death just to get his hands on that key.”
“I’m glad you got the best of him. He and Madeline were the ones who kidnapped Ivy. I can only imagine what other havoc they’ve spread across Laparia.”
Nicholas Raven and the Wizards' Web (The Complete Epic Fantasy) Page 150