Disclaimer: I do not own Narnia. 'Nuff said.

Author's Note: Whoops...I've caught myself procrastinating...Oh well, I don't have much more time to procrastinate because I'll tell you now that this story is coming to an end...In the meanwhile, enjoy!!! P.S. I am aware that I have a tendency to write very short chapters...just hang in there for the time being!

Chapter 26 ~ The Noble Deed

"My lord," Glozelle asked Miraz on a cold morning when they walked on the terrace. Glozelle looked skittish and nervous—he was walking fast and his dark eyes were rather wild and frightened. "How, sir, has the king corrupted Telmarine Narnia, that would make us need to be rid of him?"

Miraz glanced at Glozelle, who jumped back slightly when their eyes met. Good. Glozelle was afraid of him. That had not been so in the past, but suddenly, when Miraz became his master, he showed a bit more respect. Hopefully that is a sure sign of trust, Miraz thought.

"The village is silent, Glozelle." Miraz averted his eyes to the courtyard gates. There was no sound of merchants chattering, barrowmen crying, or shuffling feet, though the occasional murmur, cough, or series of footfalls told him that there were a few villagers out in the late morning—but there would usually be many more on Market Day. "Have you not noticed that?"

"I have not, sir." Glozelle said quietly. "Actually, sir, I have noticed—"

"They are empty, Glozelle. The streets." Miraz interrupted. "The villagers are destitute—the taxes are too high."

"But sir, that can be a thing brought to council." Glozelle protested.

Miraz looked at him again, threatening now. "Council does not change a man's heart. Words don't affect the soul of one with ambitions. Are you questioning your allegiance, Glozelle?"

"No, sir, I was…" Glozelle trailed off, his eyes looking anywhere but in the prince's. "I was…"

"What?"

"It was only a question that was on my mind, sir."

"Let it not enter your mind again."

"Aye."

It was after this happening that Miraz decided to keep a warier eye on Glozelle. The man was asking too many questions. Miraz hoped that he could still rely on Sopespian, whom he'd never even met before. Would he need to find two new conspirators?

Miraz found that he was running short of time. Caspian had been king for a whole year, and was now married. His wife was now very with child. Miraz felt the days slipping away, the chances slipping away, to do his horrible deed. He felt almost reluctant as well…

Was his conscience playing on him?

That would not happen. It could not. Miraz could not listen to it. He would not. He would refuse any play at his soul it tried to give him. He would not let any more time go by. The horrible deed, the noble deed, would have to be done.

And it would be done horribly soon.

TO BE CONTINUED