Chapter 5: The Albatross

Trufflehunter was not in the castle, at least as much as Drinian had searched. A quick conversation with a dryad convinced Drinian he was not among the orchard trees, either. If he had gone outside the castle gates, then it would take a blood hound to find him. The only other place was the beach, but that was unlikely. The badger never did feel comfortable so close to such a large body of water.

But it was the only place he could look, before resigning himself to a hunt in the woods beyond. The tide was on its way out, leaving behind damp, firm sand. Drinian was rewarded with a trail of badger-sized pawprints, leading off in the northerly direction down the beach. They went on for a good two kilometres, then proceeded around a bend so Drinian was now nearly out of sight of the castle. The footprints ended a few hundred meters up the beach ... and with an animal that was definitely not a badger. It was crouched on its hind legs beside a small stream, staring intently into the water. It was an otter, one of an entire family that dwelled around the Great River mouth.

"Good afternoon, Lord Drinian," she said, as Drinian came within conversation distance. She did not turn from watching the water, and clearly had a good sense of smell.

"And to you," Drinian said. "What brings you out this way?"

"Good fishing, my lord."

"I don't suppose you've seen Sir Trufflehunter?"

"Not today, my lord. Ah, if you'll excuse me." The otter dived into the stream, and began to swim rapidly upstream. Drinian watched until she disappeared, then turned back towards the palace. Perhaps he should summon Trillitook when he reached the garden. The blackbird could spread the word among the trees that Lord Drinian was looking for Trufflehunter. On the other hand, did he really want the populace speculating about what might have caused such a situation? They were in need of something new, now that the gossip about Caspian and Rilami had dried up.

Drinian paused for a moment, his gaze naturally turning towards the sea. Life was so much simpler out there on the waves. If only he had a ship ready, he could sail north and leave Caspian to sort out his own problems. The idea filled him with pleasure for a brief moment, and then he felt ashamed of such thoughts. This was his king ... but firstly and most importantly, his friend. He had a duty.

Upon turning back to resume his walk, he discovered he was not as alone as he thought. There was a cluster of black rocks a short distance away, higher up on the beach. Atop them sat a magnificent albatross. They were the largest of seabirds to begin with, but this one was truly a sight to behold. Its proud head was turned out to sea, to the left of Drinian, but he was sure he had been seen. He remained still for a while, not wishing to scare the bird away. It was rare for a person to be even this close to an albatross.

Finally, seeing as the bird seemed quite relaxed, he took a few cautious steps forward. It never moved. It simply continued to watch the waves in its rather intense manner. Finally, Drinian was only a few steps away from touching it. The bird turned its head to regard him, and Drinian found himself lost in its soulful eyes, framed by the stark black markings. By this point, he was under the strong suspicion that the bird was intelligent. At any rate, there was no one else around to catch him talking to a dumb bird, if his suspicion was incorrect.

"Good afternoon to you, wanderer of the sea," he said, dipping his head slightly.

The bird returned the gesture, and then spoke. His voice was rich and calm. "Greetings, Son of Adam."

Drinian stared at the bird, momentarily at a loss for words. Not only was this a talking albatross, it was an albatross well versed in history. The bird returned his gaze steadily, until Drinian roused himself.

"Forgive my staring," Drinian said, "but I've never seen one of your kind so close before. It is an honour. I've been helped many times by your guidance at sea. I remember the first time I saw an albatross ..." He broke off, suddenly realizing he was babbling like an excited peasant meeting a famous king. This bird had probably been enjoying the peace and quiet until he'd shown up. He was about to excuse himself, when the bird spoke up, as if reading his thoughts.

"Please, continue," he said, shuffling aside to make room for Drinian on the rocks. "Tell me of this first time you saw an albatross."

"Well," Drinian said, thinking back. He was feeling a little awed, but he accepted the bird's invitation, and sat down on the flat-topped rock. "When I was younger, I was the first mate on a cargo ship that sailed the routes between the Seven Isles and Terebinthia. One night we -"

"- sailed into a fog," the albatross picked up. "And drifted off course, unknowingly heading for uncharted rocks."

"That was you?" Drinian said, glancing at the bird in surprise. "If you hadn't appeared when you did ... if I hadn't asked the captain to follow you, as I wanted a closer look ... you saved all our lives."

"Was that truly the first time you saw an albatross?" the bird enquired. It had resumed staring out to sea.

Drinian thought hard, sifting through his memories. After a moment of silence, his companion prompted him.

"Son of Adam, do you remember the first time you sailed on the great Eastern Sea?"

"Aye," Drinian said, thinking back. "When I was a boy, the evil king Miraz murdered my father, and my mother and I were forced to flee Narnia." He paused, feeling an old sadness. "We sailed for many days and nights."

"Your mother did not know if you would ever find land, although she told you otherwise," the albatross said, quietly.

"And she went without adequate food and water to keep me alive," Drinian said, sadly. "I don't think she'd have survived another day, if I hadn't seen ..." He trailed off, as long forgotten memories were stirred to life again. "It was you," he realized. "I spotted your great form, soaring in the air above. My mother said you were a spirit of the sky, and would lead us to land. And so you did. Friend, I can see I owe you my life many times over. I am forever in your debt. If there is anything you ever need ... tell me, what brings you on to land this fine afternoon? I would rather be at sea myself."

"I was brought here by a friend's request," the albatross explained.

"Speaking of friends," Drinian said. "I don't suppose you've seen a badger, hereabouts?"

"This would be an odd place to find a badger, Son of Adam."

"Yes," Drinian said, "but if he's not here, it will mean I'll have to search the woods, a mammoth task. I felt it easiest to look in the most accessible places first."

"How did you come to be searching for this badger?"

Drinian hesitated, wondering if he should really divulge such information. There was no real reason to, and this was a private matter involving the King. But he very much wanted to tell his feathered companion everything. He could provide a new perspective, as one uninvolved, and Drinian had no doubt that he would offer good advice.

"It is a sensitive matter," Drinian said, finally.

"Everything you say to me will remain between us," the bird said.

Drinian supposed he should question this. But there was something about this albatross that made him believe everything he said, without hesitation.

"See that castle yonder?" Drinian said, gesturing.

"The castle of Cair Paravel, where Caspian reigns as king."

"Aye. We had a visitor as of late. He has gone on his way now, but left behind a gift for us. He claims it is a transport device that will allow one to journey into another world. A Gateway."

Drinian had been expecting the bird to either laugh or express wonder, but he simply nodded his black and white head.

"His majesty has a great passion for exploration and adventure," Drinian continued. "He wished to put the device to the test. My badger friend was opposed. It descended into a quarrel. Now I am attempting to seek him out so he and my king can be reconciled. They are old and dear friends ... I would hate for this rift to exist any longer than necessary."

"What are your feelings towards this gateway device?" the albatross asked.

"I admit to being curious," Drinian said, "yet also skeptical. But I am against his majesty using it. I fear it could be dangerous."

"Your voyage to the eastern edge was dangerous," the bird said. "That did not hold you back."

"Are you saying we should go ahead and use it?" Drinian asked.

"Nay, Son of Adam. Just that perhaps danger is not what you truly fear."

"You speak the truth," Drinian said, wondering how the bird had seen through him so easily. "It's not. I am ashamed to speak out loud what I truly fear. You see, I ..." He trailed off for a moment, considering, and then said, "I fear that if we do reach the other world, Caspian will not want to return."

"You fear he will abandon his kingdom?"

"On our great voyage, my faith in his commitment to Narnia was shaken," Drinian explained. "He wanted to leave the ship's company and sail on to the end, from which he knew he was unlikely to return. It was only timely interference that prevented him from doing just that. I know he loves this country beneath us ... but perhaps he loves adventure more. The temptation of a whole new world to explore may prove too much."

"What does Caspian say to these concerns?"

Drinian was silent for a moment, and he stared down at the shifting sand. "I have not shared them. It would be inappropriate. I am his subject."

"Also his friend."

Drinian fingered a barnacle on the rock, feeling uncomfortable. These exact thoughts had been through his mind many times before. It was strange to hear someone else repeat them back to him. "I am not comfortable with serious conversations," Drinian said, finally. "I had thought Trufflehunter might ..." It sounded like a feeble excuse to Drinian's ears, even as he spoke the words. He thought for a moment, and then continued.

"I suppose I have not spoken to him because I fear what he will say. If he should say my fears are with good cause ... the peace we have forged in Narnia could be shattered. If Calormen should hear that the Narnian king is to abdicate, they will most surely attack. They know Caspian has no heir to the throne. Yet if his highness should say my fears are unfounded ... I would fear that he was lying to avoid worrying me. Or perhaps, by even mentioning the possibility, I will have put the idea in his head."

"A difficult situation," his companion said.

"Yes," Drinian agreed. Somehow, just voicing his thoughts, made his choice seem clearer. "I suppose it is better not to raise the issue, at least until I am certain of Caspian's intentions. But I do believe it would be a mistake to use the Gateway."

"In your years of sailing these waters," the albatross said. "You will know that one can gain knowledge through making a mistake."

"Aye," Drinian agreed. "And one is never too experienced a sailor to learn from one's mistakes."

There was silence for a moment, while Drinian considered the point. Caspian would undoubtedly use the device anyway, with or without his approval.

"If he goes to this other world, I must go with him," Drinian said, distantly. "I cannot let him face what might lie there alone."

"One of the greatest measures of true friendship," the albatross said, "is a willingness to stand beside one's friends as they make mistakes. Remember that, Son of Adam."

The sun had shifted across the sky, and Drinian's thoughts turned back to Cair Paravel. He had been gone a long time. Caspian would be wondering where he was.

"You offer wise counsel," Drinian said, standing up. "I did not know how much I needed to think about this before I met you. You would do this kingdom a great favor if you could talk some similar sense into his majesty."

Drinian had said it as a joke, but the bird regarded him for a moment, and then said, "Caspian does not feel ready to speak to me. But by all means, tell him I am waiting here for him."

"Whom should I say is waiting?"

"Aslan," the bird replied.

"You were named after the Lion?" Drinian said, raising an eyebrow.

The albatross chuckled in a friendly way, and then said, "Perhaps you should sit down again, Son of Adam."

Caspian and Trumpkin were sitting in the throne room playing a subdued and distracted game of chess, when Drinian burst through the doors. Trumpkin started and knocked the entire board to the floor. The pieces rolled away, and Drinian nearly tripped on one as he rushed up beside them. There was a shine in his eyes, like one who had just had an epiphany.

"What happened?" Caspian asked. "Did you find Trufflehunter?"

"Nay!" Drinian said. "I found the Lion ... he's down on the beach right now!"

"The Lion?" Caspian said, standing up in surprise. "You mean ... Aslan?"

"Of course!"

"Are you sure it's not some other talking lion?" Caspian asked.

It was a stupid question, and Caspian knew it. They'd been no native talking lions in Narnia since the days of Caspian's ancestors, who had hunted them ruthlessly, believing one of them to be the rumoured supreme guardian of Narnia.

"See for yourself, Sire!" Drinian said, pointing towards the east-facing window.

Trumpkin and Caspian walked over cautiously. Trumpkin reached the window before Caspian, took one look, then jumped back immediately.

"Wraiths and wreckage!"

Caspian took a longer look, enough to see the Lion was pacing up and down somewhat impatiently. He drew back quickly.

"He heard your dishonourable words!" Trumpkin said, pointing at Caspian. "You're doomed!"

"Don't be ridiculous, my lord," Drinian said. "I was just speaking with him. He is not angry. Is his capacity for forgiveness not known to be infinite? Regardless, even if he were, it is our greatest honour to face him regardless, as I'm sure his majesty will agree."

"What? Oh ..." Caspian said. "Of course, Lord Drinian. You speak the truth. I ... I should go at once." He took a deep breath, and started to walk towards the exit.

"What should we do if you do not return, Sire?" Trumpkin asked.

"Lord Trumpkin!" Drinian said, annoyed. "Of course our good majesty will return."

Caspian wasn't so confident. He made his way slowly down the steps, and then turned towards the western exit of the castle. He would walk around the long way, past the treasury. That would give him a chance to compose himself. It wouldn't befit a king of Narnia to appear before Aslan looking like he thought he was going to eat him. Unfortunately, the walk only gave him time to feel more nervous. When he came to the juncture between the treasury and the path leading outside, he hesitated. Perhaps he should wait here for a minute ... maybe make sure the door to the treasure chamber was locked.

As Caspian walked down the short flight of stairs, he recalled he'd been about to go down here before. To collect Edmund's torch ...

The memory caused the king to come to a sudden halt. Aslan wasn't here in response to the angry words he'd spoken in haste! The Lion was here because of the Gateway ... he was here to tell him that he was not to use it. The knowledge filled Caspian with both joy and horror. Joy that this meant the device actually worked and he had a means of being reunited with his friends. And horror that he might not be allowed to do so.

For a moment, his horror turned to anger. This was just like the events at the eastern edge. Once again, he was going to be forbidden from fulfilling his deepest desires. Why was he given this desperate need to explore if every opportunity was going to be denied him? A cruel torture!

But almost as quickly, he became disgusted at his own anger. He had sworn to rule and protect this land, not desert it because he wanted to pursue his own flights of fancy. Aslan was right to have turned him back at the world's end. He was always right ... if he didn't want him to use this device, there would be a good reason for it.

But how badly did he want to! It felt as if he would be unhappy to the end of his days if he did not give into this one wish. The temptation was too great. His mind couldn't help but consider the possibility ... he could return to Trumpkin and Drinian, with Edmund's torch in hand. He could tell them he had spoken with Aslan and had his blessing to use the Gateway.

Which would be a terrible and shameful lie, Caspian told himself, pushing the idea away.

But how else would you ever get to do this?

Caspian sighed, staring at the treasury door. He was the king of Narnia. He had to set an example for everyone, not be plagued by mortal temptations. Besides, could he honestly be contemplating doing something in defiance of Aslan?

But it wouldn't be defiance if he never actually said you couldn't do it, Caspian thought. After all, this was all just speculation, wasn't it? Perhaps Aslan was the one responsible for the Gateway falling into their hands in the first place. If that was the case, he wouldn't be lying to Drinian and Trumpkin ... not completely.

But it would still be lying! Caspian sighed, and turned away from the treasury door. He wouldn't give into temptation. He'd already stood here far too long ... Aslan would ask him why he had taken so much time. Caspian hesitated again, wondering how he could answer such a question. To say anything other than exactly what he'd been contemplating would be less than the truth. To admit that he'd been tempted to lie to his friends would be as bad as having done so ... he'd be sternly reprimanded for such immoral thoughts.

So ... if he was already in such a position, perhaps he should just do it. He may be the king, but he wasn't some kind of saint.

Caspian suddenly reached for his treasury keys, knowing he had to do this while his resolve still held out. He immediately felt a rush of excitement at the thought of what might lie ahead. It overshadowed any remaining fears he had. In a moment, he was carrying Edmund's torch back towards the throne room.

Drinian and Trumpkin were sitting on either side of the chess table, but they were not playing. In fact, the chess pieces still lay scattered on the floor, where Trumpkin had dropped them earlier. They both looked up at his return, questions clear in their faces.

"It's all right," Caspian said, walking immediately over to the device. It was resting on a table between two of the thrones. "We can use the Gateway. I have Edmund's torch."

"You mean Aslan said we could use it?" Trumpkin said, standing up. "If he was allowing us to visit the other world, wouldn't he just send us himself? Why would we have to use this contraption?"

"I don't know," Caspian said, not meeting Trumpkin's eyes. "All I know is that I'm not waiting any longer. Are you coming?"

"Of course," Trumpkin said. "But what about Trufflehunter?"

"He's not here," Caspian said. "He'll have to stay behind. I wish it were otherwise, but we don't have time to find him."

"Are you joining us, Lord Drinian?" Trumpkin enquired.

Caspian looked over at Drinian. His friend met his gaze for a moment, and Caspian had to fight not to look away.

"I'll follow you anywhere," Drinian said, finally.

Caspian activated the Gateway, just as Soreus had described in the letter. It glowed into life, bathing them instantly in the green light. Caspian reached out, gripping Trumpkin's shoulder. He, in turn, held Drinian's forearm. Caspian stretched out his hand, hovering the torch directly above the device, in the triangular green field. For a second, it seemed like nothing was happening. Then the light suddenly grew a lot brighter and a lot whiter. Then Caspian had a feeling like he was drifting off to sleep.

If anyone had entered the throne room at that moment, they would have been just in time to see three people and one device vanish into thin air.