Rajiisha went to the window. She looked over the lawn and the large pool down below. This castle had been in her family for generations. It was the only home she had ever known. How could she feel so alone here, of all places?
She saw a young woman walking up the path. The girl stopped and spoke with one of the palace guards at the perimeter of the lawn. The guard pointed up to the palace and they both looked…they looked towards her. Rajiisha moved away from the window.
She did not know this person. But something about her seemed vaguely familiar. Why was she walking freely about the grounds and speaking with the guards? This sort of thing would normally never be allowed. Should she speak with Meldric about this? Or should she continue with the charade that she knew nothing of their plans? She must continue to hide her suspicions.
Yet, it wouldn't be normal for her to not mention it to Meldric. Yes, she would speak with Meldric. She would pretend that he was still loyal and bring up the matter. Then she would watch for his response. She would watch him squirm.
John went into the kitchen. Tumnus was busy preparing dinner.
"John, where is Gar?" asked Tumnus.
"He's in the front room. He and Miller are talking about explosives."
"Are you sure that's wise?" asked Tumnus.
"I don't think we have to worry about him," John poured cup of coffee and took a sip. "He's coming around."
"Does he ask about Susan?" asked Tumnus. "Does he want to know about Col, his father?"
"We haven't talked much about it," said John. "I didn't know Susan or Col, so I wouldn't expect him to ask me any questions about them. In fact this whole Narnia thing and wardrobe is still a mystery to me."
"I'm sure it is." Tumnus stopped peeling the potato he was holding. "I wish you could have seen Narnia. It's difficult to explain. Can you imagine having to explain England to someone from a different world?"
"I hadn't thought of it that way," said John. "So it really is true? If you simply walk through the wardrobe you find yourself in another world?"
"There's more to it than that," said Tumnus. "When you walk through the wardrobe, you enter a woods between the worlds. You choose a pool and jump into it. That is how you enter another world."
"It's hard to believe," said John. "Yet, all these people just showing up out of nowhere, or should I say walking in from the spare room. I suppose it's the only explanation."
Stevan poked his head into the kitchen. "Garin has something he thinks we should discuss. He says it's important. Everyone is waiting for you."
Tumnus dropped the potato into the pot and turned up the heat. "This can cook while we talk."
They found the room full of people. Everyone was gathered together. Except Gar. Then he walked in the front door.
"Sorry to keep you waiting." He was carrying logs in his arms. "I thought we might need these. It's a cold night."
Miller looked over to the pile of wood by the fireplace. "Thanks, Gar. That was considerate of you."
"I wanted all of you to know of my plans. I intend to go back and give word to Rajiisha that all is well here," said Garin. "And I would like you to take care of my friends while I am gone."
"I will go back also," said Rabadash standing up. "I need to return to Rajiisha and to my kingdom."
"And I will go with you, Father," said Alyndra as she went to stand beside him. " I want to see my mother."
"And I want to go with you also," said Gar.
Tumnus stood up and motioned for everyone to calm down. "Wait a moment. Wait a moment. Let's be cautious."
"Why must we be cautious?" asked Gar. "It is time to take action. We have sat around here long enough."
"This is what I mean," said Tumnus. "We need to be careful who goes back and when they go." He turned to Gar. "And now is not the time for you to return."
"And why is that?" asked Gar.
"First of all, and most importantly, who would you return to?" asked Tumnus. "We see you as Susan's son and want you restored to Nelirion."
"Susan was not from Nelirion," said Gar. "And from what I've heard, the place she is from…what do you call it?"
"Narnia," answered Tumnus. "We call it Narnia."
"All right. From what I have heard Narnia no longer exists."
"Susan reigned as a queen in Narnia, but Susan was born and raised in this world," said Mrs. Rogers. "In fact she lived longer in Nelirion than either Narnia or England. If that matters. But what they are getting at is this, Gar. Will you return to your land? Or will you return with us to Nelirion?"
All eyes were on Gar. "Why wouldn't I return to Nelirion with all of you? That has always been my intention."
Tumnus stepped forward and put his hands on his hips. "And would you give up your allegiance to your homeland? Would you go back to see your mother?"
Rabadash was watching Gar closely. "Yes, Gar, would you return to the woman who stole you away from your parents? Or would you be willing to forget about her? Answer us now. We need to know."
"I don't see why I couldn't go to see my mother," said Gar. "Surely you don't expect me to turn away from the woman who is my mother?"
"Yes, that is exactly what we do expect you to do," said Tumnus. "If you intend to go through the wardrobe and return to that world, you must give up your mother. Otherwise you must stay here. It's as simple as that."
"You have no right to make that decision for me," said Gar.
"We have every right to make certain you do not go back to Cyan," said Rabadash.
"Aren't you being a little hard on him?" asked Jimmy. "He only wants to see his mother. You can't make him turn away from her."
"It's time we told everyone, Rabadash," said Tumnus. "We can't keep it a secret any longer."
"Cyan, the woman who stole Gar away from Susan and Col, my friends, was a traitor," said Rabadash.
"You threw her out of your land," said Gar.
"Yes, we did," said Rabadash. "She was traitorous then." Rabadash stepped over to Gar and looked him in the eyes. "But you see, I know all about her plans. I overheard Cyan and Niasha in the woods. I know they intend to kill me, and probably Rajiisha. I know she intended to set you up as the next king. You are aware of those plans, aren't you?"
Gar sat down in a chair. He stared straight ahead and said nothing.
"What you don't know, is that she also intends to rule through you. She called you a puppet."
"My mother wants me to be the king," said Gar. "Is that so wrong?"
"And you would kill my mother and father so you could be king?" asked Alyndra.
Gar went to Alyndra and held her hands. "Don't you see? You would be my queen. It would be perfect."
Alyndra tore her hands away from Gar. "I would never be your queen. How could you expect me to be a part of this evil scheme? I thought you were my friend."
"I am your friend. I love you, Alyndra," said Gar.
"You don't love me," said Alyndra. "How could you think of such a thing?"
"It was not my idea," said Gar. "My mother has been planning this. She has told me from my boyhood that some day I would be king of Nelirion."
"And did she tell you that as a part of the plan, she would kill you once you were king, so that she could reign in your place?" asked Rabadash.
"No! You are telling me lies," said Gar. "My mother would never do such a thing. She loves me."
"I heard her say it myself, as I stood in the woods outside the palace," said Rabadash. "She intended to kill you, just as she intended to kill me."