Breath of Life

Sequel from Safe and Sound!

Hello everyone! I know it's been forever and I've been busy with college and got sucked into the Hunger Games and finished one of my Twilight stories. So I'll try to comeback to writing Narnia again if I have the time…luckily summer is just around the corner!

Disclaimer: I do not own the Chronicles of Narnia

Summary: The age of Exploration has brought Peace throughout Narnia as Caspian makes an important decision of his life. Maeve on the other hand received news of Daggerhorn freedom is ecstatic, though senses something is aloof. Can the two figures out what to do of this arrangement before Caspian goes on his voyage…or shall all seem lost once more.

Chapter 1: News from the West

A stone, a stone with three rings that form a trinity bound it to the earth. The sacred rock surrounded by circular pillars while mist surveyed the area under the twilight. A falcon with silver wings flew across the temple land landed on the sacred rock before me. It was Ayden, Emrys Daemon and friend. Ayden settle the emerald stone on the sacred boulder which turned into Excalibur penetrating stone. The trinity glow when sword and stone become one then the falcon flew away. Day becomes night -summer to fall as the vines grow around the stone while winter freezes over. The season coming and going with scavengers walked by in pulling the sword, but unfortunately failed to succeed.

"Take me up, to which I shall lead." Emrys voice spoken the scripture. "Cast me away, for my part has been deed."

A young boy around the age of sixteen walked forth towards Excalibur. He was hesitant, as his vibrant blue eyes and dirty-blonde hair darken in wary. As each step he took, the mist slowly slips away from the sacred ground. The clouds lightening up to a bright sunny day while the wind blow. The moment he grasped hold of the handle the atmosphere changed from darkness to light.

With a deep breath, he prayed to the spirits in letting him pull the sword. Mustering all his strength, the sword did not budge until he cries to his ancestors to let him help Daggerhorn. And as his reason spoken to the heavens, Excalibur was free.

.o0o.

I woke up instantly to the rooster crow, the moment the sun touched the sky at early hour. I panted for a moment to find myself in my bedchambers and not at Stonehenge. With a sigh, I got out of bed to watch the sunrise. It has been more than two years since I lived in Narnia. Since the revolution which crowned Caspian as king and the Pevensies returned to their world! A lot has happen since Caspian became king; renewing the alliance with Archenland that was still in tack. Along with a few battles with the Calormen armies in the south. Now all that was left was to negotiation with the giants of Ettinsmoor in the north. That is all that shall remain for peace has spread throughout Narnia in the Age of Exploration.

However, ever since defeating the Calormen armies a few months ago I have been plagued with these strange dreams of a monument back home in Daggerhorn; Stonehenge. The story behind this sacred place is unknown to many, for if I have to compare it to something, I would compare it to the Stone table before it cracked. Magic was definitely sacred throughout the world, either it be the deep magic that the law was created or something else? The Sword in the Stone had been a prophecy, to which a rightful king shall lead Daggerhorn to a new dynasty. Whoever the young man was held potentials…if it were true. A dream is just a dream. The Camelot family may have been the first rulers in Daggerhorn; however the bloodline has been diminished. Maybe that was why the Lady of the Lake created this sword, to find the next generation of rulers and leader. Lucifer was a false king and I was unable to keep my vow so Excalibur was the judged, which crown the next leader. One who can unite and sustain Daggerhorn to its right chess glory. To a new age of enlightenment!

Not with the rebellion going on and words hardly breaks out passed the mountains of the Western Wild. I encounter spiritually of the lives of my ancestors, King Gabriel who fought through many wars and untied lands. Though, in this life I am not wise or intelligent as a sage, or even a king. All I can understand was that . . . was that Daggerhorn is growing stronger by the day and soon the betrayal of kin shall fall with his Shade. Lord Lucifer had destroyed the fundamental balance of Daggerhorn, killing his family, sending innocents to a barbaric game call the hunt, where it's run or be killing. Deep down, I wanted to run to the west to aid my adoptive family, the Pendragons for their campaign of freedom... But I can't, I promised Parker I would never return to Daggerhorn again. Doing so would break my vow and honor, if not disrespect towards the dead. The only way I could return to my homeland was to have a pardon from Parker and he is dead.

Sighing, I got out of bed in preparation for today's courtship. Caspian had planned to take me out to see Cair Paravel. It has been tradition to see the ruins before the final preparation are made for reconstructing the mighty palace. More importantly playing tribute to our friends the Pevensies. We've could have never won the revolution without Peter and Edmund leadership, Susan support, and Lucy's faith in Aslan. Definitely Lucy faith brought Aslan in restoring what has been broken for thirteen hundred years. So with a smile I grabbed my riding attire and headed to the bathing chamber.

.o0o.

It was midday, as Caspian and I took a stroll around the ruins of Cair Paravel. Asai stood close by, checking the area in case there were any intruders who were a threat towards us. It wasn't really necessary, but a precaution on the knight's part. The noble knight felt guilty in the death of Caspian Mother, that he would never let history repeat itself.

The Ruins were taken to its tittle. Only the ground floor remained while arches, columns, and what's left of stairways reached towards the sky. There were vegetation growing along the marble, vines blossom their natural flowers, trees sprouting, and wild plants leaning against the wind. Though sad the history may seem on the castles remains, it still remains beautiful. As Cair Paravel try's the rebirth from the ashes of fire.

Suddenly Caspian embraced me in his arms, spinning us around that I laughed at his childish action. Our relationship was strange indeed over the past two years. I love Caspian dearly, for he accepted me for being me. Never holding me back on my attitude, independence, and most importantly free liberty. Sure we have our arguments, which ended with him apologizing with a bouquet of white tulips. Caspian just knew what flowers to give to express the feeling, when words can't sustain the forgiveness he felt. We couldn't live without each other that we actually go to battle together. Although, I was with the Archers and he was with Asai in the battlefront. For with our mind combined on battle strategies, we stand strong.

Though, the question still stand on when will we get married. Sure, it was mandatory for a recent crown king to have a queen. But we were still young, I am now eighteen and Caspian recently turned twenty, legal age. It's just the time didn't feel right to tie the knot. Not during the beginning of the new Age of the Exploration. Until peace is spread across Narnia, marriage would have to wait. Also Caspian hasn't purpose, we talked about it once, and the question still stand on Caspian.

And besides, Caspian has his voyage next year in search of the seven lords that were banished by Miraz and friends to the previous king. It was something he must do, that felt important to him. He asked me to join him on this journey to the lone islands, although I kindly declined. Caspian asked why, simple- I can't swim. Scratch that- I can swim- but I wasn't an excellent swimmer along with bad memories. When I was little, I almost drowned in the lake if Brom haven't rescued me. Another reason was the tortuous experience during my Helot time. I was traumatized by the waterboarding torture at Fort Inferno, unable to defend myself while witches cast gallons of water on the vulnerable to a point you couldn't breathe. Caspian tried to teach swimming lesson, but once my feet touched open water, I practically fall into hysterical to a point of screaming and crying. The event shocked many of the Narnian, but Caspian felt guilty and promised he won't persuade me in doing something like that ever again.

The scars on my body maybe gone, except the ones inflicted on me mentally forever stayed. Although I felt guilty as well, he truly wanted me to accompany him on his voyage. So I made a deal that I would try to fight this feeling, if succeed I shall accompany him. The idea had him smiling.

"Maeve, you're doing it again." Caspian said snapping me out of my trance down from memory lane.

I smiled and kissed his cheek, "Sorry."

Caspian chuckled, moving a strand of hair out of my face. "Mind telling me what's going in there?"

"Nothing really," I assured.

"When you say nothing, you mean something." Caspian stated. "You've been acting strange the past few months now, ever since defeating the Calormen army. Was it another nightmare?"

I shook my head grabbing an apple from a nearby apply tree and gazed out to the beach. "No Caspian, I haven't had a nightmare for over a year . . ."

"But you've been having dreams." Caspian said.

I scowled after he said that, plucking an apple off a tree, taking a bite out of it. How does he know about my dreams? It's known I talk in my sleep sometimes, but I always locked the doors and windows so no one could hear. "Asai," Damn that Samurai, he and his acute hearing of a cat! As we was Caspian's right hand man if not personal body guard.

"So it's true," Caspian said.

I sighed and sat down on a marble bench. "Yeah, it's true. I've been having these strange dreams since our return from Calormen."

Caspian took a seat next to me, "Why haven't you told me?"

"Because- because I don't know if it's true." I answered telling him about Stonehenge, the changing of the seasons, Emrys voice reading the scripture of Excalibur, and finally the young boy. "Daggerhorn needs a new king and I wish to be there and see it. However…I promise Parker I would never return to blooded soil. I fear what awaits over there, afraid of rejection of my people, my family, and confront Lucifer. But . . . a promise is a promise. "The Daggerneze never go against their word. Once a promise is made, it shall be forever kept until it is done. I sighed, thinking about Excalibur, how the Lady of the Lake created this blade for a divine leader to wield. "My ancestors and I were rightful leaders to unite clans, tribes, and countries… to renew alliances. Now a new name must take the throne."

Another thing is, if I take the throne as just Queen then Caspian and I would never be together. More importantly, I have broken the sacred vow to be high queen by killing innocent souls! The blood of children stains my hands when I was a helot, trying to survive execution from the Guard. Although, the citizens would ignore tradition to have Gabriel's blood on the throne to eradicate the tyranny of the betraying Camelot…Lucifer. Lucifer and I remain of the Camelot lineage; otherwise…there is no one of the bloodline.

Caspian sighed and gave me a hug, "Don't worry my love, we'll solve this together."

I nodded and looked into his dark eyes, leaning up closer to kiss him. Caspian did the same leaning down to share the kiss. The kiss started out simple and sweet, like many of our kisses but soon Caspian deepen it, to which I surrender. However, a rough cough was heard. Caspian cursed under his breath before glaring at his friend who leaned on a pillar with an amused smirk.

"Sire, even though you are enjoying yourself with the Princess. I must inform you to be caution on the limitation of public display of affection." Asai said.

Caspian groaned sitting up straight to a better posture. Damn the chivalry, for their code of manner and Telmarine culture, since Caspian was also consider a knight as well. Always restriction on primal behavior and such! Only I have immunity to do whatever I wanted; to wear anything that of lady, men's, or hunting ensemble before everything started. To wield a weapon, go to battle, and many more. Some of the noble women frown upon me, for this unnatural behavior. But hey, I'm a warrior princess not a damsel. Elegant pursuits aren't my forque.

"Sometimes Asai, I wish you were mute." I muttered.

"If I were mute, then you are deaf and Caspian is blind." Asai counter in riddles.

I stick my tongue out at him before standing up and climbing one of the ruin to gaze out into the ocean. The smell of salt water is refreshing. How fascinating it was to gaze at constant water and many islands. There are never an ocean in Daggerhorn, just rivers, streams, and lakes. Only earth as the mountains touched the skies.

"It's beautiful up here!"

"Your Highness, please be careful!" Asai called out.

"Oh please, I fought through wars, survive a man hunt, and climbed countless trees. How could this possibly be different?" I shot back.

"She has a point." Caspian chuckled.

"I know that, but still Casp. She is the last of her family bloodline." Asai growled, crossing his arms. "Is there anything you can't do, Princess?"

I spread my arms out, open wide to feel the breeze against my face. "Fly!'

.o0o.

Later that day, back at the castle after dinner, Caspian and I went to the library to read. Well, more like improving my reading skill. Since during the time as a helot, reading was forbidden and the lack of practice has affected me dearly. For half my vocabulary in written words I learned when I was eight was gone. I couldn't read, funny how I can know the word and speak it, but to read it and write it was difficult.

"Bear Hamlet, like a soldier, to the stage

For he was likely, had he put on,

To have proven most royal; and for his passage,

The soldiers' music and the rite of war

Speak loudly for him.

Take up the bodies. Such as this

Become the field, but here shows much amiss.

Go bid the soldiers shoot."

I read the last quote of the play script of a tragedy play. Pride consumed me, that I was able to finish a book on my own. I owe it to Caspian for his teachings and patience's. When Professor Cornelius tried to teach me, his patience's grew thinner by the day to a point he skipped literature and focused on history, mathematics, and such.

"Well done, Maeve," Caspian praised, as he took the book and walked up towards the bookshelf and grabbed another. My mouth practically dropped at the width of the hard cover novel he held. I leaned back on the lounge and groaned. Caspian chuckled at my childish behavior taking a seat next to me.

"Practice make perfect." Caspian said. "Though be lucky you were able to read that war scroll in the past."

"Sa farn palan," I muttered in Sindarin. Funny how I can I can read the elf language of writing so easily compare the English characters. Must be because their writing style is more to be more pictures of images in calligraphy of fluent strokes than strike wording?

Caspian shook his head confused in what I just said. Oops! Forgot that there were no elves in Narnia, so no one speaks this delicate language… I always wonder why the Pendragon teach me this language. It was third language in Daggerhorn, including the fact that the elves don't associate with man since Lucifer took reign. Suddenly, somebody flicked me in the forehead. Instantly I grabbed the abuser hand and glared at Caspian. He smirked, always fascinated about my reflexes when I zone out or focused.

"Please don't do that," I warned, letting go of his hand.

"Sorry," he said and kissed me on the cheek.

I sighed, relaxing for a moment before I heard a tapping on the window panel with that tapping came with sharp slices of air against the wind. Curious, I walked towards the window sill to find Ayden. I open the window to let the falcon in as he flew about the room till finding a lading space on the mantel. A message was tied to his leg, which Caspian untied handing the scroll to me. I removed the message from the case and read the letter that was inside.

I gasped practically dropping the letter.

"Maeve, is something wrong?" Caspian asked.

"Emrys," I said.

"The wizard from Daggerhorn," Caspian noted.

I nodded, "He writes grateful news. The rebels have defeated Lucifer and a new king has reign over the past six moons."

"That's wonderful," Caspian said standing next to me. "Who's the new king?"

"Arthur Pendragon…"I breathed in contempt. Arthur Pendragon merely sixteen summers old is the new king of Daggerhorn. So the boy in my dream, could it have been a vision of Arthur pulling Excalibur from the stone? It may so be, for only a true king can pull the mighty sword out.

Caspian grabbed the parchment reading more of the scroll. Right now, Emrys has written on the behalf of King Arthur on arranging an alliance between Narnia and Daggerhorn. As we speak they travel to the East under the leadership of the Grand Duke, Lord Brom. Peace, alliance, truth, is there anything that could be added in this excitement? Caspian looked between the letter and back to me with mixed emotion. All the excitement suddenly faded when I noticed a hint of fear in his eyes. Before I could ask what his wrong, he handed me the scroll.

"Congratulation Maeve, I can't wait to meet Lord Brom when they arrive." He said.

"Casp-"

"Don't worry," He assured. "They'll be welcomed with open arms. It's late anyway; I shall inform the council tomorrow. Shall I escort you to your chambers?"

I sighed but nodded, rolling up the scroll then called upon Ayden who leaped onto my shoulder before accepting the offer. Caspian nodded, something about Caspian I love was that he doesn't hover over personal affair. He walked me to my chambers and gave me a kiss goodnight before leaving. I went inside my room as Ayden took a seat on the bookend on the mantel, eyes following me. I placed the letter on the nightstand and changed into my nightgown. Afterwards I lay down in my bed and gazed at curtains.

The War was over in Daggerhorn.

Arthur had become king.

Brom was coming!

My adoptive brother who considered me blood is coming to Narnia.

I don't know if I should be giddy or concern of this.

''''''''''''''''''''';;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;; ;;''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''

So yeah, I made some changes from the original and I hope you guys like it. Thank you hall that are fans to Safe and Sound, and hope you enjoy Breath of Life.

Quote from Hamlet, from William Shakespeare.

"Sa farn palan," means 'this is far enough'

Thanks for reading and please leave a review.