A Light in the Darkness: Unveiled

by LadyAlambiel

A sorcerer challenged by Aslan. Love and friendship alike are tested by his presence. And the Gentle Queen faces her own challenge when the sorcerer's true colors are unveiled.

42. Chapter Forty-Two: (Not)Part of the Plan

Disclaimer: I don't own Narnia or any characters you may recognize from the books or the movies, I wish I did but I don't... I also don't own the Narnian Calendar. It belongs to Elecktrum who was kind enough to let me borrow it for my story. Her own stories are awesome and you should go read them too.

Summary: A sorcerer challenged by Aslan. Love and friendship alike are tested by his presence. And the Gentle Queen faces her own challenge when the sorcerer's true colors are unveiled.

A/N: If you have not read the first eight stories in the A Light in the Darkness main story arc (Awakened, Shadowed, Revealed, Concealed, Rekindled, Refracted, Reflected, and Veiled), I highly recommend you do so for the full experience. However, I have included a quick summary of the previous stories so if you want to give this one a whirl on its own, you can.

Chapter Forty-Two: (Not) Part of the Plan

Rain poured in sheets as the travelers entered the small town, soaking them to the bone and making the footing treacherous as they slogged up the muddy road that cut through the center of the town. The smaller of the two slipped and was only saved by her companion's well-timed grab. But finally they reached the Dancing Boar. The lively music and conversation died as soon as they entered.

Alambiel glanced around, noting they were the only Narnians this night to venture into Westbow. The last time she had passed through the village (in disguise), there had been a number of Narnians including some Fauns and Satyrs staying at the inn. But if Westbow was like the rest of Archenland, then the sight of a huge Centaur would be both unexpected and disconcerting. Of course, Oreius was disconcerting in Narnia too when he loomed.

She nudged his arm and hissed under her breath, "Don't glower."

Oreius shifted but the look of doom remained the same. Everyone was still staring. Alambiel rolled her eyes at her husband and then crossed to the where the ancient innkeeper stood, his rag resting limply on the countertop. But when she smiled at him, the cunning light of a man recognizing customers entered his faded blue eyes. "Milady, how may the Dancing Boar serve ye?"

She had to congratulate the man on weighing her purse easily enough to know he should show more respect than he might to other muddy travelers. She reached into the purse and withdrew four gold Lions. "A room for the night, if you please, sir." Then she added another two Lions. "And a warm supper. Enough for four people." She added three silver Trees. "A warm bath?"

The innkeeper raised a sparse eyebrow. "One room?" His gaze flickered beyond her then added, "Ground floor?"

"Yes and if you've the room. I'm told your establishment is accustomed to Narnians. And you are recommended as most accommodating."

Mentioning his reputation was just the right touch. The innkeeper swept the coins into a gnarled hand. "I gotta room finer t'en the king's hisself, Lion keep 'im." Then he stomped around the end of the counter and led the way through the main room and into the hall then he took a left. There were not as many rooms in this hall but the innkeeper did not stop until he had reached the end. He opened the door to one room. "Our best. Never had reason ta let it 'fore." He held up a gnarled finger then pointed to the door to her immediate left. "And proper baths in 'ere. Ye can sets yerself ta rights while me girl Maudie is fixin' supper."

Oreius finally broke his silence. "We will need either tea or coffee."

"Aye."

Alambiel slipped another Lion to the man as he turned to go. "I hope the speculation is prosperous, sir."

He gave a big toothless smile and then touched his knuckle to his wrinkled forehead. "Aye, milady, aye."

She watched him go and then swung the door to the baths open. Oreius sighed and she echoed it as a heavy cloud of steam rolled over them. At least the water would be warm. It certainly wasn't comparable to the tub at home but, once he scraped the mud off, Oreius was able to soak in largest tub. And there was enough room that she was able to join him even though they had to use the ewers lined along the side to finish washing the soap out of their hair. The warmth of the water had a lulling effect, especially when combined with the comfort of the Kentauri gently massaging her neck while they talked, and Alambiel nearly fell asleep thrice before a timid knock woke her the fourth time.

A soft voice called, "Supper's been brought." Then there was the patter of small feet fleeing.

She was faintly surprised when there wasn't a crowd peering down the hall but also thankful. The innkeeper had been at the business long enough that he knew just how to keep the crowd chattering, drinking, and eating well into the wee hours without giving anything away about his lodgers. She suspected he was more than happy for such an occasion. And the room was laid out nicely for a Centaur. Even the bed was designed for Centaurs, although the mattress was not so thick and soft or as wide as most Centaur beds. Alambiel glanced at Oreius. "It beats sleeping on damp ground again."

Her husband huffed as he cast a more skeptical look at the bed but then he started uncovering the supper dishes. Simple but hearty and more than filling was the best way to describe it. Sleep's call muddied Alambiel's thoughts to the point that she could barely stay awake through the meal and she could not recall the actual details of the food offered. She did remember Oreius chuckling and his fingers brushing against her cheek before he finished tucking the coverlet around her.

A clap of thunder jolted her out of sleep. Alambiel sat up, clamping her hand over her mouth to keep from crying out. Lightning flashed, momentarily illuminating the room. The storm raging outside dared her to find comfort.

She started slightly at the next thunderclap and the next flash of lightning tossed Oreius' slumbering features into sharp relief. Alambiel shifted over to lie closer to him, resting her head on his chest. As she slowly drifted off to the sound of his steady heartbeat, she felt him wrap his arms around her before he murmured quietly, "I won't let go."

ӁӁӁӁӁӁӁӁӁӁӁӁӁӁӁ

14 Stormwind 1009

Markus walked through the library, well aware of the elderly Badger's glare as he passed him again, but he could not help but admire how many books there were here. Even Oberon had not had as many volumes and scrolls as those in Cair Paravel's main library. He had not seen so many in one place in . . . centuries. Jadis controlled knowledge by limiting the books allowed. Most of Her people had been illiterate and he did not think that had changed after She conquered Narnia.

He selected a slim volume on Aslan's great mercies and then carried it out of the library. Were it not raining he would have gone into the grounds but it was and so he contented himself with the solarium . . . Except for the fact that he could hear children's laughter drifting from the open doorway. Markus stopped in his tracks and then spun on his heel, striding down a different corridor. He would not lose his freedom so soon.

It seemed to take more effort than usual as the children of Cair Paravel were mostly kept inside by their parents due to the storms but finally Markus was able to slip into an empty solarium. He bowed his head to the Wolverine who was his current visible guard (at least he was less conspicuous than the Gorilla) and then settled into a chair. However, he had not been reading long when he heard the whisper of skirts. Looking up, he met Lily's startled gaze. Queen Susan. Her name was Susan not Lily, no matter how doe-like she appeared. Markus rose and bowed. "Queen Susan. I will leave."

"No, that is unnecessary." She took a small step back from him. "I was looking for my brother. He has run away from tea again."

"I fear he does not hide here, Your Majesty, or I would be happy to point him out to you. I am told your wrath is to be feared above all else."

There was a little flash of temper in those blue eyes and her pink lips parted but then she paused and raised her chin. "You take great delight in vexing me, sir."

Markus bowed low once more and then sat in the chair. "I fear Your Majesty's love for propriety and dignity makes it very appealing to provoke. I am attempting to change that part of my nature but it is long ingrained thanks to the usurper."

Queen Susan gave him an odd look and then she sat in the chair opposite him. "You speak of the White Witch."

He nodded once. One of the Queen's guards approached, not intruding just yet, but the Cheetah definitely wanted him to take notice. Markus nodded again then leaned back in the chair. "I fear none can truly repair their first impression, no matter how gracious the second chance is that they are given."

"Edmund knows more about such things than I. I am certain he will be glad to advise you."

"I do not think your brother is the one who is judged the most of the Four. Not anymore." He smiled slightly at her bewilderment. "The most beautiful woman in the world, that is what they call you. A most valuable trophy for the man who can sway her. That too is what they say."

Susan's pale cheeks flushed with color. "They are fools. And my brother would tell you that second chances are not to be squandered. If one traitor can mend, so can another. If he puts the effort into it."

"How much effort will be required to earn forgiveness?"

"I do not believe you can earn forgiveness," she said almost sadly. "You know you have disappointed people or you have misrepresented yourself without intending to do so and even though you try, you cannot earn forgiveness. You must wait and hope and pray that they will choose to forgive you."

He wondered what it was that weighed on her. He should not have reminded her that so many only see her as a pretty bauble. But he did not have the chance to ask or even to apologize as the dark-haired Queen rose abruptly. "Edmund is better suited for such conversations. He understands your situation much better than I do, Markus."

On impulse, Markus caught her hand before she could sweep past him. "Please, Queen Susan, I did not intend to offend you." He stared down at her upturned face. She had not made any visible movement but he knew that the only reason the Wolverine and Cheetah hadn't torn into him already was because she had signaled for them not to do so. "King Edmund and I talk often. But I wished to hear your thoughts on the matter. Does your faith mean so little?"

That had been the wrong thing to say. Susan's eyes widened but a hint of shame appeared in their depths even as tears began to shimmer. "I have faith. Perhaps it is not as strong as Lucy's or my brothers' because they need Aslan more than I do. At least they have had more opportunities to depend wholly on Him. My faith is . . . practical. Logical. I have seen His power and I know that He has so much more that presses on Him that my own prayers are more logical." She broke off, shaking her head. "Why do I even speak of this? It is not important."

Though he did not want to, Markus let her slip her hand free. But as she walked through the open doorway, he called, "Perhaps the book I gave you can help. Do you still read it?"

"When I can."

"If it is agreeable, Your Majesty, I should like to discuss some of the passages with you. Tomorrow?"

"I-" She was going to refuse. He knew she was going to refuse but then she offered the slightest of nods. "Tomorrow. You can join my siblings and me for tea."

Markus bowed. "I will be there. And thank you."

She gave him a hesitant and somewhat bemused smile. "Whatever for?"

"For believing in second chances."

Queen Susan blushed a little then she swept out and disappeared down the corridor. Markus sat down again, ignoring the way the Wolverine glowered at him and clicked his teeth. He opened his book and read the opening line.

Mercy is a gift and should not be squandered, dear ones.

ӁӁӁӁӁӁӁӁӁӁӁӁӁӁӁ

"Father! Father! Look! It's the General and the Princess Royal! Have they come to take me to Cair Paravel? How come King Peter didn't come? He promised he would take me to watch the Bears box. Did you know that, General Oreius? Have you ever boxed a Bear? I think it would be jolly good fun to box a Bear!"

Oreius sighed, flicking his tail, as the fair-haired colt bounced around him chattering when he wasn't mimicking a boxing match. One flailing fist connected with his flank.

"Oops!"

"Corin lad! Now that is no way to greet our guests. Apologize, lad, and then off to your tutor."

"Sorry, General Oreius. It was on accident." The colt hurried over to his father. "But, Father, Master Dorin is asleep and he's not much fun. Can't I stay? Oh! Can the General show me how to fight? King Edmund promised that I could train with them."

King Lune's cheery expression did not falter even as he clapped a meaty hand on his son's shoulder. "Ha ha! Not today, lad. I think the General and Princess Royal have come to see me. And if Master Dorin is asleep, you've my permission to wake him."

The grin that lit the pest's face made Oreius almost feel sorry for the tutor but he was more grateful that the colt would not be pestering him. As soon as the colt raced out of the room, King Lune stepped forward and pulled Alambiel into a hug that lifted her off her feet. "Ha ha! It is good to see you again, lass." He set her down and then clasped Oreius' forearm. "And you, General. I did not expect newlyweds to spend their free time visiting. And do not let anyone tell you you are not newlyweds. You are newlyweds for at least five years, ha ha!"

Oreius offered a curt bow. "We thank you for agreeing to see us, King Lune." He ignored the amused look Alambiel tossed at him. They needed to return to Narnia as soon as possible. Their hunt had already lasted longer than he had intended.

"Yes, yes, come." Lune held out a chair for Alambiel before he crossed to the other side of the desk. "Something to drink? It's a fair journey from Cair Paravel and I'm told you walked." His eyes twinkled as he looked up. "A walk from Anvard to Cair Paravel. I should try it sometime."

Alambiel smiled as she accepted the wine glass Lune offered. "We hadn't planned on the trip taking us into your borders, actually."

Oreius folded his arms over his chest as the Archenlandish king sat. "In the process of an ongoing investigation regarding Narnian security, we uncovered information indicating that an Archenlandish nobleman is involved in a plot against the Four."

The king leaned back in his chair. "One of my people. That is disturbing news, indeed. What is his name?"

"That's the problem," Alambiel said as she set the untouched goblet on the desk. "We don't know the name but he do know he is involved with a spy ring planted by Calormenes."

"Ah, I see." The sharpness in his eyes would have been a surprise if Oreius had not seen such savvy before. "I see. Sadly, there are enough of my nobles who would be swayed by Calormene Crescents that I cannot suggest a particular name. Silver has a way of bringing out the true nature of a man." Lune dug through his desk, extracting a sheath of papers. He looked at one and then handed it to Oreius. "Those names there are of the men whose pockets have been lined in 'discreet' ways. Enough that I have nothing more than rumor and suspicions. I will look into the matter and see if any of them have made a recent trip to Calormen. I am sorry I cannot do more."

Oreius studied the names scrawled in a broad hand. None were familiar to him. "When we learn more, we will contact you, Your Majesty. Perhaps we will be able to resolve this issue before the man causes more harm to our two countries."

"Lion willing, General, Lion willing. Now." Lune clapped his hands together and grinned. "The day is late enough that I cannot in good conscience send you on your way. You must stay through tomorrow, at least. I can summon at least three of those men for you to interview at your convenience."

Alambiel glanced at him. "We will need to return to Narnia tomorrow morn. And if word gets out that we are investigating an Archenlandish lord . . ."

Oreius touched her shoulder. "Perhaps that is the word we need. Only a true fool would risk mischief while there is someone looking for him." He bowed his head to Lune. "Your Majesty, if you could arrange for the interviews to take place today, I will speak to these lords and perhaps I will also remind them of where their true protection resides."

The king let out a booming laugh. "Your Highness, if I did not think I would prove a distraction due to my immense enjoyment, I should dearly wish to see your husband question the rascals."

Alambiel's eyes sparkled with fond amusement as she glanced up at him before turning back to Lune. "Oh they will probably fall over themselves in an attempt to give him the answers he wants to make him stop glaring at them. I enjoy watching too."

Oreius cleared his throat. "King Lune, perhaps I might confer with your general or the captain of the guard."

"Yes, of course! Of course!" Lune bounded out of his chair with the ease of a younger, trimmer man and opened the door to bellow down the hall. "Captain Marin!" An older warrior entered the room and Lune clapped him on the back. "General Oreius, this is Captain Marin head of the royal guard. He's been keeping a watch on the three lords you want. Captain Marin, assist the General in arranging the interviews."

"Yes, Your Majesty." The man stepped back. "General?"

"Oh and if you do not mind, Your Highness, there are a few matters I should like to discuss."

Alambiel nodded as she resumed her seat. "I look forward to it. Oreius?"

"I will meet you after the interviews have concluded."

Oreius followed the captain out of Lune's study. The man did not wait long before asking, "Who is that woman?"

"The Princess Royal."

"I heard she married someone among the army, a simple soldier." The older man shook his head. "Soldiers have no business mixing with royals, if you ask me. Delineates the chain of command. A soldier who marries a royal might think he is better than his commanding officers. Have you had trouble with the soldier she married?"

"No. But I am very fortunate she agreed to my suit instead of another's." Though he would have denied it if asked, Oreius did enjoy the way the upstart captain stumbled and turned pale at his reply.

But that was the only joy he experienced for the rest of the day. The three lords swiftly remembered their allegiance was to lie with King Lune when he spoke to them but they had earned Calormene silver by ignoring Calormenes slipping through their lands on their way to steal Narnians. They knew nothing more. He had left them to Captain Marin and Lune's justice. Alambiel had yet to return from looking at something Prince Corin insisted on showing her when Oreius retired to their assigned room.

The rain pouring outside gave no promise of easing before dawn and he hoped Alambiel would not catch a cold by the time they returned to the Cair. Oreius tucked an arm behind his head as he lay on the makeshift bed of two mattresses shoved together. He had almost dozed off when Alambiel returned. "Oreius, are you awake?"

"Not if you wish to discuss the colt throwing his food at me."

His wife giggled as she joined him in the bed, clambering over him to snuggle against his left side. "Now that was a real accident. Corin just happens to be an enthusiastic hand-talker."

"Then why was he allowed to use utensils?"

"Manners training has to start somewhere."

Oreius grunted. "Go to sleep, Alambiel. If we leave before dawn, he will not be awake to bid us farewell."

"Umm, about that."

Whatever else she was going to say was lost as the door slammed open and then a small body hurtled over to them and bounced on the mattress. "Did you tell him? Did you tell him? General Oreius! I get to go to Cair Paravel for Christmas! I get to go just like King Peter and King Edmund promised! We'll get to box and fight with swords. I still like boxing the most because I'm really fast and slippery and quicker than everyone! And I can see Thane and Shane again! It will be the best Christmas ever!" The colt grinned at him. "And the Princess Royal says I can bring my pony so I can keep up. I'm going to pack everything!" He jumped one last time and then shot out the door, causing it to bang shut in his wake.

Oreius looked at his wife. "No."

Alambiel winced. "Lune's special request is that we escort Corin to Cair Paravel. I already told him we would."

"For how long? And who will escort that pest back here?"

"Through Christmas at least. I'm not sure if he'll stay longer than that but Peter and Edmund both made the mistake of promising Corin he could visit for Christmas." Alambiel patted his chest. "It just happens to be our luck that it's this Christmas and I'm sure we can make Edmund suffer by conducting the return trip."

"We leave before dawn. The colt won't be awake and we have pressing business."

His minx of a wife burst out laughing. "Oreius, that is mean, underhanded, and wrong. And I can't believe you suggested it!"

He grumbled as he settled back against the pillows. "It is not funny. And it is a perfectly logical plan. We came on business, not to provide escort to a foolish pest of a colt."

Alambiel wiped some tears away as she giggled. "Oh, a chara, I promise I'll keep him away from any sharp objects. And your tail."

"You are not the least bit humorous."

She just giggled more. "Oh this is going to be so fun."

ӁӁӁӁӁӁӁӁӁӁӁӁӁӁӁ

A/N: Please Read and Review! Teeheehee! Oreius is not happy with the new direction things have taken. Leave a review and let me know what y'all thought about this one!