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

by Thomas J. Prestopnik

  “Will you visit Arch soon?” Nicholas asked.

  “Definitely. But first Captain Kellig and the rest of us have much to decide over the next few days. Shall we stay here and make a future stand, if that is even necessary? Or do we move on to new lives on the mainland or deeper into Laparia?” He shrugged. “But we’ll figure out the right course while we inventory what’s left on the island and go through Captain Lok’s journals and letters. In the meantime, I wish you good fortune when you both return to your homes in Arrondale.”

  “Neither of us can wait for that day,” Ivy said as she placed an arm around Nicholas and affectionately leaned her head upon his shoulder. “It’s been a grueling journey for both of us.”

  “Well, it wasn’t exactly a picnic for us either,” a voice interjected good-naturedly from beneath the nearby trees. Ragus emerged from the shadows with two other men, his left arm bandaged up and a smile upon his face. “And you were right, miss, about that soldier in the cabin. After Arteen and the captain talked to him during the night, he’s fitting in just fine with the rest of us, telling stories about Captain Lok and his lofty plans. I think the boy will make a fine addition to our group.”

  “Unlike Brin,” Nicholas said. “After my encounters with both him and Lok, I’m guessing they must be related. It’s almost spooky how similar their personalities were as well as their lust for power.”

  “I imagine Brin and Vice-Commander Ovek are coordinating their stories to present to the tribunal that will investigate this matter,” Arteen said. “Good riddance to them both. But we may have a minor problem with Brin’s cousin, Cale.”

  “Who’s he?” Nicholas asked.

  “Cale was one of the three men who stayed back to watch the horses. He and Brin were very close. It wouldn’t surprise me if they were in league together. My men here will bring him back for questioning if he’s still around. But if he saw the fire last night and was on Brin’s side, I’m guessing he may have fled, believing that we were victorious.”

  On that wary note, everyone said their final goodbyes. Nicholas and Ivy stepped into a rowboat with the two men who had accompanied Ragus. Arteen instructed them to give Nicholas and Ivy a pair of horses to ride back to Illingboc and wherever the road might take them afterward. Minutes later, the boat was gliding across the slightly choppy waters of the Trillium. Arteen and Ragus watched it grow smaller against the horizon before turning around and heading back into the woods.

  At that moment, nearly a third of the way around the island’s shoreline, Brin Mota hid among a thicket of pines and intently watched the boat as it proceeded to the mainland, having a good idea that two of its passengers would be going to Arch Boland’s house in Illingboc. He had been there himself on occasion, having delivered messages to Arch when he had infiltrated Arteen’s group. He knew that Nicholas was friends with the man.

  Brin smiled to himself despite being cold and hungry, though he couldn’t risk building a fire. He would hike to the far end of the island first before doing so. Later after dark, he planned to steal a boat and make his way to shore and then to Arch Boland’s house where he would track down Nicholas Raven and Princess Megan, doing what Captain Lok and Vice-Commander Ovek were too incompetent to do. Brin had great plans, believing he was far more capable of accomplishing them on his own after witnessing the disastrous events of last night. He decided to seek out someone who could truly make use of a princess and a King’s spy in the political war against Arrondale, someone who would reward him handsomely because of his efforts.

  Brin stepped back deeper into the woods as Nicholas and Ivy’s boat faded in the gray morning. He would sleep until dark before making his next move, anticipating nothing but great opportunities awaiting him in Kargoth.

  After Nicholas and Ivy arrived on the mainland with their escorts, they soon located two of the three soldiers who had remained behind to guard the horses. As Arteen had anticipated, Brin’s cousin had fled in secret during the night after stealing a pair of horses. Any doubt of his involvement with Brin and Captain Lok was quickly laid to rest. The two soldiers had witnessed the towering flames on the Bretic from shore last evening and planned to paddle back to Karg Island to see the destroyed remains for themselves.

  In the meantime, Nicholas and Ivy accepted two of the horses. After thanking the men for their help, they were soon traveling along the road to Illingboc. The couple took their time during the short journey, happy to be alone as they exchanged heartfelt words and tender glances.

  “I don’t want this time to end,” Nicholas said as the horses sauntered along a narrow stretch of road dotted with tufts of grass and shallow ruts. He reached over and held Ivy’s hand, her fingers warm to the touch despite the brisk air and a faint whisper of snow flurries drifting in careless flight. “I enjoy spending time together and talking with you.” He bent his head for a moment, his words caught with emotion. “I thought I might never see you again, Ivy.”

  “I felt like that at times,” she replied, gently squeezing his hand. “Sometimes I resigned myself to the possibility that I would never again visit my home or talk to anyone dear to me. But somehow I would find the strength to carry on for just one more day. And you, Nicholas, were one of the people foremost in my thoughts. You had come after me once and I always tried to believe that you would do it again. When I heard you call my name on the island…” Ivy was caught somewhere between tears and a smile.

  “You don’t have to say anything,” he gently told her, caressing her hand. “Being next to you is all that matters right now. We can talk things through another time when you’re ready. I’ll always be here when you need me.” Nicholas flashed a playful grin. “And even those times when you don’t.”

  “You had better be,” she replied, her spirits quickly restored. “It’ll be a long time before I tire of having you around. I hope you can get used to that.”

  “I already am,” he said, a contented smile upon his face. He gently held the reins and looked out at the long road ahead.

  They arrived in Illingboc shortly after noontime. Arch was splitting wood on the side of the house as a trail of blue smoke rose from the chimney, weaving its way through a dusting of snowflakes. He smiled with delight when he looked up, happy to see a woman at Nicholas’ side whom he guessed was Ivy. He congratulated Nicholas on the success of the mission, not appearing particularly surprised at the outcome.

  “I saw a sharp glow of yellow light far out on the water last night, and now here you are with the lovely Ivy,” he remarked. “I just assumed that Arteen’s plan worked splendidly.” He noted a slight smirk on Nicholas’ face. “Did it not?”

  “Let’s just say that it took an unexpected turn,” he replied as they walked the horses to a large stall in back of the house. “We’ll explain shortly.” He handed Arch the note from Arteen. “This will help, too.”

  “I look forward to our conversation, as will Natalie and Hannah.” Arch invited them inside so he could hear the details. “And you’re just in time for lunch.”

  Nicholas and Ivy each took turns explaining their side of the story which made for an extended meal. But nobody minded as the winds across the sea had picked up. The clouds continued to roll in thicker and darker until a light but steady snowfall descended upon Illingboc. Everyone later moved into the sitting room around the fireplace as Eva served hot tea and dessert cakes.

  “I feel as if I’m in the Blue Citadel after hearing Nicholas talk about it,” Ivy said while sipping her tea. “My accommodations of late had been rather plain, to put it mildly. And as for the company…”

  “That’s how I feel when I visit my brother’s house,” Hannah said. “I enjoy where I live immensely, but Arch and Natalie do tend to spoil me when I stay here.”

  “We’re happy to,” Natalie replied before addressing Nicholas and Ivy. “And I shall enjoy having two more guests in the house. How long can you both stay?”

  Nicholas glanced at Ivy, neither having thought about anything but returning home
as soon as possible. But after all that Ivy had been through, Nicholas realized it would be a good idea for her to spend a few days in Illingboc to recover. They would have a long road ahead of them with some stops in between.

  “I suppose we can’t refuse a few days of rest,” Nicholas said gratefully. “But only a few. Winter is on our doorstep. We should leave while traveling is still bearable.”

  “Don’t let that bit of snow outside intimidate you,” Arch said, glancing out a window from his chair. “A good, hard winter is still weeks away in these parts.”

  “But the gloom and early nights can be one long and dreary stretch until spring,” Natalie added, her words accompanied by a weary sigh.

  “Which is why she and her friends will plan so many parties over the coming months,” he remarked with a laugh. Arch brought out a bottle of wine from a cabinet, filled some glasses and passed them around.

  “Oh, you enjoy attending them as much as we enjoy arranging them,” Natalie responded, playfully scolding him. “Now, Nicholas and Ivy, you must at least stay for the initial celebration. It’s only eight days away on winter’s first evening. Nearly everyone in town attends in the village common. There’s food and dancing–”

  “–and fine libations, too,” Hannah interjected as she raised her wine glass. “The local brewers outdo themselves every year.”

  “Then it’s settled,” Nicholas said with a nod of support from Ivy. “We look forward to it.”

  On a cold but comfortable evening eight days later, the residents of Illingboc gathered in the village common to celebrate the first day of New Winter. The sun dipped behind a patchwork of clouds along the southwest horizon, their edges tinted in striking shades of purple and orange. As part of the celebration, colorful cloth streamers dangled from rope lines, and a series of flickering torches were attached to metal posts encircling the perimeter of the common, flooding the area with warm, inviting light. Bonfires crackled in the background while glowing oil lamps hung from tree branches and adorned tabletops in the sitting section. Food and drink tables laden with steaming platters and bowls of the finest fare were set up in open tents nearby. Various brews of ale, wine and winter punches freely flowed alongside a steady line of dinner plates.

  A second area with a spectacular view of the sea had been reserved for dancing later on, though crowds mingled there now as people began arriving. Music drifted through the air as a group of locals played passionately on fiddles, flutes and drums, enveloping the common with sweet sounds and foot-tapping melodies.

  Nicholas and Ivy arrived with Arch, Natalie and Hannah. They walked under the stars and a waxing gibbous Bear Moon shrouded behind a veil of gauzy clouds. For a few moments, Nicholas felt as if he were attending a Harvest Festival, recalling his missed opportunity to dance with Katherine at the village pavilion. He smiled when he glanced at Ivy, eager to dance with her and noting how beautiful she looked in the new dress and cloak that Natalie had bought for her. Ivy caught his boyish grin and smiled back.

  “What is it?” she curiously asked while holding his hand.

  “Nothing,” he replied. “Just thinking how life seems to work out once in a while.” He lightly squeezed her hand. “For now I just want to enjoy the music and festivities with you at my side.”

  “As do I,” she replied, happy to see Nicholas shedding the troubles that had plagued him for too long, or at least temporarily doing so. She realized they had both been through difficult times and hoped that tonight they could forget about all the trials and heartache they had endured and simply enjoy life for a few hours.

  Shortly after sunset the main celebration commenced, with food, drink and laughter flowing as freely as the music. While finishing up a bite to eat at one of the tables, Natalie asked Nicholas and Ivy to reconsider their decision to leave Illingboc.

  “Hannah plans to stay a couple more weeks, so why don’t you? We’d love to have the company,” she said, imploring them with her sweet voice and wide, hopeful eyes. “We could hire messengers to inform your families and friends that you’re safe.”

  “What do you say, Nicholas?” Hannah asked.

  “As tempting as your offer sounds, Ivy and I will stick to our plan,” he replied. “We’ll leave the day after tomorrow. It’s a long road to Morrenwood and then to Laurel Corners where Ivy’s parents live. We must also stop in Boros to see Castella, of course.”

  “And then to Kanesbury,” Ivy added. “You can’t forget that, Nicholas. You’ll have a fine time straightening matters out there.”

  Nicholas sipped some ale. “I’ve gathered new information since I left which I’m sure will intrigue Constable Brindle. It’ll be an interesting visit to say the least.”

  “I wish I could be there to watch it unfold,” Arch said, “but I understand how anxious you must be to get back. And I’ll happily provide the horses and wagon to get you there. Natalie will also have Eva fix up a basket of food and other supplies to last you for several days on the road.”

  “Thank you very much,” Nicholas replied, deeply touched by their generosity and genuinely sad that he couldn’t stay longer. “I wish I could be around when Arteen and his friends on the island contact you again. Wish them well for me whatever they decide.”

  “I will. But enough of this melancholy talk,” he said as the music again picked up its tempo. “You and Ivy should enjoy some dancing while the night is early.” Arch looked at his wife who was sipping her wine. “And I think you and I should heed that same advice, dear.”

  “Consider it heeded!” she said, taking her husband’s hand and strolling away with him to the dance area.

  “Will you join us, Hannah?” Nicholas asked.

  “I’ll watch from here, thank you,” she replied. “With another cup of ale, of course. You two go and have a good time.”

  Nicholas and Ivy waved goodbye and hurried to the adjacent area where Arch, Natalie and several other couples were engaged in a lively dance native to the villages along the Crescent. The young couple wasted no time in picking up the basic steps, laughing and smiling as they weaved their way among the others bathed in the glow of firelight beneath the frosted stars. Nicholas couldn’t keep his gaze off Ivy’s joyous smile as they danced, savoring each word of conversation and note of laughter as they spent the next several numbers close to each other as if they had been acquainted for years. Neither of them thought such a moment would have been possible during the previous weeks when life had come crashing down upon them. But now the moment was perfect and they thought only of each other.

  Hidden among a small crowd beneath a nearby tree, a man watched as Nicholas and Ivy danced, noting the smiles of pure contentment upon their faces and believing they were far too pleased with themselves. Brin Mota massaged his jaw which still ached after Nicholas had punched him on the Bretic. He sported a short beard and wore a rumpled coat and a brown hat he had stolen from a farmstead outside the village. He had been keeping tabs on Nicholas from a discreet distance over the last few days as well as the young woman with him who Brin still believed to be Princess Megan.

  Once a day since he had boated over from Karg Island, Brin would spy out Arch Boland’s house, usually from afar, though on occasion briefly walking past it to make sure that Nicholas was still living there. He had plans for them and would set it all in motion as soon as the couple left the area, knowing they wouldn’t stay in Illingboc indefinitely. He would wait them out and make a name for himself with people who really mattered. Brin Mota was a patient man and hoped that Cale, his cousin, was just as patient while waiting for him with the men on the last raft somewhere along the banks of the Lorren River.

  After he had secretly escaped from Karg Island, Brin met with his cousin at an appointed spot and was given one of the two horses Cale had stolen. But instead of joining Brin on the road, Cale was given instructions to ride south as fast as he could and stop the last raft going up the Lorren River. Brin ordered his cousin to notify the crew to wait along the western bank until he retur
ned with some very special passengers and to assure them that it would be financially worth their while to do so.

  In the meantime, Brin strolled back to the food tables for a second meal, having had to scrape by lately doing odd jobs for people or stealing whenever he had the chance. But he didn’t care. His hardships now would only make his final victory in Kargoth that much sweeter in the end.

  The party wound down before midnight. People gradually drifted home, pleased with the success of the first and largest party of the winter season. While Nicholas and Ivy were saying goodbye to a few people they had met that evening, Natalie hurried over and indicated for them to follow her to one of the food tents.

  “I mentioned to some of my friends that you two were traveling to Arrondale the day after tomorrow,” she said. “And since there are so many leftovers, a couple of the ladies have kindly put together a food basket for you to take along. It should last for days in the cold outdoors. You’ll appreciate it when you’re on the road and villages are few and far between.”

  “That’s very kind,” Ivy said, “and we gladly accept.”

  “Wonderful!” Natalie ushered them underneath a tent where her friends had filled up a willow basket with various items and covered it with a piece of plaid material. Natalie signaled for Arch, who was standing nearby with Hannah, to help carry it home.

  “This will last us quite a while,” Nicholas said as he and Arch each grabbed one of the basket handles. But before they could lift it up off the table, a young woman named Miriam hurried over.

  “Wait! I have one more thing for you,” she said, placing an item wrapped in a small, clean towel on top of the basket. “It’s a loaf of currant bread you can share at the breakfast table tomorrow. We had several left over.”