Point of view of Lady Deidre, a lady-in-waiting

The great Narnian galleon, the Splendor Hyaline, was arriving in Tashbaan. I stood, with my queen, near the railing gazing at the alien land of Calormen. Master Tumnus the faun and two other ladies of the court, Lady Nola and Lady Alyce, also stood with us along with Prince Corin of Archenland. I looked at Queen Susan and assessed what the Calormenes would see. She was already a legend – beautiful, gentle, and gracious. She was wearing a blue silk dress with a silver cloak and looked cool and calm despite the heat. The color of the dress made her dark blue eyes even more vivid than usual. Her lips and cheeks were naturally rosy. Her features were classically beautiful with high cheek bones. She wore elegant dwarf-made jewelry – a silver circlet with sapphires, matching earrings and a belt around her slender waist. Her long black hair was arranged in braids held in place with silver and sapphire hair-pieces.

Fine estates lined the river leading to the city. The amount of white marble was dazzling and everything was perfectly manicured. The beautiful flowers were vivid colors. The city was magnificent. The city was on an island surrounded by walls and the whole hill shone with marble terraces, walls and buildings. Master Tumnus standing nearby sighed deeply.

"What is distressing thee dear friend?" asked Queen Susan.

The faun replied: "Your Majesty, it looks so unnatural. So perfect that it is not real. I miss Narnia's glades and wild woodlands already."

The queen said "Yes, it is different than our beloved Narnia but it is an adventure to see such a different country."

The Queen turned and smiled as King Edmund, my brother Lord Peridan, and two knights, Lord Brandon and Sir Brynn, approached.

Queen Susan said "Is this not beautiful dear brother?"

Edmund smiled and replied "It is beautiful, Madam. We should be docking in a few moments. I am going to speak to Captain Fergain and then will return to escort you ashore."

He left accompanied by the knights. Edmund's smile had been polite but certainly not enthusiastic. None of the gentlemen seemed very happy.

I recalled my conversation last night with Peridan. I had accused him of worrying too much.

He replied "I do not trust any Calormenes. Nothing will change that, Deidre. They wish all lands to be part of their empire and dislike our way of life. It is a mystery to me that the Tisroc would allow his son to court Queen Susan."

I had laughed and said that I did not see any mystery about a prince falling in love with our beautiful queen and begging his father for permission to court her. Peridan had remained grim.

He said "They keep slaves, which is foul, and many of the so-called free people are burdened by poverty like you can not comprehend, my fair sister. You will see for yourself when we arrive tomorrow. But most of all, I can only feel dread about this land where Aslan is considered a demon and a monster called Tash is worshipped as a god."

I brushed aside the thoughts of this troubling conversation with my brother. I had never seen a sight as stunning as the city of Tashbaan with its white marble and gold roofs gleaming in the sun. Prince Rabadash and his lords had been so courteous, handsome and charming when they visited Cair Paravel and it was clear that Prince Rabadash would do anything to win Queen Susan's favor. This was going to be a delightful visit and it would be so interesting to learn more about these romantic Calormene lords.

I turned to Queen Susan and said: "I believe we have safely docked. Madam, shall we join your royal brother, the knights and lords and begin this romantic adventure?"