Chapter Thirteen
Duty

Ulley had arrived home to find one king gone and another in his place. For Edmund's sake though the young king was actively taking down notes while Sarah was reading aloud from some text. The professor found this highly amusing, watching one newcomer to Narnia teach another.

"Oh, father I hope you don't mind, but his Majesty, King Edmund, would like a word with you." Sarah smiled brightly at him when he entered his home and grabbing a bookmark closed the book she was reading from.

Edmund put down the quill and rose from his seat, tucking his parchment into his cloak. "Just a moment of your time, sir, privately," he added, gesturing to the front door, "If you would."

Ulley nodded and stepped out side with the young king. "I am going to presume this does not have to do with that chore you've set me."

The young boy sighed and looked slightly older than his thirteen years. "Yes, you presume right. It's about my brother and this delusion he's having. I cannot believe you've allowed him to parade around here like some…well something that sounds idiotic. I may be young, and I don't wish to truly understand, but I know what's going on." He crossed his arms. "My royal brother needs to realize that he can't continue on with this charade." They were quiet for a moment while each pondered their own thoughts.

"If I may, sire," Ulley said. "We can't force the hands of fate. Your brother, my daughter, and even her suitor will have to realize what they want, because currently I don't think any of them are sure. All I can say is encourage him to speak the truth for if he doesn't he will have to suffer the consequences."

Edmund nodded. "Very well, I will let Peter have his game." Looking the older man in the eyes he said, "But if he hurts your daughter, let me know. I saw they way he looked at her and I know he isn't coming to visit you for lectures about ancient Narnia or any other country for that matter." He gave a small bow to the Archenlander and made to leave but stopped. "Before I go, I would like to informally invite you to the ball we will be having. A formal invitation shall follow." Edmund smiled. "Might as well spread the misery my sisters are inflicting."

Ulley laughed and went back inside once the Just King was off. He had his own news to impart and wondered how this would change things. Wynn was leaving, saying she was not anyone's nanny but did not sound that convincing. She kissed Sarah's cheek and told the girl to stay close to shore next time. He thanked the Hare for all that she had done and promised her something special. Wynn said she'd hold him to it and left.

"Gather 'round," Ulley said motioning to the lone table in the home. "I have some news." The three that had gone with him to the castle looked surprised as the older man had not spoken on the way home. They had wondered what had been spoken of behind the closed door in Cair Paravel but respected their tutor enough not to ask – at least not right away.

Zoran looked expectantly at his master, not sure what kind of news it was that would make the normal cheerful and excited man look so dour. The Fox decided to be strait forward. "What kind of news is it?"

"Good and not so good," Ulley said. "I have finished the abridged history of Narnia, a feat most men couldn't do in lifetime."

"That's great!" Sarah exclaimed and Zoran agreed with her.

"What's the no so good news?" Mark asked.

"I have to go back to Archenland." He said and looking from Mark to Sarah. "And as my daughter, you're expected to come with me." Before Sarah could say anything he went on. "My brother Kad is ill, and our brother Kadden passed away a few years ago. He has no heir therefore making me his heir to his title and lands that our father passed to him." Ulley sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose and closed his eyes. "I was never groomed to take my father's title. I do not want it, but as a duty to my family I must return." Looking at Sarah once again he continued. "And that means, Sarah, as my daughter you will have to return with me and become my heir eventually."

There was silence around the table as glances were exchanged between each other. Mark looked from Ulley to Sarah, and ran a hand through his hair. Jensen looked confused as he didn't understand why the professor and stressed the word "daughter" because he had not been let in on the secret of Sarah and Mark's true origins. Zoran had the most peculiar reaction.

He laughed.

The young Fox laughed so hard he fell off his seat, his legs kicking in the air, tail twitching. He was actually rolling on the floor and by the time he was done all eyes were on him. Breathing heavily he shook his body and then returned to his seat. "Pardon me."

"What was that all about?" Sarah asked with an eyebrow quirked.

"Sarah, dear, because that means," and he snorted, "That you'll actually have to become a lady!"

There was silence before everyone else joined in the mirth. Mark laughed so hard he had to wipe away tears. Ulley did his best to hide his by strategically placing a hand over his mouth and even Jensen laughed knowing the professor's daughter often claimed she was no lady and wore trousers to prove it.

Sarah was the only one who didn't laugh, as she buried her face in her hands. "Oh, that is horrible! I know nothing of being a . . . whatever it is your brother is."

"A marquis, below a duke but above a lord," Ulley said, recovering enough from his amusement. "And that would mean one day you would become a marchioness."

"When do you need to return to Archenland?" Mark asked, having sobered also.

"Before winter settles or else we'll never be able to make through the pass from Narnia to Archenland." Ulley shifted in his seat and adjusted his shirt. "We'll be here to attend the ball."

"Ball?" Jensen and Sarah asked together.

"Oh, yes, King Edmund invited, informally, before he left. We'll get an invitation soon I believe."

It was Mark's turn to shift in his chair. "Um, Professor, may I have a moment with Sarah, outside?"

The older man nodded. "Yes."

Mark took Sarah's hand and led her out of the back of the home. Guiding her to a bench near the stable he made sure she sat first before joining her. "We need to talk."

"About?"

"I'm not sure how to say this, but I feel I need to stay in Narnia," Mark began and when she didn't make to interrupt him he went on. "I feel as if we've been drifting apart. I nearly lost you yesterday and that made me feel horrible but it also opened my eyes to this distance between us."

Placing a hand on his she stopped him. "I know what you mean. I can feel it too now." So this was what breaking up amicably was like? "If you stay, what will you do? Where will you stay?"

Mark shrugged. "I'm not sure. I could find that merchant that I traveled with before or find something else."

Sarah smiled. "You know, you're the best thing that has happen to me and I will never forget what we had."

Squeezing her hand he smiled that dashing smile had first made her melt. "I won't forget what we had either, but I promise I am not the best thing that has happened to you. I never deserved you to begin with." They both laughed and agreed to disagree.

Kissing his cheek she stood. "Friends?"

"Always," he replied.

Sarah started to make her way back to the door and stopped when Mark didn't follow her. "Are you coming back inside?"

"No. I think I'll go for a walk."

"Don't get lost," she teased before going inside.

Mark smiled and went for his walk. He followed a path Zoran had showed him when he first arrived. It was gentle trail but one that took a while to reach its destination: a fishing pond.

It gave him time to think. He wasn't sure what he was going to do, but something told him that he should stay in Narnia. He wasn't sure why that was. He had not made friends like Sarah nor had great skills to make a living off of.

He thought of many things and the further went the more unanswered questions he had. Reaching the pond he sat down at it edge. What was his purpose here?

"You looked trouble, son of Adam," a deep voice said from just beyond the trees that surrounded the pond. Mark watched as a great Lion emerged. Mark had never seen a lion, let alone a Talking Lion, up close before.

Trying to appear nonchalant Mark replied. "Just trying to decide what I want to do with my life."

The Lion nodded and came to rest next to him. "That is always a difficult thing to decide, my son."

"I wished there was plan I could follow. Like a play-by-play," Mark said, suddenly thinking of football.

"Oh but there is."

Looking up at the Lion he met the Animal's great golden eyes. The Lion laughed and the young man could hear it resonate within his chest. "For you, Mark, it is a little less clear. Most of those that I allow to discover this world I know where their paths shall lead them, but you were not called by me so I do not truly know."

"Called by you?" he asked. "I don't even know who you are."

"I am Aslan, King over all Kings of Narnia, and I know who you are Mark Wilson, football player and friend of Sarah Eagleson."

"You know Sarah?"

"We've met once."

This was a little too much for him. A Lion that talked was one thing, but sitting with one that claimed to be the creator of Narnia (oh, he knew the story) was another. "Look I'm sorry sir, but I just don't have time for this." Getting to his feet he began to leave.

A great sound deafened his ears and it took him a moment to realize that Aslan had roared. Mark promptly sat back down. He had felt power in the voice, and not just the power of an animal. Real power, the kind of power that could move mountains and raise the seas over them and make a young man like him nearly wet his pants. This really was Aslan, the Creator of Narnia and he felt very humble to in his presence.

"I have a task for you, my son," the Lion said. "It will help you find your path that I see lies before you, for the Deepest Magic has declared it so. You are to protect something dear to me and many others."

"Anything, my Lord," Mark said, bowing his head to Him. He did not say he did not know the first think on how to protect anything, but if Aslan had said he wanted him to put his head in a beehive he would have.

"Tomorrow you will go to the castle and seek out a Satyr by the name of Dolmadus. He will have employment for you."

Mark nodded. "May I ask what kind of employment, Great Lion?"

And the Lion smiled and Mark felt his whole body feel with warmth. "You will see when you get there. It will help you in your task. Now, rise and come forward."

Mark did so without hesitation. "Yes, Sire?" he asked when he stood right in front of Aslan's face. Those golden eyes looked Mark over, as if weighing him to make sure he was truly up to this task.

He felt Aslan's breath on him and knew that he had faith that with Aslan he could do anything and did not fear that he would not fail at this duty Aslan place before him. "Now, walk with me." The Lion turned from the pond and Mark went quickly to his side.

"To where?" he asked trying to keep pace with the Lion.

And He laughed and the son of Adam could not help but smile. "If you are to be defending something, you will need a proper sword, will you not?" Mark agreed and continued to walk next to Aslan and knew that his life was forever changed.

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