Safe and Sound

Chapter 3: A Telmarine Prince

It has been over two seasons since I lived in Narnia under the care of Trufflehunter while living among the Narnian and hiding within the shuddering woods. It was tough times to be amongst them, do to being the only human out of Minotaur, Centaurs, Fauns, Satyr, Dwarves, Talking animals and many more magical creatures. But after hearing my tales in Daggerhorn, they showed sympathy and respect to let me live with them. Only if I showed them my battled skills once in a while, since I befriended with Glenstorms sons, Ironhorn, Rainstone, and Suncloud. Although I lived in the woods, I sometimes spy on the Telmarines, curious in why they are so hated. One day, I spied on a farm outside the kingdom of Telmar. I couldn't understand their nature, for it was like any Daggerhorn village. Until I spotted a soldier that made my blood boiled, that I left quickly. Seeing a soldier made my blood boil! There was an absolute different between warrior and fight with honor knowing how to act and do what is right. A soldier is an obedient servant to somebody else.

That was before the winter. During the winter seasons, I helped Trufflehunter and his friends, Nikabrik and Trumpkin survive. The two dwarves made me laugh at times; Trumpkin with his sarcastic remarks, and Nikabrik with his snappy moment. Though, I wasn't fond with the black dwarf, there was something about his temper, his hatred towards the Telmarines that he would say taboo. Nikabrik declaring about summoning the White witch to get rid of the filthy vermin. Every time when he brings up Jadis, Trufflehunter would scold him to not bring the witch up into discussion or threatens to sit on his head. I only know the basic of the hundred year's winter and that of Jadis who destroyed Narnia ruling in fear, harsh winter, and turning anybody to stone. And I would agree with the Badger, it is wise to not bring a tyrant back into this world. That of Aslan forbid.

The longer I stayed here, the more Narnian I become. But even though I was accepted to their society, I felt like an outcast. I was Daggerneze, a helot of Daggerhorn with a wanted head by the kings Loyal Guard Slyfox. Dark memories of nightmares plague my dreams of Parker death, which feels like there's a huge hole punched into my chest. From the thought of my adopted brother; Parker the Brave, Son of Pendragon… Sometimes I wonder if Arthur or Brom or even Morgana still search for me. Wondering if the Guard at a state to tell their King that they lost a helot? Because if the news breaks out of a helots disappearance then an act of control will falter letting hope to the people.

I came with the decision to not return to Daggerhorn. Some would say it's cowardly, but to me it is wise. If my long absent spreads across Daggerhorn then a rebellion shall rise…maybe. It was the only thing I can do in helping my country. Give them an ideal that even a helot can rebel against the Kings Hunt.

I smiled at the thought while taking a drink of cider and listening to Trufflehunter Tales of the Golden Ages. It was the middle of spring and I felt relaxed at such late hour. I was close to falling asleep in my little corner by the fire place in the haven burrow of the Badger home. Trumpkin listen as well while Nikabrik was absent at his home. I was about to fall asleep when a loud noise of a thud and horses galloping. Now fully awake, I grabbed my bow and arrow to investigate with Trumpkin behind me.

We went outside to see a man on the ground. He looked up at me, which brown eyes widen before looking down to see Trumpkin. Fear written on his face as we approached, my bow pointed at his chest, for his chainmail told me he was a Telmarine soldier. I scowled while Trumpkin approach the boy, until he paused looking down. I followed their gaze to see a horn carved at the end of a lions face. My eyes widen, it couldn't possibly be Susan horn. Suddenly we heard more neighing, as more humans approached.

"Take care of him," Trumpkin said.

I nodded, as my Trumpkin went to distraction the others soldiers. I aimed my bow just in case, ready to order the guy to listen. However he had other ideas, quickly grabbing the horn.

"No!" I exclaimed, however he blown on it. Without thinking, I hit him in the head with my bow, knocking him unconscious. Great, dead weight! As I grabbed him under his arm and dragged him back into the burrow resting him on the ground for Trufflehunter to see. Afterwards, I ran back outside to aid Trumpkin, but the Telmarine soldiers had him bond. I ran up to help him amongst the trees but he shook his head glaring me to stand down. Confused by his action, for it was already too late. As the five Telmarine soldier took him away.

I growled firing my arrow at their previous direction then headed back inside. Trufflehunter had difficulties with the boy, that I took the burden and dragged the human towards the bedroom. Laying him down, I examine him while removing any signs of weapon on his person. There was only a sword and dagger. Strange, he had no money, supplies, or even trinkets on his person. Probably had it on his horse before being bucked off? Anyway, removing those along with his chainmail, bandaged his wound, and secured anything. He was Telmarine and I should have killed him at first sight, however, he had Queen Susan horn. Trufflehunter told me a legend about the horn being magical. That when you blow on it, the kings and Queens of Old shall return.

Trufflehunter bandage his head while I stood aside to watch. The Telmarine seemed around my age maybe older by a summer or two. He had shoulder-length wavy dark brown hair and earlier brown eyes. He reminded me about Parker as well . . . Wham! It was like someone actually punched me in the chest. Even though no one has, of course, but the mental pain can be physical. I take step back, going down stairs to make something for our guest. But still question... why didn't I shoot him? I killed a few Telmarine soldiers with the other Narnians, who dare crossed the Shuddering Woods. Why didn't I release the arrow? Now Trumpkin is gone and Nikabrik won't be happy to see his brother capture. Probably blame me till my grave.

I sighed and started making stew. A moment later Trufflehunter came down, washing his hand with a rag. "Did you have to hit him so hard, Strider?"

"Sorry, I went on instinct." I apologized.

Trufflehunter sighed, understanding my Helot instincts are hard to control when it is a life or death situation. I hardly slept tonight. Maybe dozed off now and then, but I stayed on high alert, in case the Telmarine decided to wake and take action. I owe my life to Trufflehunter for his hospitality, so I would protect him in many ways other than helping him around the house. It's surprising that Nikabrik hasn't returned yet nor does he already know. Long ago the tree's used to be alive from what the Narnians told. The messengers of news.

.o0o.

"Nikabrik would probably kill him," I muttered, in my corner.

"Yes, but I already bandage his head." Trufflehunter said checking his stew. "It would be like murdering a guest."

"And how are they treating Trumpkin?" I said.

Trufflehunter sighed, "Strider, I know it's hard for you. But sometimes it's best to let it out then holding it in."

I shook my head. My tale in Daggerhorn shouldn't be completely in the open. All the brutal tortures and training while witnessing children being killed in the action. The Hunt was a sick twisted game that the Guard created. Freely taking children around the ages of ten and trained within six to eight years of becoming the best servility warrior, only to fight to the death towards the Guard. No one survives, unless you are the last helot, not the twenty-five tributes, loose in Daggerhorn arena location. They go in, and come out dead, with weapon in their body, or worst...Head mounted on a spike. I would never forget the day when the Guard returns with the first group of Helots from one Hunt long ago. Cormack the stealth was in it, for his ability to camouflage and set traps. However he didn't return to the fortress on a cart or lone survivor. I didn't truly saw what happen to him, for Parker covered my eyes. Only that a guard came in with a spear and long black hair tangle with it.

I shivered of the memory. After a moment of silent in respect towards the dead, the Telmarine stood behind the steps. I stood up with a dagger ready. "Looks like we have a spy?"

"Enough Strider," Trufflehunter scolded.

I sighed out of sarcasm, sheathed my dagger, and then sat back down to eat breakfast.

The Telmarine looked confused as he looks between me and Trufflehunter. "What are you?"

"You know, it's funny you that would ask that. You think more people would know a badger when they saw one," Trufflehunter said.

"No! No, I mean. You're...You're Narnians. You're supposed to be extinct," he said.

"Sorry for the disappointment." I replied, moving a tussle of hair out of my face. The boys' eyes widen to see the birthmark of countless vines scatted around the left side of my face. It was a strange trait we Daggerneze have. Unlike the Telmarines, my people are born with strange physical characteristics, either be hair color, eye color and its pattern, or a distinct mark. In which it was my birthmark.

Trufflehunter later set a bowl of stew on the table. "Here you go, still hot."

"Since when do you aid Telmarine soldiers?" I asked to make a slight joke, "Always a golden hearted."

"I am not a soldier! I am Prince Caspian," the human said, "The tenth."

I silently gasped. A prince, I heard about him. His father died a few years ago living under the care of his Uncle, Lord Miraz. "What are you doing here?"

"Running away," Caspian said. "My uncle has always wanted my throne. Guess I only lived this long because he didn't have an heir of his own."

"Well that changes thing." Trufflehunter said.

I nodded, though remain caution for you could never trust nobles. Even in Daggerhorn, royalty hunted Helots down as well for their entertainment. Caspian sighed and took a seat eating from his stew, but his eyes focused on me analyzing the marking on my arms and chest. I glared at him, which caused him to look away. He must already know my race was, but I fear he already know my rank. After he was done eating, Caspian went up to grab his things.

"Where are you going?" Trufflehunter asked.

"My uncle won't stop until I am dead." Caspian replied.

"But you're meant to save us." Trufflehunter said this caught the prince attention as the badger held up the horn. "Do you know what this is?"

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