Author's Note: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, dear readers! Here is the next chapter, I hope you enjoy it.
Chapter the Ninth: A Storm Afoot
30 Lenisgale 2075 Conqueror's Castle, Beaversdam, Narnia
The morning dawned cold, the sun hiding behind a shroud of dark grey clouds. A tall, armor-clad Telmarine on a dark mount approached the guardhouse of the castle built by Caspian I. He was accompanied by a half dozen men-at-arms. The black flag with a white saber fluttered in the inconstant wind on the highest turret as Commander Despiado entered the castle. Several days' travel worth of dust clung to the Telmarine warrior's dark cloak, and his boots had lost their polish under splatters of mud. He swung out of the saddle and handed the reins of his horse to one of his subordinates. The guards standing on either side of the entrance to the castle keep straightened as Despiado entered. He strode purposefully through the corridors and up a flight of stairs until he reached a strong wooden door. Despiado knocked forcefully, and a moment later it was opened by a man with greying hair and an immaculate navy tunic trimmed in silver.
"Ah, Despiado, my friend! You look exhausted. Come, sit down by the fire," the man addressed, then called for his servant to bring coffee. He lead his friend to the fireplace and indicated a comfortable-looking arm chair.
"Thank you, General Aleixo. It is good to see you," Despiado replied. A slight wince passed across his face briefly as he eased himself into the chair. Aleixo leaned forward in concern.
"Your dispatch said nothing of you being wounded, but I know you well enough to know that it takes a great deal to cause you to show pain. I will have Bento fetch a medic for you as soon as he brings our coffee."
"No need, sir. My wound has been well tended and will heal soon enough. I bring troubling news that requires your attention. I do not know what to make of the last few days' happenings," Despiado returned. A moment later the General's servant Bento returned with the aforementioned beverage. Despiado took a long sip and sighed a tired but contented sigh.
"Tell me of these happenings, Despiado," Aleixo said, curious as to what threat would prompt such a reaction from his stalwart one-time pupil.
"Three days ago the southern countryside was rife with frightened farmers reporting sightings of what they called a 'hooded spectre.' I did not believe that a ghost was roaming about the countryside, but with each report I tracked the course of this so-called spectre. It became clear that the Thing was headed for Southton, and I took half my garrison to trap it in the city. Late that night we succeeded in capturing the "spectre"-it was naught but a boy in a dark cloak riding a dark horse."
"Why should a boy warrant such an urgent dispatch from your hand?"
"This was no ordinary Telmarine boy, general. His eyes and manner were not those of a person accustomed to servitude. He carried an old Narnian sword and had a defiant spirit that I have not seen in any Telmarine. It was he who injured me in escaping my interrogation. I do not know how he found his way out of the city, but he escaped and made for the old mountain pass toward Archenland with my bolt in his back."
"Good. If you wounded him there is little to worry about. He probably did not make it through the mountains."
"I beg to differ, sir. His wound was not so life threatening that it would prevent him from reaching aid in Archenland."
"What do you think this boy was doing in Telmar's territory?"
"I has pondered that question at length, and it is my opinion that he was a spy sent from Archenland to gather information. Perhaps he is a descendant of a Narnian who escaped into Archenland when King Caspian the Conqueror took this land and has an old grudge to settle. He does not seem experienced enough to be a professional assassin, but his presence could indicate a much larger plot afoot. Archenland may be planning an invasion," Despiado continued. Aleixo looked troubled.
"You were correct in bringing this to my attention. It may well be as you say. I will take this to King Caspian. Meanwhile, please rest yourself while you can."
General Aleixo left the chamber and made for the dining hall where King Caspian was eating lunch. The general approached and bowed.
"I beg your pardon, my liege, but one of my most trusted commanders has brought troubling tidings. By your leave, I suggest that your majesty convene the Council of Lords as soon as possible."
"This council will come to order!" King Caspian bellowed above the chatter of his advisors. The lords took hushed immediately.
"General Aleixo has informed me that Archenland may be planning an invasion."
"We must fortify the border!" One exclaimed.
"What if there is no threat? Archenland has never attacked before," another countered. Bickering of this sort continued for several minutes.
"I did not call you here to debate responses but to debate tactics. We will attack Archenland before they can attack us."
"Your majesty?" another lord asked, puzzled.
"My grandfather stopped at the Southern Mountains. Why should I leave his work unfinished? Regardless of whether or not Archenland plans to attack us, why should we forbear from adding her to our dominion?"
"Well,…" one lord began, but Caspian cut him off.
"Do not argue with me, Lord Bernardino. We will invade and conquer Archenland and add their wealth to Our coffers, their land to Our borders, and crush their people until they cower like mice!"
7 Quickening 2075 Forest near Anvard, Archenland.
Galen sat atop Aiolos, who cantered next to Lyra's palomino mare and Ayden's bay charger. It had been a week since the two Narnians had come to Archenland, and Galen was recovering nicely. The Archenlanders were showing Galen and Aiolos the royal forest surrounding Anvard on this sunny spring afternoon. The flowers were peeking out for the first time-daffodils and tulips in all their colorful glory. A breeze rustled the bright green leaves and carried the humans' laughter. This day was the sort of day that made anyone want to laugh from the sheer joy of it.
"I cannot think of a time that I have had more fun!" Galen exclaimed.
"Really?" Prince Ayden asked. Galen nodded.
The pair of Archenlanders had noticed that Galen was ever watchful of their surroundings, and looked sharply at all noises from the forest around them.
"Does aught trouble you, Sir Galen?" Princess Lyra inquired.
"Nay, m'lady. I am afraid that I cannot easily put eighteen years of habit behind me. To live in Narnia was to live in hiding under constant threat. Acute observation and stealth were often the only things, save Aslan, that stood between life and death, and I am afraid they have become ingrained into me," Galen replied.
"I cannot fathom living in such a manner, Sir Galen," Ayden remarked, shaking his head.
"I cannot fathom living here, in a place where one does not have to worry that a Telmarine bolt awaits him from behind the next tree. It is so beautiful here! I do not think I have ever felt so content."
"I am glad, Sir Galen," Lyra replied. "Here, we are almost back at the castle! Shall we race?"
"Hardly seems fair to your poor little horses, but if you insist, m'lady, I'm happy to oblige you!" Aiolos replied, breaking out in a swift gallop towards Anvard, with Galen holding on for dear life. Lyra and Ayden were not far behind, but Aiolos and Galen reached Anvard's gates first. Galen dismounted and almost collapsed from laughing-an affliction that soon struck the two Archenlanders as well.
The three humans stabled the horses (Aiolos was ready for an afternoon snack), and were about to return to the castle for tea when Galen noticed three new horses in the stable. His face grew serious, and he paused by the stalls.
"Is aught the matter, Sir Galen?" Lyra asked.
"These horses-they bear equipment of Telmarine design and insignia," Galen replied quietly. Galen turned and rushed from the stable without another word.
The Narnian entered the castle keep and made for the Great Hall. Lyra and Ayden followed him. Galen took a more circuitous route, and entered the Hall quietly from behind the thrones.
Three Telmarines stood before the Archen king and queen. Two stood behind as attendants as the leader proposed a treaty between Telmar and Archenland to allow for the lifting of Archenland's trade embargo that had been in place since the Telmarines conquered Narnia and an ensuring of peace and non-aggression between the two countries.
Galen listened to the exchange quietly, but each moment his countenance grew darker. The Telmarine diplomat finished his presentation and the king adjourned court for the day with the promise of opening treaty negotiations in the morning. As the Telmarines turned to leave the Hall, Galen caught the eye of the lead Telmarine and their eyes met for a moment. The Telmarine turned and continued walking as though nothing had happened, but "nothing" was far from the truth.
Galen approached the king and queen as soon as the Telmarines left the room and half bowed.
"Your majesties, I must talk with you on a matter most urgent."
"Of course, Sir Galen. You are aware of the recent goings-on?"
"It is of these happening that I must speak."
The king and queen left the Great Hall and lead Galen to the Parliament chamber*.
"Parliament will not be in session again until next week, so we may speak here," Queen Laila said.
"Your majesties, I must emphatically caution you against making any treaty with Telmar."
"The Telmarines are our enemies, but could we not benefit from assured peace?"
"Nay, m'lady. You must not believe them. That Telmarine is no diplomat. He is a skilled military commander and the very man from whom I barely escaped with my life. The Telmarines do not plan peace, of this I can assure you."
"Sir Galen is right," King Lorn agreed. "Telmarines are treacherous and would not hesitate to stab Archenland in the back even as we bargained for peace, just as they did to my father."
"I will dispatch scouts to the outposts on Mt. Stormness, Mt. Pire, and Mt. Argyros," Laila declared. "If the Telmarines are up to something we will know it before they are within striking distance of Anvard."
9 Quickening 2075
Galen stood atop the parapet with Ayden as the sun set behind the western mountains. As they watched, a rider approached the castle. The two hurried down to the courtyard, where the breathless messenger dismounted and hurried to meet Prince Ayden.
"What is the matter, sir?" Ayden inquired.
"Telmarines! They are marshaling an army north of the mountains. They will be here in two days' time."
Ayden bade the messenger give his message to King Lorn, and then began barking instructions.
"Ring the bells! Everyone in the surrounding villages must be within these walls by tomorrow evening if they wish protection! Begin preparations for a siege! Pages, find all the generals of the War Council and have them meet in the Tactical Chamber within the hour!"
The castle suddenly began to bustle with activity, and in a few minutes deep bell tolls reverberated through the cool evening air.
"Guards," Ayden motioned to a group of five castle soldiers, "accompany me to the chamber of our Telmarine visitors. Sir Galen, I would appreciate if you would come as well."
"Of course."
Ayden, Galen, and the soldiers made their way to the guest wing where the Telmarines were quartered. The Archen prince motioned for Galen and the soldiers to stand flat against the wall out of sight of anyone inside the room. Ayden pounded on the door, and a moment later "Ambassador" Despiado opened the door.
"Good sir," Ayden began, "The king and queen request the honor of your lordship's presence at supper tonight. If you and your attendants will come with me, I will be happy to escort you."
"We are honored, Prince Ayden," Despiado replied, a clever look in his eyes. The meaning of the castle bells had not been lost on him, and his warrior's sense knew that Ayden was not alone. Nevertheless, Despiado and his two men-at-arms exited the chamber. As soon as they were in the corridor, Galen, Ayden, and the Archen soldiers drew their swords and surrounded the Telmarines.
"Ambassador Despiado, you and your men are under arrest for espionage and treachery against the Archen crown. Accompany my men peaceably and you will not be harmed. Resist and we will do what we must."
"Of course, your highness," Despiado replied with a bow, nonplussed.
Ayden and the guards herded the Telmarines down the main staircase and through a busy corridor. A hush fell over the bustling people as they passed through the Great Hall as the group passed.
"What is going on, brother?" Lyra asked as she ran out of a connecting corridor.
"Sir Galen," Ayden said by way of reply, "of your courtesy inform King Lorn of these goings-on." Ayden continued on his course, unwavering, toward the dungeons.
Galen promptly dropped behind the group, sheathed his sword, and joined Lyra.
"Sir Galen, what mischief is afoot?"
"The Telmarines are amassing an army north of Mt. Argyros. The supposed ambassador is a strong and clever Telmarine commander, no doubt dispatched as a spy to assess Anvard's strengths and weaknesses under the guise of friendship. Where are the king and queen, m'lady?"
"Come, I will help you find them." Lyra lead Galen up a secondary staircase and towards the Tactical Chamber. As they approached the door to the chamber they encountered King Lorn and Queen Laila approaching the same. Lyra and Galen informed them of Ayden's preparations.
"A grim matter indeed," King Lorn agreed. "We will deal with our Telmarine guests when we have finished meeting with the War Council."
The king and queen entered the chamber, leaving Lyra and Galen outside.
"Sir Galen, if you wish something to do I could use help preparing the healers."
"Of course, m'lady."
Later that evening when Galen was finishing helping Lyra in the healer's wing, a page came with summons for Galen to accompany King Lorn and Prince Ayden to the dungeons. Lyra decided to come with them since the healers' wing was well prepared. The pair made their way to the dungeon where Ayden and Lorn were already questioning the trio of Telmarines.
"I am an ambassador of peace, your majesty," Despiado was saying as Galen and Lyra entered.
"Of course. That is why there is an army a thousand strong gathering on our border," Ayden countered.
"We have evidence that you are not an ambassador," King Lorn retorted, and Despiado glanced at Galen. "What did you intend to gain by coming here, sir?" Lorn inquired.
"Your majesty," Despiado stood up and moved near the bars. "I am sure you would not want to see her-" he motioned towards Lyra-"lovely cheek bloodied."
Ayden quickly stepped in front of his sister. "She is none of your concern!"
"What do you mean, sir?" Lyra asked, stepping around her brother.
"I meant, my lady, that Telmar thoroughly destroys all who stand in her way, no matter how innocent they may be. However, if Archenland were to capitulate without resistance, Telmar traditionally allows such countries to retain their culture and traditions under the authority of the Telmar King."
"Archenland will never surrender. We would rather fight until the last of us has fallen," Lyra replied, eyes flashing.
"As Narnia did?" Despiado countered, and Galen inadvertently grasped his sword hilt.
"Well, it is of no consequence which decision you make, your majesty. However, I and my men surrendered peaceably to you under a flag of truce with the understanding that we would be granted safe passage."
King Lorn sighed.
"You are correct. You surrendered under a flag of truce."
"Father, we cannot let them go!" Ayden protested.
"It does not matter what he is or what his intentions, Ayden. I granted him safe passage and I cannot honorably refuse him what I have promised."
"Thank you, your majesty. We may be enemies, but you are a man of your word."
"We will not harm you or your men, but will only release you after the Telmarine forces have been dealt with."
"Of course," Despiado replied, and the Archenlanders left up the stairs.
"Their honor will be their undoing," Despiado thought as they departed. He leaned back against the wall and smiled slightly. All was going according to plan.
*I don't really know why, but I felt rather like making Archenland a Parliamentary Monarchy like England during the reign of Queen Elizabeth. They were descendants of British citizens after all.
The new names are portuguese in origin, but their meanings are unimportant.
Thank you for reading, please let me know what you think!