“Only when we’re sitting comfortably by a fire with Megan, getting peppered with one question after another, will the reality of what we went through finally sink in,” the prince remarked. “Though I eagerly look forward to every one of my daughter’s inquiries.”
“And hearing about the administrative woes that Nedry most certainly endured in our absence, too,” the King added. “Then I’ll feel as if I’m back where I belong and can start to put things in perspective.” Neither could help but laugh.
“What has put the two of you in such a good mood?” Tolapari asked as he guided his steed alongside them. Accompanying the wizard on another horse was Carmella who immediately caught the attention of Prince Gregory and his father since both were used to seeing her riding upon her cherished wagon.
“We were discussing family and such,” the King said as a freshening breeze rolled across the field from the west.
“And what about you two?” the prince asked curiously. “What did you say, Tolapari, to persuade this woman to abandon her usual mode of transportation?”
“I would never abandon such a valuable piece of property,” Carmella insisted. “It holds my most cherished possessions. But since Tolapari has graciously offered to take me on as his apprentice, we were discussing the course of my training over the next year.”
“Though I will happily accompany Carmella along the roads and fields of Laparia, there will be some places where horses alone, or study legs, will be the only way to travel,” the wizard explained. “Carmella is getting some practice.”
“Well best of luck,” King Justin said. “But I expect a visit from both of you from time to time whenever you’re in the area.”
“Count on it,” Tolapari promised. “Even though the war is over, I could never deny the King of Arrondale my sage advice and stellar company.”
“And I look forward to conversing with Princess Megan now and then over a steaming pot of tea,” Carmella added. “Especially if she continues her relationship with Leo. No offense, gentlemen, but she’ll need a woman’s advice from time to time.”
“Duly noted,” King Justin said. “By the way, Carmella, where is your wagon?”
“A half mile behind us,” she replied. “But don’t worry. It is in very capable hands.”
Farther back among the steadily moving lines, Nicholas sat atop Carmella’s wagon with the reins in hand, gazing out upon the familiar landscape unfolding before them. Ivy sat next to him with Leo on her other side. Hobin rode to their right on his steed, keeping a watchful eye on them as if they were his children. All had moved on in tranquil silence for the past several minutes as if mesmerized by the steady sounds of the turning wheels and muffled clip clopping of the horses across the grassy terrain.
“I’ve never heard you all so quiet before,” Hobin said as he looked up at the trio. “None of you are dozing off, are you?”
Leo, nearest to him, turned his head as he leaned back in his seat. “Not dozing, Hobin, though close to it,” he said, stretching his arms with a relaxed smile upon his face. “After all that’s happened, I’m in a contemplative mood right now. I can’t speak for Nicholas or Ivy, but I’m all talked out–even about apples.”
“That’d be a first,” Nicholas joked as he guided the horses. “And I’m definitely not close to dozing off,” he added, glancing at Hobin. “Too much on my mind as I think about returning home.”
“I hope you’ve left some room for me in your thoughts,” Ivy playfully remarked.
“Always,” he said.
“Well, I guess I’ll just talk to my horse then,” Hobin answered with a chuckle, “though he was never much of a conversationalist.”
“We’ll save it for when you get back from visiting Emma,” Leo promised as he closed his eyes. “By then, Nicholas and I will have a list of questions longer than my arm.”
“I suppose I won’t be able to get either of you to clam up then,” he muttered, gazing ahead at the iron gray clouds that were thinning far in the west. “So I better enjoy the silence while I can.”
His thoughts turned to Emma waiting for him in the north. He wondered what kind of life they could make for themselves after so many years apart. Leo, at the same time, confidently allowed himself to imagine a life together with Megan now that the war had ended, envisioning them collapsing into one another’s arms when they reunited at the Citadel as he drifted off to sleep.
Nicholas and Ivy shared similar thoughts about their interweaving paths in life that finally aligned along a parallel course after a tumultuous introduction. It had been a long journey from their first sweet moments in Boros, but they knew deep in their hearts that by surviving the trials of the last few months while apart, surely together they could conquer anything that life might throw their way. Both were eager to find out.
As the day unwound, the last few miles disappeared under foot and hoof and turning wheel. The long, tired lines skirted a patch of woods to their left and made for a familiar stretch of road to the north. Everyone cheered in turns about an hour before twilight when they left the field and moved onto the westernmost section of King’s Road a handful of miles outside Morrenwood. The clouds broke and began to scatter by this time, leaving a gauzy patchwork tinted along the edges in soft hues of red, orange and pink. At last, as everyone’s minds were saturated with thoughts of home and loved ones, the Blue Citadel came into view. It towered in the distance against the dark Trent Hills and the surrounding deep green pines. Its sturdy granite blocks were gently splashed with the light of the sun descending slowly into the northwest peaks like an eagle alighting gently in its nest. The men and women of Arrondale had finally arrived home.
END OF PART ELEVEN
PART TWELVE
THE JOURNEY HOME
CHAPTER 114
Back to Where it All Began
A day of celebration commenced throughout Arrondale five days after King Justin’s army arrived in the capital. Some soldiers had returned to their villages beforehand to be reunited with loved ones. Others remained for a time at the Blue Citadel and the eastern encampment to rest and recover from their injuries. Many families, however, grieved the loss of their fathers, brothers and sons. It was a difficult time for all in the months that followed, particularly for those who had wielded a sword or rode a horse into the fire of battle. But on this special day of celebration, most were in high spirits. For one day, all gave themselves permission to rejoice in their freedom and good fortune that so many had fought and died to secure.
Behind the Blue Citadel, party tents and celebratory bonfires had been set up on that warm spring day, the flames nearest to the Edelin River reflecting upon its swiftly moving waters. Nicholas, sharing drinks with Ivy, Hobin, Carmella and others beneath a large canopy, was reminded of the good times he enjoyed at many Harvest Festivals in Kanesbury over the years despite the dramatics that had occurred at the last one. He also fondly recalled when he and Ivy danced at the winter party in Illingboc.
“They’re playing music,” Nicholas told her, pointing to a trio of tall pines along the river near which people danced in the sunshine to the lively rhythms of flutes, fiddles and hand drums. “Think our feet can keep up? It’s been a while.”
“I’m ready if you are,” she replied, delighting in the moments she had spent with Nicholas since her rescue on the mountain. She glanced at Carmella and Hobin. “Do you two want to join us?”
“I’ll watch,” Hobin said. “I’m too tired to compete with you youngsters.”
“As am I,” Carmella said. “Besides, I have to save my energy. Tolapari and I are giving a demonstration in smoke manipulation later on. It’ll be most entertaining.”
As Nicholas and his friends left for the dance area through the bustling crowd, they saw Leo and Princess Megan approaching them arm in arm, all smiles and in love.
“Sorry we’re late,” Leo said. “Megan had some royal duties to attend to.”
She glanced knowingly at Leo. Then with a wave of her hand, sh
e indicated for everyone to follow them to a thicket of shrubs on the river for privacy where the waters noisily washed over moss covered rocks. “We have news,” she continued excitedly, “though it’s still meant to be a secret for just a little while longer.”
“Then perhaps you shouldn’t tell us,” Nicholas said.
“You be quiet, mister,” Ivy playfully replied. “If Megan wants to tell us something, kindly let her.”
“Of course you’re right, dear,” he quickly added, amusing both Leo and Hobin.
“Megan, ignore these men folk and tell us what’s on your mind,” Carmella said. “Ivy and I are eager to hear if they aren’t.”
“I should hope you will all be,” she said, peeking around the shrubbery to make sure no one else was in earshot. She lowered her voice as if divulging a state secret. “Leo and I just had a talk with Father and Grandfather.”
“Megan did most of the talking,” Leo admitted.
“About what?” Ivy asked.
Megan, holding Leo’s arm tightly, couldn’t conceal a beaming smile. “Leo, with both poise and confidence–”
“–and sheer terror–”
“–just asked them for their blessing to marry me!”
“How wonderful!” Ivy exclaimed as she hugged the princess and then Leo with Carmella mirroring her actions.
“I’m happy for you both,” Nicholas said as he wrapped his arms around Megan. “Luckily we met each other in the woods or you might never have met this guy,” he added, shaking Leo’s hand.
Megan showed them the interlocking silver and copper ring necklace beneath her blouse, telling of Leo’s proposal. “I’ve kept it hidden all this time, but one day soon I shall display it openly.” She wore it next to her royal medallion that Ivy had since returned.
“Megan and I decided not to make an official announcement for a few more weeks until after the soldiers have returned home and people can get back to living normal lives,” Leo said. “We have plenty of time to share our good news, though we informed Tolapari and Nedry of our intentions so that King Justin doesn’t have to tiptoe around everybody.”
“I think such good news might boost people’s spirits after all that has happened,” Hobin said, offering his best wishes. “Still, I’m sure it’ll be a fine wedding.”
“When is the ceremony?” Ivy asked.
“We’re planning an autumn date,” Megan said. “I thank you in advance for your discretion, but I had to tell someone before I burst. And I expect you all to be there.”
“We wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Carmella said, wiping a tear from her eye.
“I hope I won’t have to call you Prince Leo,” Nicholas joked.
“I’ll make an exception,” he replied, “though I do have one favor I’d like to request, seeing as you’ll be heading east soon.”
“Anything,” he said. “Just name it.”
Three nights later, King Justin held a private dinner for several close friends who would be leaving over the next few days. Nicholas and Ivy planned to depart the following morning. The King had dispatched a messenger to Laurel Corners days earlier to inform Ivy’s parents that she had been rescued and would soon be on her way home, easing her anxiety about lingering at the Citadel for as long as she had.
Prince Gregory, Leo and Megan joined them along with Carmella, Hobin, Tolapari and Nedry. They gathered around a large oak table as servers ladled steaming soup into their bowls and laid out plates of warm bread. Flickering candles lined the center of the table and a roaring fireplace on the far side of the chamber dispelled any chill. Remnants of dusky twilight lingered outside the tall sets of window panes along the west wall.
“For as long as the war and the buildup to it had dragged on,” King Justin began, “as I sit here now with you, the preceding days, weeks and months have slipped by like leaves in a passing breeze. I shall miss your companionship.”
“But, Grandfather, they shall all be back this autumn for our wedding,” Megan told him with a sympathetic smile, gently placing a hand upon his. “Do not let melancholy get the best of you.”
“Perhaps it is the wine,” Prince Gregory suggested with a smile, drawing light laughter from the others.
“Perhaps,” he genially replied. “So I will make the best of our time together.” The King glanced across the table at Nicholas. “Since you and Ivy are leaving tomorrow morning, tell me of your plans in the days ahead so it will ease my mind.”
“Happy to,” he said. “First I will take Ivy home to Laurel Corners, stopping along the way to visit Leo’s parents in Minago.”
“They’ll treat you like royalty,” Leo said. “And I’m nearly finished with my letter you promised to deliver to them.”
“Better write faster,” he said. “Ivy and I are leaving promptly after breakfast.”
“But there’s a lot to tell,” Leo reminded him. “Hiking through the Dunn Hills. Opening the Spirit Box and nearly dying. Facing evil wizards and nearly dying again.”
Megan smiled, lightly squeezing his hand before turning to her grandfather. “Leo is composing a detailed summary of his adventures, knowing his parents deserve at least that much while he spends a little more time with us at the Citadel.”
“But Megan and I will visit Minago in early summer,” Leo said. “I have to check on the apple orchards–and my brother.”
“I’m sure both have blossomed nicely in your absence,” Megan assured him.
“And what about you, Carmella?” the King inquired, glancing at her and Tolapari. “Have you finalized your plans yet?”
She sipped a cup of steaming tea and nibbled on a piece of bread. “After I return to Red Fern to get my house in order, we shall hike through the Trent Hills, following the Edelin River all the way down to the Trillium Sea.”
“It’s the perfect time of year to head north,” the wizard explained. “We shall study the flora and fauna of the region and climb one or two of the lower mountains. Of course, I’ll begin teaching Carmella several of the lesser spells from the compendium of the magic arts. We’ll return up the west side of the Trent range along the Cashua Forest and be back in time for Megan and Leo’s wedding.”
“Just don’t step into the forest,” Megan joked, briefly eyeing Leo and Nicholas. “I wouldn’t want you to get lost in the woods like a couple of other travelers I know.”
“A journey through the Trent Hills sounds like the ideal trip for you, Hobin,” Nicholas remarked to his friend at the other end of the table.
“Oh, I shall get my chance,” he replied. “King Justin and I have had extensive talks about me mapping regions of Arrondale next year. But first I plan to visit Emma.”
“Bring her to the wedding,” Leo said. “We want to meet her.”
“We’ll see,” he replied.
“As long as you’re traveling that way,” Nicholas continued, “could you go a few more miles into Illingboc and deliver a letter to Arch Boland? I want to let him and his family know what transpired in Kargoth and elsewhere. He’ll be happy to learn that life along the Crescent will no longer be disrupted by soldiers from the Northern Isles, though I suspect word has already passed that way.”
“Of course I will,” he said, “as I’m curious to explore that region while I’m there.”
“I’m going to tour the area next spring,” Prince Gregory announced to the others’ surprise. “I’d like to talk with Arch Boland and various leaders up and down the Crescent.”
“Why?” Nicholas asked, recalling that Arch wanted him to intercede with King Justin for help in battling the Islanders.
“After speaking with you, Father suggested that it might be wise to establish a treaty of friendship with those along the Crescent,” he said. “Since we share a common shoreline, it’s time we cast a more serious eye in guarding our coastal borders. I hope to initiate talks with Boland and his ilk to accomplish this goal together.”
“As Hobin lives in the southern reaches of the Crescent, he’s the ideal man to deliv
er a letter to Boland from me as well,” King Justin said. “We’ll see what develops.”
“I wish you luck,” Nicholas said. “Arch and many others used their own resources to protect that region from the Isles.”
“And we must too,” Prince Gregory replied. “I’ll be visiting Graystone Garrison shortly to initiate plans to build another fort up north near the grasslands. We learned at a terrible cost that Arrondale will not remain secure if its borders are weak.”
Nedry, who had been sitting silently at one end of the table, suddenly spoke up. “You see, Nicholas, the brief discussion you had with Arch Boland, and then later with the King, was enough to generate some progress about safeguarding the Crescent. Who knows what might grow because of your words and concern?” he said with a proud smile. “You might have the makings of a royal advisor in you.”
“Thanks for the fine compliment,” he replied, taking hold of Ivy’s hand beneath the table. “And as interesting as your line of work sounds, I believe my path in life leads elsewhere.” He felt Ivy’s warm fingers gently clasping his own. “But tell me, what are your plans, Nedry? I heard you’re retiring from your post.”
“I shall finish my duties at the end of this month,” he said. “The first day of New Summer will mark my return to private life.”
“And to a much deserved rest,” Megan told him. “You’ve worked tirelessly over the years and have been a fine friend to this family. I’ll miss seeing you scurrying through the Citadel halls at odd hours on your way to some important meeting or other.”
“Your grandfather offered me a choice of two living arrangements upon my retirement,” he explained. “One was quarters in the eastern wing of the Citadel with a lovely view of the orchards which I seriously considered, though ultimately declined.”
“So where will you go?” Carmella asked.
“I’ve been provided a cottage in the western district near a thicket of woods with some land for a garden,” he said. “Peaceful and idyllic, which I believe is King Justin’s way to compensate me for my frazzled state after serving in his employ.”
Nicholas Raven and the Wizards' Web (The Complete Epic Fantasy) Page 185