Nicholas Raven and the Wizards' Web - Volume 1 (61 page)

As Eucádus and his party passed through the west gate, some uniformed soldiers on duty smiled and said hello to those men they recognized from previous visits. Some silently hoped to join their military campaign against Vellan. While these soldiers admired King Cedric, many believed their monarch was too cautious a man when dealing with Vellan. Though Drumaya was still free, its citizens could feel the growing threat of the menace in the Northern Mountains.

As the guards watched Eucádus and the others pass by, several thanked them with heartfelt nods, knowing that these exiles from the mountain nations had served as a silent army over the years. Though never needing to call upon them, the people of Drumaya were confident that the men of the forest wouldn’t have thought twice about rushing to their aid if a crisis arose. But now that the woodland forces were preparing to march east across the Kincarin Plains, citizens of Drumaya were certain to feel less secure and more vulnerable to Vellan’s presence, knowing that the Ebrean Forest had been vacated of their silent and invisible allies.

“May your meeting with our King prove fruitful,” one of the guards quietly said to Ramsey who rode in back of the line with a few other captains.

“We’ll try our best to make a strong case,” he replied in kind.

“Who is the boy?” another asked, indicating William after he and Eucádus had passed by.

“Our secret weapon perhaps?” Ramsey said with a grin to the puzzled amusement of the captain riding next to him.

“Well, good luck with that,” the guard muttered to himself, scratching his head while he and his fellow soldiers watched the sixteen men disappear down the lane into the center of town.

“Here we are at last,” Eucádus said to no one in particular as he dismounted Chestnut under a line of sprawling oak trees in front of King’s Quarters. The others did likewise, tethering the animals to a rail along a line of water troughs. “Let us see if the King will grant us an audience today.”

He led the group beneath the shade of the oaks until they reached a stone walkway perpendicular to the line of trees and leading to the front entrance of the building. A second row of oaks continued along on the other side of the stone path. They ascended a set of five granite steps leading to a long porch extending the entire length of the building. A series of small recesses had been craved into the front of the building at regular intervals from one end to the other, each containing a stone carving of a hawk, eagle or falcon native to the region in various poses. Two armed guards stood at attention at the main arched entrance while several people casually strolled across the porch to either of the narrower staircases on each end. One of the guards, having met Eucádus and two of the other Clearing leaders before, cordially greeted them as they approached.

“We wish to inquire about arranging an audience with your King,” Eucádus said. “At his convenience, of course, though today if possible.”

Before the guard could reply, the front door opened and a tall, stern looking woman with white hair and piercing blue eyes stepped out and glanced at the group of sixteen. A younger man serving as an aide stood behind her. Eucádus politely nodded to the woman, but before he could utter a word, she abruptly held up a hand and sighed.

“No, no, no! This won’t do at all. Far too many at one time,” she said, scanning the array of faces. “Though King Cedric was expecting another visit from your group after seeing the campfires on the border of our lands, he is not in the mood to host the likes of a celebration. He has already granted you an audience, sir,” the woman explained to Eucádus, “but I can only allow the administrator of each Clearing a seat at the table, as it were. The other,” and here she began to furiously count, “…eight, nine, ten,
eleven
of you shall be escorted to a waiting area where breakfast shall be provided.”

Eucádus couldn’t conceal a smile of gratitude and amusement as he placed a hand upon William’s shoulder and ushered him to the front of their group. “Minister Nuraboc, I kindly request that you allow this young gentleman to also attend our meeting, for he wishes to speak with the King. It is of the utmost importance.”

The Minister looked down upon William with a probing gaze. “And he is…?”

“This is Prince William of Montavia who has much to tell the King,” he explained. “He has traveled far and has endured many harrowing ordeals.”

Minister Nuraboc noted William’s blond hair and the silver ring on his finger, and though she had never met the boy before, she possessed the political acumen to know that those would be two attributes of a royal grandson of King Rowan. “Did you escape your homeland, sir, or had you already departed before the invasion?”

“Escaped, ma’am,” William replied. “My brother and I had fled to Morrenwood to seek help from King Justin.”

The Minister noted a tinge of sorrow in the boy’s eyes and softened her tone considerably, deciding to let any further inquiries be handled by King Cedric. “I am truly sorry for the turmoil visited upon your country, Prince William. Of course you may consult with the King. We are honored by your visit.”

William politely nodded. “Thank you, minister. And I am honored to be here.”

“As are we all,” Eucádus added.

“Then would the sixteen of you please follow me inside to the foyer,” she said, signaling the men to accompany her at once through the doorway. Minister Nuraboc introduced her aide and instructed him to escort the ten captains to a nearby dining area for breakfast while the others proceeded down a separate corridor to meet with King Cedric. “Despite any misgivings you may harbor because of your previous meetings, the King is anxious to meet with you, Eucádus,” the minister said as she led the remaining six to a reception area adjacent to one of the interior gardens.

“Well, I suppose that’s as good a reason as any why I should look forward to this visit more than the others,” he replied halfheartedly as they walked swiftly through a second hallway. “But I will let King Cedric speak before my doubts are allayed.”

“I wouldn’t expect any other answer from the leader of the Star Clearing,” she said with a faint smile. They approached the reception room and entered through a small carved archway of rich, polished oak.

The chamber was uncluttered and bright, its white walls trimmed with elegant pine molding and adorned with framed charcoal drawings. Several large leafy plants towered in the corners of the room while a multi-paned arched window overlooked an outdoor garden, allowing in light from the southwest. Wooden chairs were arranged on either side of a large fireplace on the opposite side of the room, while a table covered with white linen stood against the side wall. Members of the kitchen staff had earlier brought out pitchers of cool drinks and platters of various cheeses, breads and fruits and set them upon the table with plates, cups and cloth napkins. A set of blue candles had been lit and displayed on one corner of the elegant arrangement.

“Welcome to my home, gentlemen,” said a soft-spoken King Cedric while standing near the window with his wife, Beatrice, and their two young children, a son and a daughter. He was dressed in rather plain clothes–a beige shirt under a plaid vest, brown trousers and a matching pair of boots. The light brown hair growing around the sides of his balding head was flecked with wisps of gray. A pleasant smile beamed from King Cedric’s oval shaped face as he approached to shake the hands of his visitors. “I’m delighted to see the five of you again, and all at the same time for a change,” he said, firmly grasping Eucádus’ hand with whom he was most familiar. He then greeted the other four leaders, namely Ranen, Jeremias, Uland and Torr of the Oak, Fox, Pumpkin and Haystack Clearings, respectively. “This is indeed an honor.”

“It is all ours,” Eucádus replied.

“Thank you for speaking with us on such short notice,” Ranen added, eyeing the food table. “And for your generous reception.” He was about the same age as Eucádus, bulky and slightly taller with long, black hair tied up in back with a strip of blood red cloth.

“I was expecting you for a final visit one of these days after the war council in Morrenwood had concluded,” the King said. “As soon as my guards saw your encampment forming on the border of the Ebrean, I suspected you would be on your way shortly.” He introduced his wife and children to the men of the Clearing. His son, Liam, who was seven years old, smiled proudly when he was introduced, revealing a missing lower tooth which elicited a ripple of affectionate chuckles from the guests.

“Liam lost his tooth two days ago and is very proud of that accomplishment,” the King explained as he brushed a hand through his son’s hair. “He was a very brave boy.” King Cedric then took note of William, observing the silver ring on his finger before glancing up at Minister Nuraboc for an explanation.

“Sir, this is Prince William of Montavia,” she said. “He has traveled here with Eucádus and his associates and has need of a word with you.”

“Yes, yes. Thank you, Judith.” The King shook hands with William. “A prince of Montavia has traveled all this way to see me. You must have a story indeed, young man. My representative, Osial, who had attended the war council, mentioned that you and your brother arrived by surprise at the conclusion of that meeting. Osial would have been here, but he is on another assignment. I look forward to hearing from you and learning more about the invasion of your country. A sad state of affairs indeed.”

“I shall answer any of your questions,” William said.

“And I all of yours.” The King clapped his hands. “But first let us partake of some of the fine food and drink my staff has prepared, then after we can sit by the fire and discuss, well, those matters that we are all here to discuss!”

About twenty minutes later, after eating and lighthearted conversation around the table, King Cedric’s wife and two children departed the room, leaving the others to their private deliberations. The King occupied a chair closest to the fire opposite Eucádus, while William, Minister Nuraboc and the other four leaders filled out the remaining seats. King Cedric leaned back and rubbed his chin, noting the steely gaze in Eucádus’ eyes.

“Well, I suppose I should reveal my decision forthwith, and then we can take things from there,” the King said. “That is why you are here, after all. I’d like to tell you that–”

Eucádus suddenly raised his hand, his tone urgent. “Please, sir, before you say anything, I ask that you indulge me for one moment to speak my piece, and then perhaps hear out Prince William. His story alone is of dire relevance.”

“You may both speak for as long as you wish,” he kindly replied, “but first let me say that–”

“I do not wish to appear rude,” Eucádus again interrupted. “That is not my desire. But I beg that you let us have our say before you render your decision.” He leaned forward in his chair, eyeing his four counterparts for moral support before once again addressing the King. “The fate of so many will depend on your pronouncement.”

King Cedric seemed slightly taken aback, though not offended in the least. He glanced at Minister Nuraboc who only responded with the slightest tilt of her head. The tension in the room grew as thick as storm clouds as the King folded his arms. For a moment, Eucádus thought he had stepped over the line, trying to present his case for an alliance before King Cedric could shoot him down. But the mood lightened considerably when a thin smile appeared on the monarch’s face.

“You seem a man possessed, Eucádus, so I will defer to you,” he said with an easy tone. “And I do not find you rude, by the way, so let that not worry you or your colleagues. Speak your mind, and I will listen attentively.” He then addressed the four other leaders. “And after that, each of you may also contribute whatever bit you think I should hear. Last of all, Prince William can apprise me of his exploits. Then, and only then, will I have my say in these matters.” King Cedric brushed the hair along one side of his head. “By then, of course, I think all of us will be ready for more food and drink regardless of the outcome. Agreed?”

Eucádus nodded. “Agreed.”

“Then by all means, my friend, proceed.”

“Very well,” he replied, taking a slow, deep breath. “As you know from Osial’s report of the war council, King Justin is forming two armies, sending one to free Montavia and the other to Rhiál to aid King Basil in his fight against Maranac. That is where our small army will march to also, though precisely when King Justin’s troops will arrive there is not known. But we must leave soon, and so it is vital that your army accompany us. We are less than four thousand men from the Clearings, and though a potent force, I fear we are not enough to alter the course of that war alone. But with the men of Drumaya at our side, we would be a power to be reckoned with. The war goes ill for King Basil and Rhiál, such was the word at the council. It is only a matter of time until King Drogin of Maranac achieves control of the region.”

“And Drogin’s success simply means another foothold for Vellan to occupy in Laparia,” Ranen elaborated. “If Drogin achieves victory, soldiers from the Northern Isles and the Enári will have another place to call home. You know this is so, King Cedric.”

The King kept silent as he listened to the pleadings of the five leaders and to the warning that, regardless of the outcome of their efforts in Rhiál, they would never return to the Ebrean Forest to live. Should they succeed in Rhiál, they would continue on to a final confrontation with Vellan in Kargoth. But should they lose, that would be the end of their resistance movement, and it would only be a matter of time before Drumaya itself was overrun by Vellan’s locust-like army. When Eucádus and his friends had finally exhausted their arguments, King Cedric addressed the young prince, inviting him to contribute to the debate.