Chapter Ten

POV:Lucy

"It's been six months Ed, and he still stares out that window in agony."

"I know Lu."

"How I hate to see him hobble around with that cane. He'd have been well by now if he would just take a drop of the cordial."

"I know Lu."

"Do you think he'll ever recover?"

Edmund sighed.

"Physically? Most certainly. Emotionally, I cannot say."

"Why does he blame himself?"

He turned to me with fire in his eyes.

"Wouldn't you Lu? If it were me, or Peter or Susan? Wouldn't you?"

I contemplated for one split second.

"Yes, I'm sure I would."

"Then let's speak no more of this."

I heard the evening bell ring. Teatime.

"Martin will be wanting his tea."

Ed smiled.

"I'm sorry Lu. I didn't mean to snap."

I hugged him, and went off to the kitchen to get Martin and myself tea. Ever since Matthias's death six months before, Martin had been torn apart by grief. Matthias had taken an arrow meant for Martin right through his lung. The poor lad had been dead within minutes, and Martin had been knocked unconcious when Matthias threw himself in the arrow's path. Martin never got to say goodbye.

Indeed, the whole battle had been a terribly near thing, until Cap arrived from the docks and hit the pirates from behind. As soon as they got wind that they were being hit from two sides, they lost they courage quickly. It didn't make it any easier on Martin. He and his father both mourned Matthias's death grievously, but even Matthias the Elder had taken it better than Martin.

The tea tray looked lovely. Hot tea, (two cups) sugar, cream, hot buttered scones, hot buttered scones with clotted cream, and ripe strawberries. Sadly, I doubted Martin would eat more than a mouthful. It was truly a wonder he hadn't died of starvation during the first two months after his return.

He rarely spoke now, and when he did it was only to me or Edmund. He had tried to resign his position as my Head Knight, but I wouldn't accept it. I knocked as I entered his room. He rose quickly from his seat, courteous even in grief. He held a hand to his stomach as the wound re-opened in the battle gave him a twinge of pain.

"Let me help you."

"Nonsense! You're the invalid!"

I saw the tiniest flicker of a smile cross his face, though his eyes remained dull.

"Hardly. I look worse than I really am."

"One lump or two?"

"Three, if you don't mind."

I cocked an eyebrow at him, and he stared back with eyes trying so desperately to be cheerful for me, but still so full of sorrow that I could not refuse.

"Three then. Strawberries?"

"If you please."

I handed him his saucer and plate. We (or rather I) ate in silence for a bit before he spoke again.

"You've been good to look after me like this Lu. I know you've more pressing matters than my health."

"Ridiculous! You're my Head Knight!"

"And you are my Queen. I appreciate your kindness Lucy, but Narnia needs you."

"Narnia needs both of us Martin."

He sighed and rose from his chair.

"Then she need do without you no longer. I am officially reporting for active duty."

"You aren't-"

"Well? Lucy, I doubt I'll ever be well again. Not in spirit. But it doesn't matter. Despite my sorrow, life goes on. Father returned to Terebinthia last month, and he insists on forwarding money for me, even though I don't need it. Telmar has finally agreed to the trade agreements Susan and Edmund have been trying to pass for over a year. Narnia goes on, and so must I. If my convalescence deprives her of you, then it isn't worth it."

I smiled resignedly.

"Alright. But only light duties for now."

POV:Martin

I stepped into the library, my limp showing only slightly.

"You wished to see me King Edmund?"

Ed looked up from his desk and smiled.

"Indeed so Martin. Lucy tells me you've requested a return to duty. I've a few of the lighter tasks here-"

"The sorcerer Edmund. I want to look for the sorcerer."

The Just King nearly gaped at me in shock.

"How do you-"

"I have my ways. I know there's a sorcerer that's been spotted in the north of Narnia, and I know you've been wanting to send someone after him. I need solitude more than anything right now. Please Edmund. I'm more than up to the task."

He looked me over for a moment, and then nodded slowly.

"As you wish Martin."

The next morning I was in the stables tightening the girth on Arod's saddle when I heard someone step up behind me. Turning, I saw it was Lucy. I bowed quickly.

"Is there something you require Highness?"

"I just wanted to see you off."

A lump caught in my throat.

"Thank you Lucy. You have shown me only kindness, and I cannot tell you how much it means to me."

I kissed her hand before mounting Arod.

"Farewell Valiant Queen. I pray Aslan's blessing on you and yours."

"Goodbye Martin. Aslan guard you until your safe return."

I trotted out of the stables, and cantered North. It would be a long road home.

The End

A/N:

Well, here it is. I've finally finished Fluttering Sails. Any questions, comments, or criticism is greatly appreciated. I hope you've enjoyed this, and look forward to posting the next story in the series:

Nightslayer

God bless,

-AoR/Jake