Author's note: Thank you very much, dear readers, for putting up with my abominable update schedule. Your patience and support is much appreciated. I suppose I really ought to be studying instead of writing, but there are only so many horrific tort cases with which one can put up. Please let me know what you think! Happy reading, and happy (early) Thanksgiving.
Disclaimer: Narnia is not mine, no copyright infringement intended, etc, etc.
Chapter the Twenty-Sixth: Ramstowne
17 Mayblossom 2076
Aradale lay in peaceful silence beneath shimmering stars. A cool wind blew the tops of the thick trees and crickets chirped beneath their boughs as the moon rose toward its zenith. Still, though, laughter and warm firelight poured from the windows of The Old Mill. Lyra descended the wooden steps to the ground floor of the inn and smiled as she beheld her brother and friends in their happy conversation. The Archen princess still wore her traveling clothes and light leather armor, but her hair now hung loosely down her back. As she stepped from the last stair she took her cloak from the rack on the wall and pulled it around her shoulders. Quietly Lyra approached the group and laid a hand on her brother's shoulder. Her hair gleamed golden in the firelight as she leaned forward and spoke quietly when their laughter lulled momentarily.
"I am going to relieve Torban and his soldiers, brother. Glyn, if you please, take the watch after me."
"Certainly, my lady," Glyn answered.
"Good night, my friends. Do not let me disturb your laughter," Lyra straightened and smiled softly.
"Good night, sister," Ayden answered with a brotherly smile, gently patting the hand that rested on his shoulder.
Lyra turned away to leave, but turned back momentarily. "Friends," she spoke softly once more, "of your courtesy do not ask our Narnian friend to take a turn at watch. He has enough to disturb his sleep this night without our aid."
The Archen knights nodded in agreement, and the princess stepped out into the night air accompanied by two of the soldiers. The three walked down the cobbled street without breaking the town's sleepy silence. Upon reaching the sheriff's office, Lyra put a hand to the door and quietly opened it. Inside, a pair of oil lamps mounted on the wall provided a dim wash of warm light. Two soldiers stood at either side of the door, while two more stood nearer the cell of she whom they guarded. Torban had pulled the sheriff's desk chair to the far corner of the room where he could watch both the cell and the door. He held a book with a faded red velvet cover in his hands, and he was reading with a smile upon his face when Lyra entered. However, the knight's book did not enchant him so much that he was unaware of his surroundings— as the princess and two soldiers entered, Torban rose and tucked the book away with a familiar ease.
"Your happy habits have not changed, I see, my friend," Lyra spoke with a smile. "Ballads, lays, or epics this eventide?"
"Ballads. I am ever a minstrel at heart, my lady," Torban returned warmly.
"Well I know it," Lyra nodded, laughter in her eyes. "Enjoy your book better beside the innkeeper's bright fire. I will take the next watch."
"Thank you, my lady," Torban bowed and gave the cell's key to her. Motioning for the four guards to follow, he pulled his cloak around him and left the room in silence.
The two soldiers that had accompanied Lyra now took up the positions that their fellows had left, one by the door and one nearer the cell. The Archen princess paced the room's perimeter slowly, her eyes meeting Juliana's as she approached the cell's bars.
Juliana rested on the bed, her head propped in her hand and her green eyes glittering venomously.
"Is there no honor left in Archenland's law that it allows its princess to withhold food from a helpless prisoner?" the raven haired girl spoke tauntingly.
Lyra returned her gaze for a moment without speaking, her blue eyes hardening into ice.
"You will eat, my lady," the princess returned quietly, though a steely note rang in her soft voice. "When the last knight of this company has taken his dinner, then you shall be brought sustenance."
Juliana looked up to return Lyra's gaze, but her attention was drawn by the icy blue jewel hanging around the princess's neck. Her eyes hardened once again and she met the golden haired lady's eye.
"You enjoy this overmuch, dear princess," Juliana responded malevolently. "Mistreating a prisoner is small vengeance."
Lyra chuckled, her eyes hard. "I see my vengeance in your eyes, Juliana. It has no need of mistreatment to do its work."
The Archen princess turned away from the cell and took the seat Torban had left. She raised her eyes to the window where the moon cast her bright radiance and smiled.
18 Mayblossom 2076
The sun's golden light filtered through the bright green leaves of the eastern Archen forests. The company had long left Aradale behind, and Galen found himself musing in silence more often than not as they traveled. His companions, though, spoke and laughed together often, and though he could not help but find his heart lightened by their joviality, he often glanced toward the eastern sky in thought. Sir Glyn did so as well. By afternoon the party left the forests behind and the horses' hooves pounded on the dirt road as it wound its way through fields of new corn and wheat that had but lately acquired spring's vibrant green raiment. The bright Archen standards snapped proudly in the wind from their perches atop the knights' lances. On occasion, a farmer with a cart of produce or a village lass with an armful of sunflowers would pass them on the road and offer a cheery greeting. The party stopped briefly beneath a copse of trees to rest and eat, but pressed on until the golden wheat fields yielded to the slightly rolling hills that sloped ever downwards. As the sun's golden light spilled from the west behind them, the riders from Anvard crested a ridge crested with long grasses. The air carried a salty tang and Galen could see the golden sunlight sparkle off the deep blue waves that stretched out to the horizon. Below them at the foot of the shallow hill lay a large town. Hundreds of ships lay at anchor in the wide harbor where cerulean waves pounded the sandy shore in frothy foam.
"Ramstowne," Lyra spoke to Galen with a smile as they watched the light reflect golden glints from both window and sail.
"The sea," Galen replied, lifting his eyes toward the Eastern horizon and speaking with the soft voice of wonder and purpose mingled.
Ayden cued his mount to canter down the hill and the column followed. Juliana gazed toward the sea as well, but her cold eyes soon turned their gaze back toward the sand-strewn grass. As the sun began to sink in a molten ball behind the Western mountains, the column of spirited horses and proud knights thundered through the bustling streets of Ramstowne. The piers hummed with activity as fishermen returned from the sea and the merchant vessels pulled into the harbor. The proud Archen flags snapped at the end of the knights' lances as they passed the curious townspeople. Upon reaching the central market of the town, Ayden slowed the column and the herald advanced to address the gathering crowd. Without uttering a word, he emphatically tacked the royal decree to a central post. Silence fell over the crowd as he gave the announcement of treason. As the column trotted away the market resounded with cries of "Long live the King!"
They pulled the horses to a stop before the charming stone courthouse as its ivory clock tower chimed half-past seven. A stately gentleman in a dark green cloak awaited them on the steps and descended to meet them.
"Your highnesses, my lords, I bid you welcome to Ramstowne," the gentleman bowed. "I received your message yesterday and all is in readiness."
Lyra, Ayden, and Galen dismounted.
"My dear Judge Drusen, it is always a distinct pleasure," Lyra grasped his hand. "May I introduce you to our friend Sir Galen."
"A pleasure indeed, Sir Galen," he smiled warmly. "If you will follow me, my lords and lady," the judge beckoned towards the door of the courthouse. At Ayden's nod, Glyn and four soldiers dismounted and escorted Juliana behind them. The judge lead them up the steps and through the carved wooden doors into a broad foyer with a wooden spiral stair. After descending a more narrow stairway on the side of the building, they came to a heavy wooden door. Two guards uniformed with the crest of Ramstowne stood in front of it. At the judge's order, they drew back the bolt and opened the door to reveal a narrow hallway with barred cells to the left and right. All were empty, and Juliana was secured in the centermost cell.
Glyn and two Anvard soldiers remained and the others turned to leave. Juliana watched with silent eyes as the door shut behind them.
"The rest of the guards have gone to the Ramstowne guard tower, and we were about to join them, at your highnesses' pleasure," Torban informed as they descended the courthouse stair once more.
"Of course. We will come as well," Ayden answered.
"Your highnesses," Judge Drusen spoke, "my wife and I would be honored if you and Sir Galen would stay the night with us. We have plenty of room and Elizabeth has promised a roast."
At the word "roast" Ayden's eyes lit up.
Lyra smiled broadly. "We would be delighted to accept your kind invitation, your honor."
The knights returned to the guard tower, and the three friends followed the grey-haired judge. A short walk down the street they came to a beautiful, though not ostentatious, house. Its immaculately kept garden and weathered stone well suited the judge's stately, yet humble air. The door opened, and warm, inviting light spilled into the dark air. The friends followed the judge up the porch steps and there passed a most delightful evening.
By mid-morning the next day, the Archen knights and their lances with green pennants assembled smartly upon the courthouse steps. Six soldiers led Juliana from her cell and placed her once more upon her horse. Ayden took the head of the column and the group embarked on the final leg of their journey. The horses' hooves echoed upon the cobblestones as the column made its way to the harbor. Along the way, a growing crowd of boisterous children, curious townspeople, and other hangers-on gathered behind them. Juliana kept her eyes fixed aloofly ahead, her spine straight and proud despite the increasing shouts and jeers from the crowd. Soon, the tall masts towered above them and the raucous sound of seagulls reached Galen's ears.
Ayden brought the column to a halt in front of a large merchant vessel. A bright purple banner with the rays of a golden sun, the flag of Calormen, flew at its stern.
"Ahoy, ship of Calormen! Come forth and let us conclude our business," Ayden's voice resounded against the pavement stones and the crowd hushed.
A well-dressed Calormene man stepped from the ship and bowed before the prince's horse.
"I am honored that your highness would choose my humble ship for this important task, oh great prince. As the poets have said—"
"You will deliver these documents to your government's officials of state," Ayden brusquely interrupted, handing a packet to the ship's captain. "Are you prepared to accept your passenger?"
"Of course, your highness," the Calormene accepted the packet, and waved towards the gangplank. "At your highness's pleasure."
"Very well," Ayden answered. The Archen prince nodded to Glyn, who dismounted and helped Juliana dismount, then cut her bonds. Her parents, who had trailed the group ever since they had left Anvard, embraced their daughter tearfully as several soldiers took Juliana's belongings to the ship's deck hands, who stowed it accordingly. Lord and Lady Kellan continued to embrace their daughter, but after a few moments Glyn separated them and lead Juliana to stand before the prince and princess's horses.
"Lady Juliana, the High Court of Archenland has found you guilty of high treason against the crown. I, Ayden, crown prince of Archenland, do now execute sentence upon you. You are hereby banished forthwith from the Kingdom of Archenland and all territories pertaining thereto. Set foot upon this land again and you shall forfeit your life." At Ayden's nod, Glyn and Torban escorted Juliana to the ship.
Glyn stopped just before the gangplank, still holding Juliana's arm firmly.
"Look at me, madam," the knight addressed her sternly. She met his eye coldly. "Your treachery cost my brother Glynan his life. I pray you never forget his name or the full day's suffering he endured before he died. He loved to play the violin, and my mother loved to hear him play. Your mother and father may have to watch you sail away forever, but I will have to tell my mother and father that their youngest son will never come home. May their sorrow haunt you unto repentance," Sir Glyn finished.
Juliana remained inscrutable, then stepped aboard and stood upon the ship's quarterdeck. Sir Glyn returned to his horse.
"Begone from this land, Traitoress," the prince spoke as the Calormenes pulled up the gangplank and began to make sail. "Be glad of the mercy that allows you to."
The prince turned his horse to the other end of the column. The princess followed, and as they began to move away from the dock, the crowd erupted in cheers.
"Long live the king!" They shouted. "Long live the prince and princess! Blessed be Archenland!"
Lord and Lady Kellan stood on the dock, watching as the Calormene ship caught the wind and made for the open sea. Juliana still stood upon the stern deck, watching the shoreline recede. As it slipped away and her parents, all that she ever knew and loved, faded into a blur, a single tear slipped down her cheek and splashed upon her clenched fist.
The Archen soldiers returned to the town garrison, but the rest of the knights accompanied Ayden and Lyra as they turned their mounts to follow the road along the dock.
"If I may ask, my friend, where are going?" Galen inquired.
"Since we are in Ramstowne, we are taking the opportunity to conduct an inspection of Archenland's warships," Lyra answered, a twinkle in her eye.
"I see, my lady. I look forward to seeing the ships," Galen smiled in return.
As the party rounded a corner, Galen could see taller masts rise above them, the crisp white sails furled neatly at rest. Each proud warship's hull glimmered the same emerald green as the ocean's depths, bright gold smartly trimming the sides. The bold Archen banner snapped from each ship's stern, their sailors and marines assembled in smart attire and bright armor.
The Archen prince and his companions gradually traveled from ship to ship, greeting the captains and thanking their crews.
Eventually, Galen noticed that the ship that now lay before them bore the name Jewel of Archenland. Galen could not help but find this ship more beautiful than the rest. Indeed, she was unique. A great carved gryphon formed the figurehead beneath the bowsprit, its broad wings sloping proudly across her flanks. The carving was so detailed that Galen could make out the lines of each feather, each of which glimmered with differing shades of gold, umber, and rusty reds all at once. A shining filigree of golden swirls lay upon the entirety of the glimmering green hull. Three sturdy masts, carefully painted, sprung from the deck to touch the sky, and a multitude of white canvas lay bound up on each spar. Her captain stood upon the deck with his men, his weathered face contrasting with the youthful eyes that looked proudly upon the ship he commanded.
"Captain Torin," Lyra greeted warmly as they boarded the ship, "may I introduce you to Sir Galen of Narnia."
"Indeed, I have heard much about you, my lord. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance," the captain smiled and shook Galen's hand warmly.
"Likewise, Captain Torin," Galen returned his smile.
"I am sure your highnesses will find all in order," said the captain as they walked the deck.
"Indeed we do, good captain," Ayden answered. "Archenland has never had a finer ship to represent her."
"Thank you, your highness. I am honored," Captain Torin smiled.
As the inspection continued, Galen found the feeling of the ship's movement a strange sensation. The salty air whipped around his face, and gulls flew loudly overhead as the sound of waves lapping against the hull reached his ears. The ship rocked suddenly, and Galen found himself clutching for the nearest railing.
"Never been on a ship before, my lad?" the first mate, a tall, broad-shouldered fellow, laughed jovially.
"Quite correct, my lord. It is a fascinating sensation, although a trifle disconcerting, I must admit."
"Aye, that it is at first," he chuckled, clapping Galen on the shoulder. "Don't let it worry you, though. It never lasts."
"Galen!" Lyra's voice interrupted. "The captain has graciously invited us to join him for luncheon."
"Pardon me," Galen nodded his thanks to the first mate and joined his friends.
After dismissing the crew to return to their duties, the captain led the three friends to the officer's mess, located just below the quarterdeck. Although the space was not overly abundant, the Jewel was not a small ship, and the Narnian found its clean functionality beautiful in its own way. A thickly-glassed bay window scattered a kaleidoscope of golden sunlight across the clean white table linens and creamy china plates.
"Please, make yourselves comfortable," Torin invited, politely holding a chair out for Lyra.
As soon as they were seated, a young cook's mate entered and served plates of warm cornbread and baked fish.
"Thank you, Gerald, that will be all," the captain dismissed him as soon as he was finished serving.
"Aye, sir," the young man touched his cap and shut the door behind him.
Galen began to eat the meal before him with interest. Having lived in an inland forest his entire life, he had never tasted fish before and found it pleasantly different.
After a few moments of polite conversation, Lyra directed the discussion to a more serious subject.
"I am sure you have wondered why I requested this meeting, Captain Torin."
"Indeed, my lady, I must confess that I found the need for veiling a meeting in the secrecy of a pretended inspection puzzling. You may be sure, though, that I have spoken to no one of this."
"I do not doubt it, good captain," Lyra answered. "We have come because we would make a grave request of you."
"Anything, your highness, if it is in my power to do."
"We would ask that the Jewel of Archenland transport myself and Sir Galen on a journey of utmost importance. To all others it will appear as a simple diplomatic journey to Galma, Terebinthia, the Seven Isles, and the Lone Islands."
"And in reality, your highness?"
"We seek the Utter East at Aslan's direction."
The captain's eyes widened and silence permeated the cabin for a moment.
"To what end, your highness? That is no small danger to face." Torin asked, recovering from his surprise. The Archen princess looked to Galen.
"Have you heard of the reason I came to Archenland, my lord?" The Narnian asked.
"Indeed I have, Sir Galen," he answered solemnly. "The townspeople say that you have brought the Stone Knife of Aslan to offer this kingdom its blessing and protection." As he spoke, he spoke softly, but a glint of steel glanced momentarily in his eyes.
"So they say, indeed. I am the last of an order of Narnian knights tasked with protecting the Stone Knife in order to honor Aslan, whose power and love it reflects and represents," Galen answered. "Several days ago, Aslan appeared to myself and to Princess Lyra. He has told me that He has created a place far beyond the Lone Islands where the Stone Knife may be kept in honor and safety until the end of time. It is this place I would humbly ask your aid in seeking."
"I see, my lord." The captain stood slowly and gazed out the window. "No ship has ever returned from those seas. I would likely be leading my crew to their deaths," he turned back towards the three friends.
Lyra stood. "I know it is no little thing we ask, good captain. I will not conceal the rest from you— Aslan has told me that the journey will reveal a great enemy to Archenland and offer the opportunity to defeat it before it reaches our shores. I little doubt that this undertaking would be fraught with peril, with no guarantee of return. Please rest assured that this is no royal order or decree. I would not force this fate upon you or your men."
"I would ask but one thing, your highness, if I may speak my mind."
"With a good will, my lord."
"In the months since you, Sir Galen, have come from Narnia I have heard the most disturbing reports spreading among the villages and townspeople. They have a great reverence for the Stone Knife, but not as a symbol of Aslan's love. They idolize it as a power unto itself. To them it is worthy of praise and worship, capable of hearing and granting prayer and supplication. My entire life I have sought to know Aslan, but these new beliefs struck a fear into my heart that I have never known. With respect, Sir Galen, I cannot believe that such teachings are of Aslan," Torin stood very straight, his hands clasped behind his back. "While I would gladly lead my men to the very edge of the world and there sell my life dearly to protect my homeland, I will not be a party to blasphemy."
A moment's silence pervaded the room. Galen slowly stood and approached the captain. The Narnian, to Torin's surprise, smiled broadly and reached for his hand.
"I have heard no happier words in a very long time, my lord! I assure you that I feel exactly as do you. This new teaching is not of my making or encouragement, and I give you my word that I will do everything in my power to stop it. Indeed, this very phenomenon is, I do not doubt, the reason Aslan has provided so remote a sanctuary— to prevent such false use of His power."
The Archen captain was speechless for a moment, and Lyra could not help but smile.
"Well, my captain, what say you?" She asked, her eyes alight.
Torin shook his head in puzzlement and smiled. "If this be the case, my lords and lady, then it is my honor to seek the Utter East with you. When do we sail?"
"Will a fortnight be sufficient?" Lyra asked.
"Indeed it will, my lady. I will assemble my crew— only those who I know will be willing to seek this adventure when it comes— and ensure the ship is prepared."
"I would ask that you say nothing of this to anyone, not even the crewmen who will be manning the ship during the voyage. It must to all seem an innocuous diplomatic voyage."
"Of course, my lady," Captain Torin nodded.
"Then in two weeks we sail for the East and for Aslan!" Her eyes glittered with excitement, an excitement mirrored in her Narnian companion's smile.
Yet, though the Archen prince returned his sister's smile, a pensive shadow flickered in his green eyes.
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