Chapter 8

Lucy smiled sweetly as tea and baked goods were set in front of all four people. Taking several sips Lucy attempted to distract herself from the death glares Ulisia sent towards Caspian, as well as the confusion still written upon Ulisia's fathers' face. Clearing her throat Lucy commanded all attention to be place sorely upon herself.

"Now," she began. "If you knew anything about what you were marring into, you would have realized that Narnia is encouraged by the strength of its past. A few years ago, Narnia was ruled by the cruel hand of the White Queen. There was a prophecy that gave the Narnians hope. One which proclaimed the arrival of the two sons of Adam, and two daughters of Eve. It was called 'The Golden Age Prophecy'. It was an ancient prediction that foretold the coming of the Golden Age of Narnia. It is unknown when the prophecy was first told, but most likely it was when the White Witch first conquered Narnia. The land and its people were thrown into a world completely covered by snow and ice. With the coming of the true Kings and Queens of Narnia, came the hope that Aslan, the mighty Lion, would also return. And so the Narnians waited until a small child emerged from a wardrobe deep in the forest."

Caspian watched as Lucy recounted the tail. He had read the history books many of times, however it was nothing compared to the emotional truth ringing from Lucy's version.

"It was a while before I was able to convince my brother and sister that I spoke true of the world beyond the fur coats that hung in the wardrobe. Yet, when they finally crossed over the war began. Aslan returned, the White Queen was defeated, and my brother and sister and I were proclaimed the Kings and Queens of Narnia. Peter is the High King, as Susan is High Queen, Edward and I are just the King and Queen. However in their absence we overtake their positions. We ruled happily over Narnia for many years before we made the mistake of returning to our own time. We waited in our world for only a year, but for Narnia it was 1300 years before we returned thanks to Susans' horn blown carelessly by a young Prince."

Lucy and Caspian shared a secret smile knowing exactly who blew the white marble Lion Horn of High Queen Susan the Gentle.

"We assisted the Prince in the retaking of his kingdom. Only this time we were known as The Kings and Queens of Old, for Narnia had changed drastically in our absence. The Narnian cme out of hiding and have never returned there since."

"Stupid Prince, relying on old men and women to help him reclaim his throne. He should have never been thrown off of it." Snorted Ulisia.

Lord Camberlin cleared his throat, "Uh, my dear, I believe she is mentioning the great battle of Narnia that your betrothed was in. The reason he is now king."

Realizing her mistake a worked quickly to make amends. "Oh, my King, I was not making offence. I hadn't realized that the story was of true events, and I just-"

"Perhaps it is better to brush up on your history lesson, my Lady." Lucy stated.

Ulisia glared at Lucy, preparing to respond in a nasty manner until the tapestry hanging above the Queen caught her eye. It was woven wool, with a Celtic border of while and green. In the center stood a women next to a giant golden beast. Gazing back and forth between the image and the Queen, Ulisia came to the sudden conclusion that the woman was Lucy. The golden crown sewn upon her head claimed her status and her truthful story.

Ulisia softened her expression, "As you command my Queen." 'Only until I get rid of you.'

A shudder ran through Lucy as if Ulisia was under laying a message. Before she could act upon the feeling a soldier cam running into the hall.

"Your Majesty! Your Majesty!" He quickly bowed before the table. "Your Majesty, Queen Lucy, I bring terrible news. The Pirates have attacked a trading vessel. The captain and crew are missing. I fear the worse."

"Who is the Captain?" Caspian asked.

The soldier visibly gulped as his eyes darted to Lucy then back. "Sir Eustace, Queen Lucys' cousin."

"Eustace?" Lucy asked, unable to believe the very person she arrived with in Narnia last time was back. She looked to Caspian, "He's here? When did he get back?"

"Not long after you left. Possible a few months maybe a year. He is one of my most trusted captains and followers." Caspian said standing. He looked to Lord Camberlin and Lady Ulisia. "Please forgive my sudden departure, but I fear I must rescue my family from these renegades."

He quickly left the hall pulling Lucy behind him. "How do you feel of another adventure upon the Dawn Treader?"