“Anyway, we searched outdoors, hoping you were still in the vicinity,” he continued. “But you were chatting with Vellan and his friends. Then around sunset, there was a small tremor inside the mountain which rattled us in more ways than one. We bound our prisoners and hustled them outside, fearing the worst. Soon after, a second, more powerful quake shook the land. Deshla collapsed in on itself. We were far enough away but witnessed a dragon-like breath of dust and debris pour out of the entrance when the ceilings fell in. There’ll be no more going inside that place ever again.”
“So how did you end up here?” Carmella asked.
“Strange story,” he replied. “Suddenly, a wall of white mist tore down the river and then all the prisoners woke up from whatever trance Vellan had them under. It was the most amazing thing. We released them and headed into Del Norác. When we saw Vellan’s stronghold was a pile of rubbish, we assumed he was in no better condition. But to make a long story short, I’ve been searching tent to tent and along the edge of the mountain for the past several hours hoping to locate you two. I didn’t know what else to do, thinking you might’ve made your way back here and got swept up in the fighting. But I see you had your own adventure instead. I can’t wait to hear the particulars.”
“Right now I’d just like to find King Justin and the others,” Nicholas said. “We can inform you all at once about Vellan’s fate and Ivy and Carmella’s rescue.”
“Both intriguing stories, I’m sure,” he replied, uncomfortably scratching his whiskers as a cloud of worry enveloped him.
“What’s the matter?” Carmella asked. “You look absolutely glum.”
Hobin nodded uneasily. “I am. And it concerns King Justin.”
When they neared Del Norác, rows of tents stretched across the field along the eastern border from the northern pastures and farms down to the grassy banks of the Drusala River. Two large tents were in the middle of the first row adjacent to the city. A pair of soldiers stood guard outside each one. King Justin lay upon a cot inside the tent on the left, trapped in a restless sleep with a burning fever after a severe infection from his shoulder wound took hold during the night. In the tent on the right, the body of King Rowan lay in state as Brendan and William kept a melancholy vigil inside.
Nicholas and Leo approached King Justin’s tent, devastated when they had learned the news about the two monarchs’ conditions. Swirls of white smoke from scattered bonfires moved gracefully with the breezes as they neared the entrance, both doubtful that they would be allowed to visit. Carmella, Ivy and Hobin stayed near the wagon, believing that too many visitors would be inappropriate at such a delicate time.
“He may not be conscious,” Nicholas speculated. “Perhaps we should meet with King Cedric.”
Before Leo could respond, the front flap was pulled aside and out stepped King Cedric and Tolapari. When they saw Nicholas and Leo, both smiled with astonishment.
“If you two aren’t a breath of spring air around here, then I don’t know what is!” the wizard said, greeting each with a hearty handshake. “I ran into Hobin late last night and he told me of your disappearance in the tunnels. I wasn’t sure if we’d see you again.”
“Welcome back,” King Cedric added, delighted to see them unscathed.
“I wish our visit was under better circumstances,” Nicholas said glumly. “Hobin informed us about what had happened to King Justin and King Rowan.”
“Such sorrowful news after the mostly good tidings we bring from inside Minakaris,” Leo said.
“We will welcome any good news,” the King replied. “We’ve won the war, but at a terrible cost.”
“Still, I’ll take the victory,” Tolapari said, eyeing Leo with concern. “Forgive me for changing the subject, but I sense the strong presence of the wizard Frist about you–and a hint of something else which greatly disturbs me as I cannot explain it.”
“Your instincts are accurate,” Nicholas said, informing him that Leo was now wearing Frist’s amulet and giving the reason why.
“But I believe I am nearly recovered from Vellan’s spell,” Leo told him, “the proof being that I am not dead.”
“Compelling evidence,” King Cedric said with a worrisome smile. “Still, perhaps Tolapari can administer an additional remedy of his own as a precaution.”
“I’m greatly relieved that Vellan’s spell has been neutralized through Frist’s intervention,” Tolapari said. “I think a good long sleep would aid in a full recovery, too. In the meantime, tell us what happened inside the mountain.”
“Happy to,” Nicholas said. “But first tell us of King Justin’s condition.”
They walked to the side of the tent for some privacy. There, Tolapari said that King Justin had grown ill around midnight, having succumbed to chills and a fever from his injury. “Other physicians and I have tended to him as best we could. But a virulent infection has gotten hold of him. He now lies on a cot drifting in and out of consciousness. I cannot say if he will survive the next few days.”
Leo’s heart ached upon hearing the news, knowing how hurt Megan would be if her grandfather should die. “Where is Prince Gregory? I’d like to speak with him.”
“He sat with his father in the early morning hours and recently returned to the city,” King Cedric said. “Gregory is overseeing the repairs to many of the structures in Del Norác. Some of our soldiers will remain here for a time to tend to the injured and help revitalize the city after the bulk of our army leaves.”
“Gregory will visit later,” Tolapari said. “But it would be good if you sat with King Justin, Leo. He has called out to Megan and you a few times in his fevered state.”
“Me?” Leo felt both puzzled and moved.
“During our journey here, Justin had told me and Tolapari of your and Princess Megan’s affection for one another,” King Cedric replied. “He is quite fond of you, Leo, and proud of your service to Arrondale. It would be more than appropriate for you to sit at his side and comfort him. He may or may not hear your words, but other than his son, you are almost like family to him.”
“I would be honored to do so.”
“Excellent,” Tolapari said. “I’ll escort you to the King now as I think it best not to leave him alone. Then Cedric, Nicholas and I can find a quiet little corner to hear of your adventures inside Mount Minakaris.”
“Just make sure that little corner is large enough for six people,” Nicholas said, indicating where Ivy, Carmella and Hobin patiently waited. “I brought guests.”
Moments later, awash with apprehension, Leo entered King Justin’s tent with Tolapari. The flickering light inside was dim from the few burning oil lamps scattered about on small wooden tables and vented through openings in the ceiling.
King Justin lay upon a cot in one corner and Leo walked over to him. The monarch, pale and fast asleep, was covered with several blankets. A cool, wet cloth was set upon his forehead. Several bowls of steaming water infused with curative herbs had been placed about the tent, enveloping the air with a sweet aroma that both refreshed and soothed. Tolapari pointed to a cushioned chair next to the cot facing the King and indicated for Leo to sit down.
“If there is any change in his condition, send for me at once. In the meantime, keep him company. Call one of the guards if you need anything.”
“I will,” Leo said, sitting down. He immediately noticed the slow rise and fall of the King’s chest beneath his blankets. King Justin appeared frail, nothing like the vigorous man who had led his army from Morrenwood to Del Norác with nary a complaint. Leo thought it a shame that he had been reduced to such a sickly state, glad that Megan couldn’t see him this way. “Perhaps Carmella could examine him. She has an assortment of dried herbs and such in her wagon,” he suggested to the wizard, glancing behind his chair. But Tolapari had already left.
“I guess he was eager to hear Nicholas’ story,” he softly joked to break the tension even though he assumed that King Justin couldn’t hear him. The man’s eyes were closed, hi
s face pale and haggard in the fluttering shadows. Yet Leo still felt intimidated while in his presence, much like the time when he and Nicholas had first met him.
He sighed and reached over, taking King Justin’s hand while contemplating what Megan’s reaction would be if she were here. It tore him apart when he considered the possibility that the King might die. Though Prince Gregory would make a fine monarch, the citizens of Arrondale would have a void in their hearts upon King Justin’s absence. And Megan, he knew, would be devastated at a time when she should be joyous at life’s possibilities instead. Leo thought the situation most unfair.
“If there is anything I could do, sir, I would have you ask it of me,” he whispered, gazing forlornly upon the King. “But under the circumstances, I will instead ask your son the next time I see him and let his words guide my actions. Yet I hope…” Leo’s words trailed off with unease. He took a deep breath to compose himself. “Yet I hope that any favor either of you might ask would involve me being at your granddaughter’s side to protect her and keep her company. For what you don’t know–and I wanted Princess Megan to be the first to tell you, but again, under the circumstances…” Leo cleared his throat, nervous to utter his next words. “You see, sir, I have already asked your granddaughter to be my wife. With your permission, of course! And your son’s, too.”
Leo froze, holding his breath as if he had just confessed to a traitorous crime against Arrondale. But King Justin’s eyes remained closed, his breathing as slow and steady as before. There would be no words or sign of either assent or disapproval. Leo exhaled and leaned back in his chair, releasing the King’s hand. Yet a part of him felt emboldened that he had at least voiced those words foremost in his mind, believing that the next time he and Megan approached King Justin or Prince Gregory with the same request, his heart wouldn’t be pounding and his lungs wouldn’t feel like crystallized rock.
He imagined what Megan might be doing at that moment, whether wandering the Citadel corridors or walking about the grounds on a beautiful spring morning. Yet the weather north might be far different than in Kargoth, with steady spring rains a possibility. Leo rested his head against the chair, closing his eyes for a moment as he inhaled the soothing and intoxicating aroma from the medicinal water wafting from the bowls, hoping that Megan wasn’t enduring a stretch of bleak days. As his heavy eyelids closed again, he wondered if she missed him as much as he missed her, convincing himself that she did as a tranquil smile crossed his lips while he drifted off into a deep and restful sleep.
Nicholas, in the meantime, had strolled off with Ivy, Hobin and Carmella behind the line of tents along the city’s edge. They gathered around a small fire with King Cedric and Tolapari in back of a stone building warmed by the climbing sun. The wizard and King were delighted to meet Ivy, fascinated by the details of her rescue. As they listened, both were amazed to learn how Caldurian had betrayed Vellan and Madeline, and stunned that Mune had slayed the wizard of Minakaris in the end.
“Many of Vellan’s spells were finally broken upon his death,” Tolapari said. “Complex spells must be continually maintained by the one who cast them which forges a connection between the wizard and his target. A most taxing proposition that explains why Vellan was weakened after the Enâri were destroyed. His thoughts and will were constantly focused on them to do his bidding. Frist, no doubt, would have lived many more years had he not put so much of himself into incubating the spirit that destroyed the Enâri.”
“Fortunately for us he did,” King Cedric replied. “Otherwise, this war would have taken a far different turn, and not in our favor.”
“Frist was there in the end,” Nicholas said. “He guided us safely out of the mountain, and more importantly, he led me to Ivy.”
“Frist’s presence from beyond the grave might also explain the destruction that followed Vellan’s demise,” Tolapari continued. “With Frist preventing Vellan’s transformation from life to death for as long as he could, I believe that the reversals of Vellan’s spells were multiplied in their intensity when his spirit finally escaped from his body with a vengeance. Caldurian, no doubt, was buried among the dust and rubble.”
“No great loss,” Hobin muttered.
Tolapari expressed his condolences to Carmella on the death of her cousin. “Despite what she had done, I know you still cared for her a great deal.”
“I thought I could lead her back to who she once was,” she said with a melancholy air while gazing into the flames. “But too many years had passed since we last met. I didn’t really understand how much Liney had changed. May she now have some peace.”
“If only she had had your sensibility,” King Cedric remarked. “Her life might have turned out much differently, Carmella.”
“Perhaps. But I think Liney’s encounter with Caldurian was her downfall,” she replied, glancing at Tolapari. “Had she met you instead, and learned under your guidance, she might have used well the gifts she had buried deep inside her. But that is the way of the world.” She looked back into the flames, feeling empty and lost.
“Not always,” Tolapari said, drawing back her gaze. “Maybe you can develop and use your gifts properly to make up for the errors of her way.”
“What are you saying?” she asked.
“From the stories you just told me, you’ve apparently learned much from Caldurian, and in such a short time, too. I’d like a demonstration of your smoke apparitions when you have some time,” he said. “I’ve been thinking of taking on an apprentice. It’s been far too long since I’ve done so, what with all the turmoil throughout Laparia that has consumed my time these last few years.” The wizard looked at Carmella with an encouraging smile. “Might you consider yourself in such a role?”
“Me? An apprentice?” She placed a hand to her heart, deeply touched by the offer. “I am at a loss for words.”
“The only word I need is yes. Of course, I’ll understand if you want time to think about it or wish to–”
“Yes!” Carmella exclaimed. “But may I keep my wagon for our journeys? After some repairs and a new coat of paint, of course.”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” he insisted. “But only if I take the reins.”
“That’d be delightful,” she replied. “When do we start?”
Later that morning, Nicholas and Ivy visited Brendan and William in the tent where King Rowan’s body lay upon a wooden bier draped with black cloth. Carmella and Hobin accompanied them. Boughs of fragrant pine surrounded the bier, and candles flickered on small stands on either side. Nicholas noted how much the two brothers had matured in the six months since he first met them, but it was a maturity tempered with heartache and strife that would forever shape their futures.
“My brother and I have traveled many miles since taking our oath in the Citadel,” Brendan said. “The events that happened along the way have scaled both dizzying heights and depths unimaginable. My grandfather’s death is one of the latter.”
“But with his death, he has saved your life, Prince Brendan, and your brother’s,” Carmella softly said as she placed a comforting arm around him. “Value that second chance, that gift he has given you when you return to Montavia and begin your reign.”
“Brendan more than anyone can appreciate such a second chance,” William replied, his eyes reddened with grief. “But I, too, will never forget how Grandfather gave his life for us. It is a wound my heart will always carry.”
After leaving them a short time later, Nicholas checked in on Leo in the adjoining tent. But seeing him sound asleep in the chair at King Rowan’s side, he let him be and informed Tolapari. The wizard, tending to some injured soldiers in another tent farther up the line, was glad to hear the news.
“After you told me about Vellan’s spell, I suspected Leo could use hours more sleep in addition to the healing powers from Frist’s amulet,” he said while examining a soldier’s broken wrist. “That is why I urged him to spend time at King Justin’s side. I knew the aromas from the medicinal
waters would lull him into a deep sleep. Though Leo appeared in good health when you arrived, neither of you fully understand the trauma he suffered. I’ll have another cot brought in there and let him sleep until he awakens naturally.”
“Thanks for helping, Tolapari. If there’s anything I can do–”
“As a matter of fact there is,” he jumped in, reaching for an empty wooden bucket. “I need boiling water to refresh the bowls in here. Send Carmella and Hobin this way, too. I’d like to scour through her inventory of herbs. She can assist me here and begin her apprenticeship. And if Hobin is agreeable, I’ll send him out to gather various leaves, roots and tree bark that I need. There will be much to do in the days ahead.”
“I’ll find them at once,” Nicholas said, offering additional help on behalf of himself and Ivy. “Just tell us where to go and what to do. Despite all I’ve been through, I feel as if I contributed nothing to this fight. Those lying in these tents have taken the brunt of the storm.”
“Oh, you have done more than your share, Nicholas Raven, but I understand your point. When you return, I shall find plenty for you both to do.”
Nicholas and Ivy delivered food and water as instructed, happy to lend a hand even at small tasks as they made their way through the city of tents and around smoky bonfires. As they worked together, Nicholas grew closer to Ivy. He was impressed at how well and with such ease she could comfort a wounded soldier and offer an encouraging smile, knowing she would make a wonderful mother some day.
But he departed shortly after noontime, called away to help transport additional firewood to the multitude of camps throughout the north and east fields. He missed Ivy so much during their separation, yet kept his mind focused to while away the hours. As twilight approached, he cheered up when hearing someone call out to him while he and a few others unloaded a pile of split wood for a camp near the river’s edge.
“I guess hauling firewood on a horse-drawn wagon is a lot easier than pushing crates on a sled,” a familiar voice said. Malek walked up to Nicholas through the shadows and slapped him on the back. “I’m glad to see you’re still breathing and unhurt.”
Nicholas Raven and the Wizards' Web (The Complete Epic Fantasy) Page 182
