Caspian XI
There had been few times in Caspian's life where what he had been expecting was not even close to the truth. When Digory and Edmund had told them extensively of the factions being moved underground and how the fighting started, a part of him had accepted that they would walk into a place filled with dirt, muck, blood, and possible bodies that had not been disposed of. How wrong he was. Not many people were standing within the room and from words spoken harshly from a much older male they were in the back entrance. The one which was strictly off limits but the siblings simply rolled their eyes and proceeded to stare him in the eye until he finally backed down. Demonstrating that despite them still being in their younger bodies and without a title like in Narnia, they did hold some form of authority in Finchley. How much authority was what was in question.
"Charles won't like having more names to add to the list- "
"Charles can shove his pride down his damned arse. We need help, they offered to help, and we know them well. If he gives you any grief, send him my way, I've been itching for a good argument with him."
A small smile formed on his face at Edmund's words. Confirming that clearly whoever this Charles was, was detested by the younger King. There weren't many people Edmund felt this way towards. Distrust? Aye. But hate? That was rare.
"So they speak our tongue at least?"
"Aye, they do. They moved here when they were very young and have actually lost much of their first language. They'll have no issue with communication."
He turned to look at them all and quirked an eyebrow up silently asking for confirmation. Toma being the one to respond a little awkwardly but it seemed to satiate the distrust that was there.
"I'm Liam. I create the schedules for everyone in this faction. Speaking of schedules; you have lessons, you have an appointment, and Richard wants to speak to you. We had another raid, we managed to come to an agreement so there were no deaths but I'd imagine we won't be lucky like such in future ones."
The eldest three nodded in response and left alongside Liam, making sure to memories that name as it was one he had never heard of. Something they were likely going to experience a lot of here. If their story was going to be believable, every avenue had to be thought out in absolute precision. The tiniest slip up could destroy the entire operation. Lucy walked over now and handed over a small metallic device with a familiar looking switch on it. Flicking it and confirming it was what they called a torch. Something which had come in useful.
"Don't use them much. They run on oil which we don't have much of. Only use them in emergencies. It is dark in the tunnels for obvious reasons. We are dozens of feet underground. It's quite simple to figure your way around, but I'll give you a quick tour as I'm not scheduled for anything the rest of the day."
And she had. Walked them into the tunnels and being stunned at just how dark it was. Having to squint his eyes to adjust but as soon as he did it wasn't as terrible. Spotting silhouettes of people walking past them and noticeably giving them all strange looks but no one said a thing. Once again, Caspian was surprised at how surprisingly clean everything was. There was a slight stench of musk but nothing else. Finchley had three levels to it which stunned them all. The uppermost being the one they were currently in where the most used rooms were dug into the ground. The centre being used for training and storage. And the lower being the living quarters.
"Are there allies or anything?"
Lucy made a strange face at Mikian's question but elaborated when prodded.
"Not officially. It's not ideal but it's better than nothing. Finchley has a tentative alliance with Harrow and Barnet, the two northern factions which border us. We're relatively far north in the city, far from the central belt which is overrun with Citizens. We needed some form of a relationship with them because we use their tunnels to communicate with the outside."
Mikian nodded at the response, seemingly satisfied with it. But Caspian wasn't, and given Glenstorm and Toma's face, they weren't satisfied with the answer too. That was more than a little risky. Then again, in war risks are always taken. Sometimes a risk pays off and sometimes it doesn't.
"There are no rulers here?"
"If by rulers you mean our own monarchy? Nay, they all ran when it started and no one in London as a whole has heard from them since. There was a rumour that some were being housed in Kensington but our spies confirmed this was not truth."
Disgust ran through him at the words, a feeling Lucy clearly felt as well given the look on her face. How any ruler could run when their people needed them the most was horrible. There are monarchs and there are rulers. A monarch simply being the figurehead and sees the position as glorious whereas a ruler actively works for their peoples interest at all times and that it carries a heavy burden which never gets easier. He himself carried more than a little proof with the marks carved into his skin, and so did the Pevensie's. Not much was recovered from the Golden Age as much had been destroyed by his own ancestors, but the little that was recovered documented the battles they'd fought in detail. The brothers were riddled with scars, cringing as he remembered the first time he had seen Edmund with his back exposed. The sisters hid theirs well apart from one the youngest sported underneath her chin. It was only noticeable if she bent her neck back fully. If what was written was truth, an assassin had gotten dangerously close and was beginning to slice into her neck before a guard killed them right before the knife was deep enough to kill.
He quickly scanned to see if he could see more but none were visible. Or if they were, had expertly been covered up. Something they were likely used to unless they had a cover story. By now, they were in the lowest level and were guided to one of the rooms and the door was closed.
"Now, I know my brother almost certainly drummed this in but I have to make sure. You are certain you want to help?"
All nodded to confirm this was indeed the case. It was a dumb question to ask but he understood why she was. In her mind, she was their Queen, and as their Queen, she felt bad about having them be in a war that was not their own. It was a little strange to see her now, as the last time he had she had looked like a girl. Aye, she was still young, but there was no denying Lucy was a woman and not a girl anymore. Both physically and mentally. He remembered the thirteen-year-old who looked like she couldn't even hurt a fly.
"Also, do not take this as rude. Why is it you want to help? Yes, we do need all the help we can get even if it is only another eight people and two outsiders to communicate with, but what underlying reason is there?"
Trumpkin bristled a little at the question, clearly insulted she put it the way that she had. Understanding now that she was a straight talker and not a sweet talker like her older sister. A tone in her voice he hadn't heard as she had still had the voice of a girl when he had saw her last. One dripping with authority like it were poison coming from fangs. One he had only heard the brothers using. One that he himself had adopted in the few years in which he had been crowned.
"This was considered long and hard, your Majesty. From the moment we were told what your home has come to. You all helped us when you didn't need to, and you all chose to believe King Caspian's word that we would reform our ways and entrust your Kingdom to him. Whilst I don't doubt either of you lack the skills, help is a boon in times like this. You saved Narnia twice, but now, it is Narnia's turn to return the favour."
Glenstorm's miniature speech brought silence to all. He hadn't expected for him to say it as is as centaurs are known to talk in riddles and never outright. For the few weeks they had been in this world, he had remained mostly to himself, yet now he had just proven that whilst he was remaining quiet, he was also analysing everyone from afar. A bit like a certain black-haired King who had been scheduled somewhere within the faction. Lucy looked at them all for a few minutes, silently asking if they agreed with the comments and with a simple nod, she sighed deeply.
"As much as I hate the idea of you all being in this world during a revolution within the city, I cannot command you to do otherwise. I may be a Queen to you all, but I'm not a Queen here. Therefore, I do not have authority to pass final judgement in this regard. But you will all be trained extensively on faction life alongside having to learn numerous new weapons that do not exist in Narnia. Whilst we don't have them here, there are weapons that could easily incinerate an entire faction or even a district. We have poisons that are undetectable- "
"Then we will train with such weapons. The more help there is, the better. Like Glenstorm said, you saved Narnia. It's time we return the favour."
Her lips turned up a little at the sides after this, satisfied with the answer.
"So, I hear my brother has already assigned some of you roles?"
What? This was the first Caspian had heard of this. Feeling anger boil down deep inside at being bypassed but then he remembered with a start that here he had no title. He was a young man wanting to help friends in London. Four nodding their heads to confirm the question and wondering which roles each had been assigned.
"Follow me, we have a few spare rooms near where our own are situated. It will make the adjustment a little easier. All of us are light sleepers so you are welcome to visit during the night. We are all free in a few hours so that should be enough time to settle in and answer any questions you may have thought of on the journey in. And we'll get you a change of clothes as well."
All promptly followed as she lead them through numerous tunnels, already knowing he was going to get lost dozens of times here before there was a slightly larger corridor than the others. Seven rooms being free meaning some would need to double up. For such a small faction, Finchley seemed to have a decently sized population. Wanting to ask how many there were in total.
"It was mentioned there is a tentative alliance with two factions, is there a chance for it to become a full alliance?"
"Unlikely. Harrow and Barnet are so far away from the centre of the city they don't consider themselves a part of the city. Whilst the situation isn't ideal, it's better than having nothing. We won't attack them if they don't attack us. But we are careful with using ciphers amongst other things so nothing is ever exposed just to be on the safe side."
A couple of hours passed after this conversation. All deciding who would get a room to themselves and who would double up. Some food was brought to them too which neither wasted time in eating as it was now late at night. Finding out the faction was almost permanently in darkness from no light being able to enter but they were able to guess on the time of day by checking an exit every now and again. At least there were candles aligning the walls of the area they were currently in, and relief washed over Caspian at noticing arrows were etched into the stone showing how to get out of the level to the next. But it wasn't long until there was a knocking on the door, the other three siblings entering and immediately noticing a sour look on Peter's face, Edmund shooting him a look in response and it was wiped away almost immediately.
"Don't mind him, he's not comfortable with having you all here for obvious reasons."
The eldest proceeded to elbow his younger brother which caused a small smile to form on Caspian's face alongside the others who had filed in when they realised who was here.
"I don't like it, but I am sure you've heard it from Digory, my brother, and my sister. We cannot order you to do anything here so I will live with the decision. Liam is working on getting you all into a schedule but it won't come into play for another week so that you have time to familiarise yourselves with how the faction system works as it's a massive difference. Edmund has already assigned some of you positions and we'll find a slot for everyone else to fill so you're not just living here and actually helping. If your lives, we can make the risk worthwhile."
"I am much the same as my brother but instead of feeling guilty I am glad you are all here. The more veterans we have, the better. Brother, if I hear any ordering- "
"What? You'll twist my ear? Wax my eyebrows off? Both of which are favourites of yours."
Lucy snorted at the retort and the others had to stifle a laugh at the exchange between the Gentle Queen and the High King. Wondering what Edmund meant by saying she had changed a lot because right now, he wasn't seeing it.
"This is not a laughing matter, Peter. In Finchley we are all equals. No ordering around under any circumstances. Maybe with help we will get out of this shit situation we're in because I don't know about you all, I am sick of it. But to put an end to it we need to do something and we need to do so soon. The population of the faction is already perilously low. Get it through your thick skull for fuck sake. We have seen them all in action bar a couple and we know how much they can benefit our cause. Will it do much? Nay, it won't. But we will not turn away help even if it is the most honourable thing for us to do being royalty."
Now that didn't sound like Susan. The words having a much stronger bite in them and seeming to be worse than anger. He'd seen her angry a few times and even then she had been calm, right now she was not. Eyes seemingly flashing against her pale skin and facial expression tightened like she were trying desperately not to completely lose it.
"I know what you're really thinking and what is really stopping you. You need to stop blaming yourself for it. You feel like you have failed and therefore do not believe you deserve help. I know you're hurting Pete, but as much as it hurts, nothing can be done as Aylene is- "
"Don't you dare continue, Susan Marie. Get out. Now."
Susan cut off with whatever she was going to say at the threatening tone lingering in Peter's voice, one Caspian understood because clearly the topic was still incredibly touchy for him. Not that he could blame him. Trying to imagine what he would be like if he were in the High King's shoes. Only two other people in his own party seemingly understood what was happening and the others had a confused look. Not surprising, considering all records of Queen Aylene and the Prince's and Princess were wiped in history. If Peter hadn't told him himself, he never would've known.
"Pete- "
"I will not tell you again. Get. Out."
From the little time he had known Susan, she was someone who did not back down easily. But now, she understood she had overstepped a boundary. Biting her cheek if the indents were anything to go by as if forcing herself not to say anything else before deciding against it and leaving the room. Peter's angry silence lingered for a few minutes, no one daring to say anything for fear of making the situation worse. But this was not needed as eventually it dissipated and shook his head before leaving the room, Edmund apologising profusely and running after his brother. Leaving them alone with Lucy once again. The youngest seemed rather torn. Wanting to yell at her sister, run after her brothers, or be honest with them all on what had caused such a thing.
"I apologise for my siblings. The topic of my sister-in-law along with my nephews and niece are rather raw for my eldest brother. Now, for those who have been assigned roles, which ones are these?"
There was a slight gasp from someone from his own party as the reasoning for Peter's reaction came to light. Turning to look at some of them who wore pained faces as they too tried to put themselves in his shoes and failing miserably. This was broken though when Mikian confirmed he had been assigned to be a designer of the tunnels, this one piquing the young Queen's interest. Then there was Trumpkin as a tactic worker. Considering both positions in his head and realising that Edmund was a much better analyser of people than initially thought considering how little he knew them. Glenstorm was assigned the same position as Trumpkin, and Thero was assigned to a temporary council type position. Thero had a way with words, and Caspian knew deep down that Edmund had put it to the test before agreeing on the position as the Just King was renowned for his sharp tongue and insanely quick wit.
"Anyway, I think we should all sleep on this. In the storage room at the end of the corridor you'll find a bunch of mattresses and blankets- unfortunately, all used and in varying states but it's either that or you're sleeping on stone which will be significantly more uncomfortable. Follow me, we should get some food beforehand."
There was no use in denying this as only now did he realise just how hungry he was. Considering the long journey they had made that day it was a surprise to him he didn't realise sooner. Walking through the numerous corridors and moving up a level into a large open area.
"How do you get food?"
"The River Thames allows trade to still happen, so we're able to get food this way. It's not much but it's better than nothing. Either that or we send people to forage those who grew their own vegetables before the war or we were driven underground."
There wasn't a big selection, helping himself to what he assumed to be chicken breast in some strange sauce he'd never seen. Food was food when it came to war. There was no use with complaining with what was available as things could easily be worse. Once finished, Caspian stood up with Glenstorm following close behind almost like a makeshift guard. A part of him wanting to question him on it but knowing they had to play the ruse off perfectly therefore there could be no slips of the tongue. Managing to find his way back not long after but before entering the room he had decided to share with Edmund, wanted to know what had happened of Peter after the fight between himself and his eldest sister. Remembering which one was his and saying to Glenstorm he was going to speak to him.
Caspian had seen many things in his relatively short life. But he never expected to see someone like the High King of Old curled in a corner and audibly crying. There wasn't much in the room other than a few pictures, a notebook, a couple of blankets, a suitcase filled with clothes, alongside a few miscellaneous objects strewn around. He was shirtless, the tattoo clearly on show. A part of him wondering how is it they are done if they are so permanent. Glenstorm looked their way hesitantly but with a simple nod, he closed the door so no one could hear the conversation.
"What was that about? It doesn't seem like her to use something in such a way?"
Glenstorm was now looking at them back and forth, wondering if he should pipe in himself. Peter slowly raising his head and wiping away some tears from his eyes on the back of his hand.
"She's bitter, and she's taking it out on everyone instead of stopping to realise just how much she is affecting everyone else. It's not the first time she's used my wife and children against me like that, but it still hurts. Aye, it's been years but it's not a nice thing knowing my family are dead. I don't even know what happened after we stumbled across the portal- "
"Your wife and children escaped, my King."
Peter's breath hitched at the words as Caspian's head snapped his way too. What did he mean by that? How had they escaped?
"The story was passed down generation to generation with us centaurs. You knew my ancestor Orieus well, and he knew of the underground cave systems of Cair Paravel. When the sack began, he smuggled your wife and children out with the help of Tumnus and many guards. Servants snuck food to them alongside plenty of water. Once it was deemed safe, they were smuggled out on a ship to Galma and later to Avra. After this, I'm afraid I do not know much other than your children did grow into adulthood, wed, and had babes of their own."
Peter's eyes widened at the last statement, clearly in awe that he was a grandfather. A strange thought, considering right now he was only twenty-two. It was a question he never thought he would get an answer to, something which troubled him massively, but then Caspian remembered something from his own history lessons.
"Wasn't there a counterattack from the Lone Islands against Telmarine's trying to take over Narnia? Led by someone called Nalatya?"
"Nalatya? Are you certain it was that name?"
Why was he confused now? And from his expression, how did he know that name? The Pevensie's had almost two decades prior if his timings were correct.
"Aye, it was. Said they wanted to take back their homeland with her sons- "
And then he understood, his own eyes widening in shock before letting out a barking laugh. No wonder Peter had reacted as such, the timeline fit too well for it to not be the case.
"Sounds like her. Nalatya was her middle name, but she hated it. I used to call her it when I was annoyed. She was clever with things like that, it was a running joke that she spent way too much time with Edmund. My brother introduced me to her. Her father was one of our army generals and he always said his daughter helped him. Edmund knew I would've wanted to meet her too so he invited her to a council meeting. I liked her immediately. We were wed four months later."