Chapter 4 Arguments Between Siblings
The hour was late and the castle was quiet. After dinner Peter had retreated back to his study while Lucy took Kendra to her room and Edmund showed Brind his, Susan wandered off presumably back to her own quarters. The dinner was awkward; Peter remained quiet and thoughtful, still not fully trusting of these two Calormene. The situation was dangerous, and he feared that they may have possible war on their hands. After all they were aiding fugitives.
Lucy and Edmund continued to converse with the their guests, Susan no and then would interject with a comment or two. Brind was the most talkative; Kendra hadn't said a sentence that exceeded more than five words at a time. Peter was right though, after a bath and fresh clothing, Kendra's hair wasn't as brown as he thought. Instead it was a fair shade of blonde that grew darker toward the roots. Brind's hair only lightened half a shade and resembled Edmunds hair color very nicely. He sat wearing one of Edmund's shirts, even though it was too small for how tall and long Brind's arms were compared to Edmund. Kendra wore an older dress of Lucy's, as she was smaller than Lucy it fit perfectly.
A couple times Lucy tried to bring Peter into their conversations, but he remained silent only nodding and flashing a smile every once in a while.
Standing in his study starring out the window that faced the ocean Peter thought back to the dinner for a few quick moments. Perhaps he had been too over whelming unwelcoming to the two of them. They were innocent enough, just children after all. It still didn't stop Peter from writing a letter of concern to the King of Archenland warning him to keep an eye out for possible Calormen soldiers in their country.
While he hadn't spoken much during the dinner he had taken time to examine one thing about Kendra. She kept tugging at the small necklace around her neck, glancing at everyone suspiciously in doing so. Lucy and the others had been too preoccupied to notice such a small thing. Maybe Peter was making it out to be something it wasn't, it was possible she had done this with the locket her whole life. It was more than likely some kind of family heirloom.
The light tap tap on his door broke Peter from his thoughts; he turned to see Susan standing in the doorway. She gave him a quick smile and proceeded to walk up beside him.
"Well you were awfully quiet at dinner tonight." she said trying to break the ice.
"Nothing to really say I suppose." he respond, distant.
"Peter, is something wrong? Besides the obvious, you don't like the fact that Brind and Kendra are staying here. It doesn't mean you have to go and be a rude host. They are guests here and as High King you—"
"Su please spare me the lecture for tonight." Peter interjected gruffly. "I'm not exactly in the mood. And it's not that I don't like them, I do. It's just, what do we really know about them Su? They come from Calormen, yes."
"And they need our help." Susan's voice raised an octave as she tried to keep from yelling at Peter. "What else is there to know? You can't stand there and tell me you would deny helping someone in need?"
"They are fugitives Susan, from Calormen. Which means they'll have soldiers coming after them. If we kill even one of their soldiers the Tisroc will take it as a declaration of war, you know that. I won't risk a war." he said pointedly.
Susan stood there not wanting to believe what Peter was saying. While she understood his reasoning well enough she did not want to think that Peter would give up so easily. She took a deep breath and gave a nod.
"Peter—"
"No, Su I'm sorry." he interrupted her again, "If they come, I'll have to turn Brind and Kendra over to them."
"You can't!" Susan practically screamed. "Peter there has to be another way!"
"Well there isn't!"
"What's going on?" Edmund had entered in on their conversation.
Peter and Susan turned to see Edmund standing his fist raised, ready to knock. Obviously the raised voices had cut the proper entry short. He looked from his brother to his sister, they avoided each other's gaze in an awkward attempt to pretend the last part of their conversation hadn't happened. Edmund shifted uncomfortably waiting to see if one of them would answer him.
"Nothing." was Peter's response, but Edmund knew better. He heard Susan shouting as he approached the door. So for answers Edmund turned to Susan and addressed her alone.
"What's going on?"
Susan hesitated, "Peter feels that we have to turn Brind and Kendra over to the Calormens."
"Why?" Edmund hurried into the room and looked to his brother hoping that Susan had simply misheard Peter.
Peter pinched the bridge of his nose with his fingers. "In order to prevent a possible war, why can't anyone understand that."
"Can't you just talk with the Tisroc Peter, try to settle it a different way then." Edmund suggested, Susan gave a nod of encouragement.
"No, no and no. Ed you know he won't listen."
"Make him listen, you're High King." Edmund's voice and temper was now rising.
If this kept up the entire castle would be aware of their argument. Peter tried to quiet them down by talking next in a harsh whisper.
"And as High King it is my decision that we turn them over to their country and allow the Tisroc to handle it." He drew out each word slowly and as patiently as he could.
Susan clenched her hands into fists, fed up with her brother. Her lip quivered as they went silent. The only thing that could be heard was the distant shuffle of feet in the corridor outside. Anxiously the three of them waited to see who was coming but the footsteps moved past the partially closed door and kept going on down the corridor. They all let out a breath that each had held in as the unknown nightwalker passed by.
Edmund was glaring hard at Peter, a look that clearly stated that he was no for anything his older brother was saying. Peter could see this from the corner of his eye but in order to avoid looking Edmund he would be forced to look at Susan who was wearing an expression to match except there was more disappointment there than anything else.
Peter drew in a breath to calm himself, holding it for a few seconds below letting it out and starting over in a calmer voice.
"I'm trying to do the right thing here."
"Well you're not." Susan responded shortly, Edmund had been thinking the exact same thing but she beat him to it. "And you know it Peter. This isn't right. I understand the possibilities of what could happen should they attempt to take Brind and Kendra by force. I understand that war is likely, and I know you would not want to thrust Narnia into war. However, I also understand that these two came here searching for help and protection. Now we have promised that to them, and I will be damned if I betray that trust to which we gave."
She stormed off across the room pausing at the door. "Just so you know Peter, if the Calormen soldiers do come, I won't hold back. I'm not ready to break my promise like you."
And with Susan left the room slamming the door behind her leaving Peter and Edmund in shock. They had never seen Susan so upset before and they were both taken back by her anger. The two stood starring at the door for nearly a whole minute before they moved. Edmund turned his head back to Peter not sure what to say. Peter in turn starred bewildered at him, hoping that his brother would come to his defense. At least say something instead of leaving them in silence.
Edmund did just that though, his face twisted back into disapproval before he too turned and exited the study. Peter took to looking out of his window again. Placing his hands on either side for support he leaned forward hanging his head and shaking it back forth trying to clear his mind. Peter then watched as the moon climbed higher in the sky until it disappeared from the view of his window.
Everything Susan had said clouded his mind. It dug deeper than that though, back to earlier today when Susan made mention of wanting to go back home. He played stupid, but he knew better, he only wanted to ignore the issue. It wasn't just Susan, Peter took note of the way Edmund and Lucy had been acting around him as of late, or rather the way he acted around them, distant and almost uncaring. He was just trying to be a good king. If they weren't going to assume responsibility someone would. It was his duty as High King. But was duty coming before his family, friendship, and his better morals?
"Aslan, I need you. I think I'm losing my family." he muttered aloud.
The next few days went on without incident. Kendra had started to speak more around them, except Peter of course. It was obvious she felt much more comfortable and it soon came to be that she and Lucy were nearly attached at the hip. A few times they had picnics out on the lawn with Mr. Tumnus and the Beavers. Kendra had a strong fondness for all of the Animals and fauns. The centaurs still intimidated her.
And while those were off in the stable, or out riding around the palace, Edmund was teaching Brind how to sword fight. The lessons went fairly well, after Brind got over the fear of being asked to practically attack a King. Brind was a fast learner and by day five had been able to hold his own for a while without Edmund having to hold back. At least Edmund claimed he had not been holding back.
Susan offered to teach Brind archery, but after the second lesson where Brind nearly took out Mr. Beaver for the third time, they all mutually decided that a sword was much safer. The two of them spent time talking whenever Edmund was off busy with other matters. Peter noted seeing them enter the library a fair number of times. And when Peter and his siblings were busy with official business, Kendra and Brind would find ways to entertain themselves normally playing out in the courtyard or going down to the beach for a swim.
Peter witnessed most of these events from the background seeing as how Susan still refused to speak to Peter except in the presence of Lucy. He knew that she and Edmund would not want to tell Lucy about the conversation they had the night Brind and Kendra arrived. There was no need to inform her and have her worry as well. These days it seemed that Lucy was the only one on his side. Out of respect or fear, Brind and Kendra tried to avoid Peter like the plague.
Dinners were still a silent affair on Peter's end and each night he would retreat early to his study leaving the others to their games. Lucy noticed the sudden distance Peter was putting between them all, but forced herself to focus on her new friend Kendra.
One afternoon when Susan and the others came back from a picnic on the beach, and after Peter had been brooding about in his study thinking and rethinking things he called them to the throne room. When they entered Peter was sitting on his throne looking apprehensive about one thing or another. Susan and Edmund glanced at each other careful not to let Lucy see the suspicion and slight worry in their eyes. They feared the worse that Calormen soldiers were here to take Brind and Kendra away; Susan took a deep breath and straightened her back.
"Oh Peter you missed such a wonderful picnic!" Lucy cried walking briskly up to her brother her arm linked with Kendra.
"I am sorry I could not be there. I had important matters to take of." he said with a smile.
"That's all you ever seem to do now a days." she said playfully rolling her eyes.
"What sort of matters?" Edmund asked casually.
"That's not why I called you all here. I wanted to make an announcement." Peter got to his feet looking down at the five of them still smiling.
Behind the other Susan and Edmund exchanged confused looks. Peter continued his smile fading a little.
"I know I haven't exactly been welcoming this past week. I am sorry. And I hope to make up for it. I have decided that to celebrate the arrival of our new friends by holding a ball in their honor."
Lucy's eyes immediately lit up and she let out a shriek of joy and hugged Kendra tightly before leaving her side and flinging her arms around Peter's waist.
"Peter that's such a wonderful idea!"
"You don't have to do this your majesty." Brind said, "It's not necessary I assure you."
Peter held his hand up to silence Brind and gave him a warm smile, "And I assure you it is."
"When is it Peter?" Lucy asked as she unwrapped her arms from around her brother.
"Tonight. Just the kingdom of Narnia, friends and friends only a small but grand gathering."
Susan relaxed a little shifting her gaze from Peter to Edmund who shared the same concerned expression. She wanted to confront Peter about his reasoning for the ball but did not dare call him out in front of Lucy, Brind or Kendra. Instead she stood quietly behind them allowing for Lucy to bubble over with excitement.
"Come on Kendra, I have the perfect dress for you to wear!"
"Oh, okay." she said meekly allowing for Lucy to take her hand and lead her quickly from the Throne Room.
Edmund and Brind turned to leave, Peter called after them. "Brind, I may have something more in your size to wear for tonight."
Brind stopped and turned. Grateful for the unexpected kindness he bowed, "Thank you your majesty." Peter was still the only one he addressed formally. He gave a half smile and left with Edmund.
Susan remained in the same spot not swaying, after a few moments she said, "Why the sudden change of heart?"
"So you're talking to me again now are you?" he said in a less than friendly tone.
Her narrowed and slowly she made a move to leave.
"Su, I'm sorry." Peter said in a softer voice, "For everything. What you said that night, you were completely right. I shouldn't be so willing to betray the trust I bestowed to them."
Susan let out a tiny laugh, "Took you this long to figure that out did it?"
"No. Took me only a few minutes, I just wasn't ready to admit it yet to myself or to anyone else. The last three days though I've been planning this ball, I've told Mr. Tumnus to keep it hushed up."
"And I suppose you think this will fix everything. That by throwing this grand party in their honor it shows that you truly accepting of them and their stay here at Cair Paravel." The mocking tone to Susan's voice stung Peter. He gave a nod in response. "I still stand by what I said that night Peter."
"And so do I. Su, can you please forgive me? I've been out of line lately. I'm confused. I've placing duty of High King above everything else." Peter sat down defeated in his throne. Susan approached and knelt down next to him. She placed her hand on Peters.
Susan hated being angry with her brother for so long. It had been the longest time she had gone without speaking with him. It wouldn't do any of them any good if they were split down the center. They would have to be united and work as one. They couldn't crumple from within. Much of Susan's anger had subsided by the third day anyway, she was merely too proud to say anything, much like Peter. She tried to give a cheerful smile, or at the least a smile that said she understood and that she forgave him.
He looked at her hand for a second and then up Susan.
"Peter, I know it's hard. But what we're doing, it's another kind of duty. The duty toward ones family and friends, it means protecting those who you care for." Susan slowly stood up letting her hand slip from her brothers. "We can deal with Calormen if it should come to that. You can't avoid war forever Peter, it's an inevitable thing."
"Not if I have the chance to prevent it." Peter struggled to keep his voice from quivering. He wanted everything to side with Susan fully but it was becoming harder and harder as he went back to doubting himself.
"But at what cost to your conscious?" Susan replied.