Chapter 12: Bound by a Spell

The knight sat down, facing Jill, Puddleglum and Eustace. He sipped his wine and began to speak.

"For a long time, I have been the Lady of the Green Kirtle's servant. I have been in her debt ever since, because I am bound by a spell, and only the Lady can free me from it. Every night, I transform into a giant serpent. Once my Lady frees me from this curse, we shall become King and Queen of Overworld! She herself is at the diggings tonight, and I expect a message to go to her. We shall reach the surface within one day."

"I think you'll be a vicious tyrant," Jill told him.

The knight's smile frowned. "I shall do my Lady's bidding, who will then be my Queen. Her word shall be my law, even as my word will be law to the people we have conquered." He looked around and sighed. "Friends, my hour is near. They will come and bind me in the silver chair, which lies in the next room. I do not wish you to see me in such a state; go to my room and either stay there or sit in on my transformation."

The knight got up and went into the next room. Jill and Eustace looked at each other.

"Should we stay here, or go inside?" Eustace asked her.

"I'd like to stay here, but it's up to you," Jill responded.

Eustace went into the room, followed by Puddleglum and Jill. The knight sat in a silver chair, his knees and arms bound. He smiled.

"Come in, friends, come in."

They all watched as the knight started to moan, writhing in his bonds. He looked at Eustace. "If only I could get out of this enchanted chair, I would be free if this enchantment but every night they bind me. You are not enemies; I am not your prisoner. Cut these cords."

Eustace looked at Jill, who hesitated.

The knight spoke again. "I beg you, hear me out. What they have told you is a lie; I do not transform into a serpent. It is the rest of the day that I am under a spell! I charge you, by the great lion Aslan, let me free!"

Eustace and Jill looked at each other and instantly drew their swords. They ran over to the knight and cut him loose. Once the knight was free, he grabbed his sword and smashed the silver chair. A few seconds later, he turned to face them.

"I thank you for rescuing me, friends. I am Prince Rilian, son of King Caspian the Tenth."