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

by Thomas J. Prestopnik

  Nicholas and Leo stepped back, glancing at one another. “You hit a nerve,” Nicholas whispered. Leo nodded, indicating that he wanted to try a different line of questioning now that Cale was angered and perhaps liable to let some information slip.

  He eased up to the door again and locked onto Cale’s clouded gaze. “You claim to speak for Vellan?” he asked. “You can’t expect us to believe such a farfetched claim. You’re merely an underling who has been stuck in these dreary caves for far too long.”

  “I know more than you think!” Cale snapped, pounding a fist against the door.

  “That’s not what Istillig told me when I talked to him privately,” Leo continued, looking pleased with himself which only infuriated Cale even more.

  “You lie! For if you really had talked to Istillig, you’d know that I’m allowed free rein down here according to Vellan’s wishes, a fact that Istillig would never deny. Your attempt to fool me to extract information–” Cale suddenly quieted, realizing that the damage had already been done.

  “Too late,” Leo said. “You’ve just convinced me that you do have a connection to Vellan despite the doubts we harbored earlier.”

  “Perhaps that’s what I want you to think,” he replied in a calmer voice.

  “No, I also believe you work for Vellan in some capacity,” Nicholas said, “though whether that detail gets me closer to finding Ivy remains to be seen.”

  “It won’t,” Cale replied. “Unless you’re prepared to offer me something valuable in exchange for the information you seek. Otherwise, this conversation is over,” he said with a sickening finality before returning to his bench.

  “Get back here!” Nicholas ordered, his words strident and bitter, yet they had no effect on Cale. He shook his head, regretting losing his temper. “I’m sounding as pleasant as Brin,” he softly remarked to Leo. “Or that insane Captain Lok.”

  “Maybe just a little,” Leo joked. “But after all you’ve been through…”

  Nicholas studied Cale through the door and sighed, knowing that his prisoner would not be responsive any time soon after such an outburst. He signaled for Leo to follow him back up the corridor, hoping to return within the hour and try again.

  But their next attempt proved just as futile. Cale refused to speak, barely acknowledging their presence. Even the offer of extra food rations or the promise of a walk outdoors under heavy guard did little to get his attention. And though Nicholas tried to be pleasant and caring, Leo grew increasingly worried as noontime approached.

  “This isn’t working,” he said. He and Nicholas wandered beyond Cale’s cell to a spot where the tunnel branched left farther into the mountain. No cells had been constructed in this section or beyond where the last oil lamp hung from the ceiling. “We need a new strategy. Perhaps we should let Hobin have a stab at it.”

  Though tempted, Nicholas shook his head. “Not yet. I just need a little more time.” He scratched his head, gazing into the passage ahead thick with shadows, his mind and heart feeling as lifeless as the dark void before him. “Let’s get some lunch and see if any scouts have returned from Del Norác. We’ll come back in an hour. That’ll give Cale time to think. I could tell him about Brin as a show of good faith.”

  “But his cousin is dead,” Leo said. “That might anger him even more.”

  Nicholas shrugged. “We have to do something that will grab his interest, Leo! Something he’ll feel compelled to bargain for.”

  “Like what?”

  “I don’t know,” he replied. He walked back up the corridor, his shoulders slouched in expected defeat as he silently passed Cale’s cell. “But we better think fast.”

  A pair of scouts had returned in the meantime, reporting their findings in the administrative chamber. The fighting in Del Norác, now several hours old, raged within the city which straddled the Drusala River about a half mile from Vellan’s stronghold in Mount Minakaris. Other battles had broken out in the adjacent field to the east and among the farmland and orchards to the north. Smoke rose like writhing gray snakes in sections of the capital as the deathly sound of clanking swords filled the air.

  “Our mountain forces have filtered into all areas in and around Del Norác, but as to their fate, we can only guess,” one of the scouts said. “Other teams have gone deeper into the fray and will return later with a more detailed assessment.”

  “Still, I think we’re safe for now,” said the second scout. “But if things go ill by mid afternoon, there will be no reason for us to remain here. We should either join the fight or flee back into the mountains.” He looked up with a grim smile. “But as my sword is itching for a fight, I know where my place will be if things come to such an end.”

  “Your opinion is shared by us all,” another man replied as nods of agreement rippled among those present.

  Hobin, listening in the background, grew disturbed by the news. He led Nicholas and Leo to a corner table near the fire.

  “Time’s running out for you to reason with Cale,” he said, the glow of the flames highlighting his worried expression. “That is if he can be reasoned with.”

  “What else can I do?” Nicholas anxiously asked. “Even if I threaten to kill him, I don’t know if that would turn Cale to my side. He might see his death as a necessary sacrifice to Vellan, one he would gladly accept.”

  Leo agreed. “All that man cares about is pleasing Vellan, so what better way to do that in Cale’s twisted mind than to die for the cause.”

  “Then what have we to bargain with if even death won’t motivate him?” Nicholas asked. The soldiers and scouts began to disperse moments later after their meeting had concluded, causing Nicholas to feel as if events were moving out of his control. “Maybe my only recourse is to knock on Vellan’s door or go to the garrison in the city and beg for admittance. That’s assuming Ivy is even in one of those locations.”

  Leo and Hobin sensed that Nicholas was beginning to realize the futility of the situation. Both wondered if he may have already accepted the possibility of never seeing Ivy again. Neither though, had the heart to put such a dreadful thought into words.

  “Come on now!” Hobin piped up, dispersing their clouds of despair. “It’s too soon to give up. You two hiked all the way to Wolf Lake to reforge that key. So why should getting some information from one delusional man be so difficult?”

  “When you put it that way…” Leo said before turning to Nicholas. “What do you say? Shall we give it one last try?” But Nicholas hadn’t heard Leo’s question, lost in thought as he pondered Hobin’s simple words. “So, are you with me?” he asked, nudging Nicholas on the shoulder.

  “Hmmm?” he replied, his tone suddenly calm and carefree as if awakened from a pleasant daydream. “Yes. We’ll try again. We definitely will.”

  Hobin noticed a sudden shift in Nicholas’ demeanor. “What notion is rambling through that mind of yours? I’ve seen that same expression before on Frank and Gus after they’ve broken into my venison stores and enjoyed a feast.”

  Nicholas smiled. “Something you just said gave me an idea, Hobin. Something that may get Cale to talk. ”

  “Oh? So what bit of genius could you possibly take from my words?” he asked.

  When they walked back to Cale’s cell, he was standing at the door to greet them. Nicholas raised an eyebrow in surprise.

  “Eagerly awaiting our return?” he pleasantly asked.

  “Not likely. Just inhaling a draft of spring air that swept down the corridor.”

  “We’ll happily take you for a walk in the sunshine,” Leo said, “providing you earn it with some information, of course.”

  “As I said, you must make it worth my while if information is to be forthcoming. Offer me something,” he replied, turning away.

  “And we will,” Nicholas said. “We have information about the people who destroyed Vellan’s beloved Enâri. We know where they are at this very moment. I can only guess what Vellan would give to apprehend those culprits.” Cale froze in his
steps, his back to Nicholas as he listened intently to such startling words. “I’d imagine that whoever provided such information to Vellan would be hugely rewarded.”

  Nicholas and Leo glanced nervously at one another in the ensuing silence, each wondering if they had hit another stone wall. Cale’s face then reappeared at the barred window, a look of curious distrust plastered across his countenance.

  “That is a mighty tall tale,” he said. “How could you know such a thing when even Vellan wouldn’t reveal such information to me, one of his most trusted servants?”

  “We know,” Nicholas said with a sly smile, “because we’re the ones who perpetrated the deed. Leo and I hiked far into the Dunn Hills last autumn to seek out the wizard Frist, the very wizard who twenty years ago created a deadly spirit to annihilate the Enâri. We asked him to reforge the key to the Spirit Box that finally released his lethal handiwork on the second day of New Winter at dawn. Certainly you must have heard at least portions of what I just said if you are in Vellan’s inner circle as you claim.”

  Cale was clearly intrigued, but not entirely sure what to think. “Lies! All lies!” he stated with forced emotion, buying time as he analyzed this new twist. “You’re manipulating me with bits of information you might have accidentally overheard.”

  “We speak the truth,” Leo said, describing the trek from Morrenwood to Wolf Lake. He also told Cale about his fight with Mune in the Citadel. Leo and Nicholas both noticed that Cale flinched slightly upon mention of Mune’s name.

  “You’ve heard of Mune?” Nicholas asked, giving Cale little time to think. “He and many others, especially the wizard Caldurian, had a hand in the tumultuous affairs of late.”

  “Many have heard of Caldurian,” he replied dismissively. “It is this other wizard you spoke of who intrigues me. Frist, did you say?” Nicholas nodded. “Why did you need to meet with this man to reforge the key? What was wrong with its condition?”

  Nicholas, sensing that Cale was trying to test him, believed he was finally making progress. “The original key had been melted down and shaped into a medallion, though it still contained the essence of Frist’s magic spell. A woman named Carmella received the medallion by chance from Jagga, one of the Enâri. And though Carmella was fond of him, she did the right thing by taking the medallion to King Justin. From what we had told you previously, you know of the devastating event that happened as a result.”

  “But whether I believe you is another story,” he replied, his mind a swirl of conflicting thoughts as he considered his next move.

  At the mention of Carmella’s name, just as with Mune’s, Cale displayed a hint of recognition. He had recently heard both of those names uttered in Vellan’s presence, confirming in his mind that perhaps Nicholas was telling the truth. If he and Leo were responsible for the death of Vellan’s prized Enâri race, Cale could think of no greater honor than to hand the two criminals over to receive their much deserved judgment.

  Nicholas and Leo realized that Cale probably believed them more than not. They hoped their story was convincing enough to allow him to break through his wall of doubt and open up about Ivy. Cale abruptly cleared his throat as he rubbed a hand over his whiskered face, desiring to get word to Vellan about the two scoundrels standing before him. And if that meant cooperating with them, then he would do what needed to be done.

  “Those four men and I took your woman to Del Norác,” he said matter-of-factly. Nicholas and Leo stepped closer to the door. “After we left the raft, we followed the Lorren and Gray Rivers for many days. It was an arduous trek even on horseback. With those rivers behind us, we eventually reached the Drusala and followed it to Del Norác, surprised not to encounter any Enâri troops along the way. Now I know why.”

  “Go on,” Nicholas gently encouraged.

  “The garrison near Deshla prison was abandoned, so we continued along the river in the black of night until we reached the larger garrison in Del Norác. There we were questioned by Vellan’s troops,” he explained. “When I informed them that we had Princess Megan with us to present to Vellan, showing the captain in charge the royal medallion around her neck, word was sent to Vellan’s stronghold in Mount Minakaris. Soon after, a messenger returned with orders on how to proceed.”

  “Which were?” Nicholas asked.

  Cale taunted them with a hard smile, knowing they hung on to his every word. “We, along with your friend, were to be sent to Mount Minakaris at once.”

  “How was Ivy when you arrived?” Nicholas inquired, his heart pounding.

  “She was fine. A hardy soul. Haven’t seen her since.”

  Leo noted a shadow of dread crossing Nicholas’ face. “Where is she now?”

  “As I said, the five of us and your woman were escorted to Mount Minakaris. After further questioning, I and the others were allowed to meet with Vellan. At the time I didn’t realize that simply meeting with the wizard would mark the pinnacle of my existence, though now I clearly see it.”

  “What happened to Ivy?” Leo asked impatiently.

  “I explained to Vellan how his devoted Island allies came upon the princess, for I, too, at the time, assumed that Ivy was really Princess Megan. I showed Vellan the royal medallion and said that Brin had one of King Justin’s spies as prisoner and was on his way to Mount Minakaris to turn him over.”

  “And Vellan believed you?” Nicholas asked.

  Cale grimaced. “He was skeptical, having recently obtained conflicting information. He was convinced we were trying to deceive him and ordered our immediate executions.” Nicholas’ heart pounded. The color drained from his cheeks. “But not your woman. She was led away, though I didn’t know to where. But before the steel blades of his guardsmen were plunged into us, I pleaded with Vellan to allow us to serve him and told him about the unquestioning devotion of my cousin. Something in my words must have convinced him I may have been telling the truth. He temporarily lifted his order of death. The guards marched us to the snowy banks of the Drusala River just outside the eastern edge of Del Norác. Vellan accompanied us there in the darkness.”

  “What happened?” Leo whispered, enthralled with the story.

  “Under a pale, moonlit sky, the five of us were lined up on the edge of the Drusala. I vaguely saw my reflection in the thin film of icy pieces drifting by. It was then that the mighty wizard spoke, giving us the choice to kneel down, drink the water and become his lifelong servants, or suffer an immediate death. But before Vellan uttered his next word, I shouted out that I would serve him forever and plunged into the Drusala. I arose from its freezing waters with my mind ablaze with a new perspective on life. For the first time in my existence, my thoughts were utterly clear and my vision of the future–perfect.”

  “And your fellow Islanders?” Nicholas asked.

  “They hesitated making their decision,” he replied with little emotion. “I saw their bodies fall into the river one by one as I was helped out of the water. An arrow was embedded in each of their backs as they floated downstream, disappearing forever into the wintry night. But such is Vellan’s high threshold for loyalty.”

  “And after that incident you became his servant?” Nicholas asked, concealing his horror of the grisly details.

  “One of several. Vellan relied heavily upon the Enâri to serve as his aides and messengers. After their terrible fate, he carefully chose their replacements, using only those who had willingly offered themselves to him through the wondrous waters of the Drusala.”

  “You must have learned much at Vellan’s side,” Leo said.

  “Many of my tasks took me away from him, but even the most menial of them I performed with honor,” he replied. “In fact, I had just made my way from Vellan’s quarters to Deshla prison shortly before your attack. I had orders to bring some of the guards to Vellan’s main gate as reinforcements, but most of them were slaughtered by your comrades.”

  “Bad timing,” Leo deadpanned. “Tell us where Ivy is.”

  “I haven’t seen her sinc
e the night we arrived, but I’m certain she is still Vellan’s prisoner inside the stronghold,” he said. “He doesn’t speak to me of her.”

  “Could you take us to her?” Nicholas asked.

  Cale thought for a moment. He wanted to lead them directly to Vellan to face punishment for their horrific crimes, but was vastly outnumbered. He needed to get word to Vellan first, and then have the wizard send an overwhelming force to Deshla and capture his prize. He smiled as a plan formed in his mind. He reached in his pocket and pulled out an iron key, holding it up to the opening.

  “I might not be able to take you to Ivy,” he said, “but I can get you inside Vellan’s stronghold easily enough. His messengers, and those who accompany them, are allowed unrestricted access to certain areas of his fortress without question from the guards. After which, you would have to search for Ivy on your own.”

  Nicholas stepped closer to the door, his gaze slowly shifting between Cale and the key. “And how do we know that you won’t hand us over to Vellan’s guards?”

  “You don’t,” he replied. “But that’s the chance you must take if you want to see Ivy again. After all, you might have me killed and steal my key once you release me from this cell.” Cale shrugged, dropping the key back into his pocket. “It’s a chance we’ll both have to take.”

  CHAPTER 103

  Through a Dark and Winding Passage

  Nicholas explained his plan to Malek’s soldiers. He and Leo would escort Cale back to Vellan’s stronghold where they would enter through one of the minor gates. A small group of armed men would accompany them along the road between the mountain and the woods, keeping hidden once they neared the entrance.

  “Make sure Cale knows that one of my best archers will have him in his sight until you’re inside,” replied the captain who had approved the mission.

  “Also mention that I’m handy with a blade,” Hobin added, insisting that he would go along. “I led you to Frist, so I might as well take you to his evil opposite,” he added with a chuckle.