Nicholas Raven and the Wizards' Web - Volume 1 (66 page)

William laughed as he imagined those two young princes barreling through the corridors, shouting with joy. “Reminds me of competitions I had with Brendan, but being the older one, he usually won them all whether in athletics or intelligence.” He sipped his tea with a heavy heart. “But now they are all gone, your sons and my brother. It is hardly fair, is it?”

“No, it is not, and my heart breaks because of it,” King Basil replied, a thick melancholy entwined with his words. “But as short as their time was, my sons had lived full, adventurous lives. I am truly saddened that Brendan had fallen in the prime of his youth. You may never be able to reconcile that fact, William, but always remember your brother when you live out your days. In time, the hurt will diminish some and good memories will take its place, but I will not say that that road shall be easy. It will be as exhausting and painful as, well, this war.” The King managed a smile. “And I had mentioned that I didn’t want to talk about it.”

William nodded. “I’m afraid this war and their deaths swirl about us whether we wish to recognize it or not. I don’t suppose we have a choice.”

“I guess not,” he replied, eyeing the dark corners of the room. He slowly raised his cup to William and offered a toast. “Here’s to those who left us, too soon and without warning. May their memories forever linger.”

William lifted his cup, and through the rising steam he noted an overwhelming grief set deep within King Basil’s eyes, knowing that it mirrored his own and wondering how long it would torment him. The pair silently sipped their drinks, the room awash in streaks of dazzling sunlight amid a swirl of bitter shadows.

William met Aaron bounding down the corridor adjacent to the kitchen a few hours later, both eager to taste the fresh, evening air and feel a cool breeze off Lake LaShear. They exited the main entrance of the estate, sauntered down the front walk as the lampposts were being lit, and passed through the gate in the stone wall to the front road. As they wandered toward the city, pointing at distant ships on the water while chattering away, neither boy was aware of a man watching them from behind a thicket of trees upon a weedy knoll, the stranger’s eyes fixed upon their every movement. After William and Aaron entered the main part of town, the man left his post and followed, keeping a safe distance as he blended into the passing crowds and thickening shadows.

“Though he hasn’t yet told me directly, I think Eucádus is going to ask me as a favor to stay with King Basil when the army departs,” William said, though with none of the disappointment he would have shown just a day earlier. “To keep him company and act as his personal messenger and the like. I don’t suppose I’d mind either. I’ve grown fond of King Basil and we have much in common.”

“Didn’t you tell me yesterday how anxious you were to wield a sword and avenge your brother’s death?” Aaron asked, imagining himself doing the same in honor of his missing father.

“Sometimes I talk without thinking,” he replied. “Despite my desire to contribute on the battlefield, I believe my presence at King Basil’s side might help him more than any medicine. And me, too, I must admit. I hope that doesn’t sound selfish.”

“After what you’ve been through, it sounds normal.” Aaron pointed far down the shore as they wandered along the main road. The wooden docks were crowded with small crafts bobbing upon the water. “I see a fire burning by Jack Grindol’s shanty. He must be planning to work late tonight repairing his nets. Chances are he’s frying up some fish for his evening meal.”

In the light of the Fox Moon, now near first quarter, William noted a look of hungry anticipation upon Aaron’s face. “I thought you just ate dinner before I arrived?”

“And your point would be?” He burst out laughing. “My stomach has room for another meal and then some. Besides, Jack always cooks extra. He’ll have enough for both of us. He’s a great storyteller, too. I’ll bet he’s never talked to a real prince before.”

“Lead the way,” he said with a smirk. “But I’m thinking that I’m getting the better deal here.”

They continued down the road until the sandy shore widened to their left. Several bonfires crackled in the fading twilight. But just before William and Aaron stepped onto the beach, they heard a faint call farther down the street now vacant of passersby and dimly lit only by the Fox Moon and the light flowing out of nearby windows. William looked up when he heard the voice again.

“Over there,” Aaron said, pointing. “I see someone on the ground up ahead.”

He and William hurried toward the person, surprised to see a man sitting on the edge of the road with his back against a vacant building. The stranger, unshaven and grimacing, appeared to be in pain as he massaged his right ankle through the side of his boot. He looked up at the boys, grateful that they answered his call.

“What happened, sir?” Aaron asked.

The man laughed, seemingly embarrassed. “Caught my foot in a rut down the road a ways. Twisted it bad, I think.” He took a deep breath, continuing to tenderly rub his ankle. “Thanks for stopping.”

“Can we help?” William asked, kneeling down on one knee next to him.

“I’d appreciate a hand up,” he said. “I don’t live far from here. If you could help me hobble back, I’d be most thankful. So would my wife.”

“Happy to do so,” William said as he assisted the man to stand, allowing him to lean upon a shoulder for support. Aaron helped to guide him from the other side as they walked back in the direction from which they had come.

“I’m Meklas, by the way,” the man said, shaking William and Aaron’s hands as they introduced themselves. “I live around the next corner near that butcher shop. Sorry to impose upon you like this.”

“It’s not a problem,” Aaron said. “Will and I were looking for something to do.”

“Can we find a physician for you?” William offered.

“No, no,” Meklas insisted. “I just want to sit by a fire and rest my foot on a chair. If I don’t feel better by morning, maybe I’ll seek help. Ah, here’s my lane.”

He pointed to the butcher shop ahead, dimly lit by a nearby lamppost. The trio turned down the darkened, cobblestone street to their left, their footsteps echoing off the walls and consumed by the night. Soon they approached a wooden door that Meklas indicated as they eagerly helped the struggling man to his destination.

“Just a couple more steps and you’re home,” Aaron said.

“I only hope my wife doesn’t scold me,” Meklas remarked with a trace of mirth in his voice. “I was supposed to have been home an hour ago. She’ll insist that I got my comeuppance for being late to the dinner table again.”

“We’ll speak in your defense,” William promised as Meklas knocked on the door.

“I’ll take all the help I can get,” he replied as he pounded on the door a second time. “I’m home!”

“Are you sure your wife is home?” Aaron joked as William laughed, neither noticing as two other men entered the lane from the far end. A moment later they were near the doorway.

“Locked out again, Meklas?” one of the two men asked though the shadows with a hearty laugh.

William and Aaron were startled by the new arrivals and glanced at the two strangers, unable to distinguish their faces. Though Meklas introduced them as two of his friends, William felt a slight wave of apprehension pass over him.

“I hope not,” Meklas replied to the man’s question.

Suddenly sounds from behind the door were distinctly audible and William felt at ease again. “This must be her now,” he said.

Meklas nodded. “And certain to have my skin.”

“No doubt!” one of the men replied as the door swung open.

But just as William and Aaron looked inside, expecting to greet either Meklas’ disgruntled or overjoyed wife, they were both surprised to see a tall man with tangles of dark hair and a grim smile stuck to his face. “Glad you could make it,” Bosh said.

Suddenly, the two men in back grabbed William and Aaron by their collars as Meklas broke away and stepped into the room. Before either of the boys could react, they were pushed inside and heard the door slam behind them. William’s heart raced as he attempted to spin around and free himself. But before he uttered a word, a dirty, callused hand was slapped against his mouth and the tip of a knife blade pressed to his throat. William’s eyes widened in terror when he saw that Aaron was being similarly held.

“So far, so good,” Bosh said, studying the faces of his captives, satisfied that they matched the descriptions of the boys Nyla had provided the previous night. “Am I going to have any trouble from either one of you?” he asked as the two men holding them slowly raised their knife blades in front of William and Aaron’s faces. The two boys simultaneously shook their heads. “Wonderful. That was the right answer,” he replied. “Now we’ll be able to talk like civilized men. That’s the reason I brought you here, after all–to talk.”

CHAPTER 39

Through the Billowing Fog

William was shoved into a room and stumbled to the floor. All went dark as the door was slammed shut and locked. Dim light flowed beneath the bottom from an adjacent room, the faint glow mixed with the frustrated mutterings of Bosh and his associates. Their voices diminished as the men retreated to another area. William turned over and lay on his back, his head pounding, his body aching. He tasted dried blood on the corner of his mouth where Bosh had slapped him.

“Are you all right?” Aaron whispered from among the inky shadows, feeling responsible for William’s injuries.

“Yes,” he replied with difficulty. “I just need to rest for a few minutes. I…” He exhaled deeply, never having felt so sore in his life. For a moment he imagined what Brendan might have experienced while he lay dying on the cabin floor.

Bosh had questioned him for an hour, demanding information about King Basil’s military plans. When William refused to answer time and time again, Bosh slapped him, telling him that he knew he was a prince from Montavia and had associated with King Cedric and others who had traveled from the west. William didn’t deny the claims but revealed nothing more, only enraging the man until he slammed a fist into William’s stomach and shoved him against the wall while two other men looked on in amusement.

“Look, this is me going easy on you,
your
Highness
,” Bosh had said with contempt. “What’s to follow won’t be as pleasant, so think about it,” he added before pushing William into the windowless room and locking the door.

Now, William stared into a black void, wondering who his captors were and how they had discovered his identity. Was there a spy among King Basil or King Cedric’s troops? If so, what other information had already been revealed? He shuddered, a nauseating chill in the pit of his stomach as he fully comprehended the peril that had befallen the resistance. He slowly turned his head, and though unable to see Aaron, he knew he was sitting close by, no doubt scared and confused. William vowed to protect the boy just as Brendan had protected
him
, but he feared he had little time.

The stench of warfare was in the air. William knew they had little chance of escape against four men, and should they break him, he figured that he and Aaron would probably be killed. What worried him even more though was what would happen to Eucádus and the others should matters here play out for the worst. He wondered what his brother would have done in this situation, envisioning Brendan’s smile in the darkness before he lapsed into fitful sleep.

The rattle of the metal lock shook him from his slumber. William’s head swam with remnants of blurred dreams and echoes of sharp voices. It felt like the dead of night, and when the glow of firelight splashed into the room, he realized that he had probably slept only a few hours. Dawn was still a vague hope.

“Ready to talk now?” Bosh said, kicking at William’s boot.

He struggled to sit up, his muscles sore and tight, his eyelids heavy. Aaron, who had been sound asleep a few feet away, sat up as well, fearing for the prince’s life.

“I said all I have to say,” William replied, his voice dry and raspy. “You’ll learn nothing more from me.”

“Is that so?” Bosh’s words were edged with bitterness, his tall frame eerily silhouetted against the sickly glow of firelight.

“He said he won’t talk!” Aaron snapped. “Leave him alone.”

“Nobody’s asking you, kettle scrubber, so mind your own business.” Bosh glared at William. “Last chance, prince, before it gets ugly. Are you going to talk?”

William shook his head, his heart pounding with fear despite a small part of him not caring what they’d do. He was growing weary of the whole affair. “I’ll sit down with you,” he said, “but I won’t talk.
Ever
.”

Bosh, his arms akimbo, gazed at him for several icy moments before sharply sighing. “Fine. Then maybe he will!” In a flash, he bent over and grabbed Aaron by the arm, yanking the boy to his feet. His fingers gripped him like a vice.

“Leave him alone!” William cried, jumping up, ready to rush at the man.

But Bosh pulled out a knife and held it to Aaron’s throat just as Meklas entered the room similarly armed. William looked at both men and took a step back.

“That’s more like it,” Bosh said. “If you won’t cooperate, then maybe your friend will have sense enough to do so.”

“I told you, he doesn’t know anything!” William pleaded, seeing the fear in Aaron’s eyes as the boy tried to control his erratic breaths. “It’s the truth. He hasn’t attended meetings nor is he privy to any military matters. Leave him alone. Please.”

Bosh pretended to be impressed by William’s valiant defense. “Well, if what you say is true, then there really isn’t a need for me to question this boy. He might as well go back to the kitchens to wash dishes and bake bread.” He snapped his fingers and smirked. “Ah, but then he might turn us all in to the authorities. That wouldn’t be good for me and the boys.” He raised the tip of his knife so that the firelight reflected off the sharp blade, making it clearly visible to William and Aaron. “If this one really doesn’t know anything, I guess we don’t need him here taking up valuable space.” Bosh shoved the boy at Meklas, who grabbed Aaron behind the collar and waved his knife at him. “Meklas, you and Gelt take him out and get rid of the body. I’m sure there’s a nice spot on the bottom of Lake LaShear that will have him.”

“I’ll find one.”

“No!” William cried, advancing a step with terror in his eyes. “Don’t hurt him. He won’t turn you in. Isn’t that right, Aaron?”

Aaron nodded.

“Sorry, prince, but he’s got to go,” Bosh coldly responded. “Unless…”

William swallowed hard, knowing what his captor was about to say but asking him the question anyway. “Unless
what
?”

“If you tell me what I want to know, your friend will live,” he replied matter-of-factly. “We’ll have a nice, friendly chat in the next room and he can continue to sleep in here.” Bosh cleaned beneath his fingernails with the knife tip, speaking his next words with chilling deliberation. “Therefore, if the next words out of your mouth are anything, and I mean
anything
other than
I’ll tell you what you want to know
, then your friend is going to be killed in front of you–right here, right now. Meklas is just itching for a reason to use his dagger, but it’s all up to you. So, Prince William of Montavia, anything you want to say?”

Crestfallen, William watched as Meklas positioned his knife near Aaron’s throat. He could sense the terror overwhelming his friend and wished that he had never dragged the boy into his world of war, politics and deceit. But now the worst deed would have to be done. William hated himself at the moment, having no desire to ever be king if decisions such as these would be laid upon his lap. But like it or not, he had to decide now. He glanced up at Bosh, gazing into his captor’s eyes with boiling disdain.

“I’ll tell you what you want to know,” he replied.

Eucádus accompanied King Cedric late the following morning as they wandered among the battalions spread out across the field south of the estate. They were to meet shortly with Captain Silas and others to refine their invasion strategy now that the last scouts had returned with updated information about Drogin’s troop positions along the southern shores. King Basil was still prepared to move his army in less than two days.

Eucádus entered a large tent with King Cedric where nearly a dozen other men awaited Captain Silas. Several small benches were laid out in a semicircle around a table where officers would present the latest information. The sides of the tent undulated in a gusty breeze as the men took their places. Eucádus spoke to the King in private in back of the tent.

“I have not seen Will today,” he said, “and had to recruit another courier to send messages to King Basil at the estate. I instructed him to locate the prince, assuming William had been at the King’s side, but King Basil relayed that he had not seen the boy since lunchtime yesterday.”

“Nor have I in my wanderings,” King Cedric replied. “It’s not like William to take his leave so freely.”

“Perhaps his wanderlust got the best of him as he explored the lakeside,” Eucádus guessed, explaining how William had become good friends with Aaron and that the two had a penchant for exploring the city after sunset. “I thought it would do his spirit good to spend time with someone his own age considering all he had endured.”

“A fine idea. Perhaps they wandered too far and passed the night outdoors,” the King suggested. “William spent much time on the road with his brother. Maybe his time with Aaron is helping him cope with Brendan’s loss.”

“Maybe, but it is far too late in the day for him not to have yet returned. I might be worrying needlessly, but Ramsey also mentioned that he saw no sign of William earlier among the western camps.” Eucádus furrowed his brow, beginning to worry. “As Captain Silas isn’t here yet, I’m going to slip out for a moment and send a few soldiers to the estate to check for William and Aaron one last time. If they’re not back, I’ll instruct the men to scour the docks and areas nearby.” He sighed, looking very much the beleaguered parent. “I hope I’m making more fuss than need be, but…”

“Despite being a prince, William is still a young boy,” the King said with a chuckle. “He may feel like he’s escaping from his studies for a day. Perhaps being immersed in our stifling routine of endless, dreary meetings has taken its toll on him. Coupled with his brother’s death, maybe he just needed to escape from
us
.”

Eucádus grinned, feeling better upon hearing such an explanation. “I understand your logic, sir, and am now inclined to believe that that is the case. Still, I’ll send some men to ease my mind. I’ll only be a moment,” he said as he slipped out through the tent flaps into the blustery gray of approaching noon, trying to convince himself that William would show up any minute. He had grown fond of the boy from the moment he arrived at the Star Clearing and would never forgive himself if something happened to him. He hoped his anxiety was unjustified.

But several hours later, anxiety turned to fear. Eucádus received word from the estate that Aaron had never shown up for work in the kitchens that morning. Apparently Nyla had nervously reported him missing after a search of the estate proved unsuccessful. A scout even visited the nearby home of Aaron’s former neighbor where he occasionally spent the night, though he was not there either. As the sun sank beneath the western horizon, Eucádus gazed east across the cold, black waters of Lake LaShear as he stood by the walls of the estate, awaiting the arrival of a second group of men sent into Melinas to search for William and Aaron. His chest tightened as his mind juggled several disquieting thoughts regarding their disappearance, blaming himself for whatever fate might have in store as war was about to break out, wondering if he would ever see either of them again.

After William had been questioned by Bosh, he and Aaron slept uneasily for a few hours before being awakened again near dawn. They were ushered outdoors into cold darkness at knifepoint and ordered to climb on back of a horse-drawn wagon, guarded under the watchful eyes of Meklas and Gelt. Bosh drove the wagon to a small farmhouse several miles outside the city. The fourth man remained back at their quarters in Melinas.

“Where are you taking us?” William asked as the sky grew milky gray along the eastern horizon. “I told you what you wanted to know.” Meklas glanced at him coldly, making him feel as if the man were staring directly through him. No one spoke another word until they arrived at the farmhouse.

When the wagon stopped, William and Aaron jumped off the back at Meklas’ command and were led to a barn near a one-story clay house with a thatched roof. The surrounding area was beset with dried weeds left over from warmer days. The boys were shoved inside the abandoned structure which smelled of stale hay and soil.

“Now keep quiet or we’ll tie and gag you,” Bosh ordered. “Understand?”

“We understand,” Aaron muttered with an air of defeat.

“Why aren’t you letting us go?” William asked. “We had a deal.”

Bosh grinned. “A deal? The deal was that you talked and I let
him
live,” he explained, pointing a finger at Aaron. “I never said anything about letting you go.”

“What do you plan to do with us?”

“That is yet to be determined,” he replied. “First I must learn the value of the information you provided us last night. For both your sakes, I hope you weren’t lying about King Basil’s intentions. Now no more questions! If you behave, perhaps Meklas will bring you breakfast.” With that, Bosh closed the pair of doors and barred them securely with a thick piece of oak wood lying on the ground. He signaled for Meklas and Gelt to follow him to the farmhouse.

“How long do we have to keep them?” Meklas inquired, not looking forward to the tedious task.

“Until they cease to be assets,” he said. “The one is a prince, and though I don’t expect Drogin’s offensive to fail, he’d make quite a nice bargaining piece if it does.”