Disclaimer: Nope not my characters except for the horses (I think.) A little lemonade is always good for the soul but if you're underage skip past the part and be good kiddies ;)
The fire spits harshly into the blacked night, shooting spidery tendrils of orange flames, insistent on vying for attention against the sparsely dotted, starry sky. Besides the roar of the conflagration, a mixture of human and animals cluster together in hopes of fighting the growing chill of the desert night. The soft snorts of the horses as they paw restlessly against the firm sandy ground, gives rise to Caspian's agitation as he uncrosses himself from hearth to comfort the animals in their time of need.
He eyes the makeshift tents and snorts with indifference at its occupants. His attention set solely on the middle one and his dark thoughts fuels the fire of his passion. He exhales loudly; glad his booted feet make no sound as they tread on the warm sands. Distantly and belatedly he acknowledges Jason's presence before the tents and continues along his path. It makes no sense to even attempt civility with his thoughts giving rise to emotions he chooses not to face... yet.
It is their second day of their journey towards Azim Balda and he has not said one word of remonstrance to Susan in their wake. They travel as an incognito band of heavily armed merchants, on their way to the city to ply their trade. It has been two days fraught with tension between Susan and him. Yet they have not indicated to any group member, all is not well between them. The stark nature of the sandy desert reflects the emptiness of his heart without Susan by his side. The thought arises with an unbidden nature, contradicting his previous ones. He feels incomplete without her and yet he does not know what restrains him from voicing thoughts.
"Ego." A voice echoes in the strains of his mind and he shrugs it with an indifference newborn in him.
They have chosen one of the oases along the way to set up camp. It is a beautiful place, a welcome sight of green among the sandy dunes with its numerous date trees, providing shade around the watering hole. Due to their well armed party, he is assured they will not be attacked by night. However, one cannot be certain what desperate tactics the desert wolves will attempt in their desire for bounty and women.
Men have been posted along the oasis in strategic positions to protect and ensure their safety. Peridan stands hidden in the shadowy protection of the trees, sitting straight backed, sharpening his sword. He is unnoticeable to all, except for the brief moments when the moonbeams strike against his golden hair. The sound fills the quiet night with an impending battle omen and as he neared the horses, tied to the front of the water hole, he cannot help but feel this mission is not meant for him but another. Unconsciously his eyes dart to the ladies tent, thinking of Susan examining her arrows. Is this her journey of awakening he silently questions, but no answer comes forthwith.
He pats the forehead of a restless horse and coaxes it with gentle words, to lie with the rest of its group. noting with amusement, Dhira's horse Frenia is the only one who continues to stand guard. Her ears cocked forward as she regards him with wise, brown eyes which seem to sense his agitation.
"You seem to have deciphered my mood Frenia." He croons and she nuzzles into the crook of his neck with a snort.
He badly wants to reconcile with Susan. He wants to hear her words to understand what he saw and to hear from her own lips, that his eyes deceived him. That it was but a figment of his imagination, to see her and Rabadash so close to each other. His stomach churns with a mixture of fury and jealousy. Yes, he admits to the latter. He knows the potent charm of the Calormen Prince and despite everything which has passed between them, seeing Rabadash in that intimate proximity sets his blood aflame. It took every morsel of strength not to run him through with Anglachel upon that surprise meeting.
Their morning farewell, had gone without problem, yet he knew despite the Prince's formal and kind words to their group, there were moments Caspian felt he gloated at the upheaval between Susan and himself and had even visited him in the stables with the intent of apologizing.
"Sir Caspian, may I request a moment." Rabadash greeted him as he tightened the saddle straps on his steed.
"Certainly Prince." He managed with a neutral voice. The stable hand completing his task, as Rabadash leads him into a private recess, away from prying eyes and ears.
Rabadash's face clouds with faint uncertainty, clearly thinking how to begin this difficult conversation. He pauses, hands clasped behind his back and he looks away, gathering his thoughts before taking the plunge.
Unflinchingly the Prince looked at him, his eyes narrowed in a string on unspoken thoughts. "What you witnessed last night was a mere transgression on my part. It was never meant to inflict further pain, but merely an attempt to mend a severed past."
"Has it been mended?" He questioned, his face a mask of stony indifference. The words of this man hold no truth in his eyes. He has lied in the past and Caspian's trust ebbs away with every breath.
Rabadash looks beyond him towards the bustle of the stable, as they prepare for Caspian and his group's journey. Caspian unconsciously clenches his fist, burning half shaped crescents into the calloused skin. The Prince is playing a dangerous game with his silence and not for the first time, Caspian breathes internally to clear his dark dreams.
"I...I believe it to be." He stated finally, after a life time of silence. His sharp eyes make contact with Caspian, as if in silent warning, the battle for Susan's hand is far from over. Clearly Rabadash thinks whatever words spoken between them, is enough for a second attempt at reconciliation.
"Then pray excuse me from this conversation. I have much to do and with such little time." Caspian coolly responded. He acknowledged the Prince with a stiff, formal bow and turned to leave.
"Wait!" Rabadash commanded and forcefully grabs his forearm. Caspian whirled around in a flurry of red sighted fury, feeling the strength of the Prince as he clamped down on his limb. He looked at Rabadash's arm pointedly and then to his face, ignoring the pounding between his ears at the audacity of this man to grab him. Rabadash refuses to give way and he invades Caspian's domain with a confident step.
"May I remind you O Prince, under the laws of hospitality and tradition, one does not force duress upon a guest, who has partaken in food and shelter." Caspian grited through clenched teeth, drawing up to his full height to look imperiously Rabadash. His eyes bore into the Prince's with a steely resolve, not to allow this man to dictate him.
"Apologies. It was not meant to be threatening." He firmly stated with a slight bow and Caspian deflates his anger to listen to his words.
"The time for departure, draws quickly upon us O Prince. Please state your words and have them be heard." Caspian indicated with a quick nod of acceptance
"There is no simple way to say this." Rabadash began and stuttered for a moment pausing once more as he seemingly searches for the method to bring light to his thoughts. "Yet I acknowledge there is some...understanding between you and Queen Susan. Choose to believe what you will Sir Caspian, but I have felt nothing but remorse for that violent past." He sighed and looks away. "A past, which will forever leave a lasting imprint on my vestige. For that I wish to make amends with Narnia and you will forgive me if I broke any laws of impropriety with the Queen. However, this was but the initial step in mending our strained relations." Rabadash concluded a wry smile on his face as he extends his hands in greeting.
Caspian knows his lack of acknowledgement will be costly to their overall safety. Despite his personal grievances, he understands failure to accept, will result in greater danger to the entire group. He does not trust the Calormen Prince, but as leader of this expedition, it is his duty to ensure the safety of all involved and to return unscathed to Narnia.
He gazed at the Prince, as if in attempt to fathom his thoughts. He with all of his years of leadership and experience is truly confounded at the man before him. For the first time in his life, Caspian is unable to read any intentions behind the eyes of his fellow man. It is an unnerving feeling that fills his stomach with a hollow sense of dread. "I accept your words O Prince and assure you Narnia recognizes your attempts of reconciliation." He stated and clasped his forearm accepting Rabadash's gesture. "However," He continued, his voice soft with steel undertones and pressed down on Rabadash's arm. "I fear another attempt of deception; will have consequences which neither of us can control." The Prince watched him carefully, his brow twitched in consternation as a sign of the message well received.
"I have not forgotten the One who truly protects Narnia." Rabadash muttered.
"See that you do not Calormen Prince. For His presence, drives us forward to our destination." Caspian replied with a grim smile. "I do not wish to clash with any of our allies, at such a delicate time." He firmly indicated, and release his hand.
"I assure you, mistakes will not be made twice. Good speed on your journey." Rabadash countered grimly. "I pray you return soon with Queen Lucy and the Prince. He has much to answer for." He concluded with a stiff bow, dramatically turning away in a swirl of cloth as the stable hands fall to the ground in acknowledgement.
Caspian watched his retreat with hard eyes. Despite the Prince's words, he knew instinctively, this was a man not to be trusted in his own country, far less the safety of a hated Narnian rescue party.
He knows this impasse must come to an end. He is the designated leader of this group and he should not let these emotions overrule his logic. Despite all these years of living, a part of him secretly admits his rashness is unwarranted and yet that ego, he has strived hard to repress, comes roaring in full vigour at this new situation. Once more he looked in the direction of the tents and sees a silver of light through the thin flap. He must go to her and patch their differences. Later tonight as they change watch, he will speak with her and end this impasse.
"Sitting so far away from camp, is not the wisest course of action." Corin's voice greets softly from behind and Caspian smiles into the night. He knew the Archenland Prince has displayed a tremendous level of resolve and responsibility in Tashbaan, indicative of his role as his country's representative during this delicate political crisis. It is a testament of Corin's development during their journey and he feels a sense of pride, in witnessing the young man's evolution.
"Perhaps it is not." He rejoins making space for the Prince to join him. "Yet a moment of mental respite is welcome during these trying times."
"I am always a willing ear, in any tumultuous time. Speak your thoughts and let your worries pass by." Corin replies, handing him a large water skin and he sits cross legged besides Caspian.
"I thank you for your kindness Corin, I have never met a truer friend." He says, taking a swig of water. "However..." He continues, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.
"Please do not say, this private squabble between Susan and yourself has no effect on the party." Corin cuts him off, surprising Caspian with his intuitive assessment. "I can assure you." He replies fixing a steely gaze at Caspian. "It does." He finishes, with deathly seriousness.
"How...how did you notice?" Caspian asks incredulously. "We, both prevented talk by appearing to be on friendly terms." Corin's honest assessment has left him speechless. Surely, he has underestimated the Prince's perceptiveness from the beginning.
"One's true nature is only obvious, when you care to look beyond the surface." Corin softly replies. The air around them is filled with silence as Caspian reflects on Corin's words. "I present you two options, to solve this conundrum. Either speak with myself and then go to her, or voice thoughts to Peridan and then go to Susan." He advises punctuating each word with a wiggle of his finger.
"Peridan?" He stutters. Again Corin has punched him in the gut with this newfound serious demeanour. "I have hardly spoken to anyone of my feelings for Susan, much less to Peridan who is grieving in his own right."
"You are right. Yet have you spoken to Peridan about his loss of Lucy?"
Silence hangs in the air and he guiltily glances at Peridan, ashamed he has not. In his own anger and grief, he has forgotten about the man, who rides towards what may be a last stand to save his beloved. Corin's stark words reminds him of his own forgotten duties as leader of this party to include and protect even the most battled seasoned warrior. He looks at the Prince with wondrous sense of pride in his leadership abilities to put the others before his own needs. If the world contained such men as Corin, it would be a better place to dwell in.
"Let your anger ebb into the sandy winds Caspian." Corin says gently placing a hand on his arm. "Trust Susan with your heart. She will not fail you in any time of need. Her loyalty to the ones she loves is greater than your misgivings on what you saw. She grieves at not being given the chance to explain." He continues and again Caspian feels remorse at Corin's wise words. "Do not let the blossoming of a great love, wither and die for lack of words."
"Truly, your counsel is greatly appreciated and welcomed." Caspian replies and smiled at Corin, reaching over and ruffling his blonde hair, much to the young man's chagrin. "You should take a bath." He voices, pointing towards the oasis. "There's too much sand in your hair." He laughs lightening the mood and Corin grins mischievously.
"Perhaps you can assist Susan in washing out the sand from hers." He winks, earning him a playful slap across the head from Caspian.
"Your cheekiness will be the death of you Corin and I am certain Aravis will be the willing executioner." Caspian laughs and stands, dusting off sand from his behind. Sand in ones breeches, especially during riding, was not a comfortable thing.
"She can attempt but I fear I will be betrothed to the fieriest Tarkheena who will prevent all efforts of taking my head." He replies and imperceptibly nods towards Peridan.
"Patience, I am going." Caspian fumes and Corin pointedly ignores him, choosing to stretch out on the sand. His hands tucked comfortably behind his head and gaze fixed firmly on the sparsely lit night.
"I wonder how many secrets this oasis would reveal, if given the chance." Caspian softly asks, joining Peridan's shift, observing as he merely shrugs his shoulders.
"The sands hold the greater amount." Peridan replies after a lengthy pause. "Yet, despite their silence, I would scour the entire reaches of them to find Lucy." He continues his voice belying the sadness and longing to be with his love.
"Peridan," Caspian echoes and clasps a hand on his shoulder. "Have faith we will find her and I promise you as a sworn brother in arms. She will safely return to Narnia, even if my blood needs be spilled on this sand to protect her."
"Your words lighten burden Caspian to dark thoughts." He replies. The first smile graced his face since they left Tashbaan and it relieves Caspian to an extent. "Yet," Peridan pauses, turning to him. "How do we get her out of this fort and maintain the safety of Queen Susan and Corin?"
"I was advised to seek for a Shaheeda in the city by Lasaraleen." He says thoughtfully. "She is the daughter of Tarim, Akatosh's Vizier and yet, Lasaraleen swears she will assist us."
"To put our trust in the daughter of Akatosh's trusted companion, is akin to placing ones head in a bear's mouth." Peridan replies grimly.
"Yet." Caspian pauses. "We place our faith in Dhira?"
"Very true and yet, I cannot but help voice at my concern at our dependency on the Princess." Peridan replies and faces Caspian. His grey eyes glittering like sliver flints of steel.
"Speak your thoughts and let them be heard." Caspian returns and turns briefly to ensure they were alone.
"Very well. The Princess has been nothing but a helpful ally in this venture and I cannot but sense something is amiss with her." Peridan replies, his voice a dull whisper. "Her affections for the High King, weighed against her own family, places her in perilous predicament and I fear not even the former can sway her thoughts, should she be forced to choose." He concludes with a heavy sigh. "I would not have said these words..."
"Nay, you are right to voice them." Caspian replies, running his hands through his hair. It is a nervous habit of his. The only one he never seemed to break. "Your concerns run similar to mine. We ask her to betray her family and a twin for sake of what? To rescue a Queen, she has never spoken to in her life." He said and Peridan looked at him sharply.
"What do you propose we do?"
"You and I have that task, not only to protect Corin and Susan, but we must also watch the Princess." He replies after a moment of thought. "I do not completely mistrust her. She has been nothing but helpful. However... we come to the delicate stage of this journey. We must maintain a hard vigil of all those around us."
"Including Rabadash's party?"
"Especially Rabadash's men." Caspian echoes. "Their loyalty lies only to their Prince. I am afraid not even Dhira can command them, if they have been given secret orders." He states with a shrug of his shoulders.
"This plot thickens with each step of our journey." Peridan laughs harshly and Caspian can only nod in agreement. "What of the Prince? I heard he spoke with you before we left. Did he promise protection?" Peridan questions and once more Caspian looks away, this was territory he did not wish to divulge.
"Rabadash promised he would assist." He replies curtly. His mind on Susan roving in her tent, anxious and angry and suddenly, he felt the need to see her more than ever.
"I do not know your past Caspian." Peridan interrupts softly. "But hark my words; a snake in the grass is what he is. I will never trust him, whatever his promises. He has broken too many vows, to be ever be trusted politically and personally." He fumes and clenches his fist over his pommel.
"I trust your judgement Peridan and I too have felt some pangs of insecurity, despite the appearance of contriteness."
"May I be honest Caspian?" Peridan requests quietly and Caspian glances at him with a smile, gesturing for him to continue. "I have experienced many things in my life; some have left joyous prints in my heart and those which still strike fear into the darkest chambers of my soul. Susan's Calormen experience and the aftermath on her struck a resonance of helplessness in me that I could not help a friend in her time of need." Peridan exhales loudly as if a deep secret was to unfold and Caspian felt his stomach unconsciously clench with each word.
"I do not understand." He trails off uncertain if he wanted to hear this story but it clearly unsettles Peridan and he needs to vent.
"In your current relationship with Susan, I am certain she has mentioned unpleasant memories of her time." Peridan questions and Caspian nods in silent assent. His throat dry with anticipation. "What she does not know, we prevented an attack on her two nights before, Rabadash made his true intentions clear." He continues, his eyes lost in memory of those troubling times.
"What kind of attack"" He asks knowing the answer already.
"An attempt to kidnap her from her quarters, while we were on board the ship." Peridan says lowly. "She does not know nor will she hear from my lips." He grits through clenched teeth. "Caspian, you must know." He pauses. "The attack was headed by the youngest Prince of Calormen."
"What?" He explodes, startling the other guards on duty.
"Edmund and I have kept it a secret all these years, which is why he was insistent on coming after Lucy with us." Peridan continues his voice calm and unaffected by this startling reveal.
"I understand your reasoning, but why have you not spoken to me before? This severely impacts our security here." Caspian reprimands and Peridan appears ashamed at himself.
"I should have, but I wrestled with the thought of breaking my vow to Edmund." He rejoins, his face contorted with a mix of emotions.
"Was the body ever recovered?"
"No. There was no choice but to dispose of them in the city sewers." Peridan sighs, rubbing his temples.
"On whose orders do you believe he acted upon?" Caspian asks.
"Till this day, neither Edmund nor I have ever been able to answer that question. The possible suspect was Rabadash but we had to flee the country in such a short time after. There was no time to concern ourselves over the ramifications of that botched plot." Peridan explains and the revelation, brings to light another avenue of their current situation.
Caspian leans heavily against a palm tree. The solidity of the trunk, gives him the support he needs with Peridan's words. "What of the Tisroc?" He asks.
"The Tisroc?" Peridan echos. "Nay, despite his consent of Rabadash attacks, I have later learnt, he assented only to rid himself of a troublesome son." He concludes, crossing his arms in thought.
"A father that places his heir into battle with the chance of losing his life appears strange to me." Caspian exclaims.
"I agree, yet we must remember, Calormenes pride themselves on their prowess in war." Peridan reminds him. "A crown Prince at the helm of an army is part of their duty. If he fell, glorious would be the odes sung in his memory and another to take his place in line."
Caspian looks at the stars, searching for answers among the twinkling lights. This certainly twisted their sojourn in the Southern lands even more. He had to tread carefully, and think what consequences would befall them, should it be revealed, Narnians were responsible for the disappearance of a Calormen Prince. It also added another element of danger with their allies. He could not trust anyone now, even Dhira despite his previous words. Losing men in open war was acceptable to an extent, they were performing a duty to their country. However, the murder of a royal member under the shadow of night meant an increase in danger for their little party. His head throbbed with the news and yet he could not afford to be angry with Peridan and his words. Like the soldiers, Peridan was only doing his duty to country and protecting allies as well.
"I know these are troubling words." Peridan begins and stops, cocking his head in the direction of a large sand dune.
Caspian propeles himself off the tree, hand on Anglachel's hilt. "What is it?" He questions, squinting his eyes in the same path.
"Nothing." Peridan replies. "A trick of the eyes." He says and diverts his attention to Caspian again. "Forgive me for not speaking earlier, but I could not in Tashbaan. The walls there have ears." He indicates with a grim smile.
"No need for apologies Peridan." Caspian consoles. "Though this places us in an even more delicate position, our path is clear. Once we rescue Lucy, we will find a way to divert our course away from Tashbaan and make way to our ship." He informs him. "I would not, place the lives of our party at risk, for some trap."
"Then you do believe, there is deception among us." Peridan questions.
Caspian pauses, drumming his fingers against his leg. "I do not know. Yet it is not a risk I wish to make. Two Queens of Narnia and an Archenland Prince, provide a very valuable ransom for those who desire power." He thoughtfully replies.
"Agreed." Peridan murmurs in assent.
A silence filled the air between the two men. Each lost in thought on the heavy duties placed upon them. For Caspian, the mantle of leader seemed to weigh him down tonight and he missed Susan's wise counsel. He looks at her tent, the light welcoming him into her abode and the pangs of separation, gnawed at his innards. He wants to kiss her, to run his hands through her hair and be lost in her scent. To be home where his heart lay and perhaps Peridan too was thinking of Lucy in this star clustered night.
With their conversation, he felt another level of respect added to the Archenland Lord. Though, their initial meetings were strained with misconceptions, with each step of this arduous journey, he understood why Peridan was a valued member to the Archenland and Narnian contingency. His loyalty and diplomacy were on par with the Kings and Queens of both countries. His love and devotion to Lucy, only added to his character and Caspian knew, if any harm befell him, Peridan would risk life and limb to protect the others and ensure their safety.
Yet there was a major issue left unspoken and Caspian needed to hear the man's thoughts on it. "We have spoken so much and yet said so little about Akatosh." He says and immediately notices Peridan bristle at the name.
"You believe me unable to stay my hand, if he has harmed her?" Peridan asks unflinchingly.
"Yes." He replies honestly. There was no place for secrecy in this matter. "I cannot allow you to cause harm to the Prince, despite his actions." He says. "I need not explain the reasons."
Again a silence filled the space between them and once more Peridan looked at the tumbling sands before them. His thoughts kept within him. Time ticked by in slow agony and Caspian dared not breathe for breaking the fine thread of brotherhood beginning to form between them.
Peridan finally turns to him, his brow furrowed with lines of worry and anger, which sent tendrils of concern to Caspian. "You ask me not to harm this fiend who has snatched, the love of my heart like a jackal stealing from a Lion." He says and his voice trembled with emotion. "For the first time in my long tenure of service, I am asked to choose between love and duty. It is a difficult choice." He exhales and closes his eyes, a leaking tear startled Caspian and he reaches over to him, with a warm arm on his shoulder. "Yet Caspian, I will choose duty over love." Peridan breathes deeply. "Because I know Lucy is protected by Aslan's Grace." He concludes and Caspian smiles tremulously.
"Utter faith in Aslan, will lead anyone along the right path." He agrees with a smile and Peridan wipes away the tear.
"He will keep her safe as always. Though, my anger at Akatosh's actions has washed over me. I cannot allow our countries to go once more to war over any rash decisions. I have the belief Aslan will ensure it does not come to that and Akatosh will pay for his choices." Peridan said and smiled once more at the other man. "You have my word of honour, I will not take his life, even when provoked." He says and outstretches his arm as Caspian grasps it with gratitude.
"You have relieved much of my worries." Caspian replies.
"Then your work here is complete, yet... I sense your heart is heavy." Peridan replies and turns towards Susan's tent. "I have known Susan for many years and she is adept at masking her sadness. I would see that emotion removed before we set out in the morn."
"Does everyone in this party know of our spat?" Caspian wonders with some annoyance.
"Go to her and relieve the pains of your hearts." Peridan instructs as Caspian silently looks at him. "You think we do not see the strained looks between the both of you?" He chuckles and looks up at the sky. "Life is too precious, to be angry." Peridan whispers. "It is too short to spend it without those who truly love you."
"A wise philosophy." Caspian replies softly.
Peridan critically appraised Caspian's slouched shoulders and despondent look and smiled once more. "Caspian." He sighs indulgently. "Susan's heart lies firmly with you. I have seen scores of Princes and Kings from distant lands, all vie for her affections and she politely declines every single one. She is wise our Gentle Queen and her heart beats with love for all. Yet, I have seen the longing looks when she glances at Lucy and I. She wants to share her life with someone who sees beyond the title and sees the real person beneath." Peridan quietly explains and Caspian listens with rapt attention, understanding all too well the loneliness of royal expectations.
"I have seen the lines with my own eyes during my initial weeks." He responds and the words feel hollow in his ears. He knew what Peridan was attempting to express.
"Then you know how much she adores you with all that she has endured. I have observed the love in her eyes when you are near her. We men cannot express ourselves eloquently as the bards yet it would be folly to let this impasse continue." Peridan reprimands and Caspian looked away ashamed, his own selfish pride allowed the rift to continue.
"You have opened my eyes to the folly of my way and for that I thank you Peridan." He replies and looked longingly at the tent.
"Then my good deed for the day is complete." Peridan laughs and pushes him towards his new destination. "Go and do not make her angry for pacifying Susan in that mode is more difficult than subduing the High King." He teases and sends him on his way.
He stands before the tent flap, his heart hammering loudly in his chest and he tugs painfully at his tunic, the fabric suddenly closing around his neck. Jason has been reprieved of his duty and now stood a few paces away with Corin as the Prince showed him the star constellations and their names.
"You have faced greater perils Caspian. Why tarry now?" He chides and reached forward to announce his presence.
Dhira's face peeks out at the same time and she appraises him with a critical look that left him bewildered at the vehemence in her eyes. He expects disdain from her, but to this extent, it leaves him confused and tongue tied.
"Go in." She instructs with the jerk of her thumb. "And do not leave until all is well." Her voice chilly as the ice glaciers he once saw on his long sea journeys.
"Yes." He replies softly and gasps as she unceremoniously pulls him inside. An indignant huff betrays his presence as he strives to keep balance. His exclamation, serves only to highlight his ungainly entrance before Susan and he sees her startled face and arms reach for him before he crashes to the hard floor in a crumpled heap. Dhira's mischievous laugh echoes from outside and he vows to pay retribution. These comical entrances always leave him with haunted and embarrassed impressions.
Soft hands, guides him up and he peers into the concerned eyes of Susan. She seems to be holding up her laughter well, he thinks with a wry smile. Yet the crinkle at the corner of her lips, betrays her resolve. "Are you all right?" She asks in concern, and her eyes scan his face for signs of injury.
"I am unhurt." His curt response swiftly reverses the tender moment and she removes her hands leaving a chill between them and a loss of warmth within him. He curses himself internally for the wrong tone and fights to keep the frown off his face, when she steps a few paces away from him.
"It is only too apparent, the fall was minor." She responds frostily, her hands crossed around her defensively. "What brings your presence to our tent Caspian?" Susan asks firmly, her eyes no longer radiating any warmness at him.
"To ensure you both were settled in." He replies defensively and runs another nervous hand through his locks. His lack of finesse has impaired the ability to ease into his apology and he stumbles for another way to redeem his error.
She waves a careless hand around the Spartan tent, indicative of her mood. "As you can see," Susan gestures dismissively. "The accommodations are the best given the nature of our cause. If that is all you desired to know, you may leave with a satisfied heart." She says and turns away from him. This was a disaster he internally bemoans.
"Susan...wait." He requests and touches her hand, stopping her retreat. She turns to him, her body shaking with repressed anger and he flinches at her visible mode. It was guilt wrenching to know he upset her so much.
"What do you need Caspian?" She sighs in exasperation. Her body wilts like a dying flower and it unnerves him to know the mental stress of the last days upon her, in which he has played the main villain role to perfection.
"I came to apologize." He replies sincerely. "Please Susan." He begs. "Look at me." He requests and intertwines her hand with his.
He is stricken at the sadness radiating the in pools of blue and also detects hints of anger as well. There is no better time than the present to make amends and staring at Susan right now, he desires nothing but to do that.
The words flow freely and without hesitation. "I have acted harshly and rashly since that night." He speaks softly reassuring her. "When I saw him before you, everything turned red. I... I wanted to kill him with my bare hands." He confesses and Susan's sigh of exasperation, confuses him. She has never responded with such disinterest before, has his actions taken him away from her affections?
"There was no need for that Caspian." She counters and a thoughtful pause. "He was merely asking forgiveness for his previous actions. I understand your concerns for my safety but I did not feel any danger from Rabadash." She explains and he feels a spike of anger replacing previous guilt. He loves that aspect of her, but to trust this snake was beyond his understanding.
"How can you willingly trust him Susan? After all that he has done?" He implores and resists the urge to shake her out of this stupor.
The reaction was immediate. In an instant the anger and annoyance bubbled to the surface and she roughly pushes him away, her eyes blazed with ferocity that he never has never encountered or been the receiving participant, even when she was angry at Peter's treatment of their relationship.
"You overstep your boundaries." She exclaims heatedly and places her hands on her hips, a stance of utter irritation.
"I overstep nothing!" He shouts in exasperation. "Susan." He pleads. "Understand your safety is of the utmost importance to me. To see you with that snake, to see his lips on your skin is more than I can bear!" He speaks annoyance coursing his words and reaches for her again, but this time she pulls away with an indignant huff.
"Do you take me for a foolish girl, who has forgotten the safety of all involved?" She asks incredulously, fire punctuating every single word. "I thought it was you Caspian, coming to see the tree, after Dhira left to bring you to me." She continues. "What would you have of me in that moment? To flee from my demons and have you chase them away from me?" She spits venomously, her eyes like blue chips of fire. "I have ran and ran away from it all. I have retreated so far into the guise of the 'Gentle Queen' that I no longer recognize myself and now you of all people..." She pauses gasping for air, her face the darkest shade of crimson he ever saw. "You, who supposedly understood my fears, want me to be another damsel in distress." She pants in conclusion and for a moment he is speechless at this rant.
"I do not want you to be that!" He roars in frustration "I have never wanted that from you. I have travelled the lengths of time to be with the Archer Queen whose ferocity made her enemies tremble before her very sight! I have entreated and cheered with each moment you regained your true nature and yet you spit those heartless words without remorse." He counters as Susan looked briefly away, his words seemingly striking resonance in her logical mind. "Susan." He reaches for her again and she struggles aimlessly in his arms while he fights to calm her. "Susan..." He pleads and now tears are dripping from his lashes as he struggles to contain his emotions. "Please..." He breathes pressing his head against hers. "I have lost you once to time. Please, I do not wish for that same fate again." Caspian confesses and her sobs filled the space between them.
"Then trust me Caspian." She weeps openly and presses her fingers to his cheek. It breaks his heart that they must wound each other so grievously in order to progress. "Trust in my decisions and know that my heart resides only with you... and will always. Rabadash's appearance could only be a sign from Aslan to test our resolve in each other and my own strength." She reasons and he wipes away her tears with a gentle thumb. In his fit of anger and jealousy, he never once stopped to think of Aslan intervening to assist His beloved children.
"I truly regret the moments spent without you by my side. It is a bitter lesson, well learnt." He whispers and kisses her gently, tasting the salty tears on her lips. "And one never to repeat. I have and will always trust you with my entire being." He vows and the smile she rewards him with, made the entire cosmos stop.
"Then..." She pauses with half parted lips and her eyes lidded with a known uncertainty he has seen before in the confines of the jousting tent. "Let us make the present a night to never forget." She replies coyly and crashes her lips against his in passionate need.
She opens to him like a rose bud in bloom and he accepts her request with complete devotion and worship. No words need to be said; he wants her, desires her and her eyes mirror his own thoughts. When nothing is promised for the next day or even in the next moment, he knows this time they will take this stolen and fleeting moment to act upon the emotions of their heart. He breaks away and secures the tent flap, ensuring no disturbance from the others and he secretly thinks, their friends will not judge them on this supposed act of impropriety. Caspian craves nothing more than to join their bodies, mind and soul. Susan's actions as she hastily divulges him of his sword belt and tunic with urgent fingers indicates she shares the same sentiments.
He pulls her hard towards his own body, revelling how her pliant frame moulds against the hard planes of his. Her hands roved with wanton abandon over the contours of his skin, setting him on fire and she arched, allowing him free access to the graceful lines of her neck. His tongue and teeth playfully nips at her soft skin while she moans in approval at his gestures. It is the most beautiful sound he ever heard in his life.
Yet she too was unwilling to be passive in this passionate display. Her fingers ghosts over his chest and mischievously circles around his hardened nubs of flesh and he hisses in approval when she lightly pulls them. Her work was far from incomplete but he allows her the moment of victory. All coherent thoughts leaves his mind, as her roving fingers travelled down the sculptured planes of his chest, her fingernails lightly caressing his stomach muscles and he clenches hard as she follows with a playful bite at the thundering pulse of his neck.
Her fingers expertly unties the string of his breeches and she looks at him full of desire when she arrives at her destination pausing to savour the tremors that rack his body with her touch. Her eyes widen at her first touch of his hardened member and he moans with whispered words of encouragement to continue with her ministrations. She cups him, and her eyes open in amazement to find him hard, wanting and straining against the fabric of his breeches. He pants with ecstasy and throws back his head, eyes closed and veins throbbing, when she slips her hand into his breeches and touches him fully for the first time. Her wonderment is a balm for his stormy desires and he loves seeing her eyes alight with a mixture of mischief and need.
"Wait...wait" He instructs through gritted teeth and stills her stroking hand with great effort.
"What is wrong?" She enquires. Her voice husky with desire and he calls upon every ounce of strength not to ravish her on the spot.
"Nothing." He replies kissing her to still the protest. "Tonight is hardly about me. Let me show you... how special you are." He whispers and picks her up. Susan instinctively wraps her legs around his waist as he carries her to the makeshift, corner filled with rugs and pillows which serves as her bed.
He lovingly gazes down, drinking in the sight of his beloved; his eyes lidded with drunken yearning at the visage of her silken strands spread across the pillows like a spider's web, and he desires nothing more than to plunge his fingers into those thick, dark locks and inhale the very essence of Susan.
For once he was happy, she wore Calormen clothing. It consisted of a simple tunic and light breeches held together with a silken sash at the waist. It does not encumber his haste to see her in all her glory. He pulls her up, and again she wraps her legs around his waist sitting firmly against his aching core. Her arms scratch trails along his back muscles and it is difficult to focus on the task at hand with her loin aching machinations. He pauses and breaks away from her soul searing kisses and places one hand on her back, for balance as the other hand rips away the silken sash which held her tunic in place and throws it aside like a fluttering leaf.
Gently he slides the soft fabric over her shoulders and tosses to join the sash and nips at her clavicle eliciting several approving moans from Susan. His eyes devour the silky expanse of skin before him and the glory of her heavy, pink tipped breasts. His fingers run a trail from the base of her neck to the valley of her breasts and he looks at her for confirmation to continue. Her lust glazed eyes, spoke volumes and he gently cups her mounds and revels in the fullness of them in his warm hands. A loud, pleasurable hiss escapes from Susan as he ran a practiced thumb over her hardening dusky pink nubs.
He throaty moans encourage him to delve deeper as she arches her back, giving him more access to pleasure her and he willingly complies. He dips his head and laves his tongue upon the sweet rounded underside of her sweetly, curved mounds, and makes his way along to the aching and hardened peaks which clamours for attention. She gasps and thrusts against him, further enflaming his swollen manhood as she heaves in pleasure with his skilful and hot tongue, which swirls and nips at her surging mounds.
He was only too aware, it was a thin scrap of fabric which separated their joining and he gently brings her down upon the rugs, his mouth never leaving the glistening mounds of flesh as nimble fingers, slid her breeches down her hips and thighs. He smelt the scent of their arousal high and intoxicating and it felt as if he was in a dream, when her hands moved to remove his own breeches, now half way down his hips.
"There is no turning back from this love." He whispers and stills her hand once more, allowing her to make a decision which could result in unpleasant consequences.
She leans up, her bright, blue eyes mingled with desire and innocence smiles lovingly at him and she kisses him such love, it sears into the very chambers of his soul. "There is none I would trust more in this matter." Susan sweetly replies. "Tonight, make me yours, Caspian, body, heart and soul. I choose passion over logic, if only to share this moment with you." She pleads and his only response is a chaste kiss of acceptance.
"That my love, I will gladly..." He begins, before the sound of clashing steel reaches their tents. Instantly he moves away and laces up his breeches while handing Susan her clothes. His tunic near at hand was on him while he searched for his discarded scabbard. He glances at Susan, her face ashen but she too has already redressed and is strapping on her bow and quiver. She quickly waits on him for instructions.
"Stay close beside me." He instructs and kisses her with passion which conveys his regret of not completing their act. She nods silently and allows him to lead the way outside into the unknown fracas.
For a moment, he stands frozen as if the sands have opened and swallowed him into their gritty depths. Before them stood a haggle of desert thieves engaged in direct combat with their party. Jason and Peridan clashed with five men, while the others were separated by smaller enemies. Quickly he scans the battlefield in search of Corin and Dhira and breathes a sigh of relief, as he chances upon them behind one of the horses. His relief turns into petrified horror as a single horseman bears down upon the unarmed duo and his desperate sprint will not reach them in time.
A single cry of agony and an arrow to the neck, fells the would -be assassin and he halts in mid stride and glances at Susan standing before the tent, another arrow notched to provide him with protection. Her stance and face reflects a danger and purpose which would render any enemy into food for the buzzards.
"Quickly to Susan!" He barks upon reaching the other two. "Get weapons and stay together. I will return!" He instructs and safely ushers them back to their tent.
"Go to Peridan, he appears outnumbered." Susan commands and he nods silently as she felled another man, this time with a perfect shot to his heart.
"Have Corin protect the rear. We shall not be long in finishing this haggle bunch of fools."
He brandished Anglachel with a single point of focus that would strike fear into the hearts of any who dared cross him. His blood sang with the taste of battle and it seemed Anglachel welcomed the same sentiments of his master. Caspian's well honed swordsmanship, and the deathly visage of his blade, made a terrifying sight to those who fell before its bite.
Bone and sinew, muscle and limbs, fell to the sands and clotted the clear earth with pool of ominous crimson stains. They came at them with all heart and no purpose or skill and he curses mentally, hearing the squelch of innards as they spill to the ground, the lifeless body accompanying them with a dull thud. His men were bringers of death to these unprepared fools and he was saddened at what desperate means lead them to this rash action.
The air was awash with the throes of death cries and panicked horses and yet, they still came in hordes. He saw Susan's crimsons arrows, flying through the air, each like the precise stab of a sword and men fell faster than Anglachel's own deadly count. He was immediately transported to the Great War, when her arrows rained and blotted the field of dead with their bright feathers. This time, she was even more deadly and accurate in her targets.
Some clawed desperately in their last moments to remove the deadly barbs from the juncture of their necks. He saw a man ten paces to his left running to swipe him with a berserker blow. An arrow to his eye ended his attempt and he stilled the rise of his stomach, to watch in horrid fascination, the flurry of death twitches before the man mercifully stilled.
Even Corin and Dhira, made simple work of their attackers. Corin's blade work was superb and he saw Peridan admiration of his ward grow in estimation with each defensive and offensive blow from his Prince. While Corin moved with a thorough fluidity and grace, cutting a swath of death before all who dared challenge him, Dhira's skill was elusive as a phantom. It was nothing he had ever seen before. Her ability to appear at will before an unsuspecting man, staggered him and if there was any doubt of her ferocity in battle, this surely transformed such previous thoughts into unabashed admiration.
He looks towards Peridan to convey his thoughts only a seasoned warrior would understand. Clearly the horde was on the last party of survivors. The desert wolves' major casualties defined the loss of battle and he wanted to keep one for questioning. For the moment he was alone and watched Peridan expertly hold off a veteran, his clothes tattered and bloody with numerous sword slices. He had not escaped unscathed, and ripped off part of his tunic to wrap around a stabbed thigh. Lucy's cordial would remedy their hurts, he thinks, knowing Susan has it and tightly knots the fabric, a hiss of agony escapes his lips but he ignores it and limps towards the man, who kneels before Peridan in abject submission.
"Who sent you?" Peridan barks in their native language to their prisoner, his sword point, pressed hard against the man's heart. A sneer and bloody wad of spittle with teeth, was the defiant answer and Peridan drove the point deeper in, to penetrate skin.
Caspian frowns and silently observes the man. He wore a leather jerkin and his apparel indicated he was a man for hire. He had seen men like these during his own visits to Calormen. They were sell swords, some were skilled but many retired soldiers who were abandoned by the army due to their inability to fight for their country by some physical defect. Who would hire sell swords to attack their party? Was it Rabadash, Akatosh or even someone closer he surmised and watched Susan lead the others to him?
"Order him to remove his glove Peridan." He instructs as Peridan complied. It was no surprise he refused and Jason forcibly removed it, to reveal an expertly carved ivory hand. The look of surprise that flitted across Peridan's face, made his blood chill. He too understood, this was no mere random attack.
"Hold his arms Jason." Caspian directs and steps towards Peridan, his tone a confidential whisper.
"He was hired." Peridan confirms and he nods impassively. "Though, I cannot say by whom. We are surrounded by Rabadash's men as well. Two of the five sent with us fell in battle, including their assigned leader."
"Whatever we choose, we cannot be seen as barbaric." Caspian whispers urgently. "There may be spies among us...even among trusted allies." He voices and Peridan softly clears his throat, a sign of agreement. "I will try with this man." He says as Peridan consents and moves away from him to stand protectively among the royals.
He unsheathed Anglachel and steps cautiously towards their prisoner, a nod of his head towards Jason and the man was forced to his knees once again. This time, his bloodshot eyes, were wide with fright as he looked at the ominous black blade stained with his men's blood. Caspian plays his advantage well and he kneels before the man, his eyes black with dark intent. A warm smell filled the space between them as Caspian looked down to see, a pool of water staining the sands.
"No harm will come to you, if you tell me the truth." He whispers in broken Calormen, but his hostage understood him implicitly.
The man trembles like a leaf and blood leaks from his mouth as he begin to reply. His lips quivers in sheer panic and Caspian contemplates whether to use physical force. "Forgive me, I know nothing!" He stammers, the blood gurgled from his broken teeth and he spat on the sands to speak louder.
"You lie!" Caspian exclaims and stabs Anglachel hard into the sands in the small space between the man's legs. The steel echoed with a sharp ring and the sound broke their captive's defiance.
"I was paid in gold and this ivory arm, to attack the party of merchants on route to Azim Balda! He rushes. "I was told to kill the men and but leave the women behind untouched." He screams breathlessly. "I swear by Tash, this is all I know! Please, please release me." He begs and Caspian looks at Peridan with dread as he translated.
"Who paid you?" He demands harshly and whipped out his black dagger, causing another rush of panicked answers.
"I do not know! I was summoned to a tavern and the man sat in a darkened corner with cloak and hood." He babbles incoherently. "Please, I am a sell sword. I do not ask the identities of my employers, only the demand for payment. I beg you, do not kill me." He pleads relentlessly, this time with full tears of agony.
"Caspian..." Susan's addresses him. "What is happening here?" She asks her face ashen in terror and he smiles with a reassurance he did not feel.
"It seems we have been ambushed." He replies and gazes around, his eyes settle on Dhira who seems horrified by the turn of events. "Princess," He calls to her and she looks at him with troubled eyes. "What do you propose we do with this prisoner?" He questions, curious at her decision.
"You are the leader of this group Caspian. It is your decision." Dhira replies, her voice betray her confusion and he accepts her words.
"Very well." He accedes and kneels before the man once more. "Thank your Tash for saving your life today my friend." He breathes and pulls Anglachel from its position. "Jason, tie him up to one of the trees. Leave a water skin and food enough for two days. A roving caravan will rescue him." Caspian instructs and watches with narrowed eyes as two men roughly drag the man away as he shouts his gratitude.
"Princess..." Peridan addresses as they gathered in a semi circle to discuss the newest developments around them. "Please instruct your men to assist in removing the dead. We must take them far away from the oasis to prevent contamination." He requests and Dhira complies with a curt message to the men waiting behind her. Each watched as they scuttled off without complaint to begin the unpleasant task.
"Shall we retreat to the tent to discuss our new strategy?" Caspian asks and tenderly smiles at Susan, as she unwraps his bandage and heals his wound with their cordial. "My Archer Queen..." He whispers into her ear and her smile was enough reward for a lifetime.
"Caspian..." Dhira's voice exclaims shrilly and they turn towards her pointed finger. "They are fleeing!" She cries as the horses appeared from behind another sand dune going at break neck speeds from the camp.
"No they will not!" Susan replies heatedly and before anyone moved, she notches and fires several arrows to startle the animals. The plan works as the horses rears up in terror against their riders and throw them several feet away. The two bodies lay still as the group raced to cut off any chances of escape.
He approaches the two figures cautiously. Peridan at his side with drawn sword, Susan with arrow notched followed by Corin and Dhira as they encircled the duo watching while they groan and push themselves groggily from the hard fall.
"Reveal yourselves!" Peridan commands and for a moment the men freeze as if not understanding. Caspian watches with darkened eyes his hands on the Anglachel's hilt to prevent any sudden attacks as Peridan repeats his command, and it seems time stood still as the figure, stands and pushes back the hood to reveal a head of golden sunshine gleaming in the darkened sky.
"Lucy!" Susan croaks and unconsciously drops her bow as she rushes to pull her little sister in a fierce embrace.
"Susan?" Lucy replies not trusting her vision and she withdrew to see copious tears stream down her sister's face. "Am I dreaming?" She asks shakily.
"No my love, you are not." Peridan answers and Lucy turned to him as he stands rooted, his face reflects the myriad of emotions but above all she saw relief and love.
"Peridan..." She exclaims in relief and laughs with reckless abandonment as he scooped her into his arms, kissing her soundly much to the delight of the others.
"I have dreamed every night of this moment." He whispers and she cries at the joy of being in the security of his arms.
"So have I." She replies honestly and gently touched his face. "I knew you would come for me." She said and his grey eyes shimmered with tears.
"Always... our hearts beat as one. The fire in your soul will never be extinguished. I knew you would fight till the end." He praises and smiles at her. There is a stirring within her as his words echo Akatosh's sentiments on the day of their duel. The thought is nothing but trouble and she pushes it away without any indication of remorse.
"Shaheeda?" Dhira softly enquires as Shaheeda ran to her friend to greet her with a fierce embrace that staggers the Calormen Princess and Caspian cannot help but laugh at Corin's expression, when he sees Shaheeda uncloaked.
"I never imagined you would be here." Shaheeda exclaims happily, as Dhira laughs loudly in return and slings her arms around her friend's shoulder.
"Neither did I." Dhira replies with a huge grin.
"My ladies..." Caspian interjects with a bow and wide smile for Lucy to indicate his joy at her return "The night has been fraught with many surprises, perhaps we should retire to the tents and discuss our next plan of action?" He requests and extends an arm to lead them down the path.
He pauses, choosing to bring up the rear of the party with Susan, watching and observing as Lucy smacks Corin lovingly across the head, while linking her arms between the Archenland men. Shaheeda and Dhira chatter incessantly at everything which has happened along the way and while he is thankful for the seemingly easy rescue. His thoughts remain troubled.
"I do not believe, this journey is over for us." Susan says softly as she links her arm with his, their gait slow and thoughtful.
"Your thoughts echo mine." He replies grimly and casts a worried look behind. The horizon is clear but he knows, there are hardships ahead before they venture into the safety of Narnia.
A.N. Yayy an update and not one year later ;)
Firstly, thanks to all my lovely readers who sent those fantastic reviews and words of encouragement. Your best wishes and thoughts have really helped me in settling down and finishing the fic. It's been a busy couple of months but I'm glad I got to present you all with some Suspian (finally) Hope you all enjoyed the read and cheers to another update hopefully by next month. The ride gets all twisted now :D