Author's note: First off, my apologies for the untimeliness of this chapter. I shall endeavor to make the next chapter quicker. Thanks again to all my reviewers. Your input is greatly appreciated, and gets me back on the track of writing.
Disclaimer: Narnia belongs to the estate of C.S. Lewis. No copyright infringement is intended. The month name Lenisgale belongs to Elecktrum, who has graciously allowed me to borrow it.
Chapter the third: Remnants' Council
25 Lenisgale 2075
The dark starry sky was faintly tinged with the rose and gold that heralded the coming dawn. The Shuddering Wood was quiet, and the cool air that wafted on the gentle breeze brought with it the fresh aroma of evergreen trees. Through the twilight of the predawn hour walked the Last Knight of the Lion's Redemption. He held a longbow in his left hand and his father's sword, which had first belonged to his grandfather, was at his side. Sir Galen was a young man who had just seen his twentieth birthday, with sandy hair and calloused hands accustomed to work. Dressed in his green shirt and brown leather jerkin he moved silently and almost invisibly through the forest with the stealth gained from a lifetime of hiding. He knew well that even deep in the Shuddering Wood there was no pretense of safety, for Telmarine soldiers often ventured within their hated woods to raid and murder what remaining Narnians they could.
This particular morning differed from the others, for it marked the fifth anniversary of Galen's knighting and his father's death. Galen remembered well the promise he had made his father before he died, and the time to fulfill it was nigh at hand. He had trained relentlessly with his teacher and mentor Sir Achaicus, the son of his grandfather's mentor Sir Adrastos, that he might be ready when the time came.
This morning Galen was making his way to the Remnants' Council, a gathering of the hidden Narnians' leaders that he had called. They met at the Dancing Lawn at daybreak, too deep in the Eastern Woods for the Telmarines to find. Galen kept to the cover of the woods on his way, daring not to risk a mission of such importance on a shortcut through open fields.
The sky grew lighter as the sun began to wake from its slumber beyond the horizon, and the sky rid itself of Night's heavy mantle to don the glittering raiment of brilliant gilded Morning. The forest began to awake, and song soon filled the evergreen boughs as the myriad of birds greeted a new day. A squirrel called a cherry "Good morn to thee" as Galen passed; a greeting Galen was quick to return.
Just as the sun fully rose in all his golden glory, Galen reached the Dancing Lawn where the leaders gathered. Galen approached the council and swept a respectful bow.
"Sir Galen of the Lion's Redemption, here stands the Council. For what purpose have we gathered?" asked Sir Gereon, a great centaur with chestnut flanks speckled with the grey of age.
"Good sirs and ladies all, you know well my duty as a knight of the Lion's Redemption. 'Tis that self-same duty that brings me before you this morn," Galen began. "Thou knowest best of all, my dear aunt," he nodded at Lady Gaynor, "of the promise I made to my late father."
"Indeed I do, nephew. Thou promised to take the Stone Knife to a place beyond all reach of the Telmarines' grasp. Is this the reason we have gathered?" Golden-haired Gaynor inquired, her silver circlet shining in the dappled light that filtered through the leafy canopy.
"Yes, it is. The forest grows dangerous, for the Telmarines' new king, Caspian III, wishes to show the power of his iron-clad fist that all will cower at his hateful name. Every day brings with it the possibility of raids, and while I would sell my life dearly before I suffered any Telmarine to take the Knife, I fear 'twould never be enough. I must find such place of safety of which my father spoke. For this, wise ones, I make my petition. Advise me of where I can find such a place, and I shall fulfill my given word."
"You speak well, young knight," replied Sir Drenoveep of the talking Mice. "We shall endeavor to oblidge you."
"Sir Galen," began Goldenfeather, a gryphon and leader of the birds of prey. "No place in Narnia can vouchsafe the Stone Knife the protection of which you speak."
"Indeed," continued Sir Gereon. "The stars weep for Narnia. Lord Kindynos of Danger and Lady Abebaiotita of Uncertainty hover ever over Narnia's once lovely land."
"You must travel beyond Narnia's southern border into Archenland. She has ever been Narnia's friend and ally. Perhaps King Lorn will grant you a place of security," advised Sir Andreios, a leopard and representative of the Great Cats. The others nodded their agreement.
"Yet Archenland cannot give such security as the Knife requires," interjected Limnus the faun.
"Then in Archenland he must find transportation to Terebinthia or the Lone Islands. The Telmarines fear the sea and will not venture near enough to be a threat. There, perhaps, Aslan will show thee the place though so desirest," said Lady Gaynor. The other council members murmured their assent, and turned their gaze to Galen.
"Thank you, wisest of Narnia. I shall do as you advise," said Galen, bowing and preparing to depart the Lawn. A large black horse with deep brown eyes and a white star between them stepped forward and stopped him.
"You will need a mount to expedite your journey. I shall accompany you," the horse declared, for a talking horse does not mind being ridden when there is a great need and a worthy cause. Galen was surprised, but the determined expression in the horse's eyes was one that brooked no argument.
"'Tis settled, then," said Sir Gereon. "Sir Galen of the Lion's Redemption shall fulfill the promise and duty of his knighthood, and Sir Aiolos shall assist him in the fulfillment of the same. Aslan's blessings be upon you both. Remnants' Council is adjourned."
As the Dancing Lawn slowly emptied, Galen approached Sir Aiolos.
"You really needn't deign to be ridden, good sir," he began, but Aiolos cut him off.
"I shall deign to be ridden whenever I see fit, young one. Sir Achaicus speaks highly of you, and I have no doubt of your competence, yet you shall need all the aid you can acquire to accomplish your goal. I follow Aslan's calling, and I feel He wishes me to give you such aid as I can." The stallion's eyes softened and he seemed to smile at the sandy-haired young man before him. Galen's blue eyes met the horse's brown ones.
"Then I thank you, Sir Aiolos," Galen replied, inclining his head. "I shall be grateful for your assistance. I fear I still have much to learn.
Sir Galen stood outside his home, shifting anxiously on his feet. The wind blew cold as it whistled through the dark tree tops to rustle the folds of Galen's dark cloak, and the mournful hoot of an owl reached Galen's ears. Aiolos stood near him, saddled and bridled in old leather tack. To reach the Southern Pass they had to travel through open country, and a human riding an unbridled horse would evoke too much suspicion. Galen wore his grandfather's blue tabard beneath his tunic, and in his satchel, bundled thickly in a clean shirt, was the mahogany box containing the stone knife.
Lady Annora came out of the low doorway, a bag filled with several days worth of food in her hands. She gave it to Galen and embraced him tightly.
"Fare thee well, my dear Galen. May Aslan protect thee."
"Fare thee well, mother. May Aslan's blessings be upon thee," Galen returned. He pulled out of his mother's embrace and gathered his cloak around himself. He mounted Aiolos, and with one last wave they cantered into the waning light of dusk, the adventure of a lifetime to begin.
Author's note: I'd love to know what you thought. Please leave a review on your way out. Till next time, dear readers, farewell.