Daring to Dream
Chapter Three
Journeying into the Unknown
Though he was loath to admit it, Lord Peridan of Narnia hated sea-faring.
Tall, broad-shouldered, and strong, he was among the finest warriors of his land. He was a shrewd and learned diplomat, as well as a lord of high renown. He was widely respected, and yet he found himself nauseated by the mere pitching of waves upon the sea.
In particular, he associated his violent seasickness with his first experience of sailing. He had been but a lad of twelve, eager and excited about his first voyage over the sea. He had spent the night before their journey celebrating with his friends, sharing some stolen ale and feeling very grown up indeed. However, the next day they had not been half an hour out to sea when he had felt the ale returning and had vomited heavily over the side of the boat—and had continued to do so until they had reached their destination.
Thus had it been for the past fifteen years of his life, and though he had grown more accustomed to the pitching and tipping of the deck with frequent sea-going, he had yet to undertake a voyage where he did not experience the nausea at least once. This one was no different.
Now leaning upon the wooden rail of the small ship, he watched the horizon, blue and hazy in the bright sunlight, thinking longingly of the green hills and deep forest of the land that he loved. In his mind's eye, he pictured Cair Paravel in the summer months. A tall, magnificent castle, situated high upon a crest of hills that rolled to the shore…the warm, golden sand glistening in the sunshine. The trees rustling gently in the light breeze as the castle's inhabitants went about their business beneath the boughs.
Smiling to himself, he imagined galloping across the green country on the back of his stallion. He saw the High King Peter and his brother King Edmund riding alongside him. The kings were dear friends of his boyhood, and they had grown into manhood together. He clearly remembered the day when he had ridden into Narnia with his father, leaving his birthplace of Archenland and offering his sword in the protection of the neighbouring country. He had felt a strange kinship with these great lords of men.
"Land ho!"
Peridan jerked free of his reverie, turning to stare at the thin strip of pale land that was Calormen. Though he tried, he was unable to stop his heart from sinking somewhat at the sight of its sandy shores. Though he would be glad to have solid ground beneath his feet once more, he did not like the mission that lay ahead of them. They were called to act as ambassadors for his country, to see that everything was prepared before the arrival of Queen Susan.
He clearly recalled the previous visit of Prince Rabadash to Narnia within the summer months. He had found himself distrusting the almost smarmy countenance of the Calormene prince. There was dishonesty to the prince's kindness that had put Peridan instantly upon his guard. Further discussion with his friends had revealed a similar suspicion within the hearts of both the fair queen's brothers.
He had even spoken to her of it himself, having always thought of her as a sister. Susan had smiled and thanked him for his care of her, but was convinced of the sincerity of Rabadash's kindness. She had been greatly flattered by Rabadash's treatment and respect of her, and had taken a liking to his considerate manner and gallantry.
But now that he saw the land of Calormen, the doubt returned. He considered how the Queen Susan's sweetness and innocence had often been thought to add to her loveliness, making her seem all the more appealing.
In appearance, she was undoubtedly lovely, having long, flowing hair of the darkest brown; a pale, smooth complexion; and eyes of the brightest green. Added to the slender grace of her figure, it could easily be understood why so many kings from distant lands had sought her hand in marriage. So loving was she, and so gentle, that the mere thought of anyone trying to hurt her brought a fierce anger to Peridan's heart.
From that moment, he vowed that he would never let Rabadash hurt her; with all his might he would protect her from anyone who might wish her harm.
Karna awoke refreshed and not a little confused. With amazement, she found her bruises healed and the discolouring of her cheek faded. Hezal showed no less amazement.
"But how did they heal so completely overnight?" she exclaimed. "I would not have thought it possible!"
"Neither I," Karna murmured. She said nothing of the lion.
Tarneesh's response on seeing her healed was, as predicted, an immediate command for her to return to work. For the first time in a long while, Karna wholeheartedly agreed with him. She was eager to leave the confines of the house.
Unable to keep from smiling at her daughter's enthusiasm, Hezal allowed her the chore of going to fetch the water. She struggled to keep from almost laughing at the way that Karna almost skipped out of the doorway. Had Karna not been respectful and very careful of the custom of their land, she was certain that she would have heard her daughter singing all the way to the well.
Her welcome back to her work was no less joyful than her exuberance that morning. All about her, the girls praised Tash for her quick recovery and hoped that she would ever enjoy good health. Karna thanked them with a wide smile..
The day was a busy one, being the final day before the arrival of the barbarian lords. The home was a veritable hive of activity, with every floor and wall being polished. Even the courtyard was given a layer of oil to make the paving slabs smooth and gleaming in the sunlight. The girls were set to scrubbing the floors of the great house in the morning, and then they needed to practise the dance that they would be doing upon the night of the feast, celebrating the arrival of the Narnian lords.
Thankful that she had been gifted with the grace of her mother, Karna had picked the dance up quickly and was able to join in with the others in the graceful swaying and twirling that was central to their land's traditional dance.
When they had finally completed what felt like their fiftieth rehearsal and had satisfied Kediza, they left. Tired, but pleased with the way that they had performed that day.
Tarlana in particular was greatly excited by the prospect of the barbarian lords' coming on the morrow. She came close to bouncing down the dirty streets as they walked home, smiling and speaking excitedly of what the lords would look like. Upon arriving home, there was another surprise for them.
"Karlis!" Karna actually squealed, rushing to embrace her sister.
Karlis returned the embrace with a smile, even allowing herself a quick kiss upon her sister's cheek.
"When did you come?" Tarlana asked, moving to hug her sister as well.
"Ahoz is working late within the meat market. He thought that it would be enjoyable for me to visit my family. I am so grateful to him, for there is nothing that I would have rather done."
Their mother smiled, motioning for them all to sit as she poured tea. "She came only a few minutes ago from the hope that she would catch you after finishing work."
"And how are you?" Karna asked
Karlis smiled brightly. "I have never been happier … oh Karna! I had never imagined how wonderful it would be to have an entire home of my own with just Ahoz and I. I feel almost greedy having such a great amount of space for simply the two of us. He is the kindest and most wonderful of men, so gentle and tender. I have never thought to be so blessed by Tash (may he be praised) within the marriage state. I am blessed indeed to have such a husband."
All three women smiled at Karlis, their happiness at her joy clear in their eyes.
"I could not have prayed to Tash (may he be praised) for more great a joy that this," their mother stated. "To see you so happy, Karlis, gives me the strength to endure any hardship. My contentment for you is complete."
"If only we could all hope for such joy in our marriages," Karna commented, hugging her knees to her chest.
"All works out according to Tash's will (may he be praised), oh my daughter. You must accept your lot in life, and be grateful for the joys that you have within it."
"But I do not understand how I can put my hope in Tash (may he be praised). I don't understand how he can be so cruel to some, and so kind to others. Why would he create life only to see it destroyed before it can truly live? Did I not tell you of the death of Maralis' baby? He died of a fever just last night, and he was born but a week ago. Why take life when it has only just begun to live?".
"My daughter, if you understood the ways of Tash (may he be praised) and how he is, how would he be god? We are not meant to understand why things happen. If we did, that would make us equals to Tash, the inexorable, the irresistible."
"But mother …"
"Peace, my daughter. It is not for us to question Tash (may he be praised). Be grateful that you have a roof over your head and food to eat."
"Yes, oh my mother," Karna replied, lowering her eyes submissively as was expected. She did not wish to argue with the one whom she loved above all others. She had found herself wondering about things that day as she had worked, and could not understand why the baby had had to die. Why did Maralis have to go through such pain a mere week after giving birth?
Karna sat for a while, silent as the others began to prepare dinner. She curiously ran a hand over her leg and, lifting her skirt, stared at the skin. She moved her hand to touch her cheek and marvelled that the skin had healed under the simple touch of the lion's tongue.
But it had not just been the bruising and aching that had healed. Within her heart she had felt a strengthening and a peace settle upon her as the lion's sweet breath had touched her face. She had felt the courage to live for the next day, to go on. Something about that lion had touched her. She did not know how, but he had seemed to almost understand her suffering.
"Karna! Why are you so dreamy this day? I have already asked you three times to take the bucket and fetch some water from the well."
Startled, Karna apologised quickly.
She determined to put the lion out of her head until she had the time to dwell upon him without interruption.
Tarneesh returned from the market that evening in a foul mood, having sold less that half of his carvings that day. He exhausted the mood by raging at his entire family. No one was spared, least of all Karna, who got the brunt of a full hour-long tirade after she accidentally knocked a pail of water over.
Tarneesh's anger finally abated and he received his meal without comment, grunting at his wife to fill his cup with more ale. He asked Tarlana about the arrival of the barbarian lords on the morrow. She eagerly replied, telling him of how two lords and a small escort of warriors were arriving, having been sent ahead by their king to make sure that everything was prepared for the arrival of their queen.
"What is the purpose of sending men ahead to 'prepare'?" Tarneesh demanded, drinking heavily from his cup. "Do they not think that our great Tisroc, may he live forever, would not have known to make the appropriate preparations for the arrival of our Prince's betrothed?"
None of the family spoke.
"I suppose that this barbarian queen is supposed to be more beautiful than any creature that was ever seen within our great land of Calormen?" he continued, taking another lengthy swig of ale. "I do not know how a woman with pale skin could be seen as fair, but I suppose that there must be something lovely about her for our noble and courageous Prince Rabadash to have chosen her. Do you not think so, wife?" Tarneesh asked, suddenly regarding his wife in a manner that made her blush and avert her gaze. "Well? What say you?"
"I expect that she is very beautiful, oh my husband," his wife replied, colouring, her eyes lowered.
Tarneesh rose, ordering his sons to go to the tavern and his daughters to both go and get more water.
"Leave that," he barked at Karna, who had been in the process of wiping up the water. "I wish to be alone with my wife."
Suddenly fearful for her mother, Karna attempted to take as much time as she could in putting away the rag and pail, to only be rewarded with a cuff around the head for her trouble.
"Get out, now!" her step-father ordered, pushing both the girls outside roughly. "Don't come back for at least an hour."
Karna spun around, only getting a single glimpse of her mother's anxious face before the door was slammed in their faces.
"I hate it when he does that," she said, after their brothers had stumbled off to the tavern.
Karna's sister brushed the dust off herself and nodded. "But, my sister, it is a husband's right," she stated.
"Did you not see our mother's face, Tarlana? She always looks so fearful when he gets that glint in his eye. I saw none of it within Karlis' eye this day."
"Maybe it is different with each man?" Tarlana suggested. "I do not know what happens, but maybe every marriage is different. How can we know until our father has chosen a husband for us? It is something private, only to be shared between husband and wife."
Reluctantly, Karna forced herself to nod, falling slowly into step beside her sister as they headed absently in the direction of the well. They nodded greetings to their neighbours as they passed, eventually coming to pause outside the home of Tamara's father.
"Should we ask if Tamara is allowed to join us?" Tarlana suggested.
Karna considered it, and knocked.
A flustered-looking Maralis opened the door.
"Good evening, Maralis, in the name of Tash (may he be praised). How fares your family?"
"Well, I thank you, Karna, in the name of Tash, (may he be praised). How fares your family?"
"They are all well, I thank you. We came to ask whether Tamara might join us this evening for a walk to the well?"
Glancing over her shoulder, Maralis nodded. She called for her daughter to bring the pail. "I hope you have an enjoyable walk," she added before softly closing the door.
Tamara regarded her friends in surprise. "What did my mother just do?" she asked.
Karna grinned. "She gave you permission to spend some time with us this evening."
Realisation suddenly dawned on Tamara, causing her to grin. "Were you banished from your home?"
The sisters nodded. "We are supposed to spend an hour fetching water."
Tamara nodded in understanding. "It is often the same within my father's home. Although it is somewhat harder for me, having to keep a six and an eight-year-old entertained. My little brothers get bored."
Happily, the three girls walked along the narrow back streets together, talking, laughing quietly, and enjoying the quiet of the evening. They revelled in the joy of merely being able to be together without the pressure of having to work.
"I am anxious about the dancing tomorrow," Tarlana admitted when they had finally reached the well and were perching upon the rough stone edge. "I find it difficult to move with the grace that the rest of you have. I am so much larger in build."
"Oh, Tarlana, that is ridiculous," Karna exclaimed, regarding her sister's figure. "You move with perfect fluidity and grace. It is I who look ridiculous, for I am so tall and awkward."
"Karna, now you are being ridiculous," Tamara stated. "You are the most graceful of us all."
"Indeed I am not," Karna declared. "I have none of Kediza's sensuality, or any of your good footwork, Tamara. You are so light on your feet."
"I think you are both ridiculous to argue over something that does not apply to either of you," Tamara said sensibly. "You both dance well enough to delight all the barbarian lords in the world. I think it is in every girl's personality to doubt some aspect of herself, so it is nothing to dwell upon or encourage. We all find fault with ourselves, but we do not improve the situation or change it by complaining."
Neither Karna nor Tarlana could fault Tamara's irrefutable logic and gave way, seeing the stupidity of their argument.
Ever the peacemaker, Tamara steered the conversation back to safer territory, namely that of the barbarian lords. The disagreement was then forgotten as soon as it had been started.
"How many are arriving tomorrow?" Karna asked.
"Two," Tarlana replied at once. "The greater of the two lords is supposed to be a close friend of the kings of the barbarian land. Both of them are brothers to the barbarian queen. They also bring with them a small escort of warriors, though merely for protection, not as a threat."
"Why would they feel threatened?"
Tarlana shrugged. "I suppose because they fear the greatness of Tisroc (may he live forever) and the great Prince Rabadash."
"What is the name of the barbarian queen?" Tamara asked. "Has she some strange sounding name?"
"Well, I think it's rather plain, personally," Tarlana answered, "but I suppose if Prince Rabadash finds her attractive, it should not cause us to think less of her."
"But what is it?" Tamara persisted.
"The barbarian queen is named Susan."
"Susan? What sort of a name is that?"
"It does have a very peculiar sound to it," Karna agreed. "But what of the lord? Did you hear of his name?"
Tarlana shook her head. "I only overheard Kediza speaking of Prince Rabadash's betrothed."
"I cannot wait to see her. I often find myself wondering about the barbarian land and what it must be like to live there. Don't you ever wish you could experience different lands beyond Calormen?"
Tamara and Tarlana stared at Karna in surprise.
"Why, my sister, would you wish to live in or even visit in a barbarian land that is void of all civilised society and living? I overheard Master Tirshan speaking of the strange land they hail from. Apparently they do not worship Tash (may he be praised), the inexorable and irresistible, but a lion."
"A lion?" Karna's eyes widened as memories from last night filled her mind. Could it be that she had met this god last night? "They worship a lion?"
Tarlana merely nodded.
"Are you well, Karna?" Tamara asked. "You've gone pale, and you're shaking."
Karna shuddered, forcing herself to focus. She eventually managed a pained smile. "I am well, thank you, Tamara. It simply seems so strange to worship a lion rather than the creator of this earth."
"Maybe it is some demon," Tamara suggested. "Are you sure that you are well, Karna? Do you fear lions?"
Karna almost laughed. "No, I thank you Tamara, I truly am well. Simply surprised that the barbarians worship a lion instead of Tash."
Tarlana shrugged. "I suppose that they are not named barbarians without reason."
"Do you think it is true that their men do not even wear turbans and shave off their beards to appear bare-faced as boys?" Tamara asked.
Tarlana nodded gravely. "I have heard the same; there is little wonder then why it is referred to as a barbarian land when they don't have even a knowledge of common decency."
"Why on earth would they do freely that which is considered a public humiliation?" Karna wondered. "Did not Lamarla's father have his beard plucked out when he was caught stealing? Why do such a thing voluntarily?"
Tarlana shrugged darkly. "Are we meant to understand the way of barbarians? Don't worry about it. They are different and not worthy of such thoughts."
Karna nodded, saying no more, but completely confused. She was unable to understand why these barbarians were so different.
How was it that a lion had healed her, just the night before? Why had he done it? Who was he?
Though he had been hoping, praying to Aslan for some relief, Lord Peridan knew how their welcome to Calormen would be, and he had been entirely right. Overly lavish and fussily fancy, they had been forced to endure a lengthy, condescending speech from the Grand Vizier, a man named Ahoshta Tarkaan.
He had spoken long and pompously about the Greatness of the Tisroc in agreeing to welcome these barbarian visitors on behalf of his son and to treat them with such favour in the presence of such greatness. With much flowery and haughty language, he continued on in this vein for some time until a young, tall man whom Peridan recognised as the Prince Rabadash finally interrupted him. Making no attempt to hide his arrogance, the swarthy prince advanced upon Peridan with the stance of one greatly favouring the hearer with his valuable attention.
"My Father, the great Tisroc, may he live forever," he said, "welcomes you to his illustrious land of Calormen and bids me bring you to the palace of his greatness. We are here to celebrate your arrival, and make preparation for the even greater arrival of my betrothed and her brother. If you will join me now, barbarian lord, we shall journey through the city."
With all the grace he could muster, Peridan bowed to the Prince, though he felt nothing but disgust and distrust for the arrogance of this man in his heart. He forced himself to keep a civil tongue in his head.
"I thank you, my lord Prince Rabadash, for the hospitality of your father the Tisroc, and his deigning to welcome us to his city of Tashbaan. It would be my honour to join you this day, and thank you on behalf of my land of Narnia, their majesties the queens and king, and his most royal highness the High King, Peter the Magnificent. I am Lord Peridan, and bring but a small guard with me. They are merely here to aid me in the preparations for the arrival of her majesty Queen Susan, nothing more."
Rabadash nodded, his look suggestive as he returned Peridan's bow. "I look forward to my meeting with her grace Queen Susan dearly. Lord Peridan, I am anxious to see her again and look forward to our marriage. It will be a great day."
"Your marriage, my lord Prince?" Peridan could not refrain from answering. "I do not believe that her majesty Queen Susan has yet given her consent."
"Not in word, my lord Peridan, but if her look and gesture are any indication, I find myself expectant of an acceptance from my fair queen upon her arrival. If you are prepared, I may show you the palace of my father, the great Tisroc."
With a forced smile and grudging nod, Peridan approached the stallion offered and mounted. He followed Rabadash along the paved street and towards the gates of the city, knowing at that moment that he had never wished to be in a different place so greatly in his entire life.
Foolish though she knew it was, Karna could not stop herself from grinning as broadly as Tarlana as they made their way through the back streets of Tashbaan. They had been informed that all of the dancers at that night's festivities were to have new, beautiful outfits in cloth of the brightest shades of purple, red, and gold. The new clothes would bring glory to their master Tirshan as a statement of his wealth.
"I cannot believe that we will see the barbarian lords tonight!" Tarlana exclaimed. "I hope that our dance will be of a good enough level to bring renown to our master and glory to Tisroc (may he live forever)."
"I am sure that it will, my sister," Karna replied. "We have been practising for several hours a day for an entire week now. I am certain that we will perform the dance to perfection."
Smiling to herself, Tarlana did an excited little skip-step, very unlike her usual sedate pace.
The sight of it made Karna laugh. "Tarlana!" she exclaimed. "You are more restless than a child. I assure you, we shall see the barbarian lords soon enough."
Tarlana stilled herself, smiling apologetically as they entered the finer side of the city, soon arriving at the house of Master Tirshan. Their eyes danced as they both hurried into the changing room. When they entered, they found a crowd of excited girls, all giggling and talking at the top of their voices as they waited. But still dressed in their normal clothes.
"When are we to receive the outfits, Tamara?" Karna inquired.
"Once we have all arrived, Kediza is to lead us to where the clothes are being stored. They are apparently rather … sensual."
Her eyes widening, Karna attempted to imagine what style the clothes would be cut in, considering the usually modest style of dress that was worn by all virtuous women in their society.
However, their curiosity was soon answered by the arrival of Kediza. Her entrance caused a widespread intake of breath. Her long hair fell loosely around her face; a few braids adorned her dark tresses, golden thread interwoven with the hair. Her forehead bore a single, pale jewel. Her eyes were cleverly lightened with some powder, accentuating the already exotic allure of her appearance.
The outfit was in two pieces, and cut so suggestively that it completely shocked the servant girls. The top of the outfit was an intricately embroidered bodice, daringly cut so that the bare skin was left visible between the bottom of the bodice and the top of the skirt, revealing the belly button. A long, heavily-decorated skirt flowed from her hips to the floor, swirling with every movement of her feet.
For a moment, Kediza merely observed the amazed, slightly fearful expressions of the girls. A sardonic smile played across her lips.
"I know that this outfit may cause surprise, but it is the wish of our Master Tirshan that the barbarian lords be impressed. He believes that these outfits will have the desired affect upon his guests. There are outfits of purple, red and gold within each of these sacks. Take great care as you handle them and aid each other in dressing, for the lacing of the bodice is somewhat complex."
The girls immediately divided into pairs, aiding each other into the costumes. As Karna stood patiently waiting for Tamara to finish lacing up the top of her bodice, she found herself crossing her arms across the bare expanse of flesh, feeling uncomfortably exposed. Made impatient by her discomfort, she fingered the heavy cloth of her skirt, marvelling at the number of beads and the amount of gold thread that had gone into the decoration of this skirt alone. She was astounded by the obvious wealth of her master.
After a minute, she turned to aid Tamara. She worked at the lacings with nimble fingers, regretting for the first time that she and her sister had to participate in the dance. Their society was one that emphasised the virtue and modesty of a woman, and yet their master thought it suitable for his servant girls to dress in such a manner for the sake of the Narnian lords? Confused and uncomfortable, she stood with Tamara, waiting for the other girls to finish.
Kediza addressed them once more. "Our great Master Tirshan has purchased a number to jewels similar to my own," the head servant girl said, motioning to the one upon her forehead. "They are only required for those chosen to wear gold among us. The rest of you will braid coloured thread into your hair, dependent upon the colour of your clothes. Be sure to copy my own style as best you can. The aim is to keep the majority of it falling freely about your face. Those of you who are wearing gold, please come to me now."
Uneasy, Karna approached Kediza with Larmarla, the only other girl whom she knew well that had been chosen to wear gold.
Once they were out of the hearing range of the other girls, Kediza smiled at the girls who stood before her; there were about fifteen of them in all.
"You girls should consider yourself blessed this night, for you were chosen to wear this coveted colour out of all the other servant girls because you possess something that the other girls lack. Our master has watched the rehearsals carefully and hand-picked all of you to wear this colour, so be proud and try to bring prestige to him through your dance. May Tash (may he be praised) be honoured this night through our actions."
"But why were we chosen out of the others to wear this wondrous cloth?" a girl asked.
Kediza returned her smile. "It is because you were considered fairest by our great Master Tirshan. He wishes his guests to be greatly pleased by this night's festivities, and I hope that they will. Now, the jewels are simple to attach and require only a dab of this mixture to be secured to the skin. You will form a line and I will attach them to you by my own hand."
Obediently, the girls formed a line as Kediza went about her task. Karna and Lamarla were at the end of the line.
"Why were we chosen?" Karna asked in surprise, "I have never been considered fair—my own stepfather cannot bear the very sight of me."
"I do not know why I was chosen either," Lamarla stated. "Though, it is rather flattering."
"Flattering? But Lamarla, we have been picked to be at the front and dance closest to where the barbarian lords may glance at what we are wearing. Do these outfits not make you feel uncomfortable?"
"At first, I suppose," her friend admitted, "but the cloth is so fine and beautifully embroidered. I am starting to feel rather grand. I have never been dressed in such a way."
"But my friend, we are dressed in such a way for the men to see more of our skin than is normally allowed. I see nothing grand about it."
"Oh Karna, why must you always worry so much? Have I not always been the small, overshadowed daughter of my family? Despite being the eldest, in all my life it has been my sister Taranis that was considered the beauty, and yet this time I have been chosen and am considered fair. I care not that the clothing I wear may be provocative. For my entire life I have been told to be modest, yet now we are told to wear beautiful clothes and dance for foreign lords. Can you not merely enjoy the experience? Who knows, a lord may fall in love with me and take me away from this city, to a place where I will not be overshadowed, but be loved."
Karna stared at her friend in dismay, wishing that she could tell her the real reason for their wearing such finery. She held her tongue, not wanting to ruin the illusion f Lamarla's dream. In their dull, monotonous existence, she of all people could understand the need to believe that there was something else within life better than what they had.
After a while, all of the girls were ready. Their hair had been braided, the jewels attached to foreheads, and the initial embarrassment of having to wear such outfits had given way to nervous excitement.
As she stood in line, waiting for the moment when they would have to enter the great hall, Karna felt mildly sick. It wasn't from fear of forgetting the steps, but at the prospect of having to make such a spectacle of herself before the lustful glances of old, leering men.
It could not be put off forever though, and the moment came for them to leave the comfort of the changing chamber. They hurried through the darkened corridors of the house and paused before the large cedar doors of the great dining chamber.
In that moment when she stood waiting in the darkened corridor, Karna found herself thinking of the lion she had met in moonlit courtyard. She smelled the sweetness of his breath upon her face and remembered the feel of his rough tongue gently wiping away her tears. Then, in that moment, she heard those words echoing in her mind once more, "Peace, dear one."
Suddenly, she felt courage enter her heart, and she knew that she could bear this humiliation. With a bright smile forced on to her face, she drew in a breath and ran into the great dinning hall.
Author's note:
Enter Peridan!
I hope you've enjoyed this exploration of the Narnian vs the Calormene perception of each other and the introduction to Peridan.
I want to especially thank Zoey Rain for being the first to review this story. Your review made my day and was so encouraging! It was so helpful to know what someone thought about my perception of the Calormenes.
Thanks so much to everyone who have read and followed this story.
Enjoy this chapter and please let me know what you think.
Breeze.