4. King Caspian's Word
Early next morning, when the first rays of the sun had stretched above the horizon, Caspian climbed on deck. He stretched as he yawned and smiled contently to himself. He had always enjoyed the sunrise most out of all moments of a day; it was more peaceful than the sun setting for it brought with it new light and hope for a better tomorrow. Things always did seem brighter in the morning air than it did in the dark hours of twilight. It had calmed him for as long as he could remember, ever since he'd been a young boy growing up in Miraz's castle in Telmar.
As he fastened his belt around his waist, feeling the weight of the long sword against his hip, he stepped forward. He lifted his gaze and stopped with one foot midair. Standing by the railing in front of him was Susan Pevensie. For a moment, the young man pondered if he should go someplace else but found that his feet led him towards her on their own accord while he had pondered the situation.
"Your highness, I hope you slept well," Caspian greeted as he stepped up beside her and noticed how surprise lit up her sky-colored eyes briefly before being replaced by warmth as she gazed at him.
She turned slightly from the view and a familiar kindness was directed to her present company. A slight smile spread across her full lips as she said, "Thank you again for giving me and Lucy your cabin, my lord. Lucy's still sleeping, she was spread out over the entire bed when I walked out earlier. I don't blame her, it's a very comfortable bed."
"And yet you are awake and out here," the Telmarine pointed out gently as he leaned on his elbows against the railing. He still remained a safe distance from the queen. Keeping his distance, Caspian figured, was for the best, at least for present time when everything was so jumbled anyway.
The young woman's dark curls danced in the wind as she turned and smiled out at the ocean view. The man could not help but notice that she had let her hair grow even longer since she their last meeting. She glanced at him briefly before she explained herself, "I woke up early and figured I might as well watch the sunrise... When I was Queen of Narnia, this was always my favorite time of the day. I've never seen a sunrise quite like those in Narnia. Back in the old days, I always woke early just so that I could watch the first rays come above the horizon. Of course, it was too early for most people, but Peter was often up then anyway to prepare for different council meetings. Sunrise became our moments alone together."
Caspian watched as her azure eyes radiated happy memories and her entire face lit up with each word that passed from her mouth. The man couldn't contain his own smile at this but soon remembered himself and sobered before she could catch his foolish grin. He turned instead to face the awakening rays and watched them play in the waves alongside the colors of the ocean.
After a few quiet moments, he felt Susan's eyes on him and slowly turned back in her direction. She had her head tilted to the side as she watched him; her beautiful face scrutinized his for a moment as if trying to figure out some intricate puzzle she did not have all the pieces to complete. Caspian raised his eyebrows in a mute question.
"You've aged," she explained herself.
The man felt his heart skip a beat. "Three years. The age difference is not so immense anymore, is it?"
The look on the woman's face faltered and she turned briskly away. Caspian rolled his eyes at his own stupidity. How big of a fool could one man be, bringing up their last farewell? It was the past and a pretty long time ago at that. Aslan only knew everything that had transpired between then and now, and how differently she must behold him at this time. Silence stretched between them as the man continued to silently berate himself.
"Well…" Susan broke the silence at last and the Telmarine gazed down at her. She bit her bottom-lip hesitantly as her eyes clearly gazed inwards and she continued, "1297 years is still a rather immense gap, you know."
Relief washed over the king as they shared a small smile over fond memories. "Technically," he couldn't help but add, "I am older than you now. By two years, am I not correct?"
"Depends on how you're counting," the brunette retorted cheekily as her grin widened and Caspian's gaze was drawn down to her lips.
A gagging noise sounded behind them and both turned around to see a pale Edmund supported by his elder brother. The younger man gazed past the couple as he managed in a dead-pan voice, "Ugh... Don't make me puke."
"Judging by your intake of ale last night, you'll probably puke anyway," the taller, elder brother sighed in return as he pushed his brother forward across the wooden deck. There was a detached gaze in his pale orbs as he beheld Caspian and Susan ahead.
"You know what, you're probably right," Edmund agreed and slowly pushed away from his brother to lean over the railing between the couple. Susan motherly rubbed a hand across the boy's back as he took a couple of calming, deep breaths and pretended to be fine.
As the Pevensie's stomach settled down without any mishaps, the other three spoke of silly nothings to pass the time. Before long their small group was joined by the presence of Reepicheep and Caspian's advisers. During last night's merriment, the Pevensies had come to know the three men as Greagoir, who was one of the eldest on the king's council, Enric, a younger man experienced from the battle field and Roshan, a lord with diplomatic roots.
The grey-haired Greagoir bowed to his king and then gave him the news, "Your majesty, the wind is strong today and the crew has told us we are making excellent speed towards Narnia."
The Telmarine king nodded in content approval. "If the weather continues like this, we'll be home in Narnia in no time."
The mouse climbed onto the railing beside Susan and his large, dark eyes gazed up at her briefly before he, too, faced the young king. There was something seeking atonement in Reepicheep's gaze before he said, "There is one other small matter the advisers have asked to discuss with you, your majesty."
"Tell me what it is, friend. If I am able, I will answer."
"It concerns your given word," Lord Roshan spoke without further delay as he stepped forward. It was plain he had no intention of being ignored as he respectfully pressed on, "Or have you forgotten?"
Caspian took a deep breath and felt whatever peace the sunrise had given him had been scattered on the strong winds. At once his duties as regent made their appearance and he could no longer be Seafarer but rather honorable King. With a short nod, he assured the men, "I remember."
"A given word must be upheld," Reepicheep began from his position by the Pevensie girl., "as is the obligation of every honorable man or mouse."
Edmund frowned at the curious conversation and shared a small shrug with his brother. Evidently the mouse knew something about the king's heart that they did not yet fully comprehend.
"Then you do intend to uphold the agreement?" the eldest adviser asked with a sparkle in his worn gaze. It seemed his eyes had already traveled back into Narnian territory and were making plans long before an answer had even been offered to his blunt question.
"Agreement?" Peter interjected at last from the sidelines as a tired Lucy walked out of the girl's sleeping quarter and joined the small group.
The old adviser turned to the eldest sibling, as if finally realizing that the Pevensies had no idea of what was being discussed. With a harmless grin, he clarified, "Why, yes. Before we departed on this voyage, the council faced the young king with a problem we've worried about for many long months. It concerns a wife."
Susan shifted her eyes to the king by her side. She found his expectant gaze already on her and for a second she couldn't find her voice. She cleared her throat and asked, "A wife? You're married?"
Caspian shook his head fervently and leaned closer to her as he said, "No, no! You are misunderstanding Lord Greagoir, my queen. I'm not married, I assure."
"Not yet. There are a few contestants, however, – if one might refer to them as such – for the part of future Queen of Narnia," Greagoir added as if feeling the need to angle the king's words. "There are many who have shown interest, and a few choices who would benefit the peace throughout the known lands. We have wished that the king choose a bride for as long as he has been seated on the throne. Three years as unwed regent is a very long time."
Completely over his upset stomach, Edmund frowned and looked over at the elder man as if the words had been spoken in a completely different language. "When we were regents, we didn't have to marry. Don't get me wrong, there were many suitors - especially for dear Susan here – but… we didn't have to do much of anything against our will."
"That was 1300 years ago, king Edmund," Roshan said and turned his dark, Telmarine eyes on the youngest king of Narnia. "Much has changed since those days and your situation was rare, indeed. Never since has Narnia had four regents upon the throne. These days it is of uttermost importance to create strong allies and ensure a throne heir, for the future of all."
"But Caspian's so young," the smallest Pevensie girl meekly argued with her face scrunched up in confusion.
"Old enough to wed," Greagoir angled the spoken words once more and glanced at Enric, who thus far remained silent in the conversation. The more war-oriented lord merely shrugged and kept his opinion to himself as the elder adviser continued, "And his majesty has given his word. Upon our return to Narnia, the king has promised to choose a queen."
"I thought I'd have more time on the sea," Caspian muttered under his breath so only Edmund and Reepicheep could hear him.
Once more, the elder Pevensie girl turned to the Telmarine king in confusion. "You've promised to find a wife?"
"Yes. No. Nothing is set in stone," the young man replied and ran a weary hand over his stubble as he corrected himself before his advisers could again, "I've promised to attempt to find a good wife and queen among the many eligible women throughout the known lands. But it is understood, I'm sure, that this task must be second priority if Narnia is under threats. Therefor I fail to see the point of bringing it up at present time, at all."
"What happens if you find no one to your liking?" Lucy questioned as she casually leaned against her eldest brother.
Caspian looked down at the queen without replying at first. At length, he sighed and shifted from one foot to the other. He had rather hoped to leave the subject alone already, especially now that he was forced to admit the truth, "If I do not choose a wife myself, I have given my word to accept whomever the council chooses for me."
"Even if you do not love her?" Susan questioned with an aghast look on her fair features. "That doesn't seem fair. It's not at all how I remember the old days of our regency!"
"Again," Roshan began with an impatient breath as he faced the four siblings. "...The times have changed. This is simply how it is."
"Yeah, well, I still say it's trivial," Edmund glared over at the dark-haired adviser, "especially with our arrival which needs to be understood first. So I agree with Caspian, why not worry about a nice little wedding when the time is right for it?"
The Telmarine lord's eyes darkened and it was obvious he didn't approve of being spoken against as he watched the youngest Pevensie king. He opened his mouth to retort, when Lucy hastily interrupted.
"All this talk of marriage has me hungry," the young girl breathed and patted her brothers on the shoulder, "will anyone join me for breakfast? Peter? Edmund? Lord Greagoir?"
The aging man gracefully nodded and walked off beside the youngest queen. At once, the topic was dropped (for now) and the others calmly followed the queen and the adviser away from the railing. As Edmund stepped out from between Caspian and Susan, the Telmarine king gently stopped the young woman with a hand on her wide sleeve. She gazed down at his cautious grip but haltered as she anticipated he wanted something private from her. She smiled up at Peter as he, too, walked after the others and the couple was left alone.
"Will you walk with me a little before breakfast?" the king breathed and the Pevensie woman nodded hesitantly. The pressure on her sleeve vanished and Susan turned to walk alongside the railing.
Though the ship was large, there was still not much floor to actually take a walk upon and a few times they had to stop for passing crew members hard at work. After a few moments of companionable silence, Susan glanced up at the handsome man and asked, "Was there something you wanted, my lord?"
"In truth, I wanted time away from my advisers," Caspian admitted with an apologetic smile as his thick accent carried over the strong wind. With a shrug he continued, "sometimes they drive me close to the point of insanity speaking of these 'traditions of the throne'. I'm certain you will find even more things that have changed since your regency, my queen. All these rules for the regent… Some I understand; some gives protection to my people, others…"
"... aren't so easily understood," the queen offered with a smile.
"Please know," the king hurried on, "I couldn't ask for better men to advice me. They have stood by me from the start of my regency and I believe their intentions are well meant and founded in an honest trust in me. And I know all the rules are there for a reason... But it still concerns personal decisions made against my wish. You know, Lord Greagoir has already chosen the three most suitable ladies that he believes would be best for Narnia's good future. By giving my word to the advisers, at least I will have some say in who I wed."
Susan nodded quietly in understanding. She had dealt with more than a handful of suitors in her days and could easily relate to his concerns. There had, after all, been many young lords convinced they were the best suited for her hand in marriage, despite her knowledge of the contrary. With Caspian still new to the throne after such a long period of mayhem, things were bound to balance precariously before anyone felt entirely confident and certain everything would be alright. With an heir and thus a strong claim to the throne, Caspian could help ease many minds.
"As regent there will always be people who think you can perform your duties better than you do," she offered as meek consolation. "Or, at the very least, believe they know better than you when it concerns your own life."
The Telmarine king smiled as he stopped and leaned against the railing. They had made it all the way across the deck and now stood overlooking the southern horizon and a few gulls that sailed upon the strong winds alongside the ship. Caspian waited until the queen stepped up beside him before he turned to her with simple gratitude in his dark eyes. "I cannot explain how it eases my mind to have you and your siblings' support in these matters. You have been through what I am going through now, and you know precisely what burdens come with the crown. I cannot seem to make anyone else understand the troubles of my mind, though I have many ears who will listen if I ask."
As he gazed down at her, the young man saw a shadow of worry flash across her features and she stepped closer. Whether this was a conscious move or not, Caspian was unsure. One of her pale, slender hands came to rest on his shoulder as she whispered, "Is there something else burdening you?"
He shook his head as he placed his own calloused hand atop hers. "I assure you, Queen Susan, there is nothing in particular I worry over. Well, not counting the questions concerning your return. I was simply considering..." he hesitated a beat as he lowered both of their hands from his shoulder. As he held her hand between their bodies and gazed down at it with a distant frown, he continued, "Didn't the immensity of it all ever strike you?"
"All the time," Susan grinned and squeezed his hand in reassurance. His gaze rose to meet hers once more and she continued, "You've done very good this far, my king. I'm impressed, though not surprised, at how far you've come all on your own. I mean, I had my siblings who ruled beside me, but you stand as regent on your own two feet. Perhaps a wife can help carry your burden with you."
A grin flashed by at the corner of the man's lips as he shrugged. "If so, she would have to be very strong to shoulder it alongside me. And capable of holding her own through any battle. Of noble blood, simply to please the advisers, of course. She'd have to have a heart big enough for both me and the people of Narnia... A gentle heart."
Susan's head snapped up to meet the king's gaze upon hearing his final words. His chocolate colored eyes gauged her reaction curiously. He opened his mouth, "Queen Susan-"
At once, the queen withdrew her hand from within the king's and took a step back. A confused frown spread across her features as she breathed, "I'm afraid I must agree with my sister; this topic has me hungry, too. Is it not time we joined the others for breakfast?"
The Telmarine king searched the young woman's eyes, but in the depths he could find only trepidation mixed with confusion. He lowered his head in a slight bow and held out his arm to signal for her to lead the way for them. Without even meeting his gaze, the Pevensie queen turned on her heel and walked away. Caspian watched her a second longer before he swiftly followed in her wake.
In the waters far behind the Narnian ship, another ship floated atop the strong waves with sails black as the most corrupt souls. It broke through the waves almost soundlessly in its pursuit of the Dawn Treader ahead.
Astern of the ship, on the upper deck, stood a man wearing a long, shadowy cloak that floated around him in the wind as if made of liquid itself. The man was not elderly, though far from young, as he stood taller than most and in his pale eyes burned determination without even the slightest insecurity. In the man's right hand rested a scepter the length of a walking cane with a pale, crystal orb at the very top. The crystal orb shimmered like clouds to the touch or like a pearl beneath the sun's rays on the ocean floor.
A malevolent smirk spread across his worn face as his cold grey eyes gazed ahead. He could not see his target on the horizon, though felt its presence upon the waves mere miles ahead. A twisted scar ran from the corner of his eyebrow down to the short, grey scruff on his round chin. His short hair was speckled with grey and black, like an aging wolf's fur as it remained still despite the strong winds around him.
"Sir?" a throaty voice suddenly sounded from below and interrupted his concentration. The man turned and gazed back as he saw a limping dwarf climb the steps. The dwarf Firtkin had bushy, dark hair and only three, stumpy fingers upon his scarred, left hand. The man raised his eyebrow expectantly as Firtkin failed to continue.
With an apologetic bow, the dwarf at last continued, "We will soon have the Dawn Treader in sight; shall I order the attack?"
The elder man tapped the blunt end of his scepter against the deck a couple of times as he pondered the question. Meanwhile, the black-dwarf waited on baited breath for the order he was sure to come.
"Not yet," the man's dark, raspy voice said at length, drawing the words out like a snake might hiss as it prepares for a strike. "We must wait a little longer. It won't be long now, though. I will soon have what I need and if they will not come to me, I will come and claim it from them."
To be continued.