Chapter Two: Bubbling Up

Mrs. Hill took charge of Einan at once. She was fed, bathed, changed, and in bed before I finished my supper.

"Poor thing," said Mrs. Hill. "There are cuts and bruises all over her, and she was utterly exhausted."

"I would be too after crawling up the mountain on my hands and knees," interjected Mr. Hill. "The question now becomes what to do with her."

"Oh there's no question about that," I replied. She's coming with me, and there's an end of it. I've a fortune to spend, and no one to spend it on. Einan is the perfect answer to my problem."

Both Hills chuckled.

"Do be careful. You'll spoil her Martin!"

"After the life she's had, I think she can do with some spoiling."

Mrs. Hill looked grim.

"Thank the Lion she found you. She'd have starved to death if she hadn't."

The next morning I rode into town and purchased a few things. Among them were another horse and a cart, several dresses, and some personal items such as a comb and tooth-brush.

I left all these and my own horse in the care of the shopkeeper, made my way back to the inn, bid goodbye to the kindest of hosts, (after promising many times to return and visit with Einan) and carried my adopted child down the mountain.

"Where are we going Martin?"

"Narnia, Dear One."

"Narnia? Where all the animals talk?"

I smiled.

"Most of them dearest."

"Where do you live?"

"In the Royal Castle of Cair Paravel."

"What do you do there?"

"I am Head Knight to Her Majesty Queen Lucy."

"But the Kings and Queens left long ago."

"I know my dear, but their Knightly Orders still survive."

I smiled.

"Queen Lucy would have loved you. They all would have."

My smile faded and Einan kissed me.

"You look so sad Martin. You speak as if you knew them."

"I did. And still do."

Her eyes grew wide.

"But that's impossible! The Four disappeared a hundred years ago!"

"I know my dear. I was there the day the report came in. I led the search parties sent to look for them."

"But how? You don't look a hundred years old."

I laughed.

"That's because I am immortal. I shall tell you the whole story some day."

As we entered the town we passed many shops and stores, one of them a sweet shop. Einan couldn't resist the thought of looking around inside.

"May we Martin? Oh please, may we?"

I laughingly gave my assent.

"Very well my pet."

A small bell over the door tinkled as we entered the building.

"Hello there," welcomed the shop-keeper, who was rather thin to be running a sweet shop.

"Good morn to you."

"Is there anything in particular you're looking for?"

"I'm afraid not. What do you recommend?"

For the next half-hour the shop-keeper presented many treats and delights for our perusal, and Einan could not have been more enchanted. By the time we finished, I had five boxes of chocolates, one of honey buns, three of peppermints, and one of cookies. Apparently the term "sweet shop" included local baked goods.

"I hope you realise that we might as well have bought the store!"

Einan's countenance fell.

"Did I ask for too much?"

"No my dear, you did not. You've been deprived of goods things for so long that it all bubbled up to the top at once. Let's just be sure we enjoy these in moderation, hm?"

She smiled.

"Thank you Da."

A/N: Two chapters in one day! What do you know! I SHOULD have the laptop working again some time next week. Until then I have no access to Nightslayer. I hope Outcastis consolation and more.

Yes, I did put major spoilers in this. Yes, I DO explain Martin's immortality in Nightslayer. Yes, I WILL get to work on it as soon as humanly possible.

Reviews, etc. are appreciated.

God bless,

-AoR/Jake