Nicholas Raven and the Wizards' Web - Volume 1 (50 page)

“Liney was jealous,” Carmella replied, folding her arms. “Jealous of the attention that Caldurian showed me as he trained us in the magic arts. Liney was so proud of her abilities and felt that the wizard was wasting his time with me. She was the serious student and I was just a fraud in her eyes, barging in on her interests on a whim.
Humph
! She may be able to manipulate fire and conjure up a sleeping spell better than I, but can she… Can she…?” Carmella silently fumed for a moment. “Well, perhaps there is no comparison between our skills, but I’ve improved over the years! Still, there was no reason for her to cast a spell upon that pumpkin and hurl it at me.”

“Is that what caused…?” Leo raised his eyes. “The hands?”

“Yes,” she tiredly admitted. “We had been arguing in my pumpkin patch the day after I discovered that the Enâri and the wizard’s messenger eagle were hiding out in the nearby woods. I had secretly followed Liney and Caldurian the night before when they left on one of their mysterious walks to meet with the creatures. Well, Liney finally admitted to me in the garden why she had left the Blue Citadel. When I threatened to turn them in, she exploded in a childish rage, ripped a pumpkin from a vine and threw it at me after casting her spell. As soon as I caught it, the orange color began to seep into my skin, covering my hands and traveling up my wrists before I had sense enough to drop the pumpkin and halt the transformation. Liney stormed off and I was unable to reverse her colorful triumph over me.

“When I confronted her and Caldurian in the house, they were preparing to head east. I hadn’t even the chance to say a word when I saw Caldurian raise his hands. The next thing I remembered was waking up on the floor about three days later, with Liney, Caldurian, his eagle Xavier and all the Enâri gone. Apparently the wizard had cast a strong sleeping spell on me to give them enough time to escape before I could contact the authorities.” Carmella shrugged. “That was the last time I saw my cousin, though I had come close to finding her a few times over the years. But one of these days…”

“Quite a story,” Megan said. “My Grandfather will be interested in hearing it.”

“Not that it will do any good,” she replied. “However, you need to let him know about Liney’s dealings along the seashore with the Islanders. I can’t imagine what mischief she’s planning, though no doubt Caldurian and Vellan have their fingers in it.”

“Don’t worry,” Nicholas assured her. “We’ll let King Justin know everything that’s happened. But it might not be a bad idea if you came along with us to the Citadel. After all, you have one of the Enâri with you. Maybe he has information that might be useful.”

“Perhaps,” she said, “though Jagga has been nothing but helpful and kind to me. I wouldn’t want to betray his trust.”

“However, there are thousands upon thousands like him in Laparia who probably have less than good intentions,” Leo said. “Maybe Jagga might want to help.”

“Let her think about it,” Megan said, noting that Carmella appeared overwhelmed with mixed emotions. “We can discuss it tomorrow.”

“I agree,” she replied. “I’m not ready to turn Jagga over to anybody just yet. Still, I feel obligated to show the King this.” She again lifted the medallion into the firelight for all to see, certain that it was the former key still brimming with magic. “If you don’t mind, I would like to accompany you to the Blue Citadel. I’m sure someone on King Justin’s staff might be interested in this little trinket, don’t you think?”

CHAPTER 30

A Secret Mission

Two wagons rattled along King’s Road early the following morning beneath crisp blue skies painted with feathery strands of gray-tinged clouds. Leo led the way to Morrenwood, holding the reins with Megan and Nicholas beside him. Jagga followed closely behind, proudly playing chauffeur to Carmella who sat next to him cloaked in contentment. The cool air heightened their senses as they drew nearer to the capital, anticipating a stunning view of the Blue Citadel against the abundant evergreens upon the Trent Hills. The travelers swiftly reduced the remaining miles to the capital, taking only a few breaks as they were anxious to end their grueling journey.

“Though Father and Grandfather will be furious with me, I’ll be able to endure their admonishments simply by having a warm bed and a roof over my head again,” Megan said, wrapped snugly in her cloak. “And a meal at a proper table will do wonders, too!”

“A bowl of stew, warm bread and some fine ale is what I’m craving,” Nicholas said, imagining a handful of cooks scurrying about the Citadel kitchens to prepare his culinary request.

“You’ll be rewarded with all the stew and ale you can consume,” she cheerfully replied. “After all, the King will be pleased when you return his wayward granddaughter.”

Leo chuckled uneasily. “But will he be pleased with one particular vagabond who has returned
with
her?”

“We’ll find out shortly.” She placed a reassuring hand upon his as the wagon continued on, the hills, trees and rivers slowly drifting past. “But I’m confident that you have nothing to worry about, Leo Marsh. I’m sure my family will be as delighted meeting you as I was meeting your folks.”

“Still, maybe it’d be best if you just introduced me as a guy who sells apples that happened to give you a ride back home,” he suggested as the hills of Morrenwood rose upon the distant horizon. “For starters anyway. I’d rather your father and grandfather got to know me a little bit before you say anything about–
us
?”

“Leo, are you afraid of meeting them?”

“No, Megan. Not afraid exactly. Just a little terrified is all. Or perhaps alarmed? Agitated? Maybe panic stricken?” He gently snapped the reins as he deeply exhaled. “But don’t worry. Nothing I can’t handle.”

“Oh, I can see that,” she softly teased, tossing a grin Nicholas’ way as Leo kept his eyes nervously fixed upon the road.

They arrived in Morrenwood early that afternoon, the sun-splashed city bustling with crowds of people taking advantage of the ideal autumn weather that in the next few weeks would be but a memory. Leo was astounded by the beauty and grandeur of the Citadel as his wagon passed through the main gate, its bluish-gray speckled stonework warmly inviting them into the courtyard. Megan noted the look of amazement in his eyes, eager to show him around her home.

“Go down that road on the left, Leo, and drive past the cellars,” Megan said. “There are tree thickets behind the Citadel close to the river but far enough away from the stables and lodging houses. I think it’d be best if we parked the wagons there for some privacy.”

“Who are we hiding from?” Nicholas asked.

“We’re not hiding,” Megan said, “but I don’t think it’s wise to advertise Jagga’s presence until I talk to my grandfather. He’ll be interested in knowing how we became acquainted with one of the Enâri creatures. I’m afraid Jagga would be led off to a prison cell if he was spotted freely wandering through the corridors with us.”

After they brought the wagons to a halt under the protective boughs of some large pines, everyone disembarked. In front of them to the south rose the back section of the Blue Citadel, its many windows mutely reflecting the green trees and moody peaks of the Trent Hills to the north. Behind them, the soothing sight and sounds of the frothy Edelin River slowly washed the weariness out of their tired limbs and spirits.

“What a lovely place!” Carmella said, deeply inhaling the fresh pine air drifting down through the hills. “Now you wait for us here, Jagga, until we square away matters inside. There are a lot of people who won’t be as accepting of you at first glance as I was. Best if you keep unnoticed for a time, no offense intended.”

“I prefer it that way,” he said with an agreeable smile. “You people go and talk to those you must. I’ll build a fire and eat lunch.”

“I guess that settles that,” Leo replied, happy that Jagga was so accommodating.

“Then follow me,” Megan said, leading them to a back entrance of the Citadel. “Whether happy about it or not, everyone is certain to be surprised at my arrival, so let’s get this over with.” She held Leo’s hand, comforted by his support as they trekked across the grassy stretch behind the Citadel until reaching a colorful stone walkway leading to the main back entrance consisting of a large archway with huge wooden doors decorated with iron work. “I hope Father and Grandfather aren’t too busy today. I’d hate to interrupt the King’s schedule if he has something important planned.”

“What could be more important to them than you?” Leo asked, gently squeezing her hand as they approached the archway.

A half dozen uniformed guards stood outside at various posts and observed the foursome, particularly Carmella who was wrapped in her wildly colorful cloak. A few eyebrows were raised as they greeted the new arrivals. When the captain in charge prepared to question the strangers, he paused for a moment as he gazed at Princess Megan, wondering if his eyes were playing tricks on him.

“Greetings, strangers. I must ask you if…” He couldn’t help but stare disbelievingly at Megan, almost certain he was looking at King Justin’s granddaughter yet knowing that it couldn’t be so.

“Your mind isn’t playing tricks on you, Captain Percy. I am who you think I am,” she said, removing the hood of her cloak. “I need to see my grandfather right away.”

“Yes, of course!” the captain replied, offering a slight bow. “Scouts have been sent to look for you, but how is it that…?” He scratched his head. “Who are these…?”

“These are my friends,” she said, “and they know who I am. I can vouch for them all.”

“Certainly,” Captain Percy replied, studying the faces of her companions. “I’ll escort you to the King myself, though it might be a rather inconvenient time.”

“Why?” she asked. “What’s happening?”

“Please follow me, Princess Megan. I’ll explain on the way. The Citadel is a very busy place today,” he said as he hurriedly ushered the four visitors inside, wondering what strange chain of events had led the princess of Arrondale to his doorway on such a fine afternoon.

A din of excited voices grew louder as Captain Percy led Megan, Leo, Nicholas and Carmella up a set of stone stairs and into a long corridor. Dozens of people milled about, some talking in loud voices or in whispers while many gesticulated with their hands to get a specific point across. Nicholas wondered what was happening as a few people swept past him down the stairs while others seemed content simply to converse and laugh in the echoing hallway alongside a series of four huge tapestries suspended from the wall on their right.

“What’s going on?” he asked Megan. “Is it always this busy here?”

“Goodness no,” she replied, perplexed by all the activity. “I’ve no idea what fuss my grandfather has stirred up today.”

“A war council has just concluded,” Captain Percy said as he indicated for them to follow him to a large oak door on the left beyond the top of the staircase. Another member of the royal guard stood at the doorway. The captain had a quick word with him before returning to the others. “I am told that King Justin is still lingering within the chamber, Princess Megan. I’ll take you inside.”

“Thank you,” she said before glancing at Leo, her watery brown eyes flooded with apprehension. “Though I’m not a child anymore, I feel like I’m about to receive the scolding of a lifetime,” she softly remarked.

“Trust me, Megan. Your grandfather will be so happy to see your face that he’ll forget to be angry at you for running away.”

“I hope so, Leo,” she said as they entered the council chamber while a few more people drifted out the door at the same time.

The atmosphere was much quieter inside as only a handful of individuals remained in the room, all gathered at the far end of the long table engrossed in conversation. Several empty benches and chairs lay scattered about, and two fireplaces steadily blazed, sending billows of comforting heat to the rafters. Megan and Carmella followed closely behind Captain Percy as he hurried alongside the table to the opposite end. Nicholas and Leo slowed their pace, glancing warily at one another before stopping at a respectful distance and standing at attention against the wall, their hands behind their backs as if they were awaiting a military inspection. As Captain Percy approached, King Justin looked up from his seat, surprised to see him there.

“Pardon the intrusion, sir, but there are some new arrivals to the Citadel who have requested an audience. I took the liberty of bringing them before you immediately,” he said, quickly stepping aside so that Megan was revealed to her grandfather.

“Exactly who wishes to see–” King Justin suddenly went silent, his mouth agape the instant he saw Megan. A beaming smile formed beneath his ice blue eyes as he stood and hurried around the table to greet his granddaughter, hugging her as if he’d never let go. “Just where have you been, young lady?” he asked, looking at her with teary eyes before hugging her once more with joyous laughter. “But I suppose you can give me all of those answers shortly. Oh, I can’t believe you’re standing here, Megan!”

“And I’m glad to see you, Grandfather,” she replied, choked with emotion.

King Justin looked up at Captain Percy. “A wise decision, captain, bringing these guests here at once. Now find Prince Gregory, if you will. He’s mingling somewhere out in the hallway. Bring him here at once. Then close these doors so we can have some privacy while we sort though this delightful turn of events.”

“At once, sir,” the captain replied, bowing his head and exiting the room.

“I really can’t believe you’re here!” the King said, holding his granddaughter’s hand. “I thought I might… Well, never mind that. You’re back and that’s all that matters now.” He beamed with pride as the others he had been talking with looked on. With him were his advisor, Nedry, the wizard Tolapari and Princes Brendan and William from Montavia, from whom he wished to learn more about the recent invasion of their kingdom. The King quickly introduced the two princes to Megan. “You might remember Brendan and William when you traveled with your father to Montavia about five years ago.”

“We’ve grown a bit taller since then,” Brendan said with a bashful grin, taken with Megan’s attractive looks.

“As have I,” Megan replied. “It’s delightful to see you again, Brendan. And you too, William.”

“Who have you brought with you, Megan?” King Justin asked, staring curiously at Carmella.

Megan turned around expecting to see Leo at her side, but noticed that he and Nicholas had kept their distance. So she first introduced Carmella, explaining how she and Samuel had met her after their wagon had broken down in the wild.

“Carmella was such a dear to offer us her kindness and friendship,” Megan said.

“Oh, it was nothing,” she replied with a light laugh. “I was tickled just to have some company on the road!”

“Still, I extend my deepest appreciation,” King Justin said as he took Carmella’s gloved hands in his. “You are an honorable and delightful woman.”

“Thank you, your Highness. And pardon me if I’m being forward, but you are by far strikingly more handsome than the accounts I’ve heard in passing give you credit,” she replied, smiling with a sparkle in her eye.

“Well, I thank you for that, Miss Carmella,” the King said with a hint of embarrassment and good humor. He then noticed Nicholas and Leo standing farther away, assuming they were in the employ of Carmella. But before King Justin could say another word, Megan signaled for Leo and Nicholas to approach.

“Grandfather, I’d also like you to meet two more friends of mine who were instrumental in escorting me safely back to Morrenwood.”

“Certainly, dear. Who are they?”

Megan again waved her hand, urging the two men forward. Slowly, Leo and Nicholas walked toward her and King Justin, slightly intimidated in his presence. Megan affectionately placed her hand upon Leo’s shoulder as he stood next to her, delighted to introduce him to her grandfather. Leo looked askance at Megan, frozen in fear that King Justin would look disapprovingly upon them even though it was his granddaughter who had placed her hand upon him.

“Grandfather, this is Leo Marsh from the village of Minago, and Nicholas Raven who comes from Kanesbury, of all places.”

“Pleased to meet you both,” King Justin said, offering a hearty smile. “If you played a part in returning my granddaughter to me, then I am in your debt and look forward to hearing the details.”

“It’s an honor to meet you, sir,” Leo uttered stiffly, shaking the King’s hand while unobtrusively trying to get Megan to remove her own from his shoulder as if attempting to shoo away a fly without drawing attention. The King looked Leo directly in the eyes, though what thoughts were running through his mind, Leo couldn’t determine from the man’s inscrutable gaze.