Happy Friday! Big things are happing in this chapter. Enjoy, and thanks for reading!
As Oraleth examined her closer, it was clear that Susan and the men she was with had yet to take notice of Tullah or Edmund, so the young King used it to his advantage. He knew he'd have to think fast. He didn't want Ariondi to have Susan as a slave, but he couldn't let her leave either.
Edmund bent low towards the ear of Tullah and quietly spoke.
"Tarkheena, Rineeda is gone for good, isn't she?"
Tullah looked swiftly at him, her brows pulled tight. She didn't say a thing, but the look she gave him was a sharp one, almost like a warning. But Edmund didn't care. His sister was on the line. So, he went on.
"I know she's gone. It was no secret you were getting her ready to leave for Shandeer Tarkhaan and since her sudden disappearance you've had me be with you, acting out her duties. She's gone for good, isn't she?"
"Yes she is, Edden." Tullah said with annoyance, turning her head to fix her attention back onto her sons.
Edmund looked to them as well, and could tell the conversation wasn't going well. Oraleth was still refusing Ariondi.
"You need a lady's maid, Tarkheena," Edmund said. "I am certainly no fit for such a thing, and certainly your sons would agree. Not to mention, I am needed for other duties. And I can promise you that that girl right there will be prompt, attentive, kind, swift – whatever you need her to be. I'm sure of it. Please, Tarkheena, take her."
"You know no such things of a stranger. All you see is a pretty face. I know how a boy's mind works."
Edmund restrained an aggravated huff, but his voice was clearly laced with urgency. "It's not what you think! I do know these things, Tarkheena. I promise."
She looked to him again, one eyebrow raised in the way she so often does. "And how could you come across such information?"
Edmund gulped as Tullah waited for her answer, even more impatient than ever before – if that was possible. Edmund looked back at Susan, begging Aslan for him not to be making a mistake, feeling like this couldn't be a mistake. He took a deep breath and said, "Because she is my sister. And she has taken care of me my whole life. I know she will do so for you as well."
Tullah looked at him strangely, then back to Susan as Ariondi's voice was rising, saying, "You doubt me, brother, and my abilities to raise this family out of our unrighteous predicaments. That is unwise and hurtful to my own sensibilities. I am of greater benefit to this family than you know!"
Oraleth pinched his nose. "A moment, brother. Please."
The younger sauntered up towards Oraleth. The elder looked at him straight, and in hushed tones, spoke.
"I do not wish to insult you, Ariondi. But we have slaves enough. And we can use others of them to prove we have a grip over our own. The Tisroc, may he live forever, will see it in time."
"You have heard Larsenilo's offer come down in extremity." Ariondi countered.
"And that is why I question his motives. The girl may be of no worth if he is offering her up for such a cheap sum."
Edmund knew Oraleth held the power here, and if he said no, Susan would be gone as quick as she came. So, he whispered again to Tullah, bending on one knee to be eye level with her, ignoring the popping in his hip. "Please Tarkheena. I will work harder, longer, if it pleases you. I'm sure Petryn will, too. Just please, don't let her leave with those men." He looked Tullah dead on. But her mouth was pinched and she didn't look pleased.
Edmund was scrambling for a way to convince her. Anything at all. "Please, I can promise you that whatever you require, me or one of my siblings will be able to achieve it, just please don't let her leave or be sent with Ariondi Tarkhaan. She does not cost much, and she can do all that a proper lady's maid is required to! And she can tell you all the stories of our homeland, just like you like. You will not need to train her like Rineeda. She will be better, I promise. Please." Edmund could feel his eyes growing big and his voice straining. He hoped it held some sway over the Tarkheena like it always seemed to over Susan.
But she simply turned her head back towards her sons.
"Ariondi, I am sorry, but we do not need her."
"Oraleth, I beseech you-"
Oraleth squared his shoulders, more than done. When he spoke, there was a command in his voice. "It is settled, brother. I wish to hear no more about the matter. She will not be of use to you, or me!"
There was a resounding silence in the room for a couple of heartbeats.
"But she will be to me."
All turned to look at who the voice came from.
Having heard it himself, Edmund pushed Tullah's chair forward, into the lantern light.
"Mother, we have enough-"
"Now you listen to me, Oraleth. In all your wisdom, you and Ariondi sent away the only young lady age enough to be of use as my lady's maid. You will not do so again here. I am old and in need of more than just a boy to help me with my cursed infirmities, among other things. A young girl will serve me well and this one is priced so low you will not have to worry over the accounts of your purse. I want her."
Edmund would have balked at the tone she used and her undeterred insistence. But he was too busy staring at his sister, who had only heard half of what Tullah said, before she caught sight of him.
Susan had barely glanced up and had to do a double take to be sure. Edmund merely shook his head yes and gave her a small, grateful smile.
Susan took in an audible gasp. In an instant, her eyes were glassy and wide, mouth slightly agape. A chord of fear and happiness knotted in her stomach. She felt frozen and disbelieving. Her little brother, who she hadn't laid eyes on in so long, was standing before her now. Sure, he still had lingering bruises marring his face, but it was him, nonetheless.
Yet, all that passed between them went entirely unnoticed by those around them.
"I worry over her price, Mother. She wouldn't be so inexpensive if it were not for a reason." Oraleth spoke slowly, pinching the bridge of his nose again.
Tullah looked over Susan with a fine tooth comb. She noting Susan's wet eyes, to who they were looking at, and her sudden, slight shaking. After a moment, Tullah's lips remained pinched but for the first time since Rineeda left, her expression softened just the slightest. "I will handle whatever her problems be. She will be my responsibility so you have not need of worrying over any other unruly soul. Nor will you have to worry over my well being or bother with acting like you care, if someone else is looking after me."
"Mother..." Oraleth looked like the kind of man who was in dire need of a calming drink. He was well spent today, and now more than ever. He did not have anything left in him for arguing.
Tullah must have realized and saw her chance the break the camel's back when she added, "And if you do not do as I ask, dear son, then I can assure you that my protests will be long, drawn out, and heard until Tash himself comes to take me home. You will respect your honorable mother's wishes, won't you?"
Oraleth closed his eyes and blew out a long breath. It was clear his anger had returned but he was striving to not lash out at his mother or in front of his guests. "Fine, Mother. But I will not be privy to your complaints should she prove unbearable."
"No doubt, dear son. See to the payment without me, will you? It is late and I wish to rest. Girl, follow me. You will be shown to your quarter. We can start with you tomorrow."
"Oraleth, you cannot be about to allow this! After I requested her?!" Ariondi started, looking inflamed.
"Silence, Ari." Tullah spoke up. "I have a much greater need for her, and we all know you thought less of taking her to the Tisroc, may he live forever, and more about taking her to your chambers. At the very least, you may admire her from afar. Now good night, my sons." And with that, Tullah was finished, her sons staring in disbelief.
Susan was not even given a chance to say anything to Larsenilo or Bengory, which did not bother her at all. Though, she did notice, with one last look before Tullah commander her to leave, that the Captain was overcome with joy, quietly laughing like a madman at his luck. Bengory, rather, looked much like Ariondi, jealous that Tullah had gotten her.
The whole way to Susan's servants' quarters Edmund had to push Tullah while the Tarkheena asked Susan many questions about her experience as a lady's maid, where she was at before coming here, and what her name was. There was nothing said about her being Edmund's sister.
Susan answered the Tarkheena dutifully but constantly looked to her brother. It was clear by the look on their faces that each longed to speak, to hug one another. But Susan didn't give in because she did not know that Tullah knew of her and Edmund's relation, and Edmund didn't say anything because if Tullah wasn't acknowledging that she knew, he didn't know how she truly felt about it.
Still, it did not stop either of them from squeezing the others hand.
Once to the room Susan would share with many of the other female staff, Edmund still wasn't given a chance to speak with her.
"There are sheets in that back chest, Surenah. You may have one to make your mat with. Edden, go see to bringing a pitcher and glass of water from the kitchens. It seems our new one here is lacking what she requires. She looks absolutely famished. Even for a slave. Do not come back without such welcomes"
"But Tarkheena-" He tried, not wanting to leave Susan so soon.
"-Now, Edden." She snapped, her mood still foul. "There are things to see to in the kitchens. Do not come back until you have retrieved them." Tullah gave him a very particular look, which he found odd. Edmund internally huffed, took one last look at Susan, which said 'I'll be back', and left.
He hurried as fast as his aching hip would let him to the kitchens. He was so thankful to Aslan that Tullah had gotten Susan, that his and Peter's prayers had been answered, but he was irked that he was not allowed a chance to see her. It wasn't until he entered the kitchens that it dawned on him why.
Peter was helping finish cleaning up the mess left over from Tullah and Oraleth's diner.
"Tarkheena Tullah has requested a pitcher of water and Petryn's assistance!" Edmund nearly yelled to the whole kitchen staff upon his realization. None looked happy about the sudden noise or about losing another pair of working hands, but they relented. No one wanted to bother the Tarkheena with the mood she'd been in.
Edmund was so excited, he could hear his heart pounding in his ears. He quickly pushed Peter from the kitchens, shoving him to go faster, but Peter was too preoccupied with not spilling the water pitcher. Edmund huffed, but explained nothing to him as they hurried down the corridors, other than the fact that he had something to show him.
"It's a surprise, Pete, you have to trust me!"
Peter let out a small laugh. "I do, Ed, but I would appreciate a little warning. It's not like a place like this has much good to offer in the way of surprises."
"I know, but you will love this. You do love this!"
The two boys finally halted to a stop at the open doorway of Susan's room. Tullah was nowhere to be found, but straight ahead, further into the room with her back to them, was Susan, laying the single sheet on her sleeping mat.
Peter's green cloak was still draped around her and her dark hair, though longer than it had been the last time they saw her, was still just as it always was.
Peter's face dropped and he simply stared for a heartbeat or two, convincing himself that he and Edmund were both right, and it was their sister who stood before them now.
Edmund looked between his sister's back and his brother's face, a smile plastered on his own.
"Su?" Came Peter's voice, uncertain but hopeful.
The boys watched as their sister's hands went still from adjusting her sheet. Just like Peter, she froze for a moment, before slowly standing and turning around.
A breath escaped her as she looked between them both. She couldn't believe it. She didn't believe it. At least, for a moment. They were such wonderful, familiar faces. Faces that looked like home. Faces that should never be seen in such an awful place as a Calormene slave's quarter. But here they were. With her. Susan's eyes were glassy once again.
"You're both here?" She questioned quietly, still frozen in place with disbelief.
"We are," Peter breathed out.
Susan suddenly choked on sob and then ran forward. Peter followed the second she came, nearly toppling the water pitcher as he haphazardly threw it onto a small side table. He met her half way, wrapping his arms around her. Edmund met them a split second later, and was instantly enveloped by both of his older siblings.
For the first time in a month, Peter felt like he was finally in a position where he could protect his family. Susan felt safe and that she was finally with men she knew would never hurt her. And Edmund finally felt relieved, like the burden of worry and uncertainty was starting to lift off of his shoulders.
Not one among them noticed Tullah Tarkheena peeking in the doorway, or wheeling herself very slowly and painfully away, struggling with her balled up fist.
Peter checked Susan over more than once. Susan insisted she was fine again and again, but she also refused to let go of her brothers. In fact, she took a long moment to just rest against Peter. He held her closer once she sunk into him, and he cradled her head like she was Lucy. The sheer tenderness of his actions made her cry more. It had been so long since someone was kind to her, let alone made her feel safe. Peter noticed and kissed the top of her head before resting his chin there, wondering at all his sister must have faced in the weeks he'd not seen her.
Susan soon took Edmund's face in her hands, looking him over, before checking Peter. The fading bruises that were now purple and gray were evident on both of her brother's faces. She also noticed the dark tan that Peter now had, making his blue eyes and blond hair nearly glow in contrast. Edmund was tanner too, though more sun burnt than sun kissed. His hair had lightened some, but there were also more freckles dotting across his nose.
Susan imagined she looked much the same, though it is hard to tell, when you are the witness to the progression, just how different you are in the end.
The three of them sat together as they shared their stories of what all they've been through.
"You've been on that pirate ship this whole time?" Edmund asked, disbelievingly.
Susan nodded. "Unfortunately, yes."
Peter tensed beside her, his arm still draped across her shoulders. "Su..."
She looked to him and saw his pained look. She knew the question that he wanted to ask, but didn't know how to voice.
"No, they didn't hurt me. At least...not in the way you're thinking. But we were wrong, Peter. So very, very wrong about the trafficking." Her eyes were wet again with new tears and she clutched onto Peter. "I-I've seen it. He threatened me with ending up like those girls, he even tried-tried..."
Peter pulled her closer so she didn't have to finish.
"Did you ever use the arrows?" Edmund asked, his hand on his sister's knee.
"There were a couple of times I'd thought I'd have to. But no, I still have them. I haven't untied them other than to readjust them since I first hid them. They've been digging into my skin."
"You should take them off. At least for a little while. I don't think you'll have to worry about needing them as much here. You'll be with the Tarkheena, and she's bossy and irritable and altogether unpleasant sometimes, but she won't hurt you." Edmund smiled at his sister from her other side, opposite Peter.
"Anything is better than Larsenilo."
"I still can't believe he thought you were a witch! Aslan must have had him really losing his mind." Peter laughed, then became serious. "It is more reason to believe he's with us, and we will be home soon."
"All times are soon to him." Susan said.
"Yes, but that could mean now, rather than later." Edmund smiled. "Besides, he brought us altogether, when we thought we might never see each other again."
"Thank him for it." Peter said.
"We should. Right now." Susan responded.
So, the three eldest rulers of Narnia bowed their heads, and together said a prayer of thanks to the Great Lion that was not only responsible for keeping Susan safe, but also for leading them onto each other's paths.
"Are you sure it was her?" Lucy questioned, blue eyes big and her cheeks pink in anticipation as she leaned over the wooden planks beneath her.
"I cannot be sure, your Majesty. But I believe it to have been Queen Susan." Said the woman of water.
She was the very one that had saved Roblen's life. Her name was Corette. And she was here now, at the docks near Anvard, relaying to Lucy all the information she had already told to Archenlander sailors who were out on covert missions, looking for their lost men and the leaders of Narnia.
"And my brother's, were there any signs of them?"
"No, Queen Lucy. I only saw who I thought was your sister, looking very sick. As I said, I only got a glimpse of her because she was hanging her head over the side of the ship. She was with many dirty looking Calormenes. I've no doubt they were pirates. I've seen their kind before, out sailing and defiling the waters with the blood of men. They sink smaller ships just for fun, ravage whatever supplies or goods are on board, and send many to their watery graves."
Her voice was soothing, like the sound of a babbling brook, but her words brought trepidation to those listening. It was such an interesting contradiction.
"Lucy," Roblen spoke up, bending down on one knee to put a hand on her shoulder. He had taken her down here after they had all learned in Lune's court what the sailor's heard from the naiad. She had wanted to speak to Corette herself. "I know all this may be frightening to hear, but by her description I believe this to be the very same ship that conquered my own. If that is so, then it is good news. I know that Captain's name. He can lead us to them all."
"I am not frightened, Roblen," Lucy looked at him incredulously. "I am happy! This means we can go now! Corette said they were docked at Tashbaan, we know where they are!" She jumped up suddenly, a wide smile emphasizing her already hyper movements. "We have to start planning. We'll need the fastest ship Archenland has in her armada. We're to leave straight away! Just as soon as-"
"-Lucy, wait!" Roblen said, walking towards her with tight brows and his own incredulous look. "We cannot just go storming into their waters, we must think about this."
"Why not? And we have been thinking about this. For weeks, and it's gotten us nowhere! We've heard no helpful news from our spies at all. But now we have proof, real proof of where they're at! What more could we have to think on! Corette has seen Susan alive!"
Roblen put both of his hands on either of Lucy's shoulders. "I know you're excited, I am too. But we have to be smart about this. We have to think it through or else we could lose any chance of saving them that we have."
"Aslan is with us. We will prevail." She said, suddenly hurt that Roblen was not on her side about this.
"Of course he is. But he also told us to look for the light. We don't know what that means, but I'm almost certain-"
"Exactly! We don't know what that means. But what if this is it! What is seeing Susan alive, knowing where she is at, is our light? Like we're seeing the end of our tunnel."
"That may very well be true. But we still have to act with caution. We must be wise, calculative, planning out our moves with precision. Aslan even said so."
Lucy slinked out from under Roblen's grasp. She felt her shoulder's drop along with her heart. "You're trying to sound like Peter. To be a leader and a Captain and a King, just like Peter. But you're not him." She sniffed quickly, hoping to not look like a hurt little girl. "We thought we lost Edmund once and that was bad enough. I won't lose all three of them. I want my family back."
And with that, Lucy turned and ran from the dock. Roblen called after her, but she didn't listen.
He later found her at a different part of the beach, shoes off while her feet and hem of her dress were caught in the lapping waters. Her hands were covered in sand as she absentmindedly dug small holes all around her.
"Mind if I join you?"
She didn't look to him, only kept her gaze latched onto the horizon. "No." She whispered.
Tentatively, Roblen sat next to her and also stared out at the ocean. Neither said anything for a moment.
"I'm not trying to take your brother's place, you know." Roblen finally said, still not looking to her.
Lucy looked to her hands, ashamed. "I know. I was angry and I said what I shouldn't have. I'm sorry. You really have been family to me. I'm grateful."
"I want nothing more than to return your family to you, and to return my missing men to theirs. I almost ended up with their fate. Almost a worse one, too. But Aslan saved me. So, I will try everything I can to help those lost. I do not wish to go against what Aslan wants. But I feel it might be disrespectful to him if we barge in there, without much of a plan."
"You're right." Lucy said, finally looking to him.
Roblen mocked fake surprise at her words.
Lucy nudged him and laughed. "Stop it!"
Roblen nudged her back, laughing himself.
"I'm just saying that I think it is best to plan more. Aslan will keep them safe until we can get there." Lucy said.
"And Lune and Captain Hamlin are already working on it, as we speak."
After their laughing quieted, and they found themselves looking back over the water, Lucy let her head lean onto Roblen's shoulder. He had really been there for her during this time. Other than Oreius, he was was the best at making sure she wasn't feeling lonely, as best he could, and had someone there to talk to. And they had talked about everything. From each of their own families, to his military experience and Lucy's reign, to Aslan himself. Lucy felt like she really was gaining a new big brother. Not one to replace the other two, just a third to add on. One could never have too many people to love.
Their silence once again turned into quiet conversation and laughter when a silly little seagull fell off a small nearby rock while looking for fish. Then others joined him, thinking he had found food when all he had really done was get himself wet unintentionally. Soon there were five or six seagulls all trying to perch on this rock that was much too small for them. They prodded and pushed each other, trying to open their wings but not having enough room. Soon they had all fallen at least twice.
Roblen and Lucy had been so preoccupied by the show, they didn't notice at first when the sun started to get low in the sky.
"We better get heading back to Anvard, Lucy." Roblen said.
"Do we have to?"
"Come on! Oreius will have my head if we're gone past dark." He snickered.
Lucy laughed. "Forget Peter, now you sound like Edmund."