Lord Peridan's point of view

I could already feel sweat dripping down my back. This land was so humid and so hot – how could anyone choose to live here instead of the Northern countries? Queen Susan, as always, looked cool and beautiful. It was probably improper to think these thoughts but did anything make my queen sweat?

King Edmund was clearly troubled in his thoughts. Most might not notice but I had served him for almost fourteen years now and despite his privacy, I could observe tension in him. Not that it worried me – King Edmund was always alert to politics around him and this place, this evil place, was full of danger. Whatever he was thinking of, whatever he was planning, would help when the danger appeared. I did not doubt that danger lurked nor did I doubt that my king would be prepared.

As the Splendor Hyaline docked, a group of men began tying up the ship to the dock. The men were wearing loincloths and simple sandals. On most of their backs and legs were visible whip marks. The men's heads hung down and they clearly had lives full of despair.

Lord Brandon said "We knew they kept slaves. I didn't expect to see such signs of abuse as soon as we docked."

"This is a hard land with harsh customs behind the poetry and courtesy. It would be good to remember this scene when we are being entertained in a fine palace" said Sir Brynn.

King Edmund replied, "I dislike this place already my friends. I wish the Queen had not accepted this invitation. I see no good coming from it. We must be on our guard."

I firmly answered: "Sire, do not fear. We will be vigilant."

I thought back to the first time I went to Cair Paravel, the first time I met my sovereigns. My great great grandfather had been an advisor to the last Narnian ruler and had been killed when the White Witch invaded Narnia. My great great grandmother fled with her young son to Archenland. My great grandfather, my grandfather and then my father lived in Archenland with no memories of Narnia and serving the Archenland kings. Then the miraculous day came when an eagle flew into Anvard and announced that Jadis was defeated and Aslan had crowned two kings and two queens at Cair Paravel in fulfillment of the ancient prophecy. King Lune's wife was heavy with child so he did not want to leave. He sent his closest friends, Lord Dar and Lord Darrin, to Narnia immediately. Our family, along with some of the other exiles accompanied them. I was fifteen years old and the twins Deidre and Donal were ten. I still remember stepping into Narnia for the first time, the beauty of the land, the scent of the air. I was home. We met creatures I had only heard of and marveled at the talking beasts. Every creature and beast was rejoicing in spring and in the new rulers of Narnia.

Cair Paravel was more magnificent than anything I had ever imagined. We entered the castle and were led to the throne room where four children sat in great thrones. King Peter, serious and noble beyond his years, welcomed us. The knights in our party who were of Narnian descent swore allegiance to him and than to his siblings. Susan was lovely and sweet although the full bloom of her beauty was several years away. Edmund was serious while Lucy was full of joy and laughter. I was not a knight yet and was not asked to swear allegiance but I swore it in my heart that day. Some who were of Narnian ancestry could not adjust after living in the lands of men and went back to Archenland or Galma or the Lone Islands but not me. I knew I was home. I was knighted by the High King only a year later and I served my sovereigns well. They rewarded my service with trust and with friendship. I was proud to be one of their close advisors.

These Calormenes were devious and I did not trust Prince Rabadash. He had been polite and courteous when visiting Narnia but I had seen the anger in his eyes during the great tournament. In a moment, he thought he was unobserved, I also saw the lust in his eyes when he gazed at Queen Susan. Deidre, my sister, on the other hand, thought Rabadash was quite romantic. It seemed to me that most of the knights in our party agreed with me and most of the ladies with Deidre. I hoped the ladies were right but I feared they were wrong.

As we debarked, an ugly old man wearing robes sown with jewels stood with soldiers and servants to greet us. He bowed and introduced himself as the Grand Vizier Ahoshta.

He said "I am the devoted and loyal servant of the Tisroc, may he live forever."

King Edmund greeted him and introduced Queen Susan.

Ahoshta then knelt in front of Queen Susan and kissed her hand saying "Noble Queen, you truly bring beauty and light to our ancient city. As a great poet said, beauty and grace are blessed gifts from the gods."

He snapped his fingers and several slaves came forward carrying a litter. Ahoshta said "We have litters for the nobles in your party. Great Queen, if you and several of your ladies wish to enter the first litter."

King Edmund stared in astonishment. I heard a murmur among the knights.

King Edmund said "Do you mean that these men will carry us into the city instead of horses or our own legs?"

Ahoshta bowed and said "Your Majesty, it is difficult to ride horses in the narrow city streets and no one of noble birth would walk."

The king turned to look at Queen Susan and lowered his voice. "Sister, I have no intent of riding a litter carried by slaves. However, the road may be long and steep. Do you wish to ride with your ladies, Madam?"

The queen looked uncertain and replied: "Edmund, it makes me uncomfortable to be so carried but I fear it will be considered not courteous to refuse this upon our arrival. And I fear my slippers may not be suitable for a long walk."

Prince Corin of Archenland stood nearby watching with wide eyes. Edmund turned to him and said "Do you wish to ride with the Queen or walk with me?"

Corin immediately replied "Your Majesty, I will walk with you and the other men."

The young prince put stress on the word "other" as only a fourteen-year old boy could. I hid my amusement.

King Edmund turned to Ahoshta and said "Queen Susan and the ladies will ride in the litters but myself, Prince Corin, and the rest of our party will walk."

Now it was Ahoshta who looked astonished. King Edmund took Susan's hand and assisted her in settling into the litter. He then assisted my sister, Deidre, and Lady Nola who joined Susan in the litter. Sallowpad the Raven perched on top of the litter, his bright eyes watching, protecting his gentle queen. The other ladies got into litters as did Ahoshta himself.

The walk from the harbor to the palace was long and the way, indeed, was steep. I walked in front with Prince Corin and King Edmund. Everywhere, we noticed the contrast between the magnificent buildings and the poverty of the people crowding the roads. As we walked, a crier and soldiers moved the crowds to the side so we could pass. I saw looks of astonishment at the fact that nobles were walking as well as surprise at the sight of Mr. Tumnus and the two dwarfs. There were also comments about our fair skin, straight swords, clothing and the beauty of "the barbarian queen". I found myself walking with my hand on the hilt of my sword and noticed King Edmund was walking likewise.

We finally arrived at our quarters. I had been fearful that we would be split into different areas but we were given a large house for our exclusive use. There was a large comfortable sitting room were we could gather as well as a dining room large enough for the whole party when we were not at a feast or festival.

Tarkhaan Ahoshta smiled, bowed and said "I will give you an hour to rest and refresh yourself and then return to escort you to His Imperial Majesty the Tisroc, may he live forever, and His Imperial Highness, Prince Rabadash, who is most eager to see."

King Edmund motioned to Sir Brynn and Lord Brandon. "Noble sirs, please carefully examine this palace and see if there is anything that would be of concern and place the queen and other ladies into jeopardy."

They both bowed their heads and went off to examine our temporary home. Edmund then motioned to Sallowpad.

He asked: "Good friend, can you fly around the outside of this house and see if there is anything unusual, anything that bring danger to the queen?"

The loyal raven took flight from the window.

King Edmund then turned to me, and said "Well friend, what think you? This house should be secure."

I nodded and said "Yes, your Majesty. We'll see what the reports say but I think it could have been much worse. Sire, I would recommend, that we post a guard each night."

King Edmund nodded and said "I had similar thoughts, my lord. Send a message to Captain Fergain and set up a schedule so several sailors rotate guard duty each evening. I don't want the knights in our party to be overly tired and I want them all to accompany us so we are at full numbers. The sailors will not have a lot of responsibility while we are on dock and can do guard duty for the queen as we sleep as well as minding the ship in harbor."

I replied, "Sire, it will be done."