Chapter Two

Lucy's Longing

Lucy glanced pensively out into the window of the throne room with a view of the sea. The sun shone over the waters making it look like a vast plain of golden scales that ended with the endless blue of the sky dappled with fluffy clouds. She glimpsed a movement every now and then of playful mermaids jumping out of the water to splash and make acrobatic exhibitions in the air.

Lucy would give anything to be out there in the ocean. How lovely it must be to be a mermaid, she thought. It will be just like a holiday everyday, playing in the water, singing by the rocks and exploring their world underneath the surface. It will be so much better than being stuck here on dry land.

"Lucy… Lucy! Are you listening!"

Lucy startled and looked away from the window only to meet her sister's disapproving stare. "Yes, I am," she lied.

Susan arched an eyebrow at her. "Well, I asked what you think about the Lone Islands situation," said Susan sternly. "What is it, then?"

"I totally agree," smiled Lucy innocently.

Two more eyebrows shot up—one from each of her two brothers. Lucy realized it was the wrong answer.

"I… totally agree with your opinion on the matter…" she offered lamely.

Susan huffed, a clear indication she didn't buy Lucy's save. "Oh pay attention, Lucy. This is important. You're a queen now, this is no time to be caught up in childish fantasies."

Susan's words stung and Lucy could feel tears threatening to fall off her eyelids. Peter however, was quick to come to her defense.

"Lighten up, Su. Lucy's only eleven after all. She's still a child."

"Child or not, she has duties, Peter. It's a never ending job. Even if we've defeated most of the forces of the White Witch, we have a lot of things to deal with. These diplomatic relations are important to us. Remember what we studied from the learned fauns and dwarves that—"

"Diplomacy is the key to lasting peace," recited Edmund wearily. "We all know that, it's been grilled on all of us worse than those grammar lessons at school back home."

Susan glared fiercely at him. "Well unlike those grammar lessons back at home, if we don't mind them we don't just get poor marks and a scolding from father. Here we may end up starting a war that could cost us our lives and the lives of our subjects. Do you not see the implications?"

Lucy was immediately ashamed. Susan was right and it was only proper for her to remind them that they should always be responsible. Their crowns came with a vow—that was to serve and protect the people of Narnia. She suddenly recalled that day just before the coronation ceremony. Aslan had spoken to them away from the cheering Narnias and he bid them to rule with humility. He also entrusted to them the five duties that all Kings and Queens of Narnia should always remember: to work with their hands and raise their own food, to rule subjects as free beings, to educate their would-be children to rule in the same way, to play no favorites among their would-be children and tolerate no abuse among the creatures they ruled, and to be the first in battle and the last to retreat in the event of war.

They made a vow to do all that he told them, though Edmund had voiced the concern that plagued all of them but were afraid to speak of:

"How can we four mere children of with no experience, rule this land properly?" Edmund had asked then.

"You will all be educated. Everything you will need to know will be learned in the proper place and the proper time."

"But…" Susan had argued. "It all seems so soon, Aslan. I wish we had more time."

Aslan merely shook his head at her. "Do you have so little faith in me? Time is of no consequence."

That was their assurance and none of them questioned further. Lucy suddenly thought of those words by Aslan and figured this must be part of their education. These everyday things that they must do are all part of the learning process towards being good rulers.

I must learn patience, she thought. And responsibility. Oh Aslan, forgive me for neglecting.

She turned to her siblings with a contrite expression. "Su's right, Peter. We're dealing with other people's lives. We should be responsible. I'm sorry, Susan. Let's not fight anymore. I'll pay attention now."

"Good," said Susan, though her tone indicated she was still cross. "Well going back to the Lone Islands, Edmund do recap for Lucy's benefit."

Edmund offered Lucy a comforting smile. "Now we all know the Lone Islands are a part of Narnia though geographically they are nearer to Calormen." He walked to the huge map of Narnia and the surrounding countries painted on the wall. He pointed to the three islands that clustered in the middle of the Eastern Ocean. "When the White Witch came to power, she also sent some of her followers there. There hasn't been word of anything about it since, but we can assume that it's probably still under the control of the White Witch's followers."

"If it is," continued Peter. "It's essential we wipe them out thoroughly and liberate what citizens we have that may be living there. But the question is, do we go there now and find out? If we do, we might be walking into another battle. Meanwhile, there are pressing issues we also have to deal with at home."

"Such as?" asked Lucy.

"Well there's the standing invitation to visit Archenland," said Susan. "Now we had King Lune and Queen Corinna here before and they're wonderful people. They're also essential allies." She stood next to Edmund and traced the outlines of Archenland's borders on the map with her finger. "Their country is our shield against Calormen. So far, Calormen hasn't responded to our invitations for an alliance. We've all heard the rumours that they're not exactly as friendly as the Archenlanders and they distrust all northerners. We've already established a connection with King Lune. I don't want to severe that by putting off a visit any longer."

"And then there are news of a small band of hags still residing in the Western Woods," added Peter. "We may have taken down most of them, but we need to be on our guard."

Lucy pondered for a moment. "What if we divide it between us?" she suggested.

"You mean we go separate ways? Do everything all at the same time?" asked Susan fearfully. "Wouldn't that be dangerous?"

"It can't be any more dangerous that the four of us being together," said Edmund. "We do have people to back us up each. Peter and I can go to the Lone Islands. Susan can go to Archenland and Lucy can remain here.

"Still…" Peter hesitated as his gaze shifted between Lucy and Susan. "I don't think… I mean the Lone Islands seem so far away. I'm not very comfortable with the idea of all of us being away from each other."

"And Lucy being left at home," continued Susan as she met Peter's eye. "When there might be someone waiting to attack from the Western Woods. I don't like it."

Lucy could understand Peter's and Susan's apprehensions. Since the Battle of Beruna, all four of them had remained in close proximity to each other. This was the first time anyone suggested they be apart.

"It's the only way," argued Edmund. "And you said yourself Su, children or not, Lucy and I have duties too. We can take care of ourselves."

"Well… I…" Susan began and looked to Peter for help.

Peter bit his lip and heaved a defeated sigh. "Alright, but I'm taking Lucy with me. Ed, you're staying here to make sure nothing's amiss. And Susan can go to Archenland."

Susan looked about to protest, but Peter gave her a firm look. "With her horn," he added.

Susan nodded in consent. "But if there's any trouble anywhere…"

"I'll send Lucy home," said Peter.

Lucy scowled. "I thought you'd send for Edmund and Susan to join us and help us fight."

"Don't be ridiculous, Lucy," said Susan. "Leave the battles to Peter."

Lucy rolled her eyes in exasperation and met Edmund's face who echoed her own sentiments: They still treat us like helpless children. But they both knew there was no point in arguing for a more active role. It would only aggravate Peter and Susan further and in the end they'd still have their way. And knowing their older siblings, their way would be to have both Edmund and Lucy locked up in Cair Paravel and defended night and day with body guards.

Susan turned to Peter. "Promise me, at the first sign of hostility, send Lucy back on the first ship and come home yourself if you think you'll be overwhelmed. Otherwise, send for reinforcements."

"You know I will," replied Peter. "You should take Peridan with you, Su. I know there's nothing to fear with this visit to Archenland, but I prefer a former Archenlander I trust by your side. He's a fine chap and I'm glad we granted him and his family citizenship last month." He turned back to the rest of his siblings.

"We'll take a break now but I want you back here after dinner. I'll call for a council of all our advisers to discuss our Lone Islands expedition and the home defense. Edmund, call for Oreius and all our commanders. Susan?"

"I'll send a message to King Lune when it's convenient for me to visit," she said.

Peter nodded. "Lucy?"

"I'll speak to Mr. Tumnus and inform him. Can he come on the trip too?"

Peter smiled at her. "Yes, Mr. Tumnus can come too. Now off you go, but be back before dark."

Lucy nodded and gaily skipped out of the hall in search of her friend. He was probably in the library reading as he usually did whenever he stayed overnight at the Cair. But as she passed by a balcony, her attention was caught by the ocean again. It looked so lovely in the late afternoon sun that she couldn't help but admire it.

Just a minute, she told herself. I have more than hour anyway. I'll just get feet wet and then I'll head back to find Mr. Tumnus.

She changed direction and headed towards the front steps and out the doors and half-ran towards the beach. When she got there, she removed her shoes and dipped her feet at the edge of the water. She stared at the open sea and wondered what lay beyond those waters. She had never traveled beyond Narnia's land borders and was glad that Peter would take her to the Lone Islands. It would be her first ocean trip and she couldn't help but feel excited.

She always wondered what lay beyond the Lone Islands. No one in Narnia could tell her anything, except that there lay Aslan's country. She felt a warmth in her heart at the thought of Aslan and she longed to visit him in his own country. Perhaps one day she could when everything in Narnia was in order and there were no more threats against their peace.

There was a faint sound of pleasant voices carried by the wind and Lucy looked up to see a few mermaids playing in the distant rocks. They all seemed to be as old as Lucy, but in mermaid terms, that was about 30 years old. She recognized them as among those who sang during her own coronation. She waved to them and they waved back. A sudden idea came to her.

"Hello!" she shouted to them. "Can you come over?"

The mermaids all nodded in assent and dived into the waters and swam towards the beach. They emerged several meters from Lucy and the queen understood that that was as close as they could possibly come to her on land for they couldn't risk getting too dry. She took off most of her outer clothes and waded into the water until it was thigh deep.

"Good afternoon your highness," the mermaids greeted. "How can we be of service?"

"I just wanted to talk," said Lucy. "What's it like out there, in the ocean?"

"Oh a great many things," said one mermaid with flowing red hair. "What do you wish to know, your majesty?"

"Nothing in particular. Just about you and your world, I suppose. What's it like living in the water?"

And the mermaids began telling her of swimming and playing with the fish, of singing in the rocks at moonlight. They told her how they would visit Galma, Terebinthia and the Seven Isles and frighten the sailors who thought they were monsters.

"But what about the Lone Islands?" Lucy asked. She told them she was leaving for the Lone Islands with her brother soon "Have any of you been there?" she added.

They shook their heads. "All of us are very young mermaids, your majesty," replied a dark-haired mermaid with dimples. "The elders do not allow us to go so far."

Lucy understood. A huge part of the mermaid population had died due to the persecution of the White Witch. An entire generation had been wiped out and the few ones that lived by hiding near the beaches of Archenland during the century of winter were less than a hundred years old. It was only natural of the elder mermaids to be protective of their young ones. It struck Lucy as funny that even among mermaids, the elder family members acted the same way towards the younger.

"Is there anyone you know who knows about the Lone Islands and beyond that?"

The mermaids looked at each other and spoke in their own language, then turned back to Lucy.

"No one knows what is beyond the Lone Islands, your highness. Not even the elders can tell us."

Lucy felt disappointed and it showed on her face.

"But perhaps, if your highness will be traveling to the Lone Islands you might find someone who can tell you there."

"Who?" Lucy brightened.

It was the oldest looking mermaid who answered. "The elders say there is an old mermaid who lives near the Lone Islands. They say she is more than three hundred years old—older than any other living mermaid we've heard of, and she has traveled beyond those lands. Perhaps she can tell you what you wish to know… if she is still alive."

Lucy was dismayed. She knew mermaids' average life spans were only three hundred years. "But if she's that old, how can I meet her? Surely at her age, she stays in the ocean floor as she can no longer stand the dry air."

"Oh but they say she does come up to the surface," replied the young mermaid. "Once a month with the coming of the new moon she goes up just before sunset. Nobody knows why. It is not the usual behavior. Old mermaids can barely withstand the surface. But the elders say she never fails to go up. It is like she is looking for something."

"Or someone," giggled the youngest mermaid. And the other mermaids began to speculate why the elderly mermaid continued to surface. One remarked that perhaps she was looking for a lost lover or some other romantic reason. Lucy listened for a while to their talk and for several minutes was lost in the conversation.

Suddenly she noticed the sun was already beginning to set. She remembered the errand that she was supposed to do. She bade the mermaids goodbye. They all promised to see her off when she and Peter departed for the Lone Islands.

Lucy hurriedly got dressed and set off back to the castle. She went straight to the library now with a second errand in mind. She needed to find a calendar. She wanted to know the dates when the new moon occurs.