The Vacation of Anvard
9 months after the disappearance
Aravis had been beside herself for months. As if it wasn't bad enough that her great friends, the sibling sovereigns of Narnia had gone missing, they had also left no succession plan!
She was still baffled that Archenland had not stepped in to secure the rule immediately; at least as a Regency. The presence of Calormen's expansive empire loomed large for her. She shuddered at the thought of the pincers of her former beloved homeland tightening around her from both North and South. She had now fallen in love with both Narnia and Archenland and their freedoms and informality. She found she was terrified of losing what she had gained.
Rabadash's brief sojourn as a Wild Calormene Ass, may well be making him the most peacable crown prince in Calormene history, but it was not going to stop some of his numerous hot-blooded brothers such as Khorvash or Sarosh, cutting a bloody swathe through the fabled land to the north behind his back. Or her own impatient Calavaran relatives for that matter, she realised upon reflection. Out of love and regret about his past actions, her father may have finally accepted her defection, but many of his countrymen definitely had not, according to her father's last letter. And in her view, purely politically, Archenland could ill afford to have Narnia left vulnerable to the empire to the South, once curiosity about the nation's true plight became well known. She could not imagine how that could have been kept a secret for more than a few weeks or months at most.
So, Aravis had listened with grave doubts to all of Lune's blandishments about steering well clear; and Corin's for that matter. She desperately hoped that Lune's level of security mean that he had secret intelligence which she did not. As for Cor, he was still in awe and confusion and gave nothing useful to the discussion.
Part of the puzzle, as she had learned early on, was that the Archen Royal line; currently represented by King Lune and his sons Cor and Corin and their various cousins in Anvard and Armouthe, had remained in lock step with Narnia for time out of mind with a Royal intermarriage between the two nations every generation or two. That is, until Jadis had stepped in and obliterated all the humans in Narnia. So their claim was indisputable and in Aravis's view, urgent.
Aravis made the point again at table one cool spring evening, when only the family and herself were there, about nine months after the disappearance. She had noticed a scroll with what looked like a Narnian Seal in Lune's hand when he came in. She saw that Corin had also noticed and he seemed out of sorts, almost as if he dreaded its contents. Cor, as usual had pretended to not notice anything and was presenting as slightly withdrawn and cautious. It had taken two years before he finally stopped throwing food down his neck as if he didn't know where his next meal was coming from. A hard habit to break when all your past had been fraught with poverty and thin pickings at the table she had come to realise. Tonight was not one of his relapses, she was pleased to note.
But about the Archen Royal Line's claim to Narnia, Lune was making none. He wished to remain aloof and said so.
"I have told you before Aravis. Aslan's will is at work here my dear," he said around half a mouthful of venison. Sticking his two-pronged fork into his birchen platter, he swallowed and taking a long drink of watered wine, cleared his throat and put his drinking horn down gently. "Aslan took the Four away with a purpose; no doubt for them as much as for Narnia. I think it is up to Narnia to find its own way forward."
"Archenland's royal family may exist as a permanent understudy to Narnia as it were. After all we are descended from Helen and Frank's second son. But there are other families from Terebinthia and Galma and elsewhere too, who also have a claim, as the record keepers of Narnia know full well. It would not be fitting to step in unless we are invited. The Council of Narnia will no doubt call a conclave of leaders of neighbouring nations and we shall be at the table along with everyone else. But when that shall be has now become the moot point. It is true, the delay is now of great concern. I have been hearing reports for some time, of turmoil amongst the noble guests from neighbouring nations. The Duke of Galma's sons have been making a particular nuisance of themselves, I hear tell, squabbling amongst themselves and lording it over the native Narnians. I did take it upon myself to write to Duke Magnis, sending one of the Royal Gryphons over to Galma, hoping to embarrass him into retrieving his misbegotten spawn. I still don't know if it bore fruit. The Gryphon said that the Duke simply read the note, got red under the collar and had him escorted to the top tower so he could fly straight back here. Not even a drink of water! And today I just received this missive from Peridan and the Legacy. Apart from being the Narnian War General, Peridan sits on this Council of Legates. Whilst he was "borrowed" by High King Peter and swore first loyalty to Narnia, he also acts as Archenland's eyes and ears there when he deems the needs of both countries coincide."
He waved a parchment bearing the seal of the Council of Legates.
"This is a warning! It tells that the Cair itself has been closed up and that the squabbling nobles had to be rounded up and placed in detention for a few weeks to calm down. They have been ferried up-river to Beruna and now reside in what stands for a prison in Narnia. If we march in now, we may well set off a dispute which will then dog the stability of whomever becomes the future ruler there. I dare not risk such an entanglement. And… " he added, "anyone on this side of the border who might be in line for the throne of Narnia may need to come to their own conclusions about a timely intervention. I am not that person. Aslan is not a tame Lion but he likes to be asked and he also tends to find his own way to propel people towards their fate, not just when they are good and ready."
He studiously avoided any eye contact with Corin as he spoke, who sat immediately to his left but Corin was not to be fooled.
"If you think I'm going to pray to Aslan to become King of Narnia father, and await an invitation from the nation's Council or Legacy or whatever they call themselves now, you are much mistaken," he said hotly, clutching at the arms of his dining chair with reddening fists. He breathed to calm himself and said with difficulty, "Far better for one of our noble cousins to take on the task. Their claim is just as strong as mine. Indeed, even some of the timber getters, weavers and coopers and fur traders in Anvard Town or even fishermen in Armouthe could have the right. Nearly all of us are descended from Helen and Frank as you well know father. Even Aravis might be for all we know."
Corin still had no intentions of becoming King of anywhere as he had made abundantly clear when Cor (or Shasta) had turned up again and he was not about to change his tune now. He glowered, and just chewed his cabbage salad stubbornly as if daring his father to push further.
Lune just chewed another mouthful himself, looked to his left and eyed his second son thoughtfully.
"Nay, my son. I could never mistake your intent. That is abundantly clear. However, reasons of state and Aslan's wishes may take precedent over your own. Only time will tell."
Protocol may have dictated that it was the King who would rise first unless permission was sought and granted otherwise; but a fig to protocol! It was only Corin's respect for his father which stopped him leaving the table then and there and walking out in a huff.
As if dismissing Corin, Lune turned to Cor and Aravis, who were sitting directly opposite.
"And Aravis my dear, I'm sure that Corin speaks from the heat of his heart and does not truly wish you away from here to Narnia, but he does speak truly. Unlikely though it be, you could indeed have ancestry from Helen and Frank. Difficult to prove though, as it is likely to be quite far back. But a daughter of Eve you certainly are. There can be no dispute about that!"
"So Calavaran tales tell at least O Foster Father. The ejection from the Garden of Bliss and the exposure of the parents of humanity to the maladies, tempests, sandstorms and famines and their struggle for survival is well known in our land. " said Aravis. "But our legends also tell of an entire palace with acres of gardens full of servants, artisans and nobles being transported by arcane means to Calormen upon the backs of Tash, Azaroth and Zardeenah from another world entirely. It would seem that this may be the same world from which Helen and Frank must have come."
"Yes, indeed, Peter and Lucy and the rest as well, from their tales," said Lune. "We are all sprung from one and the same world. It would seem that Aslan and the other powers have drawn daughters of Eve and sons of Adam from different parts of that world to this more than once. The people of Seven Isles such as Lord Daimyo and the people of the Far South such as Lord Shar are also testament to that. And it is to some purpose I am sure. But I digress."
"As for closer to home, the Lords Cole and Colin may still have some interest in Narnia. I am yet to sound them fully on their most recent thoughts. But they also counsel caution. And I must give thought to Archenland first. Their growing importance in court, I hope means they are probably best maintained as Cor's staunch counsellors when I am gone, but Aslan may have other ideas. "
He held up his hand at the protest from Cor.
"Nay! A King must always look to the event of his untimely death for the security of his nation and his dynasty. Take note my son. As crown prince you must even now begin to take thought of this matter. A man of eight and ten will you be presently. It is near time we found you a wife!" He said this with a twinkle in his eye but again avoided looking full upon anyone in particular as he spoke. He went on.
"Dar and Darrin have their duties in Armouthe cut out for them, Dar managing the timber and olive oil trade with Seven Isles, Galma, Terebinthia, and the rest. And Darrin operating as Lord Chancellor and Chief Magistrate. As I am not in Armouthe myself, I can spare none of them, yet."
"But father", put in Cor nervously, "did you not teach me almost within the first month after I returned to Archenland, the following maxim? 'A good king values all his subjects, but a great king knows when to let go those he values most.' I am sure it was that or words very alike."
He looked at his father most earnestly.
Lune studied his elder son with a pleased smile and said, "Yes indeed my son. Well recalled and most apt! You are right, none must be completely indispensable, including the seat of power itself. The reason I shifted the royal seat to Anvard in the first place was because Armouthe had become such a hotbed of intrigue under Lord Bar and his embezzlements. Too much of a threat to my own family; and myself. Anvard is more defensible. I have been forced to be a placid mountain king far from the madding crowd to secure my own dynasty. Darrin has been doing a sterling job of stamping the criminal element out and we think the last has been put to rest. And now, thanks to your father's excellent intercessions Lady Aravis, we have now reopened embassy ties with Calormen, after seventeen long years after we sent the entire embassy packing with their hangers-on over the Lord Bar affair and your abduction Cor. Far too long."
He paused, coughed and took another draught of watered wine.
"I am still to choose a person to send to Tashbaan," he said thoughtfully in a low voice. His eyes went out of focus momentarily as if considering a row of faces.
Then he caught their gazes. They were all watching him. His eyes glinted mischievously as he said, "I had considered sending a Talking Ass. There are goodly droves running in some of the valleys to the South-East of Mount Pyre. But like their dumb cousins, they have proven intractable in the arts of education, geography and deportment, let alone politics and diplomacy. I am sure none of you have never met any in the corridors or stables of Anvard?"
They shook their heads, wry smiles on their faces, remembering the murderous, vainglorious Rabadash reduced to a braying ass, his only weapons his hard hooves and teeth.
"But the soon-to-be Calormene ambassador to Archenland, Tarkaan Breshinda has been hand chosen by Rabadash himself and the Tisroc has endorsed the recommendation I am pleased to say. He is the second son of a lord from the arid lands to the North of Tashbaan on the great peninsula. Our near neighbour really. We have used the messenger bird flocks to spy him out; pigeons and sparrows in the main, plus a few well positioned cats. It seems he is an honest, scholarly and resourceful man who wishes to build a genuine relationship with Archenland. A most prudent choice by Rabadash. Perhaps his ready support of Rabadah's suggestion is a sign that the Tisroc may even be thankful for the Transformation of his eldest son. Certainly Breshinda is also bound to try to extend the reach of Calormene medicines, spices and fabrics into these northern lands and help access our own trade routes east…and we shall have our price."
"This brings me to the real news I am sharing with you tonight. There has been a plan in development for some time, which was delayed when you two youngsters arrived here in Anvard three years ago. Peridan's message tonight confirms that the time has now come. Anvard shall once again become reserved for summer and autumn hunting meets, rustic training retreats and watching the borderlands. I shall leave Cole in charge as Steward here for the time being. With closer ties to Calormen again, and our near neighbour Narnia still in disarray, the court and throne must needs move back to Armouthe."
That took them all by surprise. Lune watched them all carefully.
"At last, some real fun!" Corin intoned, thumping the table with a delighted fist, making the platters jump. "When is this to start?"
Aravis found she felt both pleased and anxious at the prospect of moving to a busier centre, but held her tongue to hear how Cor reacted to the news.
"Oh father," moaned Cor. "I was only just getting used to the demands of Anvard. I'm not sure I am ready for Armouthe."
"Of course you're not!" agreed Lune. "It is when you feel most ready that you will be proven otherwise. You showed yourself a survivor when brought up to near manhood by a bitter and hardhearted man. You proved a spirited escapee who avoided being turned into a wicked man's plaything, let us be blunt. As a young man, Anradin was always without ethics. He loved to play people like puppets, and he desired the pale flesh of the North, but hated our freedoms. I saw this many times when I spent time in the University of Tashbaan when I was young. Your choice to escape with Breehy-hinny-brinny-hoohy-hah and resist the temptation of imagined luxury was a wise one my son. You further demonstrated yourself a resourceful survivor on short rations; the steadfast companion of a young lady in distress; indeed you turned on Aslan himself and tried to chase him away from Aravis to save her from further hurt! And you were the saviour of Archenland at its time of greatest need by racing against time to warn me; and then climbing over the mountains in darkness to call Narnia to aid! At none of these points did you find yourself ready. For it is these deeds which prove your worthiness and your adaptability, not your feelings of readiness."
He beamed at Cor, who looked back at him with nervous hopefulness. "Come, my son, it is high time you came to know your own capital. It is only a sixth the size of Tashbaan and it will be the seat of your government in time. And the Archen townspeople are eager to meet you. The bards have been singing your praises there for the last three years!"
"Armouthe will eat you up, he means," Corin put in sarcastically.
"Oh dear, that is exactly what I was afraid of," moaned Cor and began to fitfully chew his nails.
Aravis hissed and poked at him to stop this habit and Cor hastily withdrew his fingers.
Lune politely ignored this interchange and instead looked at Corin with amused eyes.
"Mayhap thou hast forgotten o second son. Thou hast been spied by the wider Archen people upon only rare occasion, being kept in mountain seclusion. And with thou and Cor as alike as two peas, methinks the crowds will flock to cheer thee on and clasp thee to their ample bosoms with as great an alacrity as thine own brother!"
That brought up Corin a bit and was unsure whether to feel threatened or pleasantly excited. He flushed.
"But certain shall it be, that thy fists shall remain closely by thy side and a pretty smile shalt thou keep upon thy face, no matter what the insult. O yea, for thou shalt be feted near as great as Crown Prince Cor and thou shalt accept the applause with grace and stand by his side and show thy fealty to him."
Corin flushed further and began to look mutinous.
Aravis was delighted at this come uppance for Corin but schooled her features.
…
Lune continued his description of coming events which involved the long mountain path trek down to Armouthe and the re-establishment of court there.
"As for when, it shall be very soon. And as you all know, Tran Dinh my older ward, is due to travel from Anvard to Armouthe in a week. We shall go with him. His father, Tran Cadeo, is Governor of the Lone Islands and if Tran Dinh does not become the next Governor, we expect him to be high in the administration there and our staunch ally in future with all the trade routes that cross that way. His father is arriving in Armouthe aboard a Crayer in a fortnight. We must be there to greet Tran Cadeo and to then see Tran Dinh off after we have had further trade talks and signed contracts. And I fancy they will be doing a short trip north to Narnia before returning to their hometown of Narrowhaven. Being under the protection of the Crown of Narnia, and in tribute too I might add, I suspect he will be seeking to drive a bargain of some kind with this new Legacy. I have been considering sending a formal visitor with them, if only to observe and report on events, but Peridan's message confirms the need for us to be there. And I am yet to choose who that will be as well. Peridan says that the Legacy wishes for an independent witness to the trials of the quarrelling nobles. But it cannot be myself. That would send the wrong message. The Tisroc would likely hear and think I was working to take over Narnia to build an empire of my own. Things are very delicate."
Aravis pricked up their ears at the prospect and thought, "That is exactly what he would think", but she held her tongue and continued listening.
Corin groaned at the thought and looked positively uninterested. Cor looked pensive. But Lune did not elaborate on the matter. Instead he returned to the need to restabilise Archenland.
"With re-establishment of formal diplomacy with Calormen and with Narnia still in such disarray, Archenland must be seen to be solid and unified. Enough of this skulking king in the mountains business! So it is timely, this departure for Tran, for it is from Armouthe that Archenland's King must now be seen to be operating.
"And did you know, Lord Shar has also completed his fostering and training time with us and is bound for a petty kingship of his own in future years. He shall also travel with Tran Cadeo and Tran Dinh to the Lone Islands and from there take a ship back to his own country. As a reminder of geography Cor, his kingdom is far to the South of Calavar, beyond the borders of Calormen itself, in the far Southern Mountains and Tarnlands of the Kaish. A debatable land but the home of a hill antelope with the softest wool imaginable, wool and silk weaving of greatest fineness and silverwork of utmost beauty. I deem it more exquisite even than that of Narnian dwarf-make. All tradable commodities beyond compare. And we stand to gain from this contact and familiarity into the future. It was the main reason Tran Cadeo recommended he be sent here in the first place… and for other reasons," he added.
"You see I tried to keep both their presences here hidden from the Tisroc, innocent though it seemed, but Rabadash's criminal attempt to take this castle and gain a foothold in Archenland uncovered them unfortunately. Their presence in our sortie could not be hidden, especially once Shar's masterly scimitar work in removing arms and heads and Tran Dinh's outlandish skill with the fighting cane was duly noted, knocking off helmets and breaking arms left right and centre as he did. I fear for Shar's people. It is another reason to strengthen diplomacy with Calormen. I deem our recent understanding with your father Aravis, may also need to be used to help dampen Calormene intrusions into the Kaish territories. Archenland stands for independent small nations who wish to carve their own futures, and will not be cowed into submission to a larger power, wise though its rulers may be. It matters not whether forces of domination come from Narnia, tiny little Galma, Calormen or farther afield. And as we have spoken before, Rabadash may be restrained to Tashbaan and nearby districts, but his brothers have other ideas. This we know. They have not been turned into desert asses and neither are they likely to be. Aslan has always told me that the magic will not work the same way twice and I think they begin to know it."
"Father! Are you saying that Aslan speaks to you often?" asked an awed Cor. Having encountered the mercurial beast himself many times in various guises upon his journey to the North, Cor had been rather disappointed he had not laid eyes upon Aslan since he had turned Rabadash into a desert ass three years before.
"Well… that is asking my son, but to be fair, he has not shown himself to me more than a few times in my life, at least as he appeared to us upon yonder lawn when he took Rabadash to task."
He sighed. "Yes, he was in Armouthe to bless my father and mother's joint coronation, for they had fought long and hard for my mother to be recognised as Queen and Aslan knew that the people needed to see his blessing. But not my own coronation. I saw him as a Lion only once as a child. He spoke to me and gave me courage when I was a lost urchin wandering the forests several valleys from here after going out with my nurse on a wild plum picking party of all things. Rather, it may be said that at certain times in my life, especially at times of great doubt and turmoil about my kingship, my abilities or my grieving for my long lost son, or my dear departed queen, he has come to me. This has normally been in dreams whether waking or sleeping and even sometimes in the form of a small talking beast in the wood or the field. But twice he has come to me in my very apartments when I have been hard of heart and short of temper. I shall not deny that my knees have shaken and my breath caught in my chest. But after these encounters I have always found wisdom and courage and the challenge to face the next task. And his guidance has never gone astray. So take courage," he finished softly.
There was nothing more to be said. Lune's eyes had gone very misty and all his family found themselves swallowing lumps in their throats with memory. Even Corin had once had a private personal encounter with him. They sat in silence for a few minutes, remembering moments past.
Lune coughed and seizing his drinking horn, drained it in one draught, wiping his beard on his sleeve and blinked a few times.
"Hey ho! Oh, and by the by, after seeing the great cats and birds of prey in the Narnian army several years ago, and the Royal Gryphons here of course, Lord Shar told me that his nation also have talking Snow Leopards and Spotted Eagles there who will act as his eyes and ears around the court and countryside. They speak his tongue but not ours. I have never heard that the Tisroc has the same facility at his disposal. What say you to that Aravis?"
Aravis took a few deep breaths, thought for a moment and gathering her words carefully, she said, "Never having had the questionable glory to spend any time in the inner sanctum of the Tisroc (she managed to avoid saying 'may he live for ever'), apart from that fateful night in the old palace with my friend Lasaraleen, I must admit to ignorance, o foster father. Indeed, I had never been aware that Talking Beasts existed outside Narnia apart from the captured horses such as Hwin and Bree until I learned of those still making their homes within Archenland", she added.
"However, upon listening to the talk of the Tisroc, Ahoshta and Rabadash, it seemed to my ears that all there regarded the presence in Narnia, of beasts and half-beasts which talked with the voices of men, as doubtless proof of the bestial and diabolic nature of the fabled land. If any such beings were even residing secretly within Tashbaan, in the pay of the Tisroc, I have no doubt all those present would have spoken with a different tone on the matter in that place. And it would be difficult in the extreme for such a secret to be kept within Calormen at all. It is not for naught that the fear of torment and death is used by the empire's leaders to gain discretion, for Calormen is the very land of gossip."
Aravis paused and laughed slightly . "I have no doubt my own friend Tarkheena Lasaraleen would have found a way to uncover such a secret and it would have been the talk of the eight provinces! But the closer to the throne one gets the greater the intensity and secrecy of the gossip, as you may imagine. For it has been said by the poets, "A slave of Calormen must learn the art of discretion by love for his master, a senior servant by duty to the estate, but a Tarkhaan must learn to keep his mouth shut lest he be ordered to fall upon his sword."
Corin humphed with impatience at all this colourful formality, but he still sat and listened intently. It was a window on their Southern neighbour which Aravis rarely shared.
Cor was revolted as it reminded him too much of the hard beatings he had encountered at the hands of Arsheesh who had claimed "fatherhood" in order to capture Shasta's obedience and loyalty, but never rewarded his slavery with love.
Lune sat listening attentively, feeling grateful and looking a little smug to have such a well-educated and erudite young woman in his court. Aravis continued.
"For myself, the old fables of Flying Horses carrying ancestors far afield appealed to me very much, being a hot-blooded and spirited young maiden. But tales of the North about other Talking Beasts as well as Goats and Horses with the heads and torsos of men had rarely taken my attention. Indeed, by the time my grand-parents were children, such seeming nursery tales had been all but obliterated by reports of an ancient lady of venomous aspect, killing all humans and sealing the borders of the land with ice and snow. And such reports indeed proved to be true, as we learned from the last of the Narnian Daughters of Eve and Sons of Adam, who, managing to escape, sought refuge in Calormen, and further South, as far from Narnia as they could flee."
Aravis now finished and inclined her head.
Lune said "Nicely said young lady. That tells us several things of import. I think you are correct. Our own messenger birds have never reported resident talking beasts or birds in Calormen at all, apart from a few Talking Horses they helped free; Hwin and Bree not being the first to escape you see. Indeed most beasts and birds sent as our eyes and ears prefer to spend as little time there as possible. Methinks young boys are taught to throw stones harder and with better aim in Calormen than here. Most interesting of course is that humans fled south and settled in other parts. Archenland, Terebinthia and Galma no doubt took the Lion's share, as it were, but you have reminded us that in Calormen, indeed even in the lands of the Kaish, there may be others who also have a claim on the throne of Narnia. I had not given this thought."
"But on the local front, our second cousin Perdita, Peridan's sister, is as yet unwed, so it may be that she becomes Narnian Queen in the end, especially if they should choose a noble from another country to be King. Oh yes, Narnia would be unwise indeed to spurn its ancient ties with Archenland."
He watched the faces of Cor, and Aravis shift. Corin was morose and just chewed his cabbage salad, scowling.
Cor spluttered in his cups. "B-b-ut, ahem, Father, you surely cannot mean that Archenland should make war upon Narnia if there is no Archen noble placed upon the Narnian throne; whether by marriage or no?"
"Oh Shasta!" put in Aravis exasperatedly. "Of course not! What your father means is that strengthening the close alliance with Archenland is in Narnia's best interests... and our own. We may be Narnia's closest historical ally from before the White Witch, but Archenland would more likely help defend Narnia in a fight to the death if the Royal Family of Narnia had some recent Archen blood." She looked over at Lune to confirm her words.
"And vice-versa," Lune added.
Cor looked hurt and rather humiliated. "Well, that is what I meant really, Aravis. More or less. Father's words seemed too unbelievable otherwise."
Lune looked at Aravis expectantly. She was well schooled enough to know what was needed, or so she thought.
She said, "Yes, of course Shasta. I am sorry. I know what is what you truly meant. But it came across as defensive, as if from a weak character which we all know you are not. When responding to a statement which you find a little confusing, I was taught that it is better to ask for simple clarification without invoking the worst interpretation."
"What?" Cor was just confused and overwhelmed. "Oh, what am I doing here? I'm not cut out for all this!" he cried. "Sometimes I think I should just go back to being a fisherman. Why don't I abdicate? Then you can marry Corin and become Queen of Archenland and ..."
"Over my dead body!" stormed Corin.
It was at that moment that both of the young men threw protocol to the winds and departing in different directions, left Lune and Aravis staring at each other bemusedly across the remains of dinner.
And it was only as Aravis sat there, taking a last sip of watered wine and pondering her own words about Archenland's alliances that she realised she had said "we".
…
