Chapter 24

Meri didn't notice the strange and distant wailing when she woke at first. She saw only the sun shining through her open window, and she felt only the gentle breeze that swept into the room. She did notice, however, that the Dryad that usually attended to her was not present. Just as Meri pulled a dress over her head, her door opened. The wailing grew louder as Kou entered, and then it quieted again as he pushed it to with his back leg.

"Good morning, Kou. What was that noise? What's going on?"

"The Lady Bea mourns," the Tiger replied solemnly.

Meri frowned. "Why is Bea mourning? What…" Meri's voice faded as she searched Kou's eyes. There was a deep sadness there and Meri knew something terrible had happened. It didn't take long for Meri to search her mind for the worst that could have happened. Her mother's strange behavior the night before suddenly made sense to her now.

"No. No it can't be."

Meri rushed by her guard to reach her door. Stepping into the hall she realized the wailing was really a howling and it reached deep into her core and tore at her soul. Lucy and Susan were standing in the hall, guards at their side and tears in their eyes. Meri picked up her pace as she neared her mother and Edmund's room, but it was empty. She continued down the hall to her sister's room. Peter stepped out, his head hanging low. Meri could hear strangled sobs coming from the open door behind him. For a moment, Peter just stood there, then he slowly pulled her into a deep hug.

"Ma-mamma?" Meri could barely get the word out through her tears.

"She is with Aslan now," Peter whispered. "I do not doubt it, and neither should you."

"And Sara?"

"It would seem that she has returned to the other place."

Meri squeezed him tightly. Her sister was gone, her mother dead. "She knew she was leaving last night, and she didn't say anything."

"I think she said everything that needed to be said. She loved you." Meri nodded against his chest. "Now, go to your father. He needs to see you." Peter kissed the top of her head before pulling back.

Meri had to take a moment to compose herself before she entered the room. Edmund was on the bed, his back to the door, and Sara's blanket crumbled in his hands.

"No offense, Susan…but please, just leave," Edmund choked out. The heartache etched in his voice tore at Meri's nerves and brought fresh tears to her eyes. She brushed them aside.

"It's not Susan; though, I am flattered."

Edmund's head whipped around, his eyes wide. He sprang from the bed and hurried over to her. He reached out a hand to touch her face but stopped, almost as though he were afraid she was merely an illusion. Meri took his hand and placed it to her cheek.

"It's really me, Babbo. I'm here."

His eyes turned glassy and his brow twitched. "You…you called me Babbo."

"So I did, didn't I?" Meri laughed through her tears. Edmund threw his arms around her, and they wept together.

Narnia, 16 Months Later

Meri urged Bianca to run faster as she saw the white tail whip out of sight. Peter came up beside her with a great deal of laughing.

"You'll have to try harder if you wish to keep up, dear Niece," he taunted before pulling ahead.

Meri bent forward and stroked Bianca's neck. "Come on, love. We won't stand for that, will we?"

Bianca surged forward with greater speed. Leaping over logs, darting around trees, duking under branches, Meri kept pace with Peter. Soon, it became less about the hunt and more about trying to outdo the other. They came into a clearing breathless and laughing; the stag was nowhere in sight.

"Well done, Meri," Peter said.

Meri bowed her head in thanks. "Where do you think Babbo and the Queens are?"

"Aww, they'll catch up sooner or later…later in the case of Ed. Listen, I think I hear them coming now."

Sure enough, there was a stampede of hooves as Lucy and Susan came into the clearing. They were both laughing as well.

"Where's the stag?" Susan asked.

Peter shrugged. "It got away."

"Oh well, at least we had a good run," Lucy said.

Edmund and Philip trotted into the clearing.

"Welcome to the party, Ed. So glad you could join us," Peter teased.

"We've already caught the stag, made our wishes, and sent it on its way," Susan added.

"Ha. Ha." Edmund sulked.

"Are you all right, Philip?" Meri asked the panting Horse.

"I'm not as young as I once was," he replied. "Nor Edmund as small."

Everyone laughed except for Edmund who seemed to be pre-occupied staring at something in the distance.

"What is it, Ed? Do you see the White Stag again?" Lucy whispered.

"No…no it's not the stag. It's something else entirely." Edmund slid off of Philip and made his way over to a peculiar looking tree; the others followed his lead. It was slender and about four-and-a-half meters tall, and wrapped in vines.

"What do you suppose it is?" Peter asked.

"It's as if from a dream."

"Or a dream of a dream," Susan and Lucy said.

"It's a lamppost," Meri clarified. "It's a relic from the other place."

They all turned to look at her for a moment. In the nearly year-and-a-half since her mother and sister left, thoughts of the other place began to fade once more. Now, Meri could see the recognition come into their eyes as their old memories began to strengthen.

"Ileana," Edmund whispered. It had been well over a year since he'd said her name as it caused him too much grief.

"It…it's time isn't it?" Lucy asked sadly.

"Yes, I think it is," Susan replied.

"It doesn't have to be," Meri argued. "We could go back to the Cair; forget we ever saw this."

"We can't go back. We can't forget," Edmund said.

"I'm not ready, Babbo. I'm not ready."

"You are ready, Merina." He placed his hands on her shoulders.

"How do you know?"

"Because you are my daughter. You were born ready."

"He's right, Meri," Peter said as he stepped towards her. "We all believe in you. We know you have Narnia's best interests in mind."

"And just because we're leaving this world, doesn't mean we're leaving your heart," Susan added.

"You're one of us, Meri. You're family." Lucy said.

"Merina, Topa…I have to go find your mother. It's like I can feel the bond pulling on me." Edmund rubbed his chest. "I have to find her and make her fall in love with me again."

"It won't be very easy," Meri said through her tears.

"No. I don't expect it will be, but it will be worth it. Every moment I get to spend with her, with you…with Sara again will be worth it."

"I know, I just…"

"I know," Edmund said. "Me too." He kissed her forehead and pulled her in for a hug.

Meri gave each of her aunts and Peter a hug as well, then she stood back and watched as Edmund led them through the thicket beyond the lamppost.

XXX

Meri didn't know how long she'd been standing there staring at the thicket before she was joined by the Royal Guard. They came in behind her without her knowing and looked around for their charges. Philip nudged Meri in the shoulder to get her attention.

"Come, Little Mare; it is time."

Meri turned to face the Narnians and she nearly cried at the look on their long faces. "I…I'm sorry, Friends, but the Kings and Queens have left this world."

"We should have never stayed back," Nalsa said. "I told King Edmund we should stay with them. He wouldn't listen."

"Your presence here would not have kept them from leaving," Philip said.

"Philip is right. We knew this day was coming," Jagar added.

"Yes, but I would have liked the chance to say goodbye."

"We can grieve the departure of their Majesties all we want, but it was Aslan's will and He has not left us alone," Kou said solemnly. He approached Meri and sat at her side.

"No, He has not nor shall He ever," said a strange voice. Meri looked around for the speaker and saw an all-white stag emerge from the wood. "You gave me the best chase I've had in a thousand years," he said. "That alone warrants a wish in my book."

"Any wish?" Meri asked.

"Any wish."

Many wishes came to mind. Meri could wish for Babbo and her aunts and uncle to return. She could wish for her mother and sister to return. She could wish for her mother to not die in the other place. All of them were good wishes and any one of them would have made her happy beyond measure. As she looked around at the Narnians, however, she knew what she needed to do.

"I… I wish… for the Courage of the Valiant Queen so that I may face my enemies head-on, for the Wisdom of the Just King so that I may discern who my enemies are more clearly, for the Serenity of the Gentle Queen so that I may make peace with my enemies instead of war, and for the Brilliance of the High King so that I may rule in such a way that I have no enemies to make."

Meri was filled with an odd sort of strength, as though merely speaking the words had made her stand taller. The Narnians around her seemed different too. They were less sad, more hopeful; there were even a few wagging tails and yips of excitement.

The Stag bowed his head. "It is done… Queen Merina." The Stag bent its front two legs and lowered its head to the ground. The Narnians followed suit.

1058, Narnia

Meri moved through the halls slowly with her Tiger guard, Jasper, at her side. Meri was wandering aimlessly when a set of fair-haired boys darted in front of her. They were closely followed by a dark-skinned boy of about eight years. None of them noticed Meri or Jasper.

"Killian," Meri called in a voice that was sure to get the boy's attention. As desired, the young boy halted in his tracks and turned to face Meri. His eyes were wide and his bottom lip was pulled between his teeth.

"Yes, Non—er—Queen Mother," he corrected at the vicious snarl of Jasper.

Before Meri could begin, there was a skittering of nails on the marble floor as Laika came sliding around the corner. Jasper's snarls grew louder.

"Oh! Oh sorry, Queen Mother. What has Killian done now? Whatever it is, I promise you, he'll get a very stern talking to," said the she-Wolf.

"And who will give you the stern talking to?" Jasper growled.

"Not you, Tiger!" Laika bit back.

"Prince Killian is your charge, Wolf. You should never let him out of your sight."

"Peace, Friends," Meri said firmly. Jasper immediately sat on his haunches as silent and stoic as ever. While Laika tucked her tail between her legs and let her ears droop in shame.

"Please forgive Jasper, Laika. He is cranky this evening," Meri continued. She could sense Jasper's eyes on her in protest, but he remained silent. "And I am sure he doesn't realize how difficult it can be keeping up with a young boy, especially one as wild and rambunctious as Prince Killian. Not so fast, Killian! I will get to you in a moment," Meri said pointedly.

"Sorry, Queen Mother," Killian said. Still, he looked over his shoulder anxiously; the other two boys were long out-of-sight.

Meri turned her attention back to Laika. "Jasper was correct, Laika. You have been charged with Prince Killian's protection. You cannot protect him if you are not with him. I know you are young; if you are not ready for a full-time charge, you must speak up."

"But I am ready, Queen Mother! I just…"

Meri held up a hand to silence Laika's protests. "Killian, did you purposefully leave your guard behind with the intent of doing nefarious things?"

"Uh… Well, I… I don't really know what nefarious means, but you see, Nonna Thor and Thorrin poured juice on Nina's bread and I was just trying to re—re—retaliate, and…"

Meri arched a brow the way her Babbo used to do.

"Yes, Nonna. I mean, Queen Mother."

"It seems you both could use a refresher on the importance of keeping with your guard at all times. You will, therefore, both report to the Arm's Master tomorrow morning for a refresher course."

"What?! But, Nonna, tomorrow Thor and Thorrin and I were supposed to…"

"Do I need to bring the King and Queen in on this matter?"

That silenced Killian's protests quickly. His eyes went wide and he shook his head fervently. "No. No, please don't tell Mamma!"

"Then you and Laika will report to the Arms Master first thing tomorrow morning."

Killian nodded his head and Laika stamped her front paw and sat up straight. "Yes, Queen Mother. We will be there. I will make sure of it even if I have to drag him by his collar."

"See that you do, Laika. And, Killian, remember, Thor and Thorrin are our guests."

"Yes, Queen Mother." His shoulders drooped.

Meri leaned towards him and said softly. "They do not know this castle or its inhabitants as well as you or I." She winked.

"The passages! Of course! Thank you, Nonna!" Killian shouted as he and his Wolf guard took off at top speed. Meri laughed.

"What's my son getting into now?"

"Oh, a little of this and a little of that probably," Meri replied casually. "Nothing to worry about too much. He's still terrified of you though."

"Good. Let us hope it stays that way for years to come."

Meri turned to the woman now standing beside her and smiled.

"Don't smile at me like that. I don't like it when you smile like that; it's never anything good."

"Oh, honestly, Elaine. I don't know what you're talking about."

Elaine wasn't convinced in the least. "Sir Jasper, what is my son getting into now?"

"I believe he is seeking retaliation on the Archen Princes for pouring juice on Princess Nina's toast at dinner."

"Jasper!" Meri scolded. "Perhaps you need a refresher in keeping your monarch's confidence."

"Queen Elaine asked for the Prince's confidence not yours, Queen Mother," Jasper replied. "I did not mention to her that you reminded the Prince of the secret passages."

"Mamma!" Elaine said. "You should not be encouraging such delinquent behavior."

"If I really wanted to encourage him, I would tell him all of King Edmund's trade secrets."

"Mamma, no. Aleksi and I already have a hard time reigning him in. Oh—ungh."

"Majesty?"

"Sto bene, Ilea," Elaine said, waving off the concerns of her Lynx guard. "This little Cub doesn't like that the Queen Mother is aiding and abetting a delinquent Prince either."

"Or, perhaps he just feels left out," Meri suggested.

"He?"

"A feeling. A hope. May I?"

"Please, you're the only one who can calm him…or her," Elaine added pointedly. "The last thing this castle needs is another Prince as wild as Killian."

Meri placed her hand over Elaine's swollen belly and leaned in to whisper gently. "*Stai fermo, Nipote."

"Oh, that's much better. Grazie, Mamma."

"Prego. Perhaps you ought to go lie down anyway."

"A lovely idea. If you see Aleksi, will you let him know?"

"Of course. Do you know where your brother is by chance?"

"Where he always is when he's not busy with court probably."

Meri nodded as Elaine began walking away. "Topa!" Meri called and Elaine looked over her shoulder. "Ti amo."

"E ti amo, Mamma."

Meri stood there silently as she watched her daughter leave. She was reflecting on the years that had passed since The Four had departed. Such distant memories had been visiting her frequently as of late.

"Queen Mother?" Jasper was concerned by the look on her face and the secrets she seemed to be keeping.

"After the King, Jasper. I'll explain everything then. Promesso."

Meri continued on her way in search of her firstborn, King Edward. Along the way, she saw many of the Cair's inhabitants. Her granddaughters Alaina, Leona, and the twins Avia and Mia were laughing with the visiting Princess Nina while they watched as Killian defended Nina's honor against her brothers. The Queen Consort Norine was playing hostess to her Galmain cousins. And…

"Have you seen my wife?"

"I sent her to lie down."

"Oh, thank you, Mother Meri."

Aleksi was in search of his wife.

At last, Meri came upon the music room in which a melodious duet was being played. King Edward sat with his eldest daughter as they played together. Of her two children and six grandchildren (seven if you counted the one on the way), Edward and Saria were the only two who obtained Meri's talent for music. Well, Elaine had the talent but not the passion to perfect it.

"Brava!" Meri clapped.

"Nonna!" The Princess stood and hugged Meri enthusiastically. Her hugs always reminded Meri of the hugs her Aunt Lulu used to give.

"That was beautiful, Saria. Each time I hear you play, it brings great joy to my heart."

"Then I should hope to play for you every day, Nonna."

"You should only ever play for yourself, Nipote, not because it is what someone else wants from you. Now, I would like a moment with your father."

"Of course, Nonna. I should go find Mamma any way. Ti amo, Babbo." Saria kissed her father's cheek and then Meri's. "Ti amo, Nonna."

"E ti amo," Meri and Edward returned.

"Amoux, Jasper, please give us the room and turn your ears." The Wolf and Tiger did as Meri requested.

"Would you like to join me, Mother?" Edward asked. "That is if those old hands of yours can keep up."

"*Sposta su!" Meri shooed him off the bench. "Never underestimate the Queen Mother."

Meri took over the whole keyboard, fingers grazing lightly over the keys as she played an old tune with expert ease. Gradually the notes became heaver and her strikes more fervent as she did a crescendo with the rise and swell of the song until she reached its dynamic climax. Then the melody quickly fell into a soft resolution and the last notes played were barely audible.

Edward seemed at a loss for words. "That was beautiful. What was it called?"

"Ileana. I wrote years ago for my Mamma, but she never got to hear it."

Edward nodded solemnly and sat beside her on the bench once more. "What's on your mind, Mamma?"

Meri smiled softly and looked at her son. "I think I'll be traveling soon."

"By land or by sea? For your sake and the sake of those traveling with you, I hope it's by land." Edward smiled. Meri had a terrible case of incurable seasickness anytime she sailed. "How many in your party will you need? I am sure you plan on taking Jasper with you; you recall what happened the last time you left him behind."

"This is not the sort of traveling I will be doing with others." Edward looked puzzled, so she continued. "I think the time is near, Ed."

His brow rose with realization, then his head bowed. "How can you be sure?"

"I'm not. Not really. It's just…a feeling. I've been thinking about them a lot more recently, about The Four and Mamma. I dream of your Aunt Sara most nights and if it's not her then it's your Nonno, my Babbo. Did you know, he and I used to play together just like you and Saria?"

"No. I didn't know he played too."

Meri nodded. "He was never as good as us, but he's the reason I got into music."

"I thought Nonna was."

"Mamma—" Meri smiled and took a deep breath. "Mamma was the reason I sang, but Babbo introduced me to the piano, and from there the lute and lyre."

"Then Narnia is still greatly indebted to him. I would hate to see where we'd stand with the Northern Giants if not for the introduction of music to them."

"Oh!" Meri laughed at the memory of her first military march against the giants of the north. "Yes. You and me both."

"Have…have you told Elaine about your…feelings?"

"No, and I don't plan to. She may have been gifted with the Gentle Queen's temperament at birth, but her pregnancy brings out the Italian in her. I don't want to make a big fuss out of it, but I thought you should know."

"That will leave another throne empty."

"You and Elaine will manage just fine without me, and I think Saria is ready for more responsibility. Let her take over some of Elaine's duties after the baby comes."

"I don't want to let you go, Mamma." His voice cracked with tears.

"I know, Figlio. I know. Just because I leave this world, doesn't mean I'll leave your heart. I will always be with you. And we will meet again on the Golden Shores."

That night, as Meri lay in bed, she whispered the words, "I'm ready when you are, Aslan," and a light filled her heart.

Translations:

Stai Fermo, Nipote: Be still, grandchild

Sposta su: Move over

Figlio: Son