Disclaimer: I don't own the Chronicles of Narnia ; )
1
I had been riding for hours, and was fading quickly. The sun was steadily dropping below the tree line, casting a warm glow through the leaves. It would be dark soon, and I desperately needed rest. Adair, my stallion, and I came across a small clearing. We decided this was a good place to set up camp for the night. I fed him the last apple out of the saddle bag, and set out to find good kindling for the fire. By now the sun had set fully, and stars were beginning to take their place in the night sky. I started prodding the fire, as though coaxing it to grow larger as a defense against the bitter air of that autumn always brings.
Suddenly, I heard a twig snap from somewhere behind me. I turned slowly, coming face to face with what could only be a centaur. He was huge, standing around seven feet tall. His long sword was unsheathed, glinting in the pale moonlight.
"What business do you have in Narnia, girl?" His voice was hard and deep. I gulped trying to make words form in my head.
"I have come to speak with your king." It came out without any stumbles. There was a growl behind me, and I heard Adair neigh loudly. It was a wolf. The yellow eyes glowed menacingly. I rushed over to my horse trying to calm him, stroking his nose lovingly, whispering nonsense to relax his nervousness.
The centaur moved nearer to me and poked me in the back with the butt of his weapon. "Come on girl, we haven't got all night." I grabbed Adair's reins and led him next to me. The wolf fell into step on my other side.
We made good time to the castle, only an hour, albeit a long one. It was filled with snarls and being prodded in the back to keep moving. This angered me, I was going to have a sore back for the next few days. I was going to tell them this, but decided against it, for fear it'd only end in more pokes.
Once we reached the castle's courtyard, Adair was taken from me and led to the stables by a goat legged man. The creatures here never ceased to amaze me. Again, I felt the annoying butt of the sword against my back.
"This way girl," the centaur said.
"I have a name you know." He ignored my comment.
I was led down a beautiful hallway, and into a huge room with domed ceilings. The room was filled with such elaborateness, it didn't compare to anything I had ever seen before. The walls were a bright white, and lined with ceiling to floor windows. Chandeliers decorated the carved dome top, sending magical bits of light scattering in every direction. There was a dais just in front of the far wall. Upon it sat five thrones, three of which were occupied. That was odd, at home there was only one. Kayne hadn't even been so kind to request a throne for mother, and yet there are five here.
The throne in the middle was occupied by a young blonde man. I knew he must be the king I had come to speak with because of the regal air around him, and the dazzling golden crown, inlaid with rubies that sat on his head. Next to him sat a beautiful woman that appeared to be the same age. Her hair fell cascaded down her shoulder, contrasting brightly with the violet of her gown. Her face was set in a hard line, except for when she would steal loving glances at the sleeping baby resting in her arms.
To the far left was another young man, younger than the other two, perhaps my age. He was the most handsome man I had ever seen, with his dark hair, and the pale skin dusted with freckles. His eyes were dark, they were mysterious and serene. He too wore a silver crown, nestled into his disheveled tresses. I couldn't help but keep my gaze on him longer than would be considered proper. It didn't last long enough for anyone to notice, due to the booming voice of the centaur behind me.
"My lords, we found this one in the woods when we were out on patrol, says she need to speak with you. She was armed, but not very well. I personally think she is up to something." I rolled my eyes at him.
"Thank you, Miroslan," the blonde said, waving him and his wolf companion away. The king then turned his attentions to me, as though he was assessing me. I suddenly became very aware of my torn dress, and the shrubbery that was in my black hair.
"Who are you?" His voice was very regal, and the question was fired as though from a cannon.
"I could ask the same of you." He may be a king, but I wasn't going to let him push me around. His face seemed to lighten at this, almost like he had gained a new respect for me.
"I apologize, let me formally introduce myself. I am High King Peter, the Magnificent of Narnia. And this," he said motioning to the woman at his side," is my wife, and the Consort queen of Narnia, Lady Elanor, and my son William." I curtsied low, remembering my manners. Peter then motioned to the mysterious one sitting to the far left. "This is my brother, King Edmund, the Just."
"I am Lydia Matum. I have traveled very far to speak to you about an army that will soon be a threat to your country, and your people." All three of them looked at me dumbstruck. "In the distant land of Calamein, an new tyrant has taken power, and he seeks to conquer all the countries in this world. He has already pushed to the western borders of Archenland. Please, I came to ask you to build up your military, to defend yourselves against this army." My voice was strained from exhaustion. King Edmund had inched closer to the edge if his throne at the mention of the military.
"Do you doubt the militaristic abilities of a stronghold such as Narnia?" His voice was deep and fluid, like water. I thought he sounded offended by what I had said.
"No, I just know that this man is powerful, and has enlisted the aid of many small countries, creating an army with twice the population of Narnia's, and I fear you simply will not have enough men to defend your lands. I do not mean to defend you, it is simple logic really." His eyes narrowed.
"We will convene with the Council tomorrow afternoon to figure this situation out. Lydia, I would like you present." Peter said. I nodded, and heard Edmund scoff. I shot him a dangerous glare.
"Thank you, my king." I curtsied once again. I wavered a little, due to my sore riding legs. Queen Elanor stood with all the grace in the world, and turned to face me.
"Edmund, be a dear, and escort Lady Lydia to her room in the East Wing." Her blue eyes never once left my green ones as she spoke.
"Of course, Elanor. Good night."
"Good night, Edmund, Lady Lydia."
I watched her and Peter leave the throne room, with his hand on the small of her back, whispering into her ear. Love had never been a part of my life. I had never avoided it, it just hadn't ever found its way into my heart. There was the time when Kyne tried to force me to marry one of his men, but that hardly counted as love. I remember when I was a little girl, and all the other girls would talk about how someday they would marry a prince, and live happily ever after. I never did, instead I spent my days writing and reading the complicated texts my father told me to read. Edmund came up behind me and cleared his throat to make his presence known, pulling me out of my thoughts.
"You know, it is impolite to stare." He said.
"Excuse me? I don't think that was staring, thank you." I rolled my eyes at him. I had known this king for less than an hour, and rolling my eyes was already a common occurrence.
"Then what would you call what you were just doing?" I could sense the annoyance in his tone.
"Are you sure you are annoyed you because I was staring after your brother, or could it be the fact that I insulted your army?" I asked, my stubbornness coming out. I wasn't about to let him act this way to me, when I hadn't done anything.
"I'm not annoyed, and I could care less if you are after an already married man, but I cannot say the same for Elanor. As for the military comments, I was not insulted because I realize you are just a woman, clearly incapable of knowing of the intricacies that go into battle strategy, and planning." His tone implied that he was serious. I stormed right up to his face.
"How dare you! You don't know me, or the things I have seen. You couldn't even begin to comprehend the things I know!" I raised my hand to strike him across the face, but he caught it with a firm grip I couldn't break away from.
"Careful now, hitting a king will land you in prison," he whispered into my ear. Only now did I realize how much taller he was than me. The top of my head barely reached his chin. I ripped my hand from his grasp.
"Rather that than being around you any longer!" I pushed past him, and out of the room.
"Sleep well, Lady Lydia!" he called after me. I could almost hear the smirk in his words. Rolling my eyes, I stormed down the hall.
As a new author I am looking for some critics to help me get me get better! Please review!
