Chapter 3

CASPIAN'S POV

The next day passed fairly quickly. Although he deemed it unessecary, Caspian noticed that Edmund and Lucy were trying there hardest to help out on the boat. Edmund, naturally, was able to help row, as well as keep watch in the crows nest from time to time. Lucy made it her goal to repair all of the crew's torn and ruined clothing from the harsh working conditions. She also helped give out rations at meals. Sitting on the floor against the wall, Caspian would pass her and notice that not only was she sewing diligently, she was also beautifully humming songs that he did not recognize. He assumed they were ones she learned back in her world. Each time Caspian would pass her, he would stop and listen for a moment, but never would he interrupt her, because he didn't want the songs to end. That night, Caspian found Lucy out on deck very late, staring out into the sea and singing softly. Caspian smiled gently as he felt that familiar warmth spread through his chest as it always did when Lucy was around. She was dressed in another one of his white shirts with maroon pants. She had found another belt, and used the extra one to wrap it around her middle to fit the shirt more. He felt bad as he noticed that she was barefoot, obviously no shoe she could find on board would fit her small feet. But then again, Lucy never seemed to be one to mind being barefoot. She continued singing, and he wished that he could listen to it longer without telling her that he was present. He had heard her humming all day, and although the sound was beautiful, it did not compare to the sound of hearing her actually singing the words.

"Tonight you will sleep for good, you will wait for me, my love. Now I am strong, you gave me all. You gave all you had. And now I am home." Caspian slowly walked up behind her, and reached forward, placing his hand on the railing next to her. She was not startled, she only smiled shyly at him.

"Couldn't sleep?" She asked, turning so she was fully facing him and leaning her side against the railing. Caspian shook his head.

"Yes. But my lack of sleep has not been caused by nightmares and such. I've just not been tired often while aboard the ship."

"Must be all this excitement." She said softly, smiling up at him with twinkling eyes.

"Most likely. I was thrilled to learn that I would get the opportunity to find my father's friends."

"Do you think that if we sail to the end of the world, and find Aslan's country there, that your father will be there?" Lucy asked him. She sounded as if she was saying this delicately, not trying to upset him or give him false hopes of things that may not happen.

"I don't expect it. But I am wishing that it will be true."

"I'm sure that if he is there, he will be very proud of you. Not only for being such a wonderful man, but for finding his friends. He will see what a wonderful King his son is, and will feel the burden lift of his worries for the lost Lords."

"I know he would have brought them back himself if he could. I've always felt as if this was one of those things I needed to do for him. Something I need to do in order to gain respect from my people. I've always hoped to be a better King than my Uncle. To work hard to acheive at what my father died for. One of my greatest fears is disappointing my people, and not providing for them as a King." Caspian looked down at his hands, he was not one to talk this deeply to another person. Of course, this was not just a person. This was Lucy. He saw her small hand rest on top of his large one, and felt the warmth coming from the soft skin spread throughout his entire body.

"Caspian," She spoke softly but firmly," you are already a wonderful King. You do not have to prove anything. You turned away from your family to rule a land that you love. The people of Narnia know very well that you will keep peace in this land." A few moments of silence passed, in which Caspian pondered Lucy's words. He decided that she was right. He gave her a greatful smile. She had managed to calm him once again.

"Thank you, Lucy."

"I suppose we should both get to bed if we are to be docking tommorow." The Lone Islands stood a few miles from them, the crew would awaken early to row them there.

"I suppose you're right." With that, Caspian took Lucy to her cabin, and hugged her tightly before bidding her goodnight.

The next morning, Caspian had awoken early with Drinian to discuss the plan of action for exploring the islands. After dressing in his normal attire and grabbing his sword (just in case), Caspian met Drinian on deck. They decided that there was no real reason for Caspian, Lucy, and Edmund to go to Felimath because it was uninhabited for a good while now. In the end, the two men decided that it would be best to send a few crew members to Felimath to search for food and water while Caspian, Lucy, and Edmund searched Doorn for any of the Lords. About an hour after Caspian had woken, Lucy and Edmund arrived from below deck dressed for the adventure. They both, like Caspian, had grabbed a sword. Drinian looked skeptical at Lucy's carrying of one, but remained silent. Lucy had taken lessons while acting as Queen, and Caspian had taught her some to pass the time during her last visit to Narnia. In addition to her sword, Lucy carried her healing cordial. Once the siblings joined Drinian and Caspian, they told them of their plan of action. Lucy looked saddened.

"Lucy, what's the matter?"

"Nothing really, it's a wise plan. But I do wish we could walk through Felimath, just to see it. It was always a beautiful place." Caspian looked to Drinian and shrugged.

"It will do no harm." Drinian looked defeated, but agreed. It was settled, Caspian, Lucy, and Edmund got onto a smaller boat and made their way to the shore of Felimath. It looked extremely lonely, and dead quiet. Other than the creepiness of the emptiness of the small island, it was rather beautiful. Bright green grass covered the ground, and various colorful flowers swayed with the wind. As the trio made their way towards Doorn, they noticed a group of several rough looking men. They did not like the looks of them. Caspian decided and told everyone that it was best their identities remained a secret, for these people may not have heard anything of Narnia for a while, and may still think only of Narnia's over lordship. Being known as the King might put them all in danger.

"Why hello travelers! Fancy having a drink with us? You all look right tired," One of the men said. The others nodded in agreement and ushered them forward. We have our swords, Caspian thought. So they agreed, and sat around on the grass with the men for drinks. Not long after they sat, however, they all found themselves with strong arms wrapped around them from behind. Edmund struggled to Caspian's left.

"Oi! What do you think you're doing?" Edmund looked over towards the man that was holding Lucy, he was eyeing her appreciatively. "Let her go!" The man laughed.

"I don't think I'll be able to do that boy. This girl has a lot of spunk in her. An ideal buy. Besides, any man would pay large amounts for the company of such a pretty little lady." Edmund tried harder to be released. Caspian was furious. He spoke lowly and threateningly.

"So you're a kidnapper, and a slave trader. Pathetic man. Let her go." The man only laughed again. The three friends were hoisted up and were being pulled in the direction they had been heading before they stopped to talk to the men.

"Where are you taking us?" Lucy spoke as if she was out of breath. The man holding her kept one arm around her neck as he dragged her.

"Into town, it's market day. You'll be bought for much money, though, I would love to keep you for myself." As if waiting for their reaction, the man holding Lucy looked to Edmund and Caspian with an amused look as they once again tried to struggle away from their captors. As they were dragged further into town, they saw a fine looking bearded man come out of an inn and make his way towards them. The man looked over them all appreciatively.

"A good group, eh Pug?" The man holding Edmund asked. The man called Pug nodded. The man holding Caspian spoke.

"How much for this boy?" He asked as he shook Caspian. Oh no, Caspian thought, looking over to where Lucy was standing with tears in her eyes. It was a rare sight to see Lucy cry. But she seemed to grasp how female slaves were treated. Please don't seperate me from her. Pug eyed Caspian for a moment.

"300 crescents."

"I'll give you 150." Pug gave the man a look for only offering half of what he said, but nodded anyway. Lucy tears hardened.

"Please, don't seperate us!" Pug leaned down, putting a hand to her cheek.

"Oh come now little beauty. No more of this crying. Wouldn't want to spoil your pretty face for the market now would you?" Edmund shook.

"Sell us together!" All the slave traders laughed.

"If any man wants to spend the money on two slaves at once he will offer it, lad. But I can garuntee you, a man with his eyes set on the little girl here won't much care for buying you. That man is going to be focused on getting her home and using her services." Edmund's face turned blank. Lucy continued to cry. Especially as she watched Caspian be dragged away by his new owner. Caspian looked back at her, tears were also in his eyes as he thought about what could happen to her. Protect her, Aslan. He prayed.

"Don't worry. We'll be together soon." He called back to her, trying to sooth her. He hoped though, that his words were the truth.

There's chapter 3! I think it's a little shorter, sorry! I was planning on having it up last night but I got so tired and couldn't concentrate enough to finish it! I'll start chapter 4 in a few hours! Ohhh, who can name the song Lucy was singing? Anyways, thanks for reading!