Chapter 2: King No Longer
The ship docked that evening, and messengers were sent on land to announce the arrival of the two kings. Edmund wanted to go ashore right away, but Peter insisted that they wait. "It wouldn't be fitting for us to go unannounced," he said. "Besides, we do not know how we will be received. It's best to wait and see." Edmund begrudgingly agreed, and when the messengers returned the next morning, he as happy to learn that the Lord Dorvanon, governor of the Lone Islands, was awaiting them. The Narnian flags and the king's standard were unfurled, and all of the crewmen and soldiers dressed in their finest to accompany the two kings to the shore.
When they reached land, a large crowd of people had gathered, and they erupted into cheers at their arrival. The men marched two by two down the road leading to the capital, and Peter and Edmund walked together in the middle of the throng. The people continued cheering as they followed them towards the town, but whispered among themselves about how young their new monarchs were. Even more people awaited them at the entrance to the town, and flowers were thrown at the feet of the Narnians. Peter stood tall, waving at the crowd. Edmund followed him closely, feeling slightly nervous at the number of people.
Dorvanon was waiting for the kings at the entrance to the governor's house, which also served as a mixture of town hall, government, and courthouse. He was a tall man with light features and what Susan would have called a "kind face". The soldiers stepped aside so that Peter could approach, and Dorvanon bowed low. "Greetings, High King," he said. "On behalf of the people of the Lone Islands, I welcome you to your lands."
"Thank you," Peter replied. "You and your people have our gratitude for such a warm reception." He gestured to Edmund to step forward and said, "I would like to present my brother Edmund, king and knight of Narnia." The men bowed again, and Dorvanon invited them inside. They were led to a room with a large table filled with food and drink, and Dorvanon and the kings sat in plush chairs around the table. After exchanging some pleasantries and assuring that they had a pleasant voyage, Peter said, "It is heartwarming to see that the Lone Islands are filled with such love. I am glad to know that you still recognize the crown."
"The Lone Islands have always remained true to the king of Narnia," said Dorvanon. "The people bore much hardship while the White Witch was in control."
"Did you also have an endless winter?" asked Edmund.
"Nay, my lord," he answered gravely. "But we still suffered with drought and disease. While Narnia endures, so do we, and when she suffers, we feel it as well. The false Queen had sent one of her minions to rule for her over the Lone Islands. We know not what manner of creature it was, but it was cruel and heartless and showed the people no pity. When the Witch was slain, it also died. That is how we knew that Narnia had been delivered." Dorvanon shook himself suddenly. "But that is in the past, and we look towards a new and prosperous future!" Some of the soldiers in the room cried, "Hear hear!" and thumped the ground.
Peter nodded. "As do we. Have things improved since the foul creature died?"
Dorvanon smiled. "In the past months, we have entered into a new age. Our crops grow bountiful, our people are content and happy, and those who suffered the most now praise Aslan's name. I was elected into this leadership position by the people until other arrangements could be made, and I have tried to do my best by them. I hope that you find this to be so, Your Majesty."
"I'm sure I will," Peter said. "If the people are happy to have you as their leader, and all is well in the Lone Islands, then I do not see why you cannot continue the responsibility if you wish to accept it." Dorvanon nodded, and they continued to talk for a while about the Lone Islands, its people, and plans for the near future. After lunch, Peter and Edmund accompanied him on a tour of the town, where they met many of the people. Men bowed to the kings and pledged their service, while the women fussed and gossiped together. Some of the young girls waved shyly to the kings, and there were children always following them, crowding around and looking in amazement at the Narnian soldiers, with their bright armor and long swords. That evening, many of the town's elders and important merchants came to the governor's house, and there was a grand feast in the kings' honor, followed by music and dancing. "It's a pity the girls could not be here," said Edmund, and Peter agreed.
Peter stayed on for three more days, visiting the other islands and touring the other villages. He also inspected their army, and left many instructions on how to make it stronger and how to defend their shores. On the fourth day, he announced his plans to leave the next afternoon, after Dorvanon had been sworn in as governor. He had proven to be a fair and effective leader. All that was left to be done was a formal declaration of his position, and for Dorvanon to pledge allegiance to the Narnian throne.
After the evening meal, Edmund asked Peter about staying. "You are still set on this plan of yours?" Peter asked.
"Yes," he replied. "I want to do my time of service like the princes in the old days."
"Very well, then," Peter said, and they went together to find Dorvanon. The governor was in his study, and rose as they entered the room. "Your Majesties," he said. "I was just finishing reviewing the plans for the ceremony tomorrow."
"I trust that you have everything in hand," Peter said. "For now, I want to discuss a matter of great importance to my brother." Edmund then explained about finding the account of Prince Marius, and what he had learned of the custom. "It is my wish to stay on here, and complete my own service on the Lone Islands."
Dorvanon could not hide his surprise. "I must say, Sire, this is a most unusual request. I have heard of the service—in fact, there are accounts in the former governors' logs, dating back centuries."
"What more do you know of the tradition?" asked Peter.
He thought for a moment. "Only that the prince would not live as a prince while here and serve in a household as the master saw fit. That is all I can remember. You are of course welcome here, King Edmund. After all, this is your kingdom. I can arrange for you to stay on at my house. Although I must admit, I am not sure what types of service you are looking to complete. Perhaps after the High King leaves tomorrow, we can go together and look up those accounts."
With the plan set, Edmund was anxious for Peter to be on his way and for his own adventure to begin. The ceremony brought another huge crowd of people. They cheered as Dorvanon took his oath, and he kneeled to pledge his allegiance to the High King and Narnia. When all that was completed, the Narnians returned to the house to gather their things and make their way down to the ship. "Now Edmund," said Peter, "are you absolutely sure you want to stay?"
"Yes," he said for the umpteenth time. "Stop babying me. I'll be perfectly all right."
Peter smiled. "Of that I have no doubt. Before you even try to argue, you should know that I am leaving you a guard. And I want you to come home in three months. We need you at Cair Paravel." Edmund began to protest, but he could see that Peter was determined, so he agreed. A few hours later, the Narnians headed down to where the ship was docked, and the two brothers embraced before Peter went aboard. "Take care, Edmund," Peter said to him. Edmund felt a surprising heaviness now that the moment had arrived. Peter then waved to the people, who were cheering and crying and waving farewell, and then with the blast of trumpets the king was on board and the ship was off. Edmund stood with Dorvanon watching as the ship grew smaller and smaller.
"Come, Your Majesty," said Dorvanon. "Let us see if we can find what you are looking for." When they returned to his home, the bookkeeper had already pulled the records that contained information about the custom. Edmund sat in his room for the day with his guard, a Dwarf named Nobtom. Together, they read through the annals, but unfortunately, neither could find more than a line here or a line there. "I hate to say it, Your Majesty," said the Dwarf, "but I don't believe that we'll find much help here."
Edmund frowned and slammed his book shut. "Then I suppose it'll be up to me to figure this out." He sat through the afternoon and wrote up a plan, which he delivered to Dorvanon at supper that evening. "I would like to be sent to a different household," Edmund said. "Too many people here already know me, and I want to go as a regular person, not as royalty. I'll serve in any capacity for three months. But I wish for my true identity to remain a secret."
Dorvanon thought for a moment. "I think I know just where to send you. Lord Gervise, who is the mayor of Wilmet, has a large household, so you would blend in easily there. The town is located on the other side of this island, and has mostly farmers. If you'd like, I'll write a letter of introduction tonight, saying that you are the son of one of my soldiers in need of a placement."
"That would be perfect," said Edmund, and hurried back to his room to pack. The next day, Edmund took a quick breakfast and set off on a horse that Dorvanon provided. Nobtom would of course be accompanying him, but they dressed in plain clothes and went with no other escort. It took them most of the day to cross the island. Edmund could see that the Lone Islanders lived simple lives, and many of them were very poor. But he remembered what Dorvanon had said about how the people had suffered while the White Witch reigned Narnia, and that they were beginning to regain their strength since she was overthrown. He took heart knowing that Peter would make sure that they were taken care of.
Wilmet was a small town that had grown up around the large house and lands belonging to Gervise. When Edmund reached the town, it was nearly dark and most of the people were already in their homes. They rode slowly through the quiet town and up to the front gate of what was certainly the master's house. It was not large enough to be called a castle (and was certainly not nearly as large as Cair Paravel, Edmund noted) but did have a huge front gate, was four stories high, and even had a watchtower on each corner. Edmund could not help but feel a little nervous at the sight, but then he reminded himself sharply that he was a king and to stop being so anxious.
He stopped at the door as the guard came forward. "Who are you, and what is your business?" asked the guard brusquely.
"My name is Edmund," he said. "Lord Darvanon sent me here to serve Lord Gervise. I have a letter of introduction."
"Edmund, eh? Like the new king?" The guard peered at him closely. Edmund was nervous for a moment, sure that he was discovered, but then the guard gave a quick bark of a laugh. "Guess that can't be you, can it? And who is this?" he asked, turning his gaze onto Nobtom.
"Umm—" Edmund thought quickly. "This is Nobtom, my escort. He came to serve with me, so I wouldn't make the journey alone."
The guard contemplated this for a moment, and then nodded. "All right then, you can go in, and wait for the master to see you." He led them inside to the front hall, which had a small bench for them to sit on and not much else. There were hallways and staircases leading in every direction from the room. "Wait here," the guard said, and then left. Edmund and Nobtom sat down together. "Not a friendly lot, are they?" said Nobtom. Edmund didn't answer.
They sat there for what seemed hours. Edmund had just started nodding off to sleep when a servant called for them to come. Edmund jumped up, and with Nobtom, was led down a long hallway, up a flight of stairs, and through another hallway before reaching a large waiting room. Edmund wondered briefly how he would ever learn how to get around such a complicated house. Cair Paravel was laid out much more neatly.
Inside the room, a man sat in a large chair by the fireplace. "Over here where I can see you," he said. Edmund approached. He was very large and had long dark hair, which made him look very daunting. Edmund immediately began to sit down in the chair opposite, but the man snapped, "You were not called in here to have a seat. Now stand up straight."
Edmund jumped back up. He clenched his fists, already annoyed with himself for forgetting that he was supposed to be pretending to be an ordinary person. The man looked him over for several moments before continuing, "Your name is Edmund, is it?"
"Yes, Lord Gervise," he replied. "I was sent by Lord Darvanon. I have a letter here if you—"
"Hold your tongue, boy. Do not prattle on like a bird." He took the letter from Edmund's hand, and after reading it, went on, "You are obviously new, and need to be taught how to behave. I'll take you on, but you must give me no trouble, and do as you are told. Any disruptions will bring on serious consequences. Do you understand?"
Edmund was a little taken aback by the harsh tone, but nodded. "Yes, I understand. What—"
"Lesson one will be to hold your tongue. 'Yes sir' or 'no sir' will suffice, and anything else out of your mouth will earn you no supper. You will learn the value of listening. Now, go down to the kitchen and see the cook there. She will tell you what to do and show you where you may sleep." With that, he waved his hand in dismissal, and Edmund left the room with Nobtom following closely behind. Together they walked down the long, winding servant stairs to the kitchen on the bottom floor. "I did not like the way he spoke to you, sire. It's not fitting for the king of Narnia—"
"But I'm not king of Narnia here, am I? And it would be best for you not to call me 'sire' or anything of the sort either. I'm just Edmund to everyone, including you." Nobtom had nothing to say in response, but pursed his lips at the idea.
The cook was a short, plump woman with wild red hair and a red nose. "Well, well, the master has sent me another boy to train. Well, I have no need of you now, so you best get to bed, for you're to rise at four."
"Four?" Edmund choked. "In the morning?"
The cook gave a great laugh that made her hair bounce up and down. "Well, well, my boy, what did you think this was, a nice holiday? You're here to work, after all." She showed him his bed, which was really a blanket over some straw in the corner, placed a little way away from the fireplace. "Well, here we are, be ready at four!" And she went back to her work without another word. Determined not to be discouraged so easily, he did his best to make the bed comfortable. He pulled the blanket up to his chin and did his best to fall asleep.