Thanks to my wonderful reviewers for the encouragement. If you are wondering what help the horn summoned, I am afraid the answer is not in this chapter –you will have to wait for chapter 8…. :)
Aravis curtsied in the Calormen fashion and waited for Susan to speak. Queen Susan rose and smiled.
"Come, sit with my ladies and myself and speak with us. I am Queen Susan of Narnia. These are my dear companions, Lady Nola and Lady Deidre" said Susan.
They seated themselves at a table and slaves put down drinks and a bowl of fruit.
Susan thanked the slaves and politely told them they could leave.
Susan smiled and said "I am hoping you can tell me more about Calormen since it will be my new home. But first, tell me about yourself."
Aravis replied "It is most unusual for a Calormen lady to thank slaves. They are usually treated as though they are invisible. Are things different in Narnia?"
"Yes" answered Susan. "There are no slaves in Narnia and all are treated with courtesy. Those of us with power and privilege have even a greater responsibility than most to be courteous at all times. Narnia and Calormen are quite different places. Please tell me about yourself and your life in Calormen."
Aravis proceeded to describe her life in her father's house and how her father arranged for her marriage to Ahoshta.
Susan asked "Pardon me if this is rude but you seem quite young. I had much responsibility at your age myself but I could never imagine being married. Is this normal?"
Aravis replied "Yes among Tarkaan families, girls are usually married between age 12 and 15."
Deidre replied "That is so strange to us. It would be rare for a noble woman in the north to marry before 21. I love dancing and riding my horse and there are so many handsome knights at court to flirt with – I am 22 and I feel like I am too young to get married most days."
Nola added "I, of course, think married life is wonderful but I was 23 when I got married and I had known Brynn since we were children playing together on the Lone Islands. It must be hard to have to marry someone so much older that you barely know. Brynn and I were friends as children and then fell in love as adults."
Aravis bowed her head and was silent for a moment. When she looked up there were tears in her eyes. She was amazed by the sympathy of these three women who had just met her – Calormene women brushed aside her concerns and focused on the wealth and high status of her fiancée.
Aravis confessed "It is wrong for me to say so, but marriage would not be so dreadful if it was with a boy closer to my age. I have prayed to Zardeenah, Lady of the Night and Maidens to release me from this marriage but my prayers have been in vain. I have heard in Narnia that girls are not forced to marry so I thought to flee there. I tried to escape but my father caught at the city of Azim Balda and brought me here to Tashbaan to marry Ahoshta Tarkaan.
Susan asked "It is true that girls in Narnia are not forced to marry. Many suitors have come to court me and it has always been my choice. My royal brothers would advise me but never command me to marry. How did you come to know this about Narnia?"
Aravis looked nervous as she replied "I fear I have spoken too much already, Madam. You must think poorly of me for trying to run away."
Queen Susan quickly answered "Nay, Aravis Takheena, you have a strong spirit which in the north is an admired characteristic. Pray tell us how you learned about Narnia."
"It is a secret" replied Aravis. "Perhaps you can help my dear companion, even if I am beyond help."
Aravis proceeded to explain how her horse Hwin was actually a talking horse from Narnia who had been kidnapped while a foal and brought to Calormen. Hwin had told her about Narnia and aided her failed escape.
Susan asked "Where is Hwin at this time?"
Aravis replied "My horse is in the stable. Can you help her get to Narnia so at least one of us is free?"
"I am not capable of helping anyone to freedom at the moment" replied Susan looking a bit grim. "I wish all of us could go back to Narnia but it appears you and I have a similar fate, Aravis Tarkheena, of being forced into marriages we do not desire."
"I heard talk that Prince Rabadash rode to the north and kidnapped you but I thought it was because your brothers forbid the marriage" said Aravis.
"My royal brothers warned me against Prince Rabadash's courtship but they did not forbid me. Nay, my heart turned against Prince Rabadash as I got to know him better and saw his behavior here in Calormen" replied Susan.
Nola said "Queen Susan's eldest brother the High King is coming to Tashbaan soon. Perhaps we can help Hwin at that time. I fear it will be much harder to help you escape."
The ladies continued to talk. Aravis was surprised to learn that all three ladies loved to swim in the ocean near Cair Paravel and they all were accomplished riders. Aravis was astonished that Susan was a great archer and had fought in battles when she was no older than Aravis herself. Aravis loved archery and swimming and horseback riding but they were not considered suitable pastimes for a lady in Calormen.
Nola smiled as Aravis shared her fears and hopes with Queen Susan. Since the first time, she met Susan, Nola had admired the way the young queen could so graciously talk with people. Within moments, people felt they had known Susan for years and would confide in her – Aravis was no different.
Several days later, Aravis was visiting with Queen Susan and her ladies when Ahoshta Tarkaan entered the room. Ahoshta was pleased that his fiancée had become a favorite of Susan's. This would bring his own high status even higher once Susan was married to Prince Rabadash. The Grand Vizier informed the ladies that the Narnians had arrived and would be received in the palace within an hour.
Shortly afterwards, Susan stood on a balcony with Aravis, Nola and Deidre watching the street. They saw the crowds below parting and murmurs of astonishment were rising from the streets below. Noble Calormenes were paraded through the street on litters carried by slaves. When the Narnians had last visited, King Edmund had insisted on walking. When Susan had visited Tashbaan with King Edmund, most of their companions were human. The High King had made different choices. Susan smiled as she saw her brother and his party.
Several nervous Calormenes led the party occasionally glancing over their shoulders.
King Peter was riding bareback on a white unicorn. The High King was wearing a mail shirt, red tunic with gold lion, leather boots and a gold cloak. His gold crown was on his fair head. A sword was at his side.
The king was followed by six human knights on horses, four centaurs and two horned satyrs. The humans and satyrs wore chain mail shirts and swords like their king. Each centaur carried two or three swords strapped around their waists. Two leopards walked on each side of the party while two panthers walked on the other side. Sallowpad the Raven flew overhead.
Aravis asked: "Lady Nola, is one of those knights your husband?"
"Yes" replied Nola as she pointed out her husband Sir Brynn and then Deidre's brother Lord Peridan. She then jokingly said "I suppose you can guess which man is the High King."
Aravis laughed as she confirmed it was obvious adding that the High King was quite handsome. Actually, all of the Narnian men were handsome and strong.
Nola said "Aravis, see the horses and the unicorn. The Calormenes do not realize it but they are talking beasts and that gives the High King an advantage if there are problems. Narnians don't normally ride talking beasts except for emergencies or time of war."
Aravis asked "Are the panthers and leopards and the raven talking beasts too? What are the half horse half men creatures? And the furry horned creatures that walk upright like men?"
"Yes, they are talking beasts" replied Nola. "The High King brought 12 knights and another 12 experienced warriors in the talking beasts. The horned creatures are satyrs who by nature are very peace loving creatures. They love the forest and they love music and dancing in the moonlight. But they are skilled warriors. It is a mark of how much they respect and adore their sovereigns that they would leave their beloved woods to come to Tashbaan. The half horse creatures are centaurs who are powerful warriors and very wise. Many of them are skilled teachers and healers. Some centaurs can even read the future in the stars."
"They look like they would be fearsome in battle. This is a sight my countrymen will not forget soon" said Aravis.
"My royal brother learned long ago how to make an entrance that is unforgettable" replied Susan with a smile. "Although it's been years since the High King rode a unicorn rather than a horse. I am guessing he planned this to prey a bit on some of superstitions of your countrymen."
The young queen looked thoughtful for a moment and then turned to Aravis asking "Do you still want to help your companion Hwin to freedom? I have an idea of how we can help her join the Narnians when they leave."
The Tisroc was seated in this throne awaiting the High King of Narnia. Prince Rabadash stood near the throne with Queen Susan next to him. Several of Rabadash's younger brothers stood nearby. Tarkaans and other advisors were kneeling along both sides of the room. Ladies including Aravis, Nola and Deidre kneeled behind the men. It was Calormen law that no one but members of the royal family stood in the presence of the Tisroc. The Tisroc was in his late fifties, a heavy man covered in jewels and gold. Unlike his sons, he wore no weapons.
Susan thought back to when she and Edmund had arrived at this court. The Tisroc sat on his throne as he did today. He did not stand to greet the Narnian king and queen which had surprised both of them. Whenever a king or queen came to Cair Paravel, Susan and her siblings would always stand to greet visiting sovereigns. Susan suspected the Tisroc would remain seated rather than rising to greet Peter. Indeed she suspected he would keep significant distance between himself and the Narnian High King.
There was a slight murmur in the room as the Narnians entered – the seven humans on foot followed by two satyrs and four centaurs. The great cats walked on either side. Peter walked in front with his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. When they reached the front, the satyrs and men, with the exception of Peter, bowed politely and quickly straightened up. The centaurs and great cats nodded their heads for a few seconds. Peter did not bow at all but rather stared directly at the Tisroc. Susan noted with satisfaction that the Tisroc broke off eye contact first. She smiled thinking her brother was truly magnificent while the Tisroc looked like an old spider covered in jewels. The Tisroc motioned to Ahoshta Tarkaan who was kneeling at the front.
Ahoshta said "The Barbarian King has come to speak with the Tisroc, may he live forever."
"Thank you for the safe conduct to Tashbaan. I have come to assure myself of the safety and well being of my beloved sister and to return Lady Nola and Lady Deidre to their homes. If my lady sister wishes to return to Narnia, I request that you allow her to accompany us as well" said King Peter in a clear, firm voice.
"Nay" said Prince Rabadash angrily. "Queen Susan has promised to marry me. She will stay here in Tashbaan." The arrogant prince turned to Susan and said "Tell your brother of your promise."
Susan looked directly at Peter as she said "I did promise to marry Prince Rabadash if he would release Lady Deidre and Lady Nola without harm."
"Your Highness, that does not sound like a willing promise to our hearing. In Narnia, women are allowed to marry whom they choose and I do not believe my sister willingly chose you" replied Peter.
"You have little choice in the matter. We are in Tashbaan not Narnia" said the Tisroc.
There was a moment of silence broken only by sounds of the centaurs hoofs shifting.
Peter said "I have never been defeated in battle but I am not foolish enough to think I could storm Tashbaan to retrieve Queen Susan. Of your courtesy, allow me to speak with my sister for a few moments and please have Lady Deidre and Lady Nola join our party."
Susan walked to greet her brother. Rabadash and several of his brothers followed closely unwilling to let her have a private conversation. Several feet away from Peter, Susan stopped and dropped a deep curtsy to her brother. Peter reached out his hand to raise her up and then gave her an embrace.
"Su, do not fear. I have a plan" whispered Peter.
Susan stepped back and looked at her brother. She nodded her head. He smiled and placed his hand on his belt. Susan's eyes widened for a moment as she realized that Peter was wearing her horn, her gift, on his belt. Susan smiled and felt confident for the first time in many days. She knew Peter would never leave her behind in Tashbaan.
The young queen turned and began to greet the knights and talking beasts who accompanied her brother. Deidre and Nola had risen and joined them. Nola happily embraced her husband. There were several moments of polite conversation before Peter announced the Narnians were returning to their ship. They would return tomorrow to visit more with Queen Susan.
Deidre began to weep as she said "It breaks my heart to leave you, Your Majesty."
"It would break my heart for you to remain here with me and come to any harm. Do not fear for me. I wish only happiness for you" said Susan as she embraced Deidre and then Nola.
Susan turned to Rabadash and asked "May we escort my royal brother to the courtyard, Your Highness?"
Rabadash agreed and they walked out to the courtyard followed by some members of the court. In addition to Narnian horses and the unicorn, there was a groom holding the reigns of a lovely mare.
Aravis approached Deidre and embraced her saying "Dear friend, please take the gift of this fine mare as a gesture of our friendship. For the poets say a trusted friend is a gift of the gods."
Lord Peridan who was standing nearby spoke up saying "It is a lovely gesture but our ship is already crowded. Perhaps it would be best if the mare remains here."
Deidre looked horrified for a moment and quickly stepped to her brother's side, whispering in his ear.
The young knight said "I am sorry if I sounded rude, Tarkheena, of course my sister will accept this lovely gift. My apologies, lady" said Peridan as he bowed to Aravis.
Peridan quickly helped Deidre mount Hwin while Nola rode behind her husband. Peter frowned as Peridan approached him.
"Friend, was that necessary? You were correct when you said the ship is crowded" said the High King.
"Sire, we are rescuing more than just two Narnian ladies at this moment" replied Peridan in a low voice.
Peter glanced at the mare. Hwin looked at the king with intelligent eyes and quickly bowed her head. Peter nodded in understanding and mounted the unicorn.
As they prepared to ride out and leave Susan with the Calormenes, Peter said "Queen Susan, we will see you tomorrow."
Susan nodded and raised her hand in farewell as the Narnians left the courtyard. She wondered what Peter had planned.