Daring to Dream
Chapter 11
The Hand of Hope
The further they travelled into Tashbaan, the more Peridan realised how little they had actually seen of this great city. Though she was stout, Tarlana travelled with the focussed urgency of one with a destination. This left little time for Timeon or himself to look about them as they travelled down winding alleys and across broad market squares – one for the fishmongers and another filled with carpentry items.
It was still early enough for the streets to be relatively empty and there was comfort in their anonymity. They were descending a steep flight of stairs to the south of the butchers' quarter, when Peridan noticed the subtle change in architecture from the finely carved homes of the nobility to the more functional walls of poorer dwellings and businesses.
This new region was a maze of dark doorways and narrow, winding passageways as they traversed the dwellings of the workmen and peasants. They passed a line queuing for a well. Peridan saw many questioning looks and whispers being exchanged at the sight of these strangers in this very Calormen part of the city.
Nervously, he asked Tarlana if they were nearly there. She nodded and ushered them towards one of the alleyways. It was barely ten feet wide, with doorways lining the wall. A woman was hanging washing across a line and two girls played a skipping game by a doorway.
Tarlana steered the two lords towards the third doorway on the left and knocked urgently. It was immediately opened by a frightened young woman. Her eyes grew wide at the sight of the strangers.
Immediately, Tarlana hugged the young woman. "It's all right Karlis. This is the Narnian lord of whom Karna spoke. He overheard me speaking and wishes to help."
Her sister still seemed reluctant.
Peridan interceded. "My name is Peridan," he said gently. "I simply wish to help your sister." He gestured to his companion. "This is Timeon, he is our delegation's physician and will be able to help with Karna's injury."
Karlis' eyes widened with understanding and she gave a small nod. She backed slowly away, allowing them admittance.
The dwelling was very dark after the light of the street and their eyes took time to grow used to the gloom. Peridan identified a table, some chairs, a cooking fire and a few rugs on the floor, but it was a simple dwelling in comparison to his own.
The young woman led the way through this first room and into the second. It was even darker in what was certainly the bedroom, with only a small oil lamp giving light. Peridan stooped through the doorway and recognised a human form lying on a pallet. Karlis knelt by this form and touched it was a gentle hand.
"Karna," she whispered. The form stirred. "Karna, I am sorry to wake you, but you have visitors."
The figure made a move to turn over, but it caused an audible moan.
"What do you mean, visitors?" she asked wearily. "Is Mother here?"
Peridan caught the gleam of an eye before the figure jerked upright at the sight of the two large forms and cried out as her arm was jolted.
Timeon did not think. He was a healer before all things and quickly moved to the young woman's side.
"Miss?" he enquired gently, "my name is Timeon. I am a friend of Lord Peridan's and I am a healer. Would you allow me to help you?"
Karna stared at the unfamiliar man with disbelief. "A healer?" she repeated.
Timeon nodded. "But sir, we cannot pay for your services, we have no money …"
"I ask for nothing," Timeon replied. "You are injured and my calling is to help those in pain. So I ask again, will you let me help you?"
Unable to speak, she merely nodded.
Timeon returned the nod. "I thank you. Miss Karlis, is it?"
"Mistress," Tarlana interjected.
"Mistress, I apologise. Mistress Karlis, would you please bring me hot water, clean linen and some form of alcohol if possible?"
It was Tarlana who organised herself and her sister, but they both fled to do Timeon's bidding. It was only with their departure that Peridan allowed himself to approach.
"Karna, can you tell me how long ago your arm was broken?" Timeon's voice was very gentle as he spoke.
"Eight nights, sir," she replied weakly.
"And your arm causes you constant pain?"
She nodded.
"I am going to be honest with you, Karna. If I allow your arm to continue healing at the angle it is, you will never have use of it again. We have to break it again cleanly so that I can set it at the proper angle. It will hurt and cause a great deal of pain, but you will have full use of your arm again and it will heal properly. Do you understand?"
The girl nodded, her face set.
"I will use the alcohol to make you lose consciousness; this will help to deaden the pain."
"May I speak to Lord Peridan for a moment, sir?" she asked.
"Of course."
Peridan approached her quietly.
Though the small lamp only cast a weak light, he was shocked by the transformation in this once vibrant young woman. Her right eye bore the fading bruises of a black eye and was still slightly swollen. Another fading yellow bruise adorned her left cheek. Her hair was lank and greasy from lack of washing and her expression was pained and hopeless.
The bright hope and joy in life that he remembered was utterly gone.
"My lord?" she said through cracked lips.
"Yes Karna?" he asked gently.
"I want to thank you. You had no reason to come to this place, I don't know why you did, but we can never repay such kindness."
"I would never ask for payment. In Narnia we believe that every individual, whether they are human or talking beast, has the right to live a full and productive life. What kind of a knight would I be if I did not do everything within my power to help when someone is in need?"
"But my lord, I am not a Narnian."
"You are a young woman in need of help which myself and Timeon could provide. Please rest easy and do not worry, Karna. Lie back and rest."
Though she was still amazed, Karna allowed herself to lean back upon the pillow and accept what was happening. It seemed half a dream to her that she had been once again dreaming of Narnia and now there were two Narrnian lords kneeling by her bed!
Reality reasserted itself quickly as her arm throbbed and she saw Tarlana and Karlis re-enter the room with the required provisions.
The hour that followed was one of the most difficult of Peridan's life.
He had witnessed gory scenes before on the field of battle but those had all been the result of needful action, Karna's seemed so pointless by comparison.
But why did he care so much?
It was a question that Marken had asked him many times. Peridan found himself pondering it as he watched his friend work.
It could not be denied that he was drawn to the innocent hope of this young woman. Her very idealism reminded him greatly of himself at that age … but there was more. She was so without artifice or falsehood, she spoke as she felt and there was a real refreshment in that honesty. Especially in this society where a sense of mystery was considered attractive and refined.
Peridan had always been a plain talking man and he abhorred any lies or flattery, as did every Narnian. It might seem strange, but he decided that he was drawn to her because of how much she reminded him of his beloved homeland. Also for something entirely her own. It was a positive hope in life that fascinated him.
As Peridan was pondering these things, Timeon was giving Karna a large amount of alcohol. It was a relief to see it take effect as she started to lose consciousness and the pain obviously lessened. It was needed in the minutes that followed.
Karlis and Tarlana proved to be patient, capable helpers as they held their sister down and supported Timeon in his work. He worked as quickly as he could to carefully re-break the bone and set it in its proper place.
Karna groaned loudly and flinched away from the pain. She was stopped from causing herself further injury by the loving support of her sisters.
With practised skill, Timeon reset the bone and tightly splintered it to ensure no movement from its new position. He bound it securely with bandages and only allowed himself a smile when Karna was resting comfortably upon the mattress, her arm carefully bound to her side with a sling.
He moved to his healer's satchel and pressed a pouch of dried herbs into Mistress Karlis' hand.
"Four times a day for the pain," he stated. "As long as she does not move it, she should make a complete recovery and have full use of her arm in between six and eight weeks. I will want to see her again in a week or so."
The young woman stared at Timeon as though he was heaven sent.
"Thank you sir," she exclaimed. "Thank you both. We haven't words enough to express our gratitude. Thanks to you, our sister will have a future."
Peridan nodded. "We could ask no more, Mistress Karlis. Now, if I might beg an escort from Miss Tarlana, we must return to our quarters as swiftly as we can. We have many preparations to make."
Karlis bowed them out and with a final look at the unconscious Karna, Peridan led his companion from the dwelling.
Lord Marken of Narnia was getting very flustered. He had been approached by no less than six different people that morning, enquiring after Queen's Susan's preferences with a growing hysteria that was starting to affect his normally tranquil thoughts. For the tenth time he inwardly cursed Peridan for leaving him in this situation.
He had just managed to banish Master Tirshan's cloyingly obsequious butler to polish the looking glasses for a third time, when he saw the approach of a fussily-dressed woman he recognised as Mistress Abilene, the princess' dressmaker.
Marken forced himself to take several deep breaths before turning to the lady with a pleasant expression.
He bowed. "May I assist you, Mistress Abilene?"
Mistress Abilene made a great show of curtseying low and ducking her head. "I thank you for agreeing to see me, Lord Marken," she stated gravelly. "You do me much honour."
"That is my pleasure," Marken replied through gritted teeth, wishing she would just get to the point. "What can I do for you?"
But the dressmaker seemed oblivious to his urgency and continued in a similar vein. "Has the poet not said that the welcome of a virtuous host is better than the dismissal of a thousand undeserving?"
Marken blinked as he tried to follow her quote. "I thank you," he repeated. "Please tell me how may I serve you?"
"Your barbarian lordship does me much service in accepting the presence of one so unworthy." This speech was following by another bow and he felt his patience wearing thin.
"I apologise for my abruptness, madam, but how may I serve you today? I have many preparations to still make before the queen's arrival."
"It is concerning the barbarian queen's arrival that I have come, my lord," she replied, finally getting the hint. "As you are probably aware, the great Tash, the inexorable, the irresistible, has seen fit to gift me with the patronage of their most noble and honourable highnesses, the Princesses Javenis and Ritaraleen. I have been bidden by their most esteemed personages to speak to you about the barbarian queen's colour preferences. They wish to ensure that her apartments are furnished precisely to her tastes."
Marken nodded. "I see, well from my memory, her majesty favours green and gold. Bright colours suit her dark beauty."
Mistress Abilene bowed once more. "I thank your lordship for your excellent advice. Might I enquire as to which shade of green the queen favours?"
"I believe a fresh, brighter green?" Marken tried. "I have often seen her wear a chartreuse dress. A similar hew to that of sunlight on grass."
The absurdity of his reply struck him as the woman bowed her head graciously. "I thank your lordship for your helpful advice and will return with various fabrics for your inspection."
With a final bow, Mistress Abilene left Marken to the relief of his own company and a renewed rising off ill-feeling towards his absent friend.
Fabric colours? He had faced hundreds on the field of battle and galloped from giant armies and yet his duty to his country in this foreign land was to discuss fabric colours?
Marken paced the room, trying to relieve some of his nervous energy.
For want of something to do, he took a sip from a golden goblet and took a sip of the iced sherbet. He was just contemplating throwing the cup from annoyance when the doors opened and he spun to find his absent companions striding into the room.
Merely concerned with the fulfilment of his duty, Timeon only stayed long enough to give a report before leaving to check on Dalken.
Peridan remained silent throughout the physician's account before turning to his friend with a solemn expression. Marken regarded him in silence for a full minute before realising that his companion was waiting for him to speak first.
Eventually, he gave in. "Well? What have you to say, Peridan?"
His friend sighed. "What do you wish me to speak about first Marken? My actions or the motive behind them?"
"Both!" Marken exclaimed, allowing his anger to propel his words. "Have you any idea of the situation you left me in?"
Peridan started, "I do …"
"No you do not! I had to attempt to explain to Master Tirshan why the head lord of our delegation had suddenly decided to absent himself from proceedings only a few days before our queen's arrival. Have you no idea of the insult this casts upon the preparations? I had no explanation for him and had to assure him that you would be returned for the meeting with Prince Rabadash and the Grand Vizier tonight, with no certainty that you would!
"I have spent hours this morning discussing fabrics and menus and dances and dress codes, with no real understanding of the queen's preferences. What is worse Peridan, I had no conception of why you would risk insulting our hosts for the sake of a single servant girl we know nothing of and have no allegiance to."
Marken's friend stared at him for a long moment. He considered his words for a long time, before forcing himself to speak.
"I am sorry, Marken. I confess that I might have been rash in hurrying away this morning, but I implore you to listen to my motive before you judge me harshly. I overheard Karna's sister crying and speaking of how her sister would face a life with a crippled arm because a broken bone had healed at an awkward angle. Karna would never be able to work again with such an injury and face a life of unspeakable hardship. I took Timeon to help her and cannot regret my actions. We were able to provide aid that saved a young girl's life."
Marken forced himself to agree with the truth of Peridan's words.
"I have no problem with Miss Karna herself, Peridan, she seems a pleasant girl. But I am struggling to understand the motivation behind such a rash action, my friend. You are renowned for your calm head and gift of diplomacy. What about this Calormen girl inspired such loyalty? I do not mean to seem heartless, but I am sure there are a hundred such cases of life's cruelty in this great city."
Peridan nodded. "I cannot deny the truth of your words, Marken. But when we spoke at that first banquet, there was something about Karna that struck me.
"Have we not been witness to every art of flattery and allurement that women kind can create at Cair Paravel, as they attempt to capture Peter and Edmund's notice? Do you not remember how we have laughed at the painted peacocks and their vanity? Do you recall how great a difference we have drawn between the frank honesty of their majesties Queen Lucy and Susan, and the visiting ladies of noble birth?"
His friend nodded.
Peridan sighed. "Would you be surprised if I told you that Karna reminded me of dear Lucy?"
Marken stared. "Truly, Peridan?"
"Indeed. From the moment I met her, I was struck by Karna's joy in life. She had been raised in the same poverty and hardship as the other girls. But there was a vitality, an exuberance to her happiness that stayed with me. She listened with such awe and wonder when I spoke of Narnia that I couldn't help being touched. It was so refreshing to see such frank honesty and curiosity.
"Her sister told me that she was engaged to a blacksmith and as the daughter of a carver this was a fine match for her. Apparently, she tried to be subservient and do what was expected of her. You see, a girl is expected to marry the man her father chooses. But Karna was very unhappy with the match. Her spirit could not submit and against all expectations of decorum, she openly declared her aversion to this man at their engagement ceremony and refused to marry him.
"I couldn't help remembering the stubborn young girl of twelve who once ignored the advice of her older brothers and friend to not ride an unruly stallion, and ended up with a broken arm! Lucy has always allowed her feelings to guide her actions with an innocent passion. I could not help comparing her to Karna. They are so alike."
Marken regarded his friend for a long time. "I understand Peridan. Lucy and Susan are as sisters to me as well. I would have acted similarly. I apologise for speaking so forcefully to you."
Peridan clapped his friend on the shoulder. "No Marken, I must apologise for leaving you in an uncomfortable situation with no clear explanation."
The two knights smiled, glad to have resolved the situation.
Peridan cracked a grin. "Has Master Mardeesh been bothering you incessantly about the silver work?"
Marken groaned, "And the looking glasses! He has returned twice already this morning, seeking my assessment of the polishing. I did explain to him that Queen Susan is very unlikely to notice a finger smudge upon a silver candlestick. The man looked horrified at the idea."
Peridan laughed. "He takes pride in his work, Marken. Hadn't you realised that a Calormen's home in the ultimate display of their wealth and prestige?"
"And how does Queen Susan's preferred shade of green help the diplomatic situation, may I ask?"
"I see Madame Abilene got to you!"
"Not just got to me. The woman took half an hour to stop bowing and quoting poetry at me before getting to the point."
Peridan laughed loudly. "I am sorry Marken. I have more patience for such discussions. I have forgotten she had an appointment this morning."
"Well you can meet with her to discuss the exact shade of chartreuse Susan would prefer for her cushions. I was actually comparing shades of green and quoting verse like some poet! I have never had a more absurd conversation!"
Even Marken was forced to laugh as he retold the conversation to Peridan and they both left the chamber for the midday meal feeling far more relaxed.
Author's note:
I am SORRY! I know it's been over month and although I have a proper excuse that is still a long time for an update. Two weeks of flu, exam marking and report deadlines are my excuse, judge me as you please! I actually starting writing this the next week as an escape from marking, but ask any teacher and they will tell you that untouched marking just grows until you can't escape from it to write (no matter how much you want to!)
I am sorry this is shorter than normal but I was desperate to update.
But there is a light at the end of the tunnel (Hurray!). I break up on 16th and am planning to update before and after Christmas.
I hope you enjoyed this look into Peridan's thoughts and justification for helping Karna. I am thinking of Marken as his voice of common sense in this chapter, because he did rather leave the poor man in the lurch!
I did some research about medieval bone re-setting and apparently, there used to be professional "bone re-setters" who did it for a job. I considered doing a detailed explanation of the operation but found that the chapter focussed more upon Peridan's thoughts because I thought it was important to explain what's going on in his mind to justify his actions. I know it's going to be an eventual Peridan/OC but I want to make the development of feelings realistic and gradual.
Next chapter will see Susan's arrival, Edmund, Corin, Rabadash and lots more! Let's just say things are going to start happening!
I want to sincerely thank every person who has reviewed this story so far. Your reviews mean the WORLD to me, especially those kind people who have reviewed from way at the beginning.
So, many thanks to anyabar1987, narniac4aslan, Kilgharrah, ninita the witch, Rosazul66, meldahlie and Zoey Rain. The fact you reviewed so quickly means the world to me and just motivates me to write. I have felt so guilty about not updating sooner, I promise the next will be up in a MUCH shorter time!
Thank you so much for reading and please let me know what you think!
Thanks again,
Breeze.