Chapter Five
The next day was agony for Patience. The pain from her ankle had gotten to her and she spent most of their time traveling slowly, very slowly. They had rested numerous times and Patience had started to get more and more agitated. Alex and Targus had taken pity on her, for there was nothing they could really do except stay by her side. A few times she had told them to leave her and go on alone, but her brother would not leave her side, neither would Targus for that matter.
Patience was usually calm and rarely had she ever gotten angry, but she hated for the ones she cared for to see her weaknesses. Of course she knew that no matter what her problem they would still care for her, but just having them know that she had weaknesses bothered her. Though she had to admit, her flesh weaknesses were better known than her mental weaknesses.
It had hurt Alex to see his sister suffer and there being nothing he could really do about it, but what he could do he was proud of. Targus as well wished to be able to contribute more than his tiger body could, but he knew that being by Patience's side was well in its own form.
After about the tenth rest, it was midday and Targus had been overjoyed for they were halfway to the castle of Cair Paravel. Targus's happiness had been contagious for the moods of both Alex and Patience had begun to shift into lighter ones. Patience had gotten used to the pain in her ankle and was willing to travel faster as long as she had her stick to lean on. Alex was hesitant on that notion but eventually gave in and supported his sister's decision.
Further on they had run into a little more trouble when Patience tripped on a small branch and twisted her hurt ankle, her right ankle. Alex had laughed, even though it wasn't funny, and informed that it couldn't get any worse for Patience. And he had been right.
"Targus?" Patience asked after they walked about a mile in silence.
"Yes, child?" Targus looked up to her.
"Who are the Kings and Queens of Old? I remember you saying something about them. I meant to ask sooner, but I had forgotten." Patience said and her brother turned his ear in curiousness.
"Why, the Kings and Queens of Old are sons and daughters of Adam and Eve that came from an unknown world; probably the same world you are from. They defeated the White Witch, who had reined over Narnia for nearly one hundred years. She kept Narnia covered in a blanket of eternal snow, that is until two sons of Adam and two daughters of Eve came to us and fulfilled the prophecy. They brought about the Golden Age of Narnia; High King Peter the Magnificent, Queen Susan the Gentle, King Edmund the Just, and Queen Lucy the Valiant. That was nearly 1300 years ago.
"Then about two years to this day, they came back when King Caspian blew Queen Susan's horn. They helped defeat King Caspian's uncle Miraz the usurper of the throne of Narnia, and restore Narnia to its rightful King Caspian the Tenth, true king of Narnia." Targus joyfully explained.
Patience was quite thrilled of the story she had heard but there had been a lingering question, "1300 Years? How is that possible?"
Targus chuckled at her, "They were pretty startled themselves, though my guess would be that times run differently between different worlds."
"Well that would make sense. How long did they rein for, in the Golden Age I mean." She asked
"There was no record of how long they reined, but the Golden Age was said to have lasted about thirty years, I believe." Targus replied.
"Wow, so I guess having four older Kings and Queens helping King Caspian win his throne must have been a pretty amazing sight." Alex piped in.
"Well, it depends on what you mean by older." Targus initiated.
"What do you mean?" Patience asked
"Their knowledge was of the Golden Age and their skills were of elder souls, though when they came to us they were all of the ages you are now, plus King Edmund and Queen Lucy who were younger. Queen Lucy… Alas, such a unique spirit that one." Targus smiled to himself.
"Why, that's impossible!" Patience said in awe.
"This world is beginning to feel more and more like a dream." Alex moaned.
"Well, this pain in my foot says otherwise." Patience laughed.
After the sun had set, they kept on the trail to the Castle, only stopping to eat and drink. Patience proved her strong will over again as she walked proudly up the steps to the front doors of Castle Cair Paravel. Her brother tried to follow her example even though he was dead tired.
"Alright, I don't know if anyone is awake, so I suggest we enter quietly. I shall lead you both to the rooms you will be staying in. When the sun rises, I shall bring you both to Aslan and King Caspian." Targus informed the two. Patience and Alex just nodded. They couldn't wait to feel what it felt like to sleep on a bed again.
They quietly opened the doors to the Castle of Cair Paravel and slowly walked inside. Patience was amazed to see no one in sight. Back where they lived there had always been someone up and about, no matter what hour.
Suddenly as they made their way into one of the hallways, Patience caught a glimpse of a shadow. She was neither startled or frightened, rather comforted and touched. She couldn't explain the feeling that reacted throughout her body and especially her foot, but she needn't. She kept her mouth at a smile and continued to follow Targus.
"Now Alex, this is where you are to rest this night. Remember, I will be back at day break, so try and get to sleep quickly."Targus urged as he opened the door to the room.
The room was quite decorative. Pictures hung revealing friendly faces of various races, including animal races. There was a four post bed with a head and foot board made of what looked like solid wood. It was dark, but Patience remembered spotting a chest at the foot of the bed. It looked, as she said, as if it was made of the strongest and greenest vines she had ever seen.
When Alex's head hit the silken sheets and pillows, his eyelids fell heavily and he was asleep in seconds. Patience looked on to her brother once more and content with what her eyes saw, she shut the door quietly and continued to follow Targus as he led to her room.
The room she was led to was behind the most inspiring door she had ever seen. It looked as if it had been made with the finest oak she had ever known of and it shown. The carvings seemed to have been made into a story of a daring hero and his noble steed. She could not help but smile at the sight.
When she opened the enormous door, she literally forgot to breath. The bed was almost exactly like her brothers, except it seemed lighter and more graceful. The walls hung tapestries, each a brilliant display of a colorful story. Silken curtains blew in the wind beside the enormous opened window. There was a balcony that looked out upon the dark sea. It literally was breathtaking.
There was an adorable fireplace in front of the bed that seemed like it could easily warm up the room once lit and above the fireplace hung a gigantic picture. The wooden frame itself was spectacular. The picture, in a brilliant display of color, was that of a valiant Queen. Patience didn't even have to ask Targus, for she knew the smile of the queen was that of Queen Lucy the Valiant.
Patience had the sudden wanting to meet the beautiful queen, but she suppressed her feelings as she eyed the stern gaze of Targus and lay on heaven's bed. Like her brother, once she had hit the pillows, her eyelids grew heavy and she drifted into a dream filled sleep.
Okie dokie. Hope you enjoyed! I hope to get the next chapter up ASAP!
Constructive criticism is nice, flaming is laughed at, and comments are love!