Chapter 7
"I can't believe the good weather has held out like this." Susan said as she saddled her horse.
"Does it not normally here on the coast?" asked Fae.
"Oh it's beautiful here most of the year, but when we get into the winter months-"
"There are awful storms!" Lucy finished dramatically.
"Anyways, I'm surprised it has lasted so long. This will probably be one of our last
picnics." Susan said, ending the conversation for awhile.
They finished saddling their horses in silence. Fae was happy, for she was anxious for spring to arrive. Yet, now that she thought of it, she had this little half of a wish that she could stay at Cair Paravel. She felt at home there. The royal siblings had made her feel like part of the family and she was going to miss them when she was in Terebinthia. There was a pang in her heart as she rode out of the stable behind Susan and Lucy. They had decided earlier that they would be going to the Vale of Roses, a secluded meadow in the woods behind Cair Paravel that was surrounded by rose bushes that bloomed all year long. It was one of Fae's favorite places in all of Narnia, and it wasn't far from the castle. They were almost there when they heard hoof beats behind them.
"It's probably the boys wanting to get out of their lunch meeting with that ambassador from Galma." Lucy said, reining her horse in. The other two followed her lead and Fae looked back. "Where they dressed in black this morning?"
"No . . ." Susan replied, looking over her shoulder at them. Lucy joined the other two and her gasp confirmed that it was not the Kings and the Galmanian ambassador following them.
The same thought occurred to all three and they urged their mounts into a run. Even so, the dark figures were growing closer. Fae felt panic rising in her chest.
"Susan! Your horn!" Lucy yelled over the hoof beats. A moment later a piercing note filled the air, then another.
"Faster! They're gaining on us!" Fae cried.
"Spilt up! Try to get back to the castle!" Susan screamed.
Both queens took off in opposite directions, leaving Fae alone. She pressed her mount to continue going straight. Fae looked over her shoulder. One of riders was still following her; the other two had gone after the Queens.
Her horse shrieked and unexpectedly Fae was sent flying through the air. She landed on the ground and pain flashed through her head. From her vantage point on the ground she saw what had frightened the horse so: a small snake that was rushing towards the underbrush. When she rolled her aching head back to find the rider that was following her, she saw he had already dismounted and was running towards her with a drawn sword. She rolled just as the blade came down, striking the ground where her head had been. She stood up dizzily, her head throbbing and ducked behind a tree, not a split second too soon, as the sword came flying at her head. It took her attacker a second to pull the sword out of the tree, but it was long enough for Fae to find a thick stick.
He ran at her and she dodged him, catching him in the ribs with her stick as she ran back to the path. She looked around, and thought she saw hazy riders in the distance. She shook her head and blinked rapidly, but didn't get a chance to double check. This was because she was suddenly knocked off her feet and pinned on the ground, her stout stick falling from her hand and landing just out of her reach. Malicious eyes glittered at her and as he raised his sword over his head she saw a charm glittering at his wrist. It seemed familiar, but she didn't have the time to dwell on it.
His sword was a hair's breath from her throat when horses thundered around them. While he was gapping at them she twisted and grabbed her stick, throwing all her weight behind the blow that caught him on the side of the head. A split second later her body was freed and the black rider was restrained, ropes bound around him. She saw Peter and Edmund with Selwyn and several other soldiers she didn't recognize before she noticed that there was blood everywhere and squirmed to get away from it. Peter was kneeling next to her in an instant, cradling her head and holding her still. His face was pale beneath his summer tan, making her wonder what was wrong. She didn't ask. Her head ached, and the blood wouldn't go away. Before she knew what was happening she was lifted from the ground, pressed close to Peter's chest. A few jolts later landed her in the arms of a Centaur she didn't know. Or perhaps she did, the world was growing so black that she couldn't tell.
"Get her to the castle! She needs the cordial! Fae, looked at me." She struggled to focus on his face. When she locked eyes with him, he smiled at her, but it wavered on the edges. Or perhaps it was just her vision. "You're going to . . ."
She was unconscious before he finished the sentence.
OoOoOo
It was dark when she opened her eyes, thankful that the nightmare was over. Almost without realizing it, she reached behind her head. There was no blood, no torn skin, not even a scar. She was fine. Yet her hand was shaking. Her eyes didn't take long to adjust to the darkness, for there was a fire burning brightly in the fireplace and candles glowing merrily on her bedside table. She tried to sit up and the room began to spin.
"No, Princess, you mustn't do that!" Leala cried, rising from her seat next to the bed and pushing Fae back down with a strength she didn't know the Dryad possessed. "You lost so much blood! The doctor said--"
"I what?" Fae cut in.
"When you hit your head you lost a lot of blood," the Dryad explained patiently, fluffing a pillow beneath her head. "The doctor said you need to rest."
Everything that had happened came flooding back all at once. She shuddered at the remembrance of all that blood. Questions came to her mouth before her mind could comprehend them all and she sat bolt upright, much to Leala's dismay.
"Are Susan and Lucy alright? Where did they come from? What were they doing? Why did they--Oh . . . My head . . . " She fell back onto the pillows. "Ow . . . Why can't I sit up on my own?"
""I told you, you lost a lot of blood. And Queen Lucy says the cordial can't fix things your own body will take care of in due time. And the queens are fine. You'll just have to wait for your other questions, I just don't know. You scared me out of five rings, Princess! When they brought you in all bloody and pale, I thought for sure you were dead, but then the High King said you weren't. I've never been so relieved in all my life! Why, even when my Granny fell--"
"Can I have something to drink?"
The Dryad blinked as the question registered before she hurried to do as requested. A minute or two later a goblet was thrust into Fae's waiting hands. "Here." Fae's throat rejoiced as the cool liquid coursed down it. She handed it back to the Dryad who refilled it and then she drank some more as Leala picked up her list of most reliving (and frightening) moments: "And then there was the time that the High King went off to--Oh my! The King! He wanted to be summoned as soon as you woke! And the doctor! I'll catch it for sure now! Excuse me, Princess, I'll be right back." She took a few steps towards the door and paused. "Oh dear! I'm not supposed to leave you! Whatever shall I do now? Someone has to tell the High King! Oh dear--"
"Leala." Fae said. Her summons went unnoticed. She tried again, louder this time. "Leala." No avail. "Leala!" She sent an ill-aimed pillow at the Dryad's head. It landed halfway across the room, but effectively silenced the worried ramblings.
"Yes, Princess?"
"Summon another servant to go for the High King."
Leala blinked. The idea had obviously never occurred to her, but she rushed to do as her mistress bade. A moment later another servant had been sent to fetch the doctor and Peter. Fae did her best to stay awake, but it was a struggle. Fortunately her struggle didn't last too long.
Peter was there in minutes, still dressed (though his clothing was far messier than it normally was) and with a quill tucked behind his ear. Behind him was Lucy (who looked as though she'd just woke) and a Satyr with white hair and a neatly trimmed beard to match. The doctor, she supposed.
Peter felt relief flood his veins when he saw her, eyes wide and following the movements of Lucy and Dr. Devdan Ranjit. He stayed back, not wanting to get in the way as Lucy looked her over, the Satyr verifying or correcting her prognosis. He had been proud that his little sister wanted to learn of medicine. Now he was grateful, knowing she'd tell him every last detail later.
"Fae, this is Dr. Ranjit. He's my tutor and one of the best physicians we have here." Lucy was saying as the doctor extended his hand.
"Pleased to meet you." Fae said drowsily, willing her eyelids to stay open.
"And you as well, Princess. We will talk more in the future, of that I am certain. But right now it's best if you rest. Your body does wondrous things as you sleep. Come, Lucy. We will discuss our patient in the hall."
The Satyr and Lucy exited the room, speaking softly and comparing notes. Peter was nearly out the door when she stopped him.
"Peter!" He turned to her. "Peter, you saved me," she whispered.
"Not really. I--"
"You picked me up and called for the cordial . . ." A yawn interrupted her. "And you . . . you pressed your hand over the wound to stop the bleeding . . . " She was nearly asleep.
"What anyone would've done, I just got there first."
"Thank you...Peter..." Now she was asleep. Peter looked down at her and smiled, wondering if he looked so young when he was asleep. "Sweet dreams."
He nodded to the Dryad and she took up her place in the chair next to Fae. He left, pausing to speak to the guard he'd placed at her door before going to his room, finally able to sleep.
OoOoOo
When Fae woke up the next morning Leala was sleeping in an armchair next to her bed, her head propped up on one hand. The sun was shining brightly through her windows and she was shocked at herself for sleeping in so late. She grumbled about missing breakfast as she sat up and swung her legs off the bed. The room spun and her head throbbed and she fell back on the bed with a grunt.
"What? Oh my! I must have fallen asleep!" Leala said even before her eyes were fully open. "Look at how high the sun is. Goodness me." She suddenly sat up, wide awake. "Oh dear! Oh deary me! Just look at that sun! I'm so sorry, Princess!"
"For what?"
"Well, their Majesties were wanting to eat breakfast with you this morning, but we've slept clear through breakfast and most of lunch! I am terribly sorry."
"Don't fret, Leala. It's fine. But I am a little hungry now. Would you be so kind as to fetch me something to eat?" The Dryad sprang to do her bidding. "And eat something yourself, alright?"
"Yes, Princess."
Leala left the room and Fae sighed with relief. The Dryad was growing on her, but her ceaseless chatter was enough to drive a person mad. She smiled and settle back into the pillows, taking in the roof of the bed's canopy with little interest. She reveled in the moments of silence. A knock interrupted her peace.
"Fae?" Susan's voice sounded through the thick wood. "Fae, your guard says you are awake, may I come in?"
"Oh, yes! Please do!"
Susan entered, smiling blithely and ran to her friend's side. They embraced, both equally relieved to see the other aright. Susan's smile turned into concern as she pulled the armchair closer to the bed and perched on the arm. "How do you feel?"
"Much better. Just a bit dizzy really."
"That's good. Lucy says you'll be up and around by next week." She took Fae's hand in hers and gave it a gentle squeeze. There were tears in her eyes. "We were all so terribly worried about you. I'm so glad the other two didn't get to you! The two following us stopped when they saw our faces and took off in your direction! I was so frightened and I didn't have my bow. I was just sure that they'd kill you."
"They wanted me," Fae shivered and Susan's brow etched in concern as she pulled the blankets closer to Fae's chin. "How did they know I was here?"
"We're not sure yet. But we've assigned guards to you, just to be a little safer."
"I don't think that's really necessary."
"Oh, but it is. We can't jeopardize your life by making a mistake as foolish as leaving you unprotected. It for your own good, dear."
Fae sat up, pounding on the mattress with irritation. "But it's not-"
Yet again, the room took up its pitching to and fro and she fell back. Susan's concern grew more visible, but she changed the subject. "I've got to go, but we, Lucy, the boys and I, were wondering if we might join you for dinner tonight. In here, of course, and only if you feel up to it."
"I would love it, Su. Thank you. What time?"
"The usual?"
"Of course, I'll have Leala wake me then. I can't wait."
Susan rose and gave Fae's hand another squeeze. "Alright. I'll see you then." She paused just outside the door. "And Fae?" The princess arched her eyebrows. "It's been a long time since I've seen Peter that worried."
Whatever is that supposed to mean? Fae thought as she watched Susan's retreating back.
OoOoOo
True to her word, just as the sun began to set Susan knocked on the door. She entered carrying a chair and was followed by her brothers and sister. Lucy wasn't holding a chair and she sat gingerly on the bed, ignoring Susan's reprimand about jarring Fae, and began chatting at her. The other three set the chairs close to the bed and a little table was brought in after them. Fae was given a tray with legs so she didn't have to worry about holding it.
The meal was spent filled with much chatter, mostly retelling of the day before from different perspectives. Fae didn't eat much; she wasn't feeling as well as she'd let on. When they'd finished eating the royal siblings stayed with her for a while. Edmund had come across a new conundrum and wanted her opinion. He kept the debate light, sensing Peter's worry at the slightest show of fatigue on her part. It came soon enough and Peter was soon ushering them from the room.
Peter had volunteered to stay with her until Leala returned with her guard for the evening. Fae argued that it wasn't at all necessary, but was silenced by a loud protest from the exiting three and Peter himself. The dinner things were cleared away and the table taken care of and one by one they left. Edmund was the last to leave, and he punched Peters arm and raised his eyebrows at him before he exited the room. Both Edmund's gesture and Peter's glare were unnoticed by Fae, who was lying down again and grumbling at the top of her canopy. Once they were all gone, Peter took the armchair that Susan had been sitting in and gently touched her arm.
"You need to rest." He handed her a goblet with a clear golden liquid inside. "Drink up."
"What is this stuff?" she asked as she obeyed, sipping the sweet liquid.
"The diluted juice of a Silver Apple, it helps you rest and you most certainly need to rest. You're exhausted."
"A sleeping draught?"
"Think of it as a healing draught. It tastes much better than some of the ones out there, let me tell you. And you'll feel much better when you wake up. Now finish it, by order of the High King."
Fae pursed her lips and glared at him, but obliged and drank the rest. As she was drinking, there was a knock at the door. It amused Fae, a loud bang and two soft ones, as if to apologize for being so insolent the first time. Peter called out and the doctor came in.
"Greetings, Princess," said the Satyr, bowing repeatedly. "Oh good! You're drinking the juice. I was just about recommend such action."
"I hardly think a sleeping drought is needed, Doctor."
"No, no, it is quite necessary. Quite necessary indeed; you need sleep, Princess. Lots and lots of rest, that's what those blood cells need. Plus there are other things in the concoction that will help you too."
"How long will I be before I can get up?"
"Well, that depends...It all depends. With a blow like that to the head and all the blood lost...It should be a few days if you keep resting and drinking lots of fluids, all kinds of liquids my dear Lady. Yes, yes, it should be just a couple of days."
"Is there anything you can do to speed up the process?" She stifled a rather large yawn at the end of her question.
"Mmm...We'll see. You need to sleep now Princess. I'll be back later to check on you. That I will. Sleep well, Princess."
Fae glared at the Doctor's back as he and Peter walked towards the door. She then rolled over to face the wall, overcome by her sleepiness and thus she didn't hear what the Doctor said to Peter in lower tones. When Peter came back to the bedside Fae was asleep. He watched her until Leala returned with Selwyn, her guard for the evening. He left with a small smile and a nod to the Faun. "Watch her well."
"Of course."
OoOoOo
The week since Fae's attack passed very slowly, or so she thought. She was seldom alone, but Leala was under the distinct impression that she needed to rest, and therefore anyone outside the royal family who visited her got the same impression. If it weren't for the Four coming to visit her often, she would have gone mad with boredom. Dr. Ranjit absolutely refused to allow her to do any from a strenuous activity, which included sitting up in bed to read a book. He and Fae had several rows over that, ones that she never actually won. One day, Peter came with Dr. Ranjit and after the Satyr took his leave, he stayed behind and their conversation went something like this:
"You know it's for your own good, don't you?" Peter asked after she'd given the guard that had replaced Selwyn (one of her favorites) a rather dirty look behind his back.
"Yes, to a certain degree. But sometimes it's just so foolish! It's not like I'll kill myself. I'm running out of things to do."
"The doctor says you're doing much better. He might even let you out of your room soon."
"Really?"
"Yes, really."
"Peter, if you're playing games with me I'll give you the worst thrashing you've ever received as soon as I can get up."
"I couldn't if I wanted to, you'd catch on far too quickly."
"That's right. So don't try to pull anything funny."
"I won't."
"Promise?"
"Yes."
"Good."
They sat in silence for awhile before she spoke again.
"Peter, may I ask a boon of you?"
"As long as it has nothing to do with you being left unprotected." Susan had told him about a plan Fae had been devising and he had been preparing himself for a conversation like this.
"But why can't I learn how to defend myself? It's not like there aren't better things for those soldiers to do. Besides, what use will I be in the taking back of Terebinthia if I don't possess the knowledge to defend myself against the enemy?"
Peter froze. He'd not imagined her actually going to war. Perhaps staying back with the archers, but not actually fighting, not being in the face of danger. The same fear that he contracted when he thought of his sisters on the battlefield turned his stomach into a tight knot. He shook the feeling off and forced a calm response to leave his lips.
"And what would you learn to defend yourself with?"
"Well, I do have a sword. Learning to use it would be a good start. I mean, I can use my knife, but not well. And I can't hit the broad side of a barn with anything. I'm sure it would be very useful."
"You have a point. Perhaps learning to defend yourself would be a good thing," his voice sounded stiff. "But you'll need to be protected until you learn some basics, and while you're recuperating, of course."
"Well, yes. Could it be done though?"
"I'll think about it and talk to some of the generals to see about finding you a willing
teacher . . ." he trailed off, getting lost in thought. Only the rather annoyed clearing of her throat brought him back to the room. "We'll see what's to be done, alright? Now, if you'll excuse me, I just realized that there's something I must do."
Fae smiled at his first statement, then became disappointed at the second, but didn't complain about him leaving her. She understood that he had duties that came before visiting a sick friend. He took her hand a squeezed it before he left her.
"And Peter?" He didn't turn to her from the doorway.
"Yes?"
"It wouldn't hurt anything of you smiled."
"Right. I'll see you later."
"I'll be here."
