Well, here it is. I hope it's satisfactory.
Any characters, locations, names, or events that do not belong to me are either the property of:
C. S. Lewis
elecktrum
Thalion's King Daughter
My sincerest thanks to elecktrum and Thalion for their help, encouragement, and inspiration. I wouldn't be writing without their igniting my sparks.
Fluttering Sails
Chapter One
The midsummer's day was cheery and warm. The birds sang, and the pups and young ones played happily in the sun's dancing rays. Sailors from all countries were busy about their business loading and unloading their cargoes, feeding the heartbeat of trade in the morning sunlight. Edmund and I shuffled along Cair Paravel's quay, chatting gaily while we still could.
"Well Martin, I hope you enjoy this little adventure."
I chuckled.
"I'm sure I shall, King Edmund."
Since rescuing the Queens a year before, I had risen to the position of Head Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Vial. I thank my lucky stars that most of my administrative duties can be handled by my more than capable secretary and right hand faun, Mervin. This keeps me free for special assignments from the Four. (Not to mention that it keeps me far away from the paperwork I detest.)
My most recent assignment had been to head an expedition aboard the R. N. S. Swanwhite to hunt down a pirate raider that had been seen in Terebinthian waters.
My first sight of the Swanwhite was magnificent. She was a lovely ship, awe-inspiring but humble. Threatening, war-like, dignified, all while possessing a delicate beauty. Her hull was made of rosewood, and her prow bore a rampant Lion. She carried two ballistas atop her quarter-deck, and shields lined her sides.
The captain aboard was an old salt from Galma, who was known to everyone aboard ship as "Cap". The crew was a mixture of men, fauns, and a few dwarfs.
The Just King and I strode up the gangplank, with the royal trumpets sounding behind us.
"Good luck my friend, and may Aslan keep you safe, and bless your efforts."
"And may he keep you out of trouble until I return."
Edmund's eyes sparkled as he embraced me tightly, and then walked back to quay. The crew cast off, and the Swanwhite was under way.