31/10/2021
Happy Halloween Everyone!
Chapter .9.
Queen Susan and Queen Sashandra go to the rooms they gave to Peter, Lucy, Caspian, their parents, their family and friends.
"How are you settling in?" Queen Susan asks Peter and Lucy smiling.
"It is different", Lucy says.
"What is this place?" Peter asks.
"Corin didn't tell you?" Queen Sashandra asks surprised.
"No. So what is it?" Peter asks.
"Come with us my friends and family", Queen Susan says.
They follow Queen Susan and Queen Sashandra through the corridors.
"I know this is not what you are used to but it is defendable", Queen Susan says as the walk.
Lucy had walked ahead and saw the carvings on the wall.
"Peter, Mum, Dad...everyone...you might what to see this", Lucy calls.
Peter, Helen and John go to Lucy's voice.
"Should we follow them your Majesty?" Caspian asks.
"Yes", Queen Susan says.
Queen Susan takes a torch and leads Caspian to where Lucy, Peter and her parents where. Looking at the carvings of a fawn standing under a lamppost. Followed by carvings of the battle of Beruna too the coronations of all 4 Monarchs too the Golden Age. To they see the Pevensie's split apart and 2 go back to the Cair and the other 2 back too where they come from.
"It is us", Queen Susan says.
"What is this place?" Lucy asks.
Queen Susan and Queen Sashandra look at each other they realised the Peter and Lucy didn't realise why this was called Aslan's How.
"Follow us", Queen Susan says handing the torch to Peter.
Queen Susan leads the way in the light. Into a very dark room. Queen Sashandra lights up a circle of fire around the room and they could see the details. Lucy and Peter gasped at seeing the ancient stone table. Where Aslan had sacrificed his life for Edmund's so long ago.
Lucy, Peter, Helen, John, Caspian and the others that had come with them saw all over the walls were carvings of Centaurs, Fauns, Minotaur's, Gryphons, and Dwarves. Along with a carving of 3 of the 5 (The extra one being Sarah's) thrones filled those who made a last stand at Cair Paravel. A woman carved in stone under some rubble on the battlements of Cair Paravel and a man with a sword in his chest on horseback was carved in the stone.
The main carving that stood out the most was in the middle of the back of the room and it was a carving of Aslan in all his glory sitting on a hill with the sun shining behind him.
Queen Susan watched her siblings, parents and people take in the room.
"He must know what he is doing", Lucy says touching the table and then looking at Peter and beyond him Susan.
"I think it is up to us now", Peter replies.
Queen Susan and Queen Sashandra frown they all still had faith in the Golden Lion. As Aslan had adopted them as his children. They hadn't lost faith in all these years but it looked like Peter had and Lucy might be starting to lose faith.
That's when they hear a commotion outside the How. Queen Sashandra and Queen Susan rush out as fast as Queen Susan could with her injury the others all follow. They see a group of Narnian's arguing. Sashandra's siblings where trying to break the argument up. Susan saw her children and her brothers children also trying. But Jasper and Jasmine weren't really trying.
"WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?" Queen Susan demands.
Everyone quiets down at the raised voice of the High Queen.
"High Queen Susan", they mummer bowing down, "Queen Sashandra"
"Forgive us your Majesty's but he is a Telmarine. He is not trusted among us. Who knows what he has done to the minds of the former King Peter and Queen Lucy during his time travelling with him and who exactly are the five other humans with them?" a faun says.
"Kill him!"
"Telmarine!"
"Liar!"
"Murderer!"
"I am a Telmarine! What do you say about me? I am King Edmund the Just's wife! Give him a chance", Queen Consort Sashandra calls.
"I am a descendent of the Conquer of Narnia. What does that say about me? Or my brothers and sisters?" Prince Corin says calmly his eyes staring at his subjects.
"Forgive us your Majesty's, your Highnesses you have been with us too long. We know we can trust you", a Centaur says.
"He blow the horn and bought the missing King and Queen of Old back", Doris declares
"All this horn proves is that they've stolen another thing from us!" Nikabrik declares.
"I didn't steal anything!", Caspian says.
"Didn't steal anything?" the Minotaur says, "Shall we list the things the Telmarine's have taken?"
"Our homes", a Faun says.
"Our freedom!" another Faun says.
"Our lives! You stole Narnia!" another Narnian says.
"You would hold me accountable for all the crimes of my people?" Caspian asks.
"Accountable and punishable", Nikabrik says glaring at Caspian.
"Ha! That is rich coming from you dwarf. Or have you forgotten that it was your people who fought alongside the White Witch!" Reepicheep says.
"And I'd gladly do it again, if it would rid us of those barbarians!" Nikabrik spits at Caspian and the Telmarine Queen Consort and her children.
As well as Thatcher, Dolores and Doris and a couple of others.
"Show some respect", Lenora snaps.
Peter and Lucy whisper to each other wondering if they could do something to help the conversation.
"Then it's lucky that it is not in your power to bring her back. Or are you suggesting that we ask the boy and the Kings and Queens of Old to go against Aslan now?" Trufflehunter asks.
"No!" everyone shouts but Nikabrik and a few others.
"Some of you may have forgotten, but we badgers remember well that Narnia was never right except when all thrones of sons of Adam and daughters of Eve were on their thrones", Trufflehunter says.
Lucy and Peter stay quiet hoping they wouldn't bring up their leaving into this.
"He's a Telmarine. Why would we want him as a King? I'd rather put those two kids back on their thrones. The others at least have been here for 1300 years at least we know where they'll be in another few hundred years", Nikabrik says pointing at the Queen of Old; Susan who was an adult.
"Don't you dare talk to them like that!" Hyrio the Centaur says defending his Monarchs.
"That is my horn and I will decide if it was stolen. Yes I did leave it behind in Cair Paravel 1300 years ago. But it was meant to be by Aslan that Prince Caspian got it now! And you don't know where we'll be in another few centuries. My fellow rulers and I could die tomorrow for all you know. They only thing what we do know right now is that we need him", Queen Susan declares gesturing to Caspian.
Queen Susan nods at Caspian and Caspian knew she wanted him to talk.
"And I can help you. Beyond these woods, I am a Prince. The Telmarine Throne is rightfully mine. Help me claim it and I can bring peace between us! I will make a peace treaty with your Kings and Queens", Caspian says.
Peter didn't meet Caspian's eyes, Lucy smiled, Queen Susan and her fellows nod in approval.
"It is true. The time is right. I watch the sky for it is mine to watch, as it is yours to remember badger. Tarva the Lord of Victory and Alambil the Lady of Peace have come together in the high heavens. Now here a son of Adam has come forth to offer us back our freedom", General Glenstorm says.
"Is it possible? Do you really think there could be peace? Do you? I mean, I mean, really?" the squirrel Pattertwig asks.
"Two days ago I didn't believe in the existence of talking animals, or dwarves, or centaurs or even the Kings and Queen's of Old. But here you are, in strength and numbers that we Telmarine's could never have imagined. We have seen that this horn really is magic. It bought us together and brought back your other missing King and Queen of old. And together we have a chance to take back what is yours and ours!" Caspian calls to cheers.
"If you will lead us along our Kings and Queens, then my sons and I…", Glenstorm paused lifting up his sword, "…offer you our swords"
Everyone followed drawing their swords and bowing towards the High Queen and Prince Caspian. They were really not bowing to Peter and Lucy.
"We offer you our lives, unreservedly", Reepicheep says bowing.
Caspian goes before the High Queen. He had heard her Titles in the Tunnel so hopefully what he would say would help.
"High Queen Susan the Gentle of Narnia, The Queen of Old, Archer Queen, Queen Guardian, Dove Queen, Lady of Aslan's How, Duchess of the Southern Wilds, Empress of the Lone Islands and Dame of the Most Noble Order of the Lion. I offer you back what is rightfully yours. Your horn and your freedom! I offer you my sword and my life!" Caspian says kneeling before her and lifting the horn and his sword to the Ancient Narnian Queen.
Gasps were heard from around the group of Narnians and Humans at his words. Some for different reasons then others.
"Thank you Prince Caspian the Tenth of the Telmarine's. I as High Queen will accept the horn back and accept your sword and take you at your word you can give us back our land and freedom. I can't accept you giving your life...But I will respect that fact you have offered your life for the lives of Narnians", Queen Susan says with a bow of her head in respect.
Cheers sounded from the group.
"Come lets eat. I am sure you are all hungry by now after all of that and there are others who to see you and meet you", Queen Susan says.
Queen Susan and Queen Sashandra lead them and Caspian, Trufflehunter, Reepicheep, and Trumpkin to the private dinning all of the royals of the How.
Others where there waiting all talking about what the other Narnians had done. But stop as they enter.
Prince Corin leads Queen Susan to the Head of the table. And the others were gestured to one side of the table. The other end of the table was a seat that was left empty. Only the Susan and her family that had been with her for 13 centuries knew it was Edmund's chair.
"Welcome Peter, Lucy, Prince Caspian, Mother, Father, Aunt, Uncle, Cousin, Trufflehunter, Reepicheep and Trumpkin to the royal dinner table of the How. Everyone here is family. They will introduce themselves as dinner is put on the table", Queen Susan says.
The woman who where family where bringing in bowls of food in apples and other fruits and meat that had been cooked in the fire.
"These are my adopted children Lady Victoire, Lord Jason, Lady Marisa, Lord Ralph, Lady Rebecca, Lady Lelini and Lord Lee", Queen Susan says introducing her adopted children.
"You don't have someone special your Majesty High Queen Susan?" Caspian asks with a blush.
"No. I haven't found my soulmate yet. But I believe Aslan when he says in my dreams it will be soon", Queen Susan says, "And please in private Prince Caspian call me Susan. Your Majesty, High Queen and Queen Susan gets old after a while in private"
"Then call me Caspian, Susan", Caspian says.
"Very well", Susan says.
Prince Corin could tell his Aunt was smiting with Caspian and Caspian with her. Maybe this is what Aslan meant by Susan's soulmate. Maybe Caspian was it.
"You know me I am Queen Consort Princess Sashandra of the Telmarine's I am married to King Edmund these are our children you already met heir to my husbands throne Crown Prince Corin, Prince Crispin, Prince Gabriel, Princess Arriel, Prince Asriel, Princess Ariadne, Princess Jadzia, Prince Charles, Princess Leanna, Princess Selena, Princess Terra, Prince Luken, Prince Talto, Prince Edward and Princess Alice", Queen Consort Sashandra says pointing to each of her children.
"I am your Aunt Lucy!" Lucy says excitedly about so many nieces and nephews.
"Nice to met you Auntie. We look forward to getting to know you", Prince Crispin says.
"Edmund has found the perfect person in you", Lucy says to Sashandra.
"How do you know?" Queen Consort Sashandra asks.
"Well you stood up too all those Narnians. That was great", Lucy says.
"They wouldn't have hurt me. Edmund is a very good warrior and is scary when he is angry", Queen Consort Sashandra says.
"Thank you for standing up for the Telmarine's Queen Sashandra", Caspian says
"Don't mention it and it is Sashandra or Aunt in private" Queen Consort Sashandra says.
"I am so happy to be an Auntie. I am sure we will get on great", Lucy says.
"I don't feel I am old enough to be a Grandmother but I will live with it. Welcome to the family", Helen says.
"I agree with Helen I am not old enough to be a Grandfather but I will live. You all are welcome to the family", John says
Harold has to stop Alberta and Eustace from adding their snide comments to the others.
"I am happy to be an Uncle even though I think you are all too young to me parents", Peter says
"That is rich coming from you", Princess Jasmine says.
"Jasmine", Queen Susan hisses.
"What Jasmine is just speaking the truth", Crown Prince Jasper says.
"They just have a different flow of time then us. It has been 1300 years for us and only 1 for them", Princess Jezebel says.
"Who are you three?" Peter asks, "You didn't introduce yourselves"
"They are…", Queen Susan starts.
"Where your children that you abandoned with Mum", Crown Prince Jasper growls.
"Jasper! Be gentle", Queen Susan scolds.
"No! We have rights. He abandoned us", Crown Prince Jasper says.
"He didn't know about you", Queen Sashandra says
"He will never be our father", Princess Jasmine says.
Peter was shocked that he had left his Sarah was pregnant.
"Yeh just realised you abandoned our Mum in her time of need", Princess Jasmine says getting up.
"You will never be our Father", Crown Prince Jasper says getting up too.
"Sit down", Queen Susan says to them firmly.
"No we are going out. Jezebel you coming?" Crown Prince Jasper asks.
"I want to get to know Dad", Princess Jezebel says.
Peter looks faint he had triplet children.
"Fine!" Crown Prince Jasper and Princess Jasmine say storming out.
"Sorry about them Peter. They have been bitter about you leaving for centuries", Queen Susan apologies.
"I have three kids? Triplets? Does Sarah hate me?" Peter asks.
"Yes you have three kids. Yes they are triplets", Queen Susan says.
"And Mum doesn't hate you. Far from it. She has been trying to change those two minds for centuries. I am Jezebel, Lucy, Daddy. I am the youngest triplet. Can I have a hug? I have waited too long", Princess Jezebel asks desperately.
"Yes you can", Peter says holding his arms out.
Princess Jezebel goes running into his arms and they hug. Jezebel enjoys the first hug with her Father in her life. Peter enjoys the first hug he got from his daughter. He was worried about the other two though.
"Your other kids names are Crown Prince Jasper Peter Edmund and Princess Jasmine Susan", Queen Susan tells them.
"Will I win them around?" Peter asks still hugging Princess Jezebel.
"Yes you will. I am sure you are a great father. Aunt Susan and the others tell us stories about you and Aunt Lucy. We would like to hear them from you two through and you two Grandfather, Grandmother", Princess Jezebel says going over and hugging her Aunt Lucy and her Grandparents.
"You are very kind daughter", Peter says.
"That is why I am called Princess Jezebel the Kind", Princess Jezebel says smiling.
"Now why don't we dig in to this lovely meal and I am sure Peter, Lucy, Mum, Dad , the rest of the Family and maybe even Caspian and the others have stories to tell", Queen Susan says.
"Yes!" every kid says ready to hear stories of a foreign land from their family.
Queen Susan laughs at their enthusiasm. After all Queen Susan didn't remember the land that she had come from. She knew it was called England but nothing else so she and kids didn't hear much about it.
Now Peter had everyone's attention as he begins a story.
Peter begins a story about home telling them about his home and when they were children with Princess Jezebel sitting by his side. Now this felt like home and he hoped to see Sarah, Edmund soon too. Together they could win this war…
Author's Note: What do you think? Please review:)