“You will be difficult to replace,” Prince Gregory told him.
“Still, don’t expect never to see me again. Miss Alb, the head seamstress, and I have been dining together regularly over the winter and have become quite fond of one another. Don’t be surprised to bump into me from time to time when I call on her.”
“Then don’t be surprised if I pull you aside to share some ale,” King Justin happily warned him. “I may bend your ear for a while, though in an unofficial capacity, of course.”
“I shall be more than happy to listen, sir.”
King Justin stood and looked at his family and friends, raising his cup in a toast.
“At this happy moment, let me salute you all for your many contributions to the continued life and freedom of Arrondale and its people,” he said, sweeping his gaze across the nine of them with mixed emotions. “But most importantly, let me thank you for your love and friendship, a treasure far beyond what I could ever return in kind, and one I cherish more than these heartfelt words can express. If life repays you by only a tenth of what you have given me, then you shall find yourselves truly blessed indeed.”
King Justin drank from his cup, and with a few scattered tears among them, the others did so, too. All felt the poignant weight of an ending chapter in their lives, yet knew in their hearts that more spectacular days and splendid moments were still to come.
Early the following morning after breakfast, Nicholas and Ivy said goodbye to King Justin and his son in a study overlooking the orchards. A short time later they stood outside the main courtyard gates, bidding farewell to their friends. It was a warm and sunny second day of Old Spring. A team of horses and a wagon had been provided for their return journey. Gathered on the grassy edge of the road were Leo, Megan, Hobin and Carmella, all happy to see the young couple together, yet saddened to see them leave.
“We’ll be back in autumn for the wedding,” Ivy said as she and Nicholas hugged their companions goodbye.
“And if I get my old job back from Ned Adams, I’ll be traveling here from time to time making deliveries,” Nicholas added. “But first I have to tie up some loose ends.”
Megan chuckled. “Those dreadful complications still await you at home. But now that you’ve solved some of the mystery behind them, I don’t expect they’ll appear as menacing when you return.”
“I hope not,” he replied. Though having learned of Mune and Dooley Kramer’s connections to that fateful night he had fled home, he still didn’t know how it all related to him being framed. Then Carmella spoke up.
“Nicholas, I had meant to tell you this earlier, but the past few days have been so busy that it slipped my mind,” she said.
“Tell me what?”
“During one of my conversations with Caldurian, he admitted that he was responsible for the trouble that had befallen you last fall.”
“I knew it!” Nicholas said, eager for the details. But he was quickly disappointed.
“However,” she continued, “the wizard refused to provide me any specifics regarding how or why. But I hope that gives you some solace in your search for answers.”
Nicholas sighed. “A little, but I may have to resign myself to the fact that I might never find out the entire truth.”
“Still, it’s something,” Leo said. “Maybe others back home found out what really happened. At the very least, you can confront Dooley and pry the answers out of him.”
“Oh, that I plan to do,” he promised.
“But first things first,” Hobin said. “You have a young lady to escort home. If you gab with us any longer, it’ll be time for Megan and Leo’s wedding. So get going already!”
“Now that’s the Hobin I remember,” he said.
After a last goodbye, Nicholas and Ivy climbed aboard the wagon. With a gentle flick of the reins, they slowly headed down the main road through Morrenwood, leaving the Blue Citadel, many fond memories and their dearest friends behind.
Once out of the capital, they turned onto King’s Road and headed east into the warming hours of midmorning. The sun rose against a cobalt blue sky blooming with languid white clouds. The fields on either side of the road and the distant southern hills were alive with vibrant shades of green, dotted here and there in bright blues, pinks and yellows as the wildflowers of late spring burst forth. Ivy smiled and wrapped an arm around Nicholas as they leisurely moved, enjoying their time alone. He smiled back while guiding the horses onward.
“Leaving Morrenwood is by far a better journey than the one getting there.”
“And why is that?” she asked.
“Well, there was the raw autumn weather and a string of rainstorms for starters, not to mention all the trouble across Laparia. And, of course, you weren’t beside me,” he added, kissing her cheek. “That was the worst reason. But now that we’re together under a beautiful sky with all the time in the world, well, it’s like…”
“Ivy glanced up. “A dream?”
Nicholas smiled again. “A dream come true.”
They passed through a few villages during the day, enjoying a late lunch in one and wandering about to stretch their legs. Near twilight, Nicholas pulled over by a grove of trees along a stream where they spent the night. The following day was nearly a repeat of the first in both the weather and their itinerary. As dusk settled in, they neared the end of King’s Road and passed the night by a blazing fire below Darden Wood where Nicholas had first met Princess Megan. He told Ivy the story of their encounter and how he promised to accompany Megan all the way to Boros.
“Meg, however, said that I was just trying to avoid my problems back home.”
“And were you?” Ivy asked as the flames crackled, bathing them in its gentle glow.
“I suppose, but I promise to make it all the way home after I take you to Laurel Corners,” he said. “But it’s a good thing I went to Boros or I’d never have met you.”
“Excellent point,” she said, leaning over to kiss him. “I guess we both gained something from your procrastination.”
“We did,” he returned with a smile, kissing her tenderly as a cool, spring breeze rustled through the grass beneath the starry sky.
After an earlier start the next day, they reached the end of King’s Road before midmorning and veered left onto River Road. Though they were still many miles away from his village, Nicholas knew that this road passed directly through Kanesbury, making him yearn for home. He drove with few stops that morning to make up for their leisurely pace the two previous days, but their time together had strengthened the bonds of love and friendship between them. Nicholas wanted to reach Laurel Corners tomorrow, knowing that Ivy was homesick. He planned to arrive at Minago before sundown where they would spend the night with Leo’s family and no doubt enjoy a wonderful meal compliments of Joe and Annabelle Marsh.
Along the way, Nicholas pointed out Graystone Garrison upon a gently rolling field to the left. He recalled the night he had met soldiers from Montavia camping along the road outside the village of Mitchell, some of them on their way to train at this very garrison. Then, he had desired to be in the King’s Guard, yearning for a bit of adventure. But after all the adventures that he and Ivy had just shared, Nicholas realized that he had had enough excitement to last half a lifetime and simply looked forward to spending some lazy and contented days with her in the future.
Shortly after noontime, they neared the turnoff to Orchard Road. After traveling north about a half mile along it, Nicholas pulled the wagon over near a large oak beside a grassy field so they could rest and have lunch. The horses drank from a stream as Nicholas built a fire and Ivy prepared a small meal. After eating, they sat under the shade of the tree and whiled away half an hour, holding hands and talking about what to do with the rest of their lives. Nicholas then got up and excused himself.
“I want to check on the horses and give them each an apple,” he said. “They’ve had a long journey, too.”
“Hurry back,” Ivy said as a warm breeze played throu
gh her hair.
She leaned against the tree trunk and relaxed as Nicholas disappeared behind the wagon, watching the dwindling flames of the fire flutter in the gentle swirls of air. She recalled the morning in Castella’s kitchen when she and Nicholas knelt on the hearth to build a fire before sharing some bread and cinnamon tea in the gray dawn while the others slept. Ivy imagined sharing many such moments with Nicholas in the years ahead, realizing how fortunate they were to have met despite the chaotic circumstances. Nicholas soon appeared around the corner of the wagon, one hand hidden behind his back.
“Miss me?” he asked playfully.
“As soon as you left,” she replied, curiously eyeing him. “What have you there?”
He sat down beside her and revealed a bouquet of wildflowers he had gathered in the field, presenting it to Ivy who smiled with delight. “I thought someone as pretty as you deserved these,” he said, his gaze fixed lovingly upon her.
“They’re beautiful, Nicholas! Thank you.”
“And,” he continued with a hint of nervousness, “I’m hoping you think that I deserve someone like you as nothing would make me happier than being your husband. So with all my heart I ask–will you marry me, Ivy?”
Her eyes misted when Nicholas uttered those words she had longed to hear. Yet deep in her heart, Ivy had always known that she and Nicholas would spend their lives together. She couldn’t imagine going through the years ahead without him.
“Of course I’ll marry you!” she said, wrapping her arms tightly around him before pulling back and looking into his eyes. “And you’re more than I deserve,” she added, kissing him and feeling as if she were starting a new life.
Nicholas shared similar sentiments. And though the trouble he had yet to face in Kanesbury lingered in back of his mind, this blissful moment with Ivy was all that mattered right now. He couldn’t wait to start his new life as well.
They arrived at Leo’s parents’ house as the setting sun tinted the weeping willow in front, igniting it in a blaze of golden hues. Joe, Annabelle and Henry greeted Nicholas when they saw his wagon pull up. All were excited to finally meet Ivy. When Nicholas handed Leo’s letter to Mrs. Marsh, she beamed with relief.
“I’d rather he were here so I could give him a hug,” she said while hustling everyone to the house. “Still, hurry inside now. I have a letter to read!”
“Leo plans to visit in early summer with Princess Megan.”
“That’s wonderful!” Mrs. Marsh replied, clutching the letter to her heart as Joe opened the door. “So he and the lovely princess are still fond of one another?”
Nicholas and Ivy exchanged glances and smiled. “You’d better read the letter first. That’ll explain everything.”
Moments later, Mrs. Marsh, wanting to be a gracious host, threw on an apron and placed the letter in her pocket. She hurriedly sat everyone down at the table and served them from a kettle of pork stew simmering over the fire.
“There’s rhubarb pie on the sill!” Henry said, anticipating the sweet treat.
“Yes, yes,” his mother said distractedly as she placed a plate of herb biscuits on the table and urged her guests to dig in to their meals. “Don’t wait for me now. Eat! Eat!” After filling everyone’s cup with apple cider, Mrs. Marsh finally sat down in her seat in front of an empty bowl and cup, satisfied that her duties were fulfilled. She removed Leo’s letter from her apron pocket with trembling hands and began reading it as the others conversed, stopping moments later with a loud exclamation.
“My goodness, Joe! Our son is going to marry the princess!” she said with a stunned smile before rereading the passage. “Can you imagine that?”
“I imagine more work for me in the apple orchards after he moves away,” he joked, happy to hear the news.
“Is that going to make my brother a prince?” Henry asked, furrowing his brow. “He bosses me around enough as it is.”
“I suppose it will,” his mother replied with her eyes glued to the letter, delighted with the prospect. “Just imagine, my son the prince. What will I wear to the wedding?”
“I’ll buy you a new dress when we drive up north,” her husband replied before addressing Nicholas and Ivy. “We’re going to get apple orders for the season shortly and enjoy a well-earned, leisurely day at the Plum Orchard Inn.”
“I look forward to another visit there myself when I take Ivy back to Laurel Corners,” Nicholas said. “Next to your wife, Ron and Mabel Knott are the kindest hosts.”
Mrs. Marsh again looked up from the letter. “Leo writes that he’s inviting the Knotts to the ceremony. Oh, it will be a lovely time, visiting Morrenwood for such a grand celebration! We haven’t been to a fancy wedding in ages.”
Ivy looked at Nicholas with a raised eyebrow, silently questioning him. He smiled knowingly and nodded, sensing her desire to tell the Marshes about their engagement.
“Then perhaps you might like to attend two weddings,” she suggested, happily recounting Nicholas’ proposal earlier that day and their plans to marry next spring. Annabelle, tearing up, hugged them both upon hearing the good news.
“This calls for dessert!” she said, hurrying to the counter.
“Let me give you a hand,” Ivy said, joining her as the men talked at the table. She leaned in and whispered to Annabelle as she sliced up the rhubarb pie. “I need to ask you something, Mrs. Marsh, though I hardly know you and don’t wish to impose.”
“Nonsense. You and Nicholas are like family. What do you need, dear?”
“A favor.”
The next morning dawned cool and overcast as if autumn had returned and spring was a fading memory. But Nicholas felt the change in weather appropriate as it reflected his somber mood. He walked with Ivy about the Marshes’ property after breakfast, the colorful flowers and blooming trees muted in the dim light.
“A few more days on the road won’t matter to me,” he told her as they strolled hand in hand along the side of the barn. “I’ve put in enough miles already. I’m used to it.”
“Just more hours for you to stew about what awaits you at home,” Ivy said. She stopped and faced Nicholas, taking his hands in hers. “I want our life together to start as soon as possible, so the quicker you deal with your troubles back home, the sooner that can happen.” She kissed him. “I’ll go with you for support,” she offered.
“No,” he insisted. “I want your first visit to Kanesbury to happen only after I have my affairs in order. I don’t want you involved with this mess.”
“We’ve faced enough messes already. What’s one more?”
Nicholas grinned. “You’re probably right, but I’d still prefer that your introduction to my village be on a happier note. Or on second thought, I could never go back and we could spend the rest of our lives along the sea.”
Ivy smiled. “Even I know you’re not serious. But considering how you cleverly broke into Vellan’s abode, straightening things out back home should be easy.”
“I hope so,” he replied, hugging her. “I miss you already.”
“And I miss you.” She looked him in the eyes with endless reassurance. “But the faster you get on the road, the happier you’ll be when it’s over. So not to sound pushy, but I think it’s time that you left, Nicholas, before we both lose our resolve.”
“Sure you’ll be fine without me?”
“I’ll accompany Joe and Annabelle on their trip north, enjoy a lovely meal at the Plum Orchard Inn as you suggested, and then return home to Laurel Corners. Mrs. Marsh was more than happy to assist when I asked. She quite agreed with my reasons.”
Nicholas took her arm in his and continued their walk as a gentle breeze weaved among the leafy trees and lush green grass. “So who am I to argue with two women? But I’m still going to miss you, Ivy, now more than ever.”
Nicholas departed later that morning, waving to Ivy and the Marshes as he rattled down the road in the wagon. Ivy’s smile was the last thing he saw before turning his head and focusing on the path before him.
Soon after leaving Minago, he was back on Orchard Road driving south, realizing that he was finally going home. Despite thickening clouds and a steady breeze, the rain held off for several miles before he reconnected with River Road. When he reached the intersection, he turned left and journeyed eastward, feeling that he might avoid the worst of the weather. But moments later, the skies opened up.
Nicholas flipped the hood of his coat over his head and pressed on. Only when the rainfall grew nearly blinding did he finally pull off the road underneath some trees to wait out the storm. Another hour passed before the rain let up, though the sky still remained dark, the clouds bulging with moisture. He continued miserably onward, plagued by intermittent showers, but eventually reached the village of Foley. The streets were deserted as its residents had taken refuge in their homes glowing with warm firelight in the late afternoon dusk. Nicholas guided the wagon straight through, determined to reach home later that night. When he arrived in Mitchell a couple miles farther east, the rains let loose again and he resigned himself to spending one more night away from Kanesbury.
Nicholas found a small inn just off the main road. After housing his horses and wagon, he ate a light meal in his second floor room, warmed himself by the fireplace until the chills of the day had left, and then crawled into bed and fell promptly asleep. Other than a dream about Ivy, his slumber was undisturbed.
Nicholas rose late the following morning, waking to a pounding rain against the window panes. He hadn’t slept for that many hours in quite some time and felt refreshed. But when he separated the curtains and gazed through the window at the gray deluge, he knew he would be staying put indefinitely.
He ate lunch in the common room with other lodgers who accepted the idea that some or all of their day would be wasted because of the intolerable weather. As Nicholas consumed a bowl of hot soup and bread at a table near a crackling fireplace, he realized how much he missed Ivy and his friends. For a moment it seemed as if all of the people he had met and all the adventures he had shared with them over the last eight months were just figments of his imagination. He felt as empty and alone as on the evening he had said goodbye to Katherine Durant in the ice cellar before disappearing into the night. Overcome with melancholy, he quickly finished his meal and returned to his room, flopping upon the bed to take a nap in hopes that this grim mood would soon pass.
Nicholas Raven and the Wizards' Web (The Complete Epic Fantasy) Page 186