Thanks as always to my wonderful beta Silver Fletcher!
Sun and Shadow
Chapter IV
The feast progressed much better than Caspian had anticipated and was not the completely dreaded affair he had envisioned initially.
The evening passed in moments of frivolity and laughter, of frustration and chagrin and of sadness and longing; all in all a bitter-sweet occasion.
The first such moment of laughter came as they made their way into the hall and his gaze had fell upon Lord Restor and Lord Cras sitting together with such sour miens that Caspian had to bite back a smile. Though Lord Drinian didn't and almost guffawed loudly at the sight only Nausus had managed to nudge the care-free captain in time with his elbow harshly in the gut.
However the next moment introduced the uncomfortable sensation of every pair of eyes in the room on him and even though Caspian was more than prepared and used to the feeling it still never failed to make him feel just that slightly bit more self-conscious.
For a brief wavering moment Caspian had even felt his face flush slightly in chagrin much to his own horror for the gazes that were raking over him were different. During other tournaments he would catch other's gazes on him, sizing up the competition, trying to discern did he favour a side by his gait alone or if he harboured any apparent weaknesses. In that situation Caspian would thrust his chin higher, smirking slightly knowing it was all part of the sport.
But the gazes that followed his every footstep now were drawn irretrievably to the golden crown that caught the light upon his head and the jewels and rich attire that he was swathed in. They cared nothing for the young man that lay beneath the gems and gold.
But Susan had loved him before he even became a king; when he was nothing more than an exiled Telmarine spoilt prince that knew not the first thing about leading. She had believed in him, even then when he stood in stained and bloodied armour instead of jewels and silk; and Caspian loved her all the more for it.
They reached the dais without incident; Nausus secured a high seat at the raised table further on down though Eltre, Nimien and Drinian bowed low to their king before moving off to other less prestigious seats. Caspian smirked slightly as he saw Drinian quite publically snub his rightful place at the table where the advisors and councillors sat. Instead the Captain squeezed himself in-between Eltre and Nimien at the soldier's long tables. Caspian rolled his eyes slightly; he didn't blame his friend in the slightest – the councillors' banquet table could be a rather dull affair – however he would have to have a word with the Captain about making such public slights.
Caspian made the traditional welcoming speech required of him, his eyes sweeping weightlessly over the hall of hundreds of unfamiliar faces.
And one of the indiscriminate faces concealed within the long rows of upturned heads would become his wife, Caspian thought grimly just as he announced the commencement of the feast and a great roar of applause sounded, rising to the high ceiling.
Caspian had gratefully taken his seat. Professor Cornelius at his side mumbled a vague compliment at his executing of the welcoming speech but Caspian hardly heard him as his gaze locked on King Avrain of Archenland sitting a chair away from him.
The old King feeling the weight of Caspian's gaze flickered his own eyes to meet the look. Then followed a stilted conversation full of veiled barbed comments with the Archenland King about young boys who thought they knew everything. However Caspian knew after five years of having to deal with him that the Archenland King Avrain was an extremely proud man but that he usually was only a lot of bluster and hot air before he would concede to common sense.
What did concern Caspian greatly however was that seated at the Archenland King's elbow and whispering to him all through the feast was Lord Farzán.
After a polite kingly conversation though Caspian was forced to divert his attention as protocol demanded and to turn his focus away from whatever whisperings Lord Farzán was spilling into King Avrain's ear.
Caspian was meant to be paying attention to the eldest Archenland princess who was lucky enough to be seated at the dais beside her father while her sisters sat at the next most prominent and prestigious seating below the dais.
Her name was Erinla and she was the eldest of three sisters of the Archenland royal family. Indeed she was older than Caspian – and even Eltre he would venture; she looked closer in age to Drinian than him. She was proud like her father who she looked to for guidance in all things and as such she found Caspian as much an inept young boy as her father supposedly did and Caspian in turn found her conceited and vain. She was what many would deem beautiful he conceded with fair hair like finely spun silk that was piled atop her head with what seemed a hundred sparkling gems like a golden crown.
'A little presumptuous' Caspian thought wryly eyeing the intricately set braids. Barely a few minutes in Princess Erinla's company and he knew without a shadow of a doubt that he and she were perhaps some of the last people who would make one another happy and the Archenland Princess seemed to agree until the conversation between them became non-existent.
The food that was served was truly delicious and not only tasted divine but was arranged in astonishing displays. Caspian mentally noted to personally express his gratitude to all who had been involved in creating the feast before them. The council could think of a meaningful way to express their thanks when they convened to discuss how much of a strain the tournament would put Cair Paravel under now it had commenced.
As the feast furthered on into the evening the proceedings became less formal as people darted between the aisles to go and gossip and converse with their friends at other tables. Young maidens would also take unnecessary trips linked arm in arm up by the dais just so they could catch the handsome young king's eye and bow low in acknowledgement before sauntering off giggling and exchanging excited whispers.
A few times Caspian caught the loud bellow of Drinian's laugh before the entire soldier's table would erupt into rowdy laughter and Caspian smirked thinking how Drinian was most likely regaling the table with tales from his latest voyage.
Caspian longingly wished for a moment that he could be down there seated amongst the soldiers who he knew and trusted, who had charged, fought and bled alongside him, enjoying in his friend's tales. Instead however he was stuck up on his raised dais feeling like a bejewelled pompous puppet, exchanging frosty few words with Princess Erinla all the while keeping a concerned eye on Lord Farzán and King Avrain, desperately trying to strain his ears without making it too obvious to catch even a single word.
Professor Cornelius had gone out to the gardens not so long ago to enjoy his pipe in silence and to avoid the temptation of the delectable and overly-indulgent desserts that were being served. Caspian out of the corner of his eye caught Nausus in deep conversation with one of the Galmian dignitaries and hoped that his councillor was having better luck than he at meaningful conversation.
Caspian's escape from the high table came in the form of a promised duty he was to expend. He didn't particularly relish the thought of having to apologise to Lady Eldra and her daughters but he also conceded with a humourless quirk of his lips that the situation was of his own creation for his truant morning.
Caspian stood, excusing himself from the table; he had long given up trying to catch even a wisp of Lord Farzán's conversation and his councillor had seemed to delight in knowing the evident frustration it was causing in his young King.
A server had pointed out the Lady Eldra sitting further down one of the long tables and thanking him Caspian made his way towards the identified guests.
As it were his regal duty to apologise was not the shuddering ordeal he had dreaded it would be but rather it was swift and painless. Lady Eldra was a small woman who unconsciously reminded Caspian of a bird for some reason; her small guileless eyes and the way she was perched on the edge of her seat as though she were readying to take flight at any moment.
Her daughters were rather similar, and they all seemed awe-struck and speechless that the King had come to personally apologise to them for being remiss in not welcoming their contingent.
Once the duty was discharged, it was as Caspian was making his way back to the dais that he halted at the familiar voice or rather three familiar voices.
"It's him! It's him! – Look he's even more handsome up close!"
"Hush child! Lower your voice!"
"A little late for that don't you think? – I wager the entire hall heard her the little fool."
Alia. Celesyn. Caitra.
He turned, his gaze innately falling on them with little difficulty.
The smallest girl with strawberry blonde curls stared unabashedly at him for a moment more before immediately flaming scarlet red as she realised Caspian was looking back at her. She floundered then before she turned around swiftly in her chair back to her table with a high-pitched cry that even Caspian could hear with two tables between them.
The other two seated either side of her turned to see the cause for Alia's commotion – for it could be none other than Alia Caspian reasoned – and their gazes too fell eventually on Caspian.
Celesyn had hair a similar shade to Alia's though it was slighter darker, a more sandy hue and her eyes widened as they landed on Caspian.
Caitra's hair however was a rich auburn, her face long and tanned with dark arched brows and an uncompromising mouth. That was how he knew it was Caitra and not Celesyn; in Celesyn's face there was a discernable patience almost, a gentleness but Caitra's eyes were shrewd.
Both women bowed their head respectfully at Caspian and Caspian returned the gesture before he moved on; it was strange to put faces to the voices he had listened to those days back. He had almost made it to the dais, enough to see that Professor Cornelius had returned.
However it was then that he was hauled roughly back by his ornate cloak.
"Caspian!" the urgent whisper sounded in his ear and Caspian whirled lightly to be met with the wide panicked eyes of his captain and friend Lord Drinian.
Caspian gulped; it took a lot to have this kind of effect on the weathered and sea-hardened sailor and soldier.
Eltre silently appeared at his other side, looking grim as he surveyed the banquet hall before them with assessing eyes.
"What is it?" Caspian breathed, trying to keep a stoic countenance; if they were under attack mass panic was the last thing he needed.
"We're outnumbered," Drinian said gravely.
"At least five-to-one I fear Your Majesty," Eltre calculated their odds swiftly, turning to Lord Drinian and King Caspian.
Caspian furrowed his brow in concern, plans already whirring through his mind, "Calormenes?" he suspected.
Drinian shook his head, his eyes narrowing in further suspicion as his gaze drifted about the hall.
"In about ten minutes," Drinian began quietly in a toneless voice, "they will push back the tables from the main floor and there will be….dancing." Drinian shuddered.
"And men are outnumbered five-to-one by women," Eltre elaborated.
"More like ten-to-one; most of them are old fathers remember!" Drinian said emphatically.
"Aslan save us," Eltre breathed horrified.
Caspian released a huge sigh of relief as he rolled his eyes, "you two are being ridiculous," he muttered even as a smile tugged at his lips.
Drinian and Eltre turned their heads to slowly look at their unmoved King.
"We will soon see how ridiculous you think us when you have danced your seventh reel I'm sure," Drinian said, his words coated in sarcasm.
Caspian cast a surreptitious glance about the room, noticing that Drinian was right; there was a higher ratio of women here but that was to be expected what with the nature of the tournament; it was to find him a wife, not the usual fun and competition between fellow soldiers.
"And what are you young boys conversing so solemnly about over here in the shadows?" Lord Nimien materialised out of nowhere, looking to them all with an arched dark brow.
"Boys?" Drinian repeated scathingly, "it has been many long years since I could be called a boy."
Lord Nimien laughed brightly, "you are all boys to me," he said with a little grin as Drinian glowered.
"What were you speaking of?" Lord Nimien questioned again.
"The coming dance after the feast," Eltre elaborated.
"Ah yes – many young ladies will require a dancing partner," Lord Nimien mused aloud, a mischievous gleam in his eyes.
"Oh don't worry old man, I'm sure you will have one or two dances," Drinian said jovially as he clapped Lord Nimien's shoulder.
Lord Nimien smirked, the challenging glint lighting in the sword-master's eyes and Eltre and Caspian exchanged a long-suffering look knowing the rivalry that existed between the two since the days when a young, knock-kneed and green Drinian was a soldier under the newly promoted and honourable Captain Nimien. They had chafed against each other from the start; both men possessing bold and dauntless personalities – however since their younger years the two men had become good friends though the rivalry of their friendship never left.
"That will be one or two more than you then Lord Drinian?" Lord Nimien said with a wicked grin.
Drinian's eyes narrowed as Eltre rolling his eyes slightly and exchanging a wry smirk with Caspian spoke over the brewing insult on the tip of Drinian's tongue.
"Come now Lord Drinian – barely a few moments ago you were thinking how best to avoid the whole affair and now you are competing for dances?" Eltre said, a teasing lilt to his voice as his green eyes sparkled with mirth.
Drinian's eyes widened for a moment in realisation before a wide grin bloomed on his face. Lord Nimien looked to the younger lord, a similar sheepish grin gracing his features and they all broke down into laughter.
"Look at us – competing for dances like young maidens at their first ball!" Drinian said jokingly.
"Perhaps I should add such a competition to the tournament?" Caspian said innocently, unable to suppress the grin. He was immeasurably grateful for his close friends that made the cloying women and their scheming relatives surrounding him fade away to the back of his mind.
Eltre nodded sombrely, "indeed," he agreed in mock seriousness, "I think a trophy for most reels completed would look splendid in the training halls."
Lord Drinian and Lord Nimien were glaring at them both now and Caspian was hard-pressed to stifle his laughter. Eltre on the other hand was almost annoyingly talented at keeping his composure under most circumstances, except for his eyes that shone with laughter.
"Ah, but who would win?" Caspian attempted to mimic a thoughtfully serious tone that fell flat when Eltre suddenly emitted a strange choking sound.
Caspian glimpsed at the sword-master out of the side of his eyes and caught the tremors shaking Eltre's shoulders; it seemed Eltre had finally lost his renowned composure and they both fell to laughter while Drinian and Nimien remained looking unimpressed.
"Young ones these days; they have no respect for their elders," Lord Nimien muttered imperiously and Lord Drinian added his resounding agreement while Eltre and Caspian chortled unrepentantly.
"You do know of course that I would win in any case," Drinian commented in a forced casual tone of dismissiveness to Lord Nimien who scoffed loudly in reply.
"I fear your long voyage my friend has given rise to some fanciful delusions on your part; too much sea air has addled your brain. But not to worry old friend now that you have returned I will be more than willing to dispel any such whimsical notions," Lord Nimien expressed brightly, grinning encouragingly at a darkly scowling Drinian.
Caspian caught Eltre's eye and they both shook their heads hopelessly as they raised their wine to their lips, not wishing to try and interrupt.
"Whimsical notions? – And pray what whimsical notions do you imagine I am entertaining old friend?!" Drinian shot back, his voice barely controlled.
"Drinian," Caspian called warningly though a smile tugged at his lips, "in Aslan's name do not start a brawl at the welcoming feast. If you wish to challenge Lord Nimien to a duel wait until the games and I'm sure Lord Nimien would be only too happy to oblige you."
Lord Nimien inclined his head graciously towards his King with a genial smile before he clapped Drinian's shoulder soundly, "of course Your Majesty I would delight in the opportunity to duel with our good and worthy friend here."
Lord Drinian's black look and rising temper was mollified instantaneously by Lord Nimien's words, "as would I," he agreed and Caspian and Eltre grinned in relief. No matter the rivalry that brewed dangerously close to boiling point at times between the two friends they always knew just how far to push the other and respected the boundaries.
"Do not think I will be going easy on you just because you have been at sea for five months though," Lord Nimien said, tugging at the end of his waxed moustache with a mischievous glint to his grey eyes.
Drinian scowled immediately, "easy? – I have spent the past five months battling pirates and renegades from Calormen on the seas; I wager my sword has seen more action these past few months than yours has the entire year cushioned here in the Cair."
Lord Nimien blustered for a moment, clearly not expecting the swift rebuttal and Caspian and Eltre laughed easily.
"It is ironic is it not Your Majesty that two grown men who berated us not a few moments past are now bickering like boys before us now?" Eltre pondered aloud.
Caspian frowned thoughtfully, trying to suppress his smirk, "you make a very astute observation my friend," he remarked, though Lord Nimien seemed oblivious as he suddenly exclaimed, "are you comparing me to a pirate?!"
Lord Drinian painted on a look of mild surprise, "why Lord Nimien I wouldn't dream of it – but they are your words, not mine," he finished with a smug grin.
Lord Nimien made swift to attempt a reply, "my Lords!" Caspian cut across him, "I feel I am in council trying to soothe my squabbling advisors!"
Lord Nimien looked immediately reproachful, an almost indiscernible dusting of pink touching the older man's proud cheekbones at his petty display and for letting Drinian play him so well. Of course Drinian looked far from remorseful, merely grinned all the wider at Nimien's discomfiture.
Lord Nimien shot Lord Drinian a foul look that carried the message clear and Caspian smirked internally thinking how their duel would be truly something to watch.
However their mirthful teasing was interrupted when Nausus approached them, smiling politely at those he passed.
The Faun advisor gently touched Caspian's elbow to draw his attention, "my King if you would like to announce the commencement of the dancing," he prompted and Caspian smiled tightly, nodding once.
Caspian heaved a sigh, knowing full well that protocol demand he dance the first with Princess Erinla as the highest ranking lady. However the thought was not as insufferable as it once would have been, as he moved towards the dais; his friends in tow, he heard the conversation behind him.
"How about a friendly wager?" Drinian proposed with a crafty grin.
Lord Nimien arched a dark brow, his face politely interested, "I'm listening."
"He who dances the most tonight chooses the particulars of the duel for the tournament," Drinian replied.
"The particulars of the duel?" Lord Nimien echoed.
"Yes; a joust? Hand-to-hand combat? A clash of swords…?" Drinian elaborated casually.
Caspian looked behind him curiously wondering what on earth his friend was playing at? – Lord Nimien was the better jouster whereas Lord Drinian being a sailor at heart was less confident on a steed; he was more than adept but not overly skilled as Lord Nimien was.
Drinian shot Caspian a sly grin and rolling his eyes slightly Caspian conceded he would know his friend's plans soon enough at the games tomorrow.
Nausus gave a minute signal to the servants that were standing unobtrusively about the hall to ready themselves to move tables and such aside, and then the Faun gave a surreptitious nod to Caspian, pressing a full goblet of rich wine into his hand.
A hushed silence fell over the hall as Caspian stood at the front of the dais and a few maidens hurriedly scuttled back to their seats with glowing cheeks.
"My lords, ladies and other distinguished guests" Caspian turned to give a half-bow towards the Archenland royalty, "to our noble allies of Archenland, King Avrain and his fair daughters Princess Erinla, Princess Nieva and Princess Cariel." There was a polite smattering of applause and King Avrain raised a hand with an indulgent chuckle.
Caspian tilted his goblet respectfully towards the proud king before he turned towards the hall again, "We've all gathered at the glorious Cair for…this tournament of fun and games!" Caspian faltered for a minute moment as he swallowed down his pride. The young king was not as vain as the Archenland King but neither was Caspian so self-abasing to not feel a sting of hurt pride at the false words. Of having to stand before an entire hall and tell blatant lies and worse than that - the face of every high-born lady perfectly composed, of every scheming relative and even his own loyal soldiers knew the words were false.
Caspian woodenly began to reiterate speeches he had said countless times before at previous tournaments; light and jesting with anecdotes that produced ripples of laughter throughout the hall and incentives shouted from indignant soldiers and lords alike protesting the reiteration of their embarrassing defeats, which all only served to increase the laughter.
Caspian rounded his speech to a conclusion politely, "and without further delay let the dancing begin," he exclaimed jovially, raising his goblet high.
Those finishing words were met with rapturous applause and cries of delight and laughter as everyone raised their glasses in tandem before drinking deeply.
Caspian was momentarily thankful that he had made sure to increase the last wine order as he surveyed the many flushed faces with wide excitable eyes that were about the room and imbibing generously of their goblets.
The serving staff swept away the tables and such with such speed and efficiency that it seemed a mere moment later when the first few tremulous chords of a fiddle rang out, that was shortly accompanied by the light floating melody of numerous flutes.
Caspian moved briefly to the dais, depositing his goblet on the table.
"Very well spoken," Professor Cornelius praised and Caspian inclined his head in respect, before taking in a rallying breath Caspian approached the fair haired princess.
Drinian had an infuriatingly smug look on his face as Caspian trudged towards him, barely managing to keep the look of courtly civility on his face.
"Don't say a word," Caspian enforced in a low tone when he reached the grinning Captain.
Drinian painted a mock innocent expression on his face complete with a wide-eyed look which Caspian's only response was to arch a circumspect brow.
"Is that Lady Inia heading in this direction?" Drinian remarked casually.
Caspian immediately cringed, his face betraying his momentary alarm as he looked over his shoulder, "where?" he squeaked out in a very un-king like manner.
Drinian immediately fell to loud laughter and after ascertaining that the clinging and overzealous lady was not in his close vicinity Caspian turned back to his friend with a ready frown.
"Very amusing," Caspian remarked dryly while Drinian continued to snigger unapologetically.
"I thought the lady was becoming a permanent fixture at your side. Everytime I looked around she was attached to your arm like vines to a tree," Drinian teased and Caspian grimaced lightly at the memory of Lady Inia and her over-eager attentions and laughter ringing in his ears.
"I couldn't for all of Narnia conjure a viable reason to get away from the woman," Caspian confessed, surreptitiously casting a glance around him to ensure the lady in question was far away from him.
"You're the King of Narnia – a very much unmarried King in search of a wife. There is very little you could have said to Lady Inia that would have voluntarily made her leave your side," Drinian replied.
Caspian rolled his eyes, heaving a sigh in resignation.
"Who was the girl you were dancing with last though?" Drinian inquired curiously, his eyes scouring the hall, evidently searching for Caspian's last partner.
Caspian gave a fond smile recalling the last dance that had been full of scarlet blushes, missteps and trod toes, "the Lady Alia of the Lone Islands," Caspian answered.
Drinian noticed the bemused look of his King and his curious look deepened. Caspian noticed and shaking his head with a grin he elaborated, "it's not what you think," he began, "though it is rather a long story, that I would not care to impart with our current surroundings where my every word is most likely being listened to – if not by devious relatives then Lord Farzán's spies."
Drinian smiled grimly in acknowledgment, raising his cup to his lips as his eyes assessed the hall though his gaze was no longer looking for the buxom Lady Inia but rather Lord Farzán's infamous spies.
Caspian drawing in a rallying breath, furrowed his brow as he recalled his friend's words before the feast, "what did you mean earlier when you said there was a surprise for me?"
Drinian's gaze snapped back to the young king, an impish light immediately entering the Captain's eyes as his lips twitched with the effort not to split into a wide grin.
"It wouldn't be a surprise then," he countered.
Caspian narrowed his eyes sceptically, "if this is another birthday…" he began warningly when Drinian cut across him.
"No, no, no – it's nothing like that," he laughed.
Caspian looked puzzled, "then what?" he pressed, remembering all too well the last birthday surprise his friend had orchestrated for him that resulted in a mandatory two week confinement to the healing wards, a hefty compensation to be paid to a very disgruntled Calormene visiting merchant and an extremely furious mermaid.
Drinian opened his mouth to respond and vehemently deny Caspian's suspicions when a dreaded laugh that Caspian had come to know unfortunately well over the course of the evening sounded, ever nearing.
Caspian grimaced hopelessly, "she's like a bloodhound!" he whined.
Drinian shot him a wry smile in understanding as he looked towards Lady Inia who was fast approaching them with a victorious grin on her face as her eyes alighted on her prey; a young unmarried King.
"Go on then," Drinian said and Caspian looked to him questioningly.
"Go on, escape for a while for some fresh air and space to breathe – I'll take care of Lady Inia," Drinian explained.
Relief immediately crashed across Caspian's expression, "but how?"
"I will dance with her; now go before she reaches us," Drinian urged and Caspian glanced over his shoulder to see that Lady Inia had been temporarily detained in her pursuit by Lady Eldra.
"I thank you for your most gracious sacrifice my friend," Caspian replied sarcastically grinning as Drinian rolled his eyes, "you offering to voluntarily dance with Lady Inia wouldn't have anything to do with the wager you have with Lord Nimien concerning the number of dances tonight?" Caspian added innocently.
Drinian's expression smoothed to one of superior aloofness as he sketched a dark brow, "not at all Your Majesty," Drinian assured him, "I happen to find Lady Inia's zeal very…engaging," Drinian struggled.
Caspian laughed and Drinian' serious expression disintegrated, "very well – do you want to endure another dance with Lady Inia because she is fast approaching."
Drinian's bright laughter chased Caspian as he swiftly moved towards the open doors with long sure strides.
The late evening air was still warm despite the sea breeze that rustled the eaves of the trees and the rushing sound of the waves ebb and flow upon the beach filled the night mingled with the much muted festivities of the continuing feast.
With a relieved sigh Caspian began to walk aimlessly along the paved cobblestone paths enjoying the much needed respite and privacy where he could for a few moments relax his tense posture and allow his shoulders to slump gratefully.
Caspian moved along the path that was leading him further into one of the many surrounding gardens of the palace; and Caspian was able to see that unlike many of the other gardens that were penned in with balustrades and balconies – the bottom of this garden led to a sharp drop of a sheer cliff face to the oceans below. Roughly hewn into the rock was a staircase that led straight down to the beach.
Caspian passed by an intricate display of rose trellises that formed an impressive arch; the sweet scent of the roses was heady in the fragrant air mingling with the numerous other perfumes of blossoms.
Narnia was in the peak of a scorching summer; of golden sunshine, clear blue cloudless skies and an explosion of colour everywhere; the perfect time for a tournament. He absently wondered what Susan would think of it all. During their time together there hadn't been much thought for small miscellaneous questions but he imagined that Susan would prefer the warm seasons; the heat of the sun's rays on her face.
It was as Caspian was staring up at the stars twinkling silently allowing his thoughts to drift caught up on the gentle breeze that a mighty roar out of seemingly nowhere jarred him back to his reality and surroundings.
However it was too late for before Caspian could even contemplate his next move, he felt a stocky form attack his legs and he fell with a heavy and audible thump.
Immediately stars swam before his vision and not the pleasant kind as white hot pain lanced through his skull, originating from where the back of his head had collided with the cobblestone path rather harshly.
Caspian winced, trying to reach for the part of him; the numb soldier that would be able to push past the pain and face his opponent.
Thoughts whizzed through his mind like sand through a sieve; was the Cair under attack? From who – Calormene? Further North? – Or perhaps somewhere far closer to home? His hand groped blindly for the dagger at his hip.
The shadowy outline of a figure swam above him for a moment as Caspian tried to compel his vision to focus. There was a hushed exchange of words and Caspian even thought he heard quiet sobbing.
A cool palm was placed on his forehead, pushing the dark strands of hair back; there were soft words being spoken but Caspian couldn't concentrate enough to distinguish them. The gentle actions threw him a little; surely this wasn't an attack on the Narnian King then?
Just then Caspian heard the distant cry of a voice he did recognise – Drinian: and a sigh of relief trembled about his lips for a moment.
He forced his vision to focus, to dismiss the swimming bright stars and focus on the shadowed figure hunched over him.
And then Caspian felt his breath stolen from him as though he had been brought to the ground all over again; his legs swept out from underneath him, the ground reaching up to meet him with dizzying alacrity as the dark outline took shape before him.
Clear blue eyes blinked back at him crinkled at the corners with concern as she was still speaking in a soothing voice.
Susan.
Thanks to Amber and Ruby for the new favourite!
Apologies about the delay in updating; what can I say – Christmas is a rather hectic time?
Also especial thanks to those that reviewed!
W.H.1492; Thank-you; next update; I hope you enjoy it as much!
Just Me; Thank-you so much; I hope you continue to enjoy. It's great to hear from a reader especially about original characters!
sarahwood; Thanks for the review! And yes she's coming up soon!
Silver Fletcher; Thanks as always. I will try my best to strive to do so.
Amber and Ruby; Thank-you for the review!
LillyZ; Well thank-you very much; I am very flattered that you think I'm able to write like that!
