Chapter 23.
The star led them through the woods until they reached something that looked like a balcony, if they were in a castle.
"The magician, Coriakin told you about the Dark Island" she said, as they approached the edge of the balcony and looked at what was waiting for them.
The entire island was coated with grey-black heavy clouds, the green mist blocking all land from view. The place was almost radiating evilness.
"For long the evil will be unstoppable." Liliandil said gloomily.
Caspian half-turned to her "Coriakin said to break its spell, we need to lay the seven swords at Aslan's table."
"He speaks the truth." She nodded and sadly looked back at the Island, her expression clearly reflecting the sadness she felt from such a thing invading their land.
"But we only found six." Edmund said. "Do you know where the seventh is?"
Everyone looked at her intently, waiting for the answer.
The star lowered her gaze for a moment "In there." She said and pointed right to the evil-radiating Island. "You'll need great courage."
Edelle leaned in and whispered to Edmund "Easy for her to say, she's a star!"
Then she bit her lip, realising her whisper wasn't quiet enough, and their guide heard her.
Liliandil half-smiled "I believe in you." She turned, so that everyone was facing her, as her smile faded, momentarily being replaced by seriousness. "Now waste no time." She said sternly.
Caspian eyed her up and down; if it was the last time he saw her, he at least had one last look. "I hope we meet again." He said.
She smiled at him promisingly "Goodbye." And with that, they saw bright light surrounding her, as she turned back into a big glowing sphere and shot into the sky, taking her place as the Blue Star.
Soon they all boarded the Dawn Treader again and advanced the Dark Island, Eustace hovering above the ship.
The Minotaur looked at their destination "What do you think could be out there?" he asked.
"Our worst nightmares." Edmund said and caught Edelle's meaningful glance. They had an idea, they were about to face what was making them wake up in cold sweat for many nights.
"Our darkest wishes." Caspian said.
"Pure evil." Drinian stated his opinion, describing everyone's versions in two words. "Men! Prepare yourselves!" he shouted, so all the sailors could hear him.
Caspian watched as the crew started fumbling around, looking for armour "Let's get ready." He said and walked away, heading his cabin.
Edmund tuned to Edelle and put his hands on her upper arms, looking her in the eyes "Go with Lucy, she'll help you put your armour on. I'll go take care of mine and meet you here, okay?"
"Okay." She said.
He quickly kissed her forehead and let go of her, following Caspian.
Edelle turned to Lucy, who motioned for them to go. Several minutes later they were already in her cabin. Lucy pulled the body protection over her head and did the clasps on the sides. Edelle stood up from the bed and went around her, helping with the straps at the back.
"You scared?" Edelle asked, obviously meaning the green mist they were about to face. Lucy never told if something was troubling her. 'IF?' she scolded herself 'There is no if. Of course something was disturbing her too, just like everybody else'. And now she kind of felt guilty for not even bothering to ask.
"No, not really." Lucy shrugged her shoulders and turned around, helping Edelle put on her chest and body protection. "I'm over my temptation." She said, fumbling with the belts.
"Oh really?" Edelle cocked and eyebrow. "Care to share?"
"Well…" Lucy grimaced.
"Come ooon.." Edelle dragged.
"Oh, alright!" she gave up "I wanted to look like Susan, okay?"
"What? Seriously, Lucy?" Edelle couldn't believe it, of all the temptations…of all the beautiful women! "For the hundredth time, you look great! Trust me, there are a lot of girls that would kill for your looks!"
"Hey, I told you before." Lucy said, defensively "Remember, in London, when we were looking at our family pictures?"
Yes, she remembered. It was a week or so after they met, Lucy took out several pictures she brought with her to Cambridge. One of them showed Lucy and Susan at some tea party. Edelle remembered thinking that Susan was definitely pretty, but nothing so special for Lucy to want to look exactly the same. Not to mention, she was a little too hard on her make-up: the bright red lipstick was definitely not designed for young ladies of her age.
"It was already then I told you I thought she was beautiful." At the last word Lucy pulled a little too roughly on one of Edelle's straps.
"YOW!" she yelped
"Sorry." Lucy smiled sheepishly.
She shook her head "So what made you change your mind?"
"Aslan." She answered simply.
Edelle didn't say anything. She's been told by both: Lucy and Edmund- that Aslan works in mysterious ways. She remembered saying "He has style." which made them giggle.
"But do you still think you're not pretty enough?"
Lucy shrugged. Edelle sighed heavily 'Fine, think that, for NOW. We will get back to this.' she thought.
"Well…" she started, as the last strap was finally done. "I guess, I just have one last question then."
"Yes?" Lucy looked at her attentively.
She grinned "Does this stuff make me look fat?"
Lucy slapped her arm playfully and the girls laughed for several moments. They did one final check that everything was in place and properly fastened, and headed back to the upper deck.
A/N. Sorry I didn't get to the Island part today, but I couldn't fit it all in here- I didn't want it to be a ginormous chapter. Hope you liked it anyway and please continue with the reviewing, my honeys)
xoxoxo for now.