The Eternal Queen
Disclaimer: I do not own the Chronicles of Narnia
Chapter 11: The Storm
Eirlys's POV
The past few nights have been warm. Not like the warmth you feel in the summer and spring. No, it was a warmth that sends caution. As the clouds were featureless gray blocked the sunlight. Captain Drinian and Tavros kept watched as did those assigned to the crow's nest. It could be just a partially cloudy day until Tavros, Jemain, Caprius, Reepicheep, and I felt the change of pressure in the atmosphere.
When Tavros reported this to Drinian, these small signs meant one thing. A storm was coming. The crew went into action in getting the ship prepared for the storm. Securing any loose items, sails at the ready. I went over to the bow casting a protection spell. Ensuring the ship does not get damaged from strong winds and massive waves. That was when I saw the condensed clouds with lightning.
It has been almost two weeks since leaving Coriakin's Island. We follow the directions. He advised us in search of the Blue star. Everyone has been on alert at night for any sighting of the blue star. Yet all we saw were constellations. Although the constellations were changing, no longer the same as the ones visible in Narnia. I even went through the navigation books in figuring out what the Blue Star is to lead us towards Ramandu's Island. Sadly, none of the books ever mentioned the Blue Star, nor information about Ramandu's Island.
Then again, no one has adventured this far into the east. Pittencream has been working hard on updating the map to keep the course. No one dares interrupts him, as he used his sexton and other navigational tools to keep track of our whereabouts. The last thing we need is to get lost at sea and run out of rations.
Once done with the spell, I went back to the wheel where Drinian was at along with Tavros.
"That looks like a serious storm," I murmured.
"Aye," Drinian said. "It's best you and the others take refuge inside."
"Are you sure?" I asked. "I can be of assistance in directing."
"The last thing we need is you drained of magic," Tavros said. "Especially in what the Magician said about this Green Mist."
I sighed, knowing he has a point. I need to be on guard if Lady Kirtle dares sends her Mist upon the Dawn Treader. The fact she has been capturing people to be slaves in her mines is disturbing. How she has been planning to attack Narnia from underground. All these years, I thought she took my threat seriously and never returned. However, I was mistaken. That night when she tried to seduce me during the Dark Ages threaten her of the Deep Magic.
Everyone keeps telling me that this was not my fault. All of them saying I was occupied with Narnia's anarchy and the Telmarine Invasion that I would hardly consider a witch to be a mere threat from a small kingdom. Especially when I showed them the encounter.
When I showed Edmund three years ago, I pressed our foreheads together. However, I got Caspian, Edmund, Lucy, Eustace, and Drinian in the Stern Cabin and showed them the past by using my Crystal Orb. The glass spear illuminated, projecting the memory at the center, similar to Coriakin's map.
.o0o.
I stormed into the throne room of Stone Castle, furious. Blood covered my purple gown as I held a sword in my hand. Members of the council were there baffle to see my state. Diomedus came over, checking my condition, realizing the blood was not my own.
"This has gone far enough," I seethed, sheathing my sword and sat on the throne. "The Archenlander and the Calormene are fighting to claim Narnia. While the Narnian anarchist is trying to take over the kingdom."
"What would you like us to do, my queen," Diomedus asked.
I pinched the bridge of my nose, "I must confess, I do not know. Blood is being spilled than a battle itself. The hybrids support whoever the ruler is. The animals are declining the ruler, and once more, our people are still the enemy. Aslan's name, King Corin, and his bloodline respected our truce. Now whoever the ruler is, sees me as the subplot."
"Maybe you should teach them a lesson," A goblin said. "Bring them winter."
"Winter doesn't solve everything, and even so, Aslan forbids it," I reminded.
"Summon a meeting with the rulers of Archenland and Calormen," a hag suggested. "Along with the leaders of the animals and hybrids."
"Our forces outnumber them," Diomedus offered. "Not to battle, but to intimidate to ensure they know we mean business."
"I might consider it," I said, wiping the blood off my cheek. "I do not wish for war. I wish what is best for my people and our lands."
"Indeed," spoke a bell-like voice.
All eyes turned to the entrance where a woman who held beauty and charm. She wore a fluttering poison green colored gown. Her tawny hair pulled back out of her face, revealing a pale face, red lips, and vibrant green eyes. She swooned over and bowed before me.
"Who are you?" Diomedus demanded.
"I am Lady Kirtle," She answered, her voice very alluring. "I am a witch from the Shallow Lands."
"There's no such thing as the Shallow Lands," Diomedus huffed.
"Oh, but there is, underneath Narnia, from Ettinsmoor to the Wild Lands of the North." She replied.
"Why are you here, Lady Kirtle?" I asked.
"I heard that Narnia has fallen into anarchy," she murmured. "From one witch to another, I came to help."
"How can you help us?" I asked again. Not forgetting the witches from the wildlands who refused aid long ago.
"With this," Lady Kirtle replied, pulling out a wand.
All eyes in the throne room widen in seeing a silver wand as one end had the crystal that was shattered. The room was engrossed in a chilling atmosphere. The Emerald Witch held what remains of Jadis's wand. Many centuries, we thought it was lost. We assumed Aslan destroyed its remaining or the Pevensies threw it into the ocean.
"Where did you find it?" I asked, coming cover and collecting the wand.
"A hag wandered north along with a werewolf," she answered. "Offered me anything I want in exchange for their service. However, the wand does not answer to me."
"It only answers to its master," I whispered.
"Or, one of Laputan and Charn descent."
I glared at her, "I will not bring back the eternal winter."
"Of course not," she murmured. "But I know a spell to bring you guidance. Retrieve what has been lost to you."
Confused, I was unable to comprehend her words.
The Emerald Witch smiled as she carefully took the wand out of my hand. She walked over to the balcony, speaking in the language of Charn. In her incantation, a green mist formed around her. Before I could stop her, she slammed the wand onto the stone floor. A burst of blue light illuminated, as a wall of ice consumed the window in the deep frost, Jadis's figure form. Everyone gasped, shocked to see her. She smiled as she stepped forward through the portal—a shimmer taking a stable form of ice.
"You can't trust the mortals, your majesty," Lady Kirtle said. "They'll turn on each other for no reason at all. Only magic and witches can create order. Behold, Queen Jadis."
"Impossible," I whispered.
The council's eyes widen to see the late queen.
"Eirlys, my snowdrop, my special girl." Jadis murmured, placing a hand over her heart.
Something was not right. Her vocabulary was off. Never has she showed a loving persona. She walked over, standing before me. Her figure of ice, an opaque sculpture, almost seeing right through her. The only exception was her eyes and breath. As a puff of cold air came out.
"Jadis," I breathed.
She nodded as her eyes illuminated green.
"How?" I whispered.
"My magic will always live on in the wand," Jadis answered. "However, this form is only temporary. But one drop of your blood, and I shall take flesh once more."
To see my mother was overwhelming. As memories from the past clouded my vision. Her reign of suffering, abuse, and winter. This was the woman who killed Aslan to take the dark side of the deep magic. She was slain by Aslan. I know of this, for I felt her death. Aslan himself told me he consumed her flesh to ensure this dark creature could never return to Narnia.
All the inflictions of pain could be felt. Every slap in the face, tugging of hair, the curses, the emotional and verbal abuse. She was no mother! Jadis was merely a carrier for my father's seed. I was the debt she had to pay. Without Gethen's aid, she would never have claimed Narnia so easily. But truth be told, Gethen did not help Jadis in means of her power. No. Gethen used her to help his friends. The Dark Narnians who were never treated properly.
"So, you've met the enemy, draw up solutions, and you think you know them for a space of a single conversation. You trust your advisors, and you sit around, making your plans on how to make peace with these mortals." Jadis said. "I know how these people think. These humans think of battle. I know how their minds work. I know both kingdoms will do nothing but exterminate our own."
"You're right," I murmured, which Jadis smirked. "The humans only think about is war."
"And you haven't done much with your life."
I stormed up, "And what haven't I done with my life. Playing with broomsticks? I fought in your war during the rebellion, I had made peace with the Ettins and the Light Narnians."
"Words and treaties can't save everything," Jadis smirked. "Fire and Blood is the answer. You have gone soft. I can help you, Eirlys. All I need is your blood and join our magic together."
A sound of thunder could be heard. Outside, a storm was approaching, thunder and rain to a much triumph degree. No longer to be safe outside. Best for all to take shelter. Lashing my arm out, my eyes glowing, as it shimmers silver. I used magic to tame to the storm in an appropriate manner. The soothing of the storm was appreciated by the Dark Narnians. Jadis and Lady Kirtle's eyes widen in seeing my power. In the past, my abilities were limited to elemental spells. But the deep magic has made me stronger to control Narnia by Aslan standards.
"What are you doing?" Jadis asked.
"I think this is just between you and me, mother," I answered.
"Fine with me," the witch of green said, walking off.
Jadis grabbed her arm, "Lady Kirtle, don't be afraid. She's on our side. She's our Eirlys." She pointed her other hand toward me. "You listen to me. You're my daughter. I always wanted you with me."
I conjure lightning in the throne room. It came through the window and clash in front of them.
"No one can do that," Lady Kirtle whispered. She shoved herself out of Jadis grasp. "Let me go. She's more powerful than you."
The green witch scurried over, "Queen Eirlys, listen to me. It was her idea. She told me you were always dark."
I gazed into her eyes and gave her my sharp warning, "Go. And never return to Narnia."
"As you command, your Majesty," she sneered.
Just like that, she ran out of the throne room.
,o0o,
I ended the memory there. The primary objective is for them to know Lady Kirtle's appearance and the encountered I shared with her. Seeing a witch who was able to conjured the White Witch during the Dark Ages. We are thankful that Edmund finished destroying the wand, three years ago back in Aslan how after Nikabrik betrayed us, with the werewolf and Hag, Wrath and Famine brought her back for the last time. Along with I melting the remains of the wand to seal the portal forever.
Lucy and Caspian were shocked by the encounter. Caspian was aware of my past, but he never expected how drastic the Dark Ages were before the Telmarines arrived. Drinian grasped this but didn't say anything. And of course, Eustace making a comment about how much of a fool I was. Yet I think he said that because he is intimidated by my magic. Ever since the Lagoon incident, he keeps challenging me. Yet I can't waste magic. Not while the Green Mist is out there.
"Get inside," Drinian said.
I snapped from my thoughts and nodded, heading below deck to help Nausus get the galley secured. Ensuring the cutlery is cased, and pots and pans put away. Along with the food, as grains and barley kept in a dry box with a spell, they do not spoil. The curred meats secured in their dry boxes and enchanted. We take every precaution to preserve the food. If what gets on them, mostly saltwater on the food will spoil.
Once we are done, I told Nausus to be careful before heading towards the State Room. The water starts to become uneven as the storm clouds fast approach. Inside I enchanted the books to remain on the shelves. I almost stumbled, being rocked falling onto the lounge. This storm won't be kind to tall people. I sat there catching my bearings when Edmund and Caspian came in.
"There you are," Caspian said. "For a second, I thought you went overboard."
"Very funny, Caspian," I grumbled.
"Am I missing something?" Edmund asked.
I sighed, "during one ambassador trip, I sailed to Archenland since it was winter. However, we reached rough waters that I lost my bearings and fell overboard."
Edmund's eyes widen when hearing this.
"Drinian jumped in to rescue her," Caspian continued.
"You won't let this down," I grumbled.
"The fact that Queen Eirlys of the Wild is no longer graceful is amusing," Caspian teased.
"I never said I was graceful," I countered.
"Reminds me of the time you slipped on mud," Edmund added.
"Edmund," I warned.
"Now that is a story I want to hear," Caspian murmured.
Before Edmund could speak, the stormed picked up.
"Later, right now, we need to help the men," I said.
We gathered our cloak and went out to help the crew.
.o0o.
This is by far the longest storm we have ever dealt with. Lucy has been keeping track of the time by using the hourglass. She keeps check of the time. And when it is time for bed, the dwarf Cruickshanks will cover the night. Based on their estimation of time, this storm has lasted three days.
The crew has been split in half to cover the first twelve hours, and the second crew does the other twelve. Caspian and Edmund would join in now and then unless Drinian barked at them to go inside. I understand where Drinian was coming from, knowing Edmund and Lucy come from a different world. If anything happens, their family will mourn. As for Caspian, he has no heir. And the last thing anyone wants is the Second Dark Ages.
When the storms get rough with extreme lightning, I will go outside a redirect so the sails and masts wouldn't get damage. Fortunately, the third day of the storm was moderate. Not mile, but not severe. As I spent time in the State Room, keeping track of our location with Pittencream. Until later, where Edmund, Caspian, and Drinian entered. Pittencream being excused for a private meeting.
Caspian took a seat on the lounge while Edmund stood next to me. Drinian examined the map, seeing out the latest update. He was not pleased, and it had me concerned.
"So, we're stuck here," Drinian started, tapping the coin representing us on the map. "At half rations, with food and water for two more weeks, maximum." He almost stumbled and grabbed the ceiling to catching his bearing, staring sharply at Caspian. "This is your last chance to turn back, Your Majesties. There's no guarantee we'll spot the Blue Star anytime soon. Not in this storm. Needle in a haystack, trying to find this Ramandu place. We could sail right past it and off the edge of the world."
"Or get eaten by a sea serpent," Edmund added.
All eyes turned to him.
You better knock on some wood, I mentally told him.
Edmund stared at me with a nervous smile.
"I'm just saying, the men are getting nervous," Drinian warned, walking around the table. "These are strange seas we're sailing the likes of which I've never seen before."
Caspian stood up, grasping the support rail on the ceiling to keep his balance, "Then perhaps, Captain, you would like to be the one to explain to Mr. Rhince that we're abandoning the search for his wife."
"Or to Lady Lastelle and her people," I added.
Drinian hesitated, knowing there is a man on this ship searching for his wife, who was stolen by the Green Mist. Along with a Laputian Witch in Doorn who spent five hundred years fighting against this evil and failed because of the Telmarine and Calormene slave trade.
Still, the tension is high on this ship—the storm blowing us off course mentally.
"I'll get back to it," Drinian said as he went to gather his cloak and putting it on. "Just a word of warning. The sea can play nasty tricks on the crew's mind." He secured the hood. "Very nasty."
The Captain left the room, leaving us three to grasp his words.
"We are good on water, with the purity spell," I told them. "If we can find the next island, I can use the seeds Coriakin gave me."
Caspian nodded in agreement, "We better get some rest."
Edmund and I nodded as we watch Caspian made his way out to the Captain's cabin. We made our way to the lounge and relaxed. Despite the rain and waves crashing along the windows, and the clash of lightning now and then follow by thunder. We were able to relax and breathe in peace.
"Finally, some alone time," Edmund said.
I chuckled softly. We barely get any alone time on the Dawn Treader. Yes, we enjoy each other's company, but the crew is always there. Lucy usually occupies the Stern Cabin, and Eustace is hiding in the Captain's Cabin, leaving nowhere to go. So, the State Room being empty is a blessing for now.
" How are you doing?" he asked.
"I'm doing well," I answered. "Though I hope this storm will end."
"As do I," he agreed. "And land."
"Same," I said.
I would like to stand on solid ground after two weeks on this ship. And three days of this storm is making it worse.
I sighed, resting my head along his shoulder. Savoring his company. Sometimes we don't need to talk but savoring each other's company. Breathing in his scent. Not thinking of the possibilities in where this voyage will lead.
Sorry for the long wait. Been working on another story, and work has been crazy. I hope you enjoy the chapter. I know I reused a scene from Dark Witch. I thought it was the right way for those who don't remember or have not read Dark Witch.
Thanks for reading, and please leave a review!