Chapter Eighteen: To The Breaking Point

{XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX}

~ Narnia ~

Twenty-three days from the morning they set out from Narrowhaven they had been sailing, without even a glimpse of land, or clouds on the horizon giving way to the fact that there was an island out there. Things were beginning to become tense, not only among the crew, but among the Pevensies and their family. It began to grow worse after a storm that washed a great deal of supplies overboard and broke two caskets of water. Eustace did not help matters, and Caspian's kindness only lasted for so long. He was a human, not a saint.

~|:Xo0oX:|~

Whatever Date It Is:

Wait until you hear this awful turn of events, diary. So, we had been sailing from the Lone Islands for about eighteen days, when a magnificent storm came upon us, though everyone stared at me as if I'd gone batty when I mentioned the very word, with a few, Caspian and Susan for starters, vehemently denying anything magnificent or terrible about the beastly hurricane, mentioning that it was only a "little rain" and "some wind". Edmund mentioned, I might add with drawn sword, (though he claimed he was polishing it, I don't believe him) that the word 'magnificent' was not to be tossed around so freely, and that I should be careful to ever say it again. You'd think they were talking of a person the way they go on!

But that isn't even the half of it; when we started off from the Islands we had seventeen casks of water. Three were washed overboard and two are leaking (That's Narnian efficiency I say) so we are all rationed for our water. We hardly have any food and what we do have is simply beastly, horrible, horrible stuff! I don't think I can take much more of it. Herein is the problem; (rationing would be fine except for this) even on short rations of water we only have enough for about twelve days. (There's all this wine and rum, but even they realize they couldn't drink that, why, it'd be as stupid as drinking seawater!)

I still think the most sensible thing would be to about-face back west and head to the Lone Islands. But it took us three days to get where we are, running like mad before this 'gale' as they call it. Drinian and Arran say that even if (a very large 'if' apparently) we were to get an east wind, it would take us far longer going back. At present there's no sign of an east wind – in fact there's no wind at all! As for rowing back, Caspian, and Drinian – even that annoying pirate Arran – say that with the water rations it could mean the death of the men, too strenuous they say.

I for one think that a ghastly lie. I tried to explain that perspiration really cools people down, so the men would need less water if they were working. Caspian ignored me completely (I'm wondering if that isn't something to do with his Telmarine heritage) which is his way when he can't think of anything to do, I shouldn't wonder. The others (his wife, Edmund, those Stars, Lucy, that weird woman Serene, and most of the crew, including Drinian) voted for going on in the hope of finding land.

I felt it was my duty to point out that we didn't know if there even was any land ahead of us. I told them that it was dangerous to get too deep into the ideals of wishfulthinking. Instead of producing a better plan, Arran (the rotter) asked me what I proposed. So I explained coolly and quietly that I had been kidnapped and brought away on this idiotic voyage without my consent, and it was hardly my business to get them out of their scrape.

~|:Xo0oX:|~

(Would you like to know what really happened? I thought so.)

Arran looked up at the sky, muttering in the language of the Stars. Rain poured down around them, the ocean rose in heaving swells, before dragging them down into the troughs. Suddenly a loud tear rent the heavy air, filled with the shouts of men and the fierce roar of wind and wave. He looked up sharply, blonde dreadlocks dripping, soaked to the skin.

In the howling wind a line had been torn loose keeping the great purple sail tied securely to the mast. He jumped up quickly, boots sliding down the steep slant of the wooden deck as he made his way to the rigging. A few sailors looked at him as if he was insane, for he very well might've been, for while everyone was clinging to some sort of security to prepare for the oncoming trough, he was free sliding down the deck. He reached the rigging and grabbed a loose line as the ship jerked hard to the left, her timbers groaning.

He gasped for a breath as the ship weathered the wave and began cresting the next. Upon reaching the foretop, he grabbed the rope and lashed it to the mast, then slid down the slick ropes to the deck once more. Drinian shouted a form of thanks, and Arran nodded, before jumping to the side to keep a man from falling overboard as he tried to secure what was left of the water casks.

After three days of struggling to stay alive, the storm abated, withdrawing into the north. As quickly as it had overtaken them, it left, leaving in its wake a bright sunrise and a sapphire blue ocean stretching on forever in all directions, with no land in sight. The Dawn Treader looked like a ghost ship. Her purple sail hung wet and limp from the mast, jagged and torn in many places. There was no way to repair it as the extra canvas, and canvas thread, had washed overboard along with the poultry and three casks of water.

The mast was broken, splintering and groaning with every sway of the ship, only being held in place with yards of rope and the sailors unwavering determination. Everyone was on deck, except for Lucy and Susan, who had stayed with Gael and Rilian in the cabin. Arran stared up at the swaying mast, dreadlocks dripping saltwater. Edmund and Caspian were drenched as well; looking at one another wondering what could be done. Drinian, finally relaxing from steering the ship leaned against the helm, and rested his head on his arms with a dejected sigh.

Zephyr and Gavan looked about dismally, knowing there was not enough they could possibly do to keep sailing forward, short of turning back. Gavan ran his fingers through his wet hair, breathing out heavily as he surveyed the littered deck. The storm had taken a great deal with it, including the wind, Serene noted, looking at the sagging sail.

"Your Majesties, what should we do?" Tavros walked up to them, waiting for orders from the monarchs or his captain, who's wet, dark brown hair hung limply about his unexpressive face.

It was Arran who stepped up, instantly giving orders for the stunned leaders. "Well, clear the deck, what do you think you should be doing? This is a ship of the Royal Navy, not a derelict junk from the Orrinian Seas! You, haul up those lines, you men, raise the red lion, we are limping, but we are not lost! Pull up that derrick, Secure the mast! Drinian, pull yourself together, you still have a ship to steer!"

After a bit, Drinian and the others came out of their stunned silence and began helping. Rhince shouted for Caspian who had been working with the sailors to better secure the mast. "What is it?" the King asked, upon coming to his side.

"Look Sire, these casks, they're leaking, from being shaken about in the storm; what should we do?" He knelt beside two water barrels, running his hands down the rounded wood, showing Caspian the leaks.

"There's not much we can do, Caspian, I suggest emptying and stowing them underdeck," Arran commented, pausing from recoiling some rope to speak his piece.

Caspian nodded in agreement before speaking, "Do as he says Rhince, and find another man to help you." He waved him away, before sighing and looking down at the casks, lost in thought.

~|:Xo0oX:|~

"What do we do now? Have we made it this far to come to nothing?" Drinian asked, gesturing wildly. The royals, Stars and the captain had withdrawn to the chart room to confer over what move to make next.

"Most of the food has been washed overboard, and now it seems we are gravely short on water; Sire, there is not much open to us," Rhince said, as he had been asked to attend so he might speak for the sailors.

"Well why don't we just go back to the Lone Islands," Eustace muttered in the background, as he had snuck in to hear the plans.

"Because, young master, it took us eighteen days to get from there, plus the three in this storm, and that was when we were going before a strong wind. Now there is nothing, and we have nothing, no sail, even if we did have a wind going in the westerly direction. Besides, it would take us twice as long, unless we ran into a gale on the return journey," Drinian said, explaining with exasperation in his voice.

"Then get the men to row!" Eustace nearly shouted. Caspian smiled in amusement, this boy clearly did not have any idea of life and the way things worked, it was hilarious really.

"Out of the question! Do you fully understand that there are other beings on this vessel that need to drink just as much, if not more, than you? Rowing should only make the desire for a glass of water worse. And, from the way you act, I can tell you have never seen a mutiny over mere glasses of water!" Arran said angrily.

"It would never work Eustace, the heat would kill more of the men than thirst before we even came in sight of land," Caspian explained in a much calmer tone.

"It- it just couldn't work young master, but all the ideas that can be thought of are helpful," Drinian sighed, leaning over the chart table.

"I think we should bring it to the crew, let them vote, it is their lives being held in the balance here as well," Caspian declared after a time. There were nods all around, from everyone except Eustace. They headed out the door to face the crew. With a sigh Eustace went after them, trying to get them to see from his point of view.

"Men of Narnia, we have reached a decision, upon which we do not want to decide without your own opinions on the matter. The Queen, King Edmund, Queen Lucy, Lord Drinian, my friends the Stars, and Lady Serene have all agreed upon going onwards, in hopes of coming upon land. What say you?" His gaze drifted across the men below, watching facial expressions and the actions of the silent men.

"Aye, I agree for going on!" a sailor shouted, raising a fist skyward. Several more did the same, shouting agreement, and before long the entire crew joined in the rousing cheer. Caspian smiled. As always, he was amazed at their loyalty and belief in Aslan; and in their judgment.

"Very well, on to the east!" Caspian turned away, leaving the men to set the deck for moving onward. Edmund nodded with a half-smile, clapping a hand on his friend's shoulder.

"That went far better than I could have thought," he admitted with a relieved laugh.

"Wait, wait! Hold everything!" Eustace shouted to them, stumbling up to Caspian. Edmund rolled his eyes, while Caspian only smiled indulgently.

"Speak, cousin of Edmund," the King said good-naturedly.

"All that rot about rowing making men tired is just that, rot. When you perspire, it cools you down, so they would in reality need less water," Eustace theorized. Caspian patted him on the shoulder, moving off. There was only so much he could put up with; he had things he had to do. "But really, if you would just listen," Eustace tried again, following after the king.

"My friend, I do not have the time to "just listen" as you put it. I must help my men, and that too requires attention, attention that, sadly, I cannot waste on you. Perhaps if you started to think in a more Narnian fashion, and less like some deluded desert wanderer, then perhaps I could spare that valuable time to listen." Caspian strode off, leaving Eustace gaping by the helm.

"Now, that's a king to follow," Arran remarked, nudging the stunned Eustace with his shoulder.

"Get off me," Eustace said snarkily, pushing the pirate away and hurrying off.

~|:Xo0oX:|~

"Look, we don't know if there even is any land out there! It's dangerous to have nothing to go on except wishful thinking! Do you actually know how potentially dangerous that even is?" Eustace shouted at Arran, Edmund and Caspian, about half an hour later as they were working to straighten the mast, which had taken to listing slightly to port once more.

"Well then, your lordship, what do you propose we should do; hmm? We eagerly wait for any and all brilliance of yours to lead us out of this dilemma," Arran said with a smirk and an exaggerated bow at Eustace.

The blonde boy rolled his eyes and sighed in exasperation. "I was dragged on board this derelict ship without my consent, I did not want, nor did I wish, to go on any or all of your stupid adventures to find some blasted wave that touches the bloody sky! This entire voyage is idiotic and the spawn of some insane man who claims to be a king, along with my cousins, who I clearly see now are also insane! No one asked me what I thought at the beginning of this retched business, so it is hardly up to me to get you out of it now that you see the dawning light!" Eustace shouted, waving his hands wildly as he raged.

"You didn't give him seawater, did you?" Reepicheep asked Edmund, with a slight smirk coming across his bewhiskered face as he slid down a rope from the mast. He had been helping Cruickshanks the dwarf secure the lines to the lookout's post.

"Sea water, sea wa- oh – Cousin, when we return to Cambridge you will not hear the end of this!" Eustace threatened, walking off. Caspian laughed and turned to look at Edmund. Edmund slowly smiled, shrugging his shoulders, finally seeing the mirth in the situation.

So they continued east.

~|:Xo0oX:|~

Whatever Date It Is:

Still becalmed. Very short rations for dinner, and I got less than anyone. Caspian is very clever at doling out the rations and thinks I'm too stupid or something to notice! Lucy for some reason tried to make up to me by offering me some of her share but that interferingprig Edmund wouldn't let her. Pretty hot sun, I was terribly thirsty all evening.

~|:Xo0oX:|~

The following morning was early, as the crew had agreed amongst themselves, and then put it to Caspian and Drinian, that in the early morning and in the evening, they should all put in for a bit of rowing, to at least get them going in some sort of direction. Eustace was complaining all the way to the galley. When he arrived, Arran, who had been sitting eating already, gave a groan as if greatly pained, and dropped his head on the table, moaning under his breath about it being too early for gutter snipes and brats to be out of bed eating with the working men.

Gavan came in at that point, cartwheeling between the wall of the ship and the benches lining the long galley table. Jumping up via a summersault, he grinned down at his older brother. "Not whining are we?" He asked, crystal blue eyes sparkling with amusement. Arran merely moaned the louder, motioning with his right hand at Eustace sitting farther down the table. Gavan tilted his head to look at the other boy.

"He does not like you, you know," the Star stated obviously.

"Thank you for the enlightenment, I suppose. I'm flattered," Eustace replied sarcastically. Gavan shrugged and sat next to his brother.

"So, what are we eating?" He asked, pulling his brother's plate away and towards himself with interest.

"Biscuits, gravy, Talail and half a pint of water," Arran's muffled voice came from under his braids and dreadlocks. He refused to move from this position until he was positive the sea scum had left.

"Disgusting, why biscuits? I hate biscuits and gravy. Can't we just eat Talail and Lroieen all the time?" Gavan mused, pushing the biscuits and gravy off the plate with Arran's fork, a disgusted look on his face.

"Tall-ail and el-roy-I-een? What in the world is that?" Eustace asked, glancing down at his plate with a slightly worried expression.

"Well, Talail is like fish, but not really, it's a – never mind – think of it as fish. And Lroieen is what we Stars refer to as water. Does that help?" Gavan explained, looking at the other boy, blonde hair sweeping across his forehead as he looked back down at the plate once more.

"It should satisfy his human curiosity enough for now. Why can't they just take things at face value? Why must Men always explore everything to the innermost parts? I get so sick of telling them over and over what things are," Arran muttered from under his blonde mop.

"I wish you would sit up like a presentable Human, at least they have the decency to keep good table manners," Gavan scolded, jerking on a dreadlock. Arran turned his head to the side, looking at his brother with one eye in annoyance before returning to his facedown position.

"I will not dignify that with an answer," Arran declared after a moment's pause, slowly standing.

"Doesn't matter, you already have," Gavan pointed out with a laugh.

"Fine. I'm going up, join me? You know this doesn't nourish you any more than it does me. Food is for mortals, Men and Beast alike," Arran commented, looking down with disgust at his plate which Gavan had inherited through theft.

"I shall stay, thank you. I do like to socialize, while you prefer to be alone," Gavan replied.

"When all that's here to socialize with is a sea sponge, you'd think you'd rather join your own kin than stay down here. Enjoy his company," Arran said, before quickly taking the stairs two at a time to the upper deck. Gavan looked away from the direction his brother had gone to smile at Eustace. The boy scowled and pushed his plate away roughly.

"I'm going up top, I feel a bit dizzy down here, perhaps some fresh air will help," Eustace said by way of explanation as he left.

"Could I eat your food then? Oh, better drink that water you know; or you'll really become ill. Dehydration happens often out on the ocean if you don't drink enough," Gavan remarked helpfully, before leaning forward and pulling Eustace's half-filled plate towards himself. The boy waved off his words and climbed the stairs slowly.

Zephyr walked down not long after Eustace went up. "Where did you get second helpings from?" he asked, staring with a thoughtful frown at his brother. "Eustace was feeling generous," Gavan replied after a pause.

"Move over and let me share then," Zephyr ordered, sitting down next to his brother and picking up Eustace's fork.

"Hey, don't eat it all at once, it was mine first!"

"Liar, it was not, it was yours second," Zephyr contradicted.

Gavan laughed. "You do realize we're fighting over food we don't even have to eat, right?" he asked.

"Of course, we're brothers, this makes life interesting. If we acted like father all the time this would be the dullest century I've lived yet," Zephyr replied. Gavan shook his head with a chuckle and shoved his brother slightly; Zephyr grinned and pushed back.

~|Xo0oX:|~

That evening found everyone once more in the galley, waiting for dinner. The sailors, some of which had been on similar voyages, suggested that dinner be slightly less in serving portions than breakfast and lunch; Drinian had agreed, and told Caspian of the idea, which was why the helpings were smaller this evening than they had been all day. Eustace, as most people who think and act as he does, thought his servings were smaller than everyone else's, and naturally thought Edmund and Caspian had had a hand in this.

"And why should I be treated any less than all of you? I demand a larger serving!" the boy shouted, standing up. Lucy tugged at his sleeve, and tried to get him to sit down, but he jerked away from her.

"You all probably think I'm daft, don't you? You think I don't notice things. Well, the fact of the matter is I do! And I am not pleased." Eustace had the full attention of all the crew that was eating, and Caspian, along with Edmund, Susan, and Serene.

"Eustace, every man here has the exact same size rations as you. If you would be so kind, indulge me for a moment by sitting down, please," Caspian said in a level tone. The crew looked at one another; they had never heard the King speak like that, well… ever.

Eustace nodded with a hint of fear and sat down, though he was still fuming inside. Lucy, once again feeling compassionate, pulled her plate over. "Here Eustace, you can have some of my dinner, I'm not that hungry." She smiled kindly, offering her plate.

"Lu, don't give him anything, he hasn't earned it, nor does he deserve it. He has to get along sometime without help from others, if he is ever to learn," Edmund suddenly spoke up from his sister's right, laying a hand on her arm. She looked at her brother and Edmund nodded. There was something in his eyes that Lucy remembered from their ruling years, he was thinking something. So she nodded with a little sigh and pulled her plate back in front of herself.

"Well, I'm going to bed! I wouldn't keep your company for the world; Alberta would be appalled by the lot of you!" Eustace shouted, standing and leaving.

Gavan glanced at Eustace's empty place setting. "Has the boy drunk any water today? No wonder he's acting like he is, he's getting dehydrated. Let's only hope we can knock some sense into him before long, else he'll be a dead boy," Gavan muttered.

~|:Xo0oX:|~

Whatever Date It Is:

We have now been four days and three nights on these rations, still no wind, and the sun was hotter than ever. Yesterday was just horrible, so I won't go into it. The night before I woke just knowing I was feverish and must have a drink of water. Any doctor would have said so. Heaven knows I'm the last person to try to get any unfair advantage but I never dreamed that this water-rationing would apply to a sick man. In fact I would have woken the others up and asked for some only I thought it would be selfish to wake them.

So I just got up, took my cup and tiptoed quietly out of the Black Hole we slept in, taking great care not to disturb Caspian, Edmund and Serene, they'd been sleeping badly since the heat and short water began. I always try to consider others whether they are nice to me or not. I got out into the room where everything (food wise) is kept, past the rowing benches and things. The cask of water that is open at the moment is at the back of this room. All was going beautifully, but before I'd drawn a cupful who should catch me but that littlespy Reep. I tried to explain I was going on deck for a breath of fresh air (the business involving the water had nothing whatever to do with him) and he asked me why I had a cup.

He made such a noise that the whole ship was roused. They treated me scandalously. I asked, as I think anyone would have, why Reepicheep was sneaking about the water cask in the middle of the night. He replied that as he was too small to be of any use on deck, he did sentry over the water every night so that one more man could go to sleep. Now comes their rotten unfairness: they all believed him. Can you beat it?

I had to apologize or the dangerous little brute would have been at me with his sword. And then Caspian showed up in his true colors as a brutal tyrant and said out loud for everyone to hear that anyone found 'stealing' water in the future would 'get two dozen'. I did not know what this meant until Edmund explained it to me. It comes in the sorts of fanciful books those Pevensies read I suppose.

After this cowardly threat, Caspian changed his tune and started being patronizing. Said he was sorry for me and that everyone felt just as feverish as I did and we all must make the best of it, etc., etc. Ohhh I hate him. Stayed in bed all day today.

~|:Xo0oX:|`

Eustace had not been consistent with drinking water, like Gavan had told him to be, so he was far thirstier than the others, and felt worse because of it. The boy didn't come out on deck, under the claims that he was far too ill for any such thing. The Stars talked it over amongst themselves; they would not leave their friends, under no circumstances whatever. They mused over Eustace, and surprisingly, it was Zephyr who mentioned the fact that Aslan had a very good reason for him to be here, otherwise, he would not have done so.

The days went on, and the heat was coming to the point of being barely bearable. The light bits of breeze were not enough to move a single thing, let alone bring relief to the crew. No one slept well anymore, except for perhaps the children. But like the truly brave people the Narnians and Pevensies were, they did not mention their tiredness, or the heat. Everyone kept stoically going on. Everyone that is, except for Eustace. He stayed in bed, drank some water and generally acted as if he were gravely ill.

That night, after everyone except the watch had gone to bed, Eustace decided to get up and help himself to a glass of water. A small part of him realized that he had been petty, and selfish, so he wanted to amend that. He also grudgingly admitted to himself that if he had followed Gavan's advice, he would not feel as bad as he did. But to keep from feeling guilty entirely, he justified his actions by saying that things were unfair and that everyone was treating him unjustly.

So, he woke in the middle of the night dreadfully thirsty, but knew that he shouldn't get water, as it would be unfair on his part; once again he justified his reasons in his own mind, before getting up and leaving the area in which he slept. He was truly careful to keep from waking anyone, that kinder, more sensitive part of his mind knowing that they were all just as tired and ill as he was feeling. His intentions were honorable, but his actions were not. Had it been done in a different context, perhaps it would not have gone down as it had.

Eustace quietly walked to the galley kitchen, careful not to wake Rhince, who was sleeping nearby. Reep watched him from the rafters, wondering if he should let the boy take a small cupful of water or not. Finally, he realized that to remain fair to the crew and himself, he had to stop Eustace. It would look badly for the monarchs if their relative got 'extra' water rations than the rest of the crew, were this to be discovered. And most things done in secret and under cover of darkness are often discovered.

So the Mouse unsheathed his rapier and jumped on top of the water cask. "Do you have any idea what you are doing?" He asked in a stage whisper.

Eustace jumped, quickly hiding the cup behind his back. "J-just going up top, getting a breath of fresh air you know, to clear my head," Eustace replied quickly.

Reep sighed. If he had told the truth, he might have been inclined to pour the boy a glassful of water himself for his honesty. "You know that's not what you were doing. Eustace, when will that good streak of yours win out? I know it's in there somewhere, Aslan will bring it about someday, if not on this adventure than the next," Reep murmured sadly.

"What are you blathering on about? Can't I go up top without a great to-do?" Eustace muttered in annoyance.

"Listen here! You know you weren't going up on deck, as the stairs are back there," Eustace looked around blankly for a moment, worsening his predicament. "Behind you," Reep sighed, rubbing a paw across his face, motioning with his blade.

"Ah, yes, I knew that. Now, please excuse me," Eustace replied, turning unsteadily as the ship swayed.

"You cannot just leave, it's not that simple!" Reep nearly shouted, waking Rhince by the door. The sailor listened for a moment to the argument before rushing off to wake Drinian and Caspian. Soon the whole ship was roused; giving the Mouse and the boy a large audience. The crew was muttering and murmuring amongst one another when Caspian entered, Edmund and Drinian not far behind.

"What is going on now?" He asked tiredly, looking around, his gaze coming to rest on Reep and Eustace.

"I regret to inform your Majesties that your relation has tried to steal a ration of water. I caught him red-handed," Reepicheep declared, pointing the tip of his blade at Eustace with an air that was not one of triumph, but of disappointment.

Eustace couldn't stutter out an answer. He simply stood there blustering. Edmund sighed in defeat and buried his head in his hands. Why, why, why? Of all the people to come with them it had to be Eustace.

"Eustace, you know that the water and provisions have been rationed accordingly. We cannot, if we wish to keep going, take more than what has been given us. I was told that you have not been taking your rightful share, which leaves you in this state. From now on, do as someone advises, because, it is generally thought that they might know more than oneself. Do you understand?" Caspian said, looking at Eustace.

For all the annoyance Eustace had caused him, and even though Caspian had been woken in the middle of the night, he was still kind to the boy, and his kindness carried over into his tone, even though he was speaking as a reprimand. Eustace gave a quick nod.

"Wait, how come no one questions the Mouse about being around the water cask? How do you all know he hasn't been sneaking more than his share?" Eustace suddenly spoke up, making Edmund groan and rub a hand down his face in exasperation.

"Because, cousin of the Queen, I am too small to be of any true assistance on deck. So, I keep guard over the water, allowing for one more man to get his sleep this night, as they need it more than I. It is not a large occupation, nevertheless it is an honorable one, and I will not shirk from it," Reepicheep explained calmly, even though his honor had been questioned.

"B-but, why…? How…?" Eustace stuttered, pointing dumbly at Reep as he fumbled for words.

"Now apologize to Reepicheep, for what you said, and to the crew for what you nearly came away with doing; even though you deserve worse than merely doling out apologies. Now please, I am tired, and growing impatient," Caspian stated, motioning for the boy to speak.

"I'm sorry for doubting you. And I'm sorry for acting unfairly," Eustace grumbled, keeping his eyes downward, not looking up as he spoke.

"Because of this incident, which I wish never had happened, I must enforce rules. Though I regret that it has come this far as to laying down laws and regulations, seeing as you have all remained faithful and trustable unto this moment, it must be done. In future, any man talking of, or apprehended stealing water will get two dozen. I do not like to say that, but, it stands. You have been warned, it is only fair judgment from this moment forward. And I mean any man, royal or otherwise," Caspian declared, disappointed brown gaze coming to rest on Eustace as he spoke.

He moved off to talk to Drinian and Reep, while Eustace eased over to Edmund. "Cousin, what does he mean by 'two dozen'?" Eustace asked.

"Do you know what a lash is, Eustace," Edmund said, raising an eyebrow and turning a fraction of an inch to better meet his cousin's gaze.

"N-no, I mean, not really. It's some sort of punishment, isn't it?" Eustace replied questioningly.

"Yes, the very worst. It's a whip. Surely you've heard of those?" Edmund sighed.

"Not generally, only in a vague manner."

"Five bring blood; ten leave you wondering what in Aslan's name made you deserve them. Twelve leave a man's back in a bloody mess. After two dozen, it's a wonder you can stand at all. That is what 'two dozen' mean, cousin," Edmund spat sharply. He did not enjoy recalling lashes. He had never been partial to that sort of punishment; it disgusted him, but was necessary in situations like these.

Eustace looked taken aback. In all truth he was. At that moment Caspian walked up. "Eustace, I am sorry you are feeling ill. But everyone feels as badly, Aslan knows I do. But we all have to suffer through it; no man can take or claim better than the next. As the leaders, we are the examples. As family, you cannot be seen to have any better than the cabin boy. I may not treat you any different, as Edmund would not treat me with partiality merely because I married his sister. We are all of even worth, and as such, must offer decent morality. And if morality means suffering the same punishment as the crew, then so be it. I do not want to see you here in this predicament again." Caspian rested his hand briefly on Eustace's shoulder before turning and leaving the room.

The crew returned to their hammocks and Drinian returned to the helm, Reep blew out the lantern and once again paced in the dark, ever so often gazing up through the hatchway at the stars shining brightly overhead. He wondered how close to the breaking point this would take them all, and if they could last the test. He hoped they all could.

A/N:

Well, I'm back, again! No, sadly, my internet is not back up, I'm once again at the library. Can you believe this is chapter eighteen? I know, right? To me it feels as if I started writing yesterday. Well, enough of my blathering!

I rather like this chapter, although some parts sound rather odd. The reason is that when I read Narnia and write it at the same time, I take into use Jack's writing style and the contemporary acting of the film, which is more modern in English than Jack's writings. Hence, my writing style mixed with a more classical approach. Like the formal third person and all.

Small note I wanted to point out: In the book, a man falls overboard in the storm and they never saw him again. Arran (because he's my OC and just because) saved him. I mentioned that in passing. Don't know if you noticed that or not.

Also, the Orrinian Seas that Arran mentions are much like the Oriental Seas.

I enjoyed writing the Gavan and Zephyr bit. I don't know, for some reason I'm better at writing boys and men and brothers in general. I'm not all that great at writing the girls. I cannot figure out why.

I enjoyed writing Caspian in the end there, where he's all adult. It's about that moment that I'm trying to get all my readers to realize that he's an adult who lays down rules and is a serious king, and not the child of the books or the relaxed, laid back king of the films. That was one of the few things that bothered me of Ben's acting. Not as realistic as I'd been hoping for.

I like the fact that I can make him both the king of the book and the king of the films, all the while adding my own spin to his character. There's no way you can really OC him when you use both personalities.

This chapter was more Caspian, Eustace, Drinian, the Stars, and Reep than anything else, besides moving the story plot forward and throwing in a dash of adventure. If I left out anyone's favorite parts from the book, please forgive me, I cannot put in everything I want to either. I read it and I'm like; "Oh, I'm so sorry Jack, I'm so sorry, but I just can't do this, please understand!"

Next chapter will be pretty cool. By the way, we've got about six or seven chapters left to go. I cannot believe how far I've come from the first book; you guys, this has been awesome! **squeals in delight, Arran gives me Kleenex while rolling eyes**.

Well, I think that's about it! Hope you guys enjoyed it!

Again, if there is anything I missed, {explanations, punctuations, grammar, misspellings, plot-that-doesn't-make-sense, something that I failed to clarify on, etc...} Please tell me so I can fix/tell you about it in a PM/Author's Note.

Happy reading,

W.H. 1492