Chapter Twenty-Seven: Wind In The Sails

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~ Narnia ~

Everyone woke to the sound of Eustace's laughter. Susan cried and hugged her cousin fiercely, with Lucy not far behind her. Both were so relieved to see him normal again that they almost didn't notice his change in character. But it was not something easily missed and was noticed readily when Eustace smiled at Caspian after the king mentioned how good it was to see his face again.

"It's good to see you too, Caspian," Eustace replied with a bashful nod, remembering all the rude things he'd said to him.

"You seem… different, Eustace," Gavan noticed, resting his hand briefly on the boy's shoulder as he studied him.

"Well, being a dragon does change one's outlook, I suppose," Eustace said easily, smiling.

Yes, I suppose it does! After all, a smooth sea never a skilled sailor makes," Drinian agreed, patting Eustace in a comradely fashion on the back.

"Come on, who's hungry? We'd best be eating before it gets cold!" Rynelf called when he noticed the cook had made up breakfast and was motioning for them to come eat. With smiles and laughter, they all gathered around the camp fires. Eustace told of how he became a dragon and lightly glossed over the more private conversion between himself and Aslan.

I suppose it could be said that Eustace was completely changed after that. But that wouldn't be the full truth. He had relapses. But he was never the same boy again. He smiled a bit more, laughed often, and began to have a different view on life. And he was never so hasty as to judge people he didn't really know again.

~|:Xo0oX:|~

The rest of the day was spent organizing the ship and preparing to sail. A little after noon they left the bay, leaving the island behind. Everyone was pleased to be gone from those rather unwelcoming shores. Eustace was glad to be rid of them, but when everyone else had gone about their business or went off in search of something to busy themselves in, Eustace snuck back to the rear deck and stared at the island, watching it grow smaller and smaller as they headed out to sea.

He had had quite a time – even if it hadn't been exactly pleasant – on the island and held it in special regard. He hoped that someday, perhaps, he might come back and search for the beautiful garden. But a piece of his heart told him he would not find the place again, however hard he searched. The sun beamed down on the mountain crags and peaks, clouds hanging over the ridges in the distance, a beautiful grey-white shaded backdrop for the greens, blues and gold's of the island.

"Dragon Island," Eustace whispered, before turning his back and going in search of the others.

~|:Xo0oX:|~

Arran was talking to Reepicheep, who was leaning against a bit of rigging, discussing the proper way to splice hemp, which Reep said Arran was doing wrong when Eustace came up to them. He stood there silently, quite aware that he and Arran hadn't been on the best of terms until two days ago. Fiddling with the hem of his shirt and staring at the deck, he wondered what he was going to say. Arran glanced up momentarily when he heard Eustace's shoes scuff the boards.

"Are you going to speak or stand there like petrified wood?" he asked nonchalantly. Reep tsked at Arran's choice of nouns, but the Star pretended he hadn't heard.

"Well, I wanted to thank you I suppose, both of you, for being friendly to me, when I was a dragon, I mean," Eustace mumbled. It was harder than he'd thought it would be to admit this.

"You are good company, my friend. I enjoyed our discussions; it is not often I may converse with another without being overheard," Arran declared calmly, twisting the rope between his fingers.

"Really?" Eustace asked, disbelieving him slightly.

"Of course," Arran looked up. His pale blue eyes held the boy's for a fraction of a second, before he smiled warmly. "Tis not every day I meet a dragon nor have the honor of calling him my friend." Eustace knew that there were times when Arran could not be trusted; he had overheard Caspian tell Edmund that Arran was a man to be cautious around, but in that instant, Eustace saw honesty. He turned and walked away.

Arran bent his blonde head back to his task, shaking it slightly as he laughed. "I never thought I should find myself saying that of anyone that I once despised. But Eustace is different; he is a good lad."

"Yes, better now I should think than ever before. I don't wonder if someday he shall become another of the Friends of Narnia," Reepicheep agreed, smiling thoughtfully as he stared across the ocean to the east. "I only wish I might see it," he whispered softly, something inside of him telling him that this was going to be a very different sort of adventure.

"In case you're not, would you like me to tell you when he returns? I think Aslan would allow it," Arran asked, glancing up at the Mouse.

"Yes… yes that would do… perfectly," Reep conceded, closing his eyes as a warm breeze drew up.

~|:Xo0oX:|~

"Lucy, is it not fantastic to be on the ocean once more?" Gavan called merrily, dodging Zephyr and Gael as they ran after him, playing a lively game of tag. Lucy laughed from where she had been standing observing the waves roll under the ship.

"Yes," she agreed as he ran behind her. Wrapping an arm around her waist, he laughed breathlessly.

"Lucy's safe," he declared with a chuckle, smiling when Zephyr stopped and Gael frowned, trying to think of some way to get Gavan away from Lucy.

"That's not fair; you can't call safe just for a breather!" Zephyr reprimanded, gasping a bit. He'd chased Gael all over the ship before he'd tagged her, but his brother was faster, and he'd used up more energy trying to tag him than he'd ever have used on Gael.

"Who says I need a breather?" Gavan asked, tilting his head to one side, eyes sparkling with humor. As Gavan and Zephyr argued, Lucy had slowly reached out and touched Gael. The girl ran off, squealing with laughter. "Come catch me, Zephyr!" she shouted at the disbelieving Star.

"I'm in!" Lucy laughed, running in the opposite direction, Gavan not far behind.

"This truly isn't fair!" Zephyr moaned, debating who to go after first.

"Who said tag was fair, brother?" Gavan taunted from behind him with a grin.

"Who's playing tag?" Eustace asked, coming up to them.

"We are; would you like to join? Careful for Zephyr; he's 'It'. He touches you, you're on his side," Gavan explained, backing up when his brother turned and darted towards him.

"I don't think that's how you play tag," Eustace pointed out, recalling the children at his school and how he'd seen them play once.

"We make it up as we go!" Gavan shouted, turning abruptly, catching Zephyr off guard. Eustace laughed brightly.

"Right, well, count me in too then, Zephyr," he said loudly, running to join Gael.

"By the Golden Lion and everything I hold dear, not another one," Zephyr muttered under his breath with feigned sarcasm as he smiled. He rather enjoyed challenges.

~|:Xo0oX:|~

Edmund stared at the sword in his hand as it shone green. Caspian had laid Rhindon on the table, causing the newest blade to gleam its dark red color. The king leaned back in the chair he sat in, staring at the swords thoughtfully. He wondered why they shone such unusual colors and what their significance was to Narnia; why had they been so important that the Lords would steal them.

"Edmund, do you think Serene could tell us why these weapons hold such value, besides belonging to Guardians, because I do not understand," Caspian asked, glancing at the younger man.

"I think she could, easily. I'll find her," Edmund offered, resting the sword on the table and striding across the room.

Minutes later, Edmund returned with Serene beside him. "Caspian, Edmund told me there was something you wished to know about the seven swords?" Serene glanced meaningfully at the weapons on the table.

He watched her for a moment, taking in the way she said 'seven swords' so reverently, as if they were relics of great value. "Yes, I would like to know their importance; tell me as much as you can on the subject," Caspian explained, motioning to another chair while he and Edmund sat.

Serene reached out and grasped the red-glowing blade. As it had done in the cave, it grew brighter but did not seem as lustrous. "I once mentioned that Jaddai owned this blade. She was the last Guardian seen on Narnian soil, but not the Last. Everyone thought she was, but that was only because they did not know of Todd Green's final quest, to save the far Eastern Ocean. While Jaddai remained behind, to finish her Guardianship, Todd ventured into the east to destroy a Star turned into a servant of darkness.

"Nithalazaar was his name. He had become twisted, lost because he could not control the island he had been given; Divandandia. Rhince's story was true. But it was only part of the tale. Arran told of how Stars know it well, for they keep it alive in the hearts of men. They keep it alive as caution for those such as Arran. Nithalazaar was a half-Star, like the Greenwoods. When he grew too old to grace the skies, he fell to Divandandia, as Aslan grants all immortals a place where they might rest.

"But this island was powerful, its magic nearly untouched. It was a new island, beautiful and perfect in every shape and form. Aslan believed the half-Star would love it, but Nithalazaar could not control it; his powers were only so much. Unable to subdue the island without the simplest of a full Star's spells, he grew frustrated and confused, thinking Aslan had only placed him there as a lesson. Slowly, he began using the language of the Stars in a twisted way, turning light into shadow and the island into the darkness of its creature's fear of him.

"He who had been kind was now cruel; where once he had been merry, there was only sadness, hate, and anguish. Nithalazaar had turned every beautiful thing given him into something of darkness and deceit. Hiding away the Sapphire, the island inhabitants' only hope, he ruled with all the powers he had stolen. But like all darkness, when once it has a host, it turns its craving, black maw toward the innocent and free, wanting more.

"And so Aslan sent Todd to stop him. He used the powers of his sword, Gwyrdd – this blade you have Edmund – to push Nithalazaar back, to imprison him on Dark Island, as it was called after the half-Star took it over. He was dying when he plunged the blade into the earth of Divandandia, his blood forever to stain the enchanted ground. With the last of his strength, he returned to his vessel and sailed toward Aslan's Country. Todd was the First and Last Guardian.

"But Nithalazaar's magic had become a mind almost of its own. Some of the power of Todd's blade became corrupted, turning into the green mist we have vowed to stop. So another was to find his way to Dark Island, not many years after, taking Todd's sword to the shores of Aslan's Country; from there, it was returned to the tombs of the Guardians. And that is the tale of Gwyrdd. But now, now I shall tell you of Cryfder, the blade of Jaddai," Serene paused, stroking the flat once more.

"You are saying that these blades are powerful enough to decide and think for themselves?" Caspian suggested unsurely.

"No, the magic they bear has a mind of its own, which belongs to Aslan, the swords themselves are metal and that is all they ever will be. But the magic has ties with the Deep Magic of Narnia, the foundation of this world's very existence, if you will. This same magic flowed through the Guardians, but only when they had their swords could they understand this," Serene clarified.

"Hmm," Caspian contemplated, staring off in thought as Serene continued.

"The sword of Jaddai is beautiful, unique for the woman. She was the final Guardian chosen, which is another reason she bears the title 'the last Guardian'. She was an enchantress, not unlike myself. In fact, she was of my people. She had abilities which were magnified by Cryfder, which was why she called the sword 'power', for it gave her power. Jaddai was not like most of the Guardians,

"She was not given any particular gift; her talents ranged over a wide scale. But the greatest thing she could do was turn weapons into harmless objects. She has said that it was amusing to watch people's faces when she performed such tricks, to watch the Telmarines gape in awe. She was a staunch believer in Aslan and would not accept the gods of the Telmarines, something she was persecuted for.

"Her last gift to Narnians was her sacrifice of magic; she spent all the power within herself to protect them, to safeguard the ruins of Cair and the inhabitants of the woods. She cast a spell over the cove to keep unwanted trespassers away, to hide her beloved people. That is why your people feared the water, Caspian, because of the spells she cast. She cast many to protect them from the evil of the east. Now the time has come to finish what they began, to set sail across the waves without fear of what lies beyond.

"But if we should fall, then much will be lost. I hope we do not fall," Serene said softly, her eyes coming up to meet Caspian's.

"This seems so daunting," Caspian remarked thoughtfully, beginning to think they might never succeed.

"What of Aslan though? He has come to our aid time and time again; I am sure he will not leave us to perish alone and beaten. If we cannot finish this, then he will destroy the evil; he will not let you fail, Caspian. He placed you on this throne because he knew you could do something no other could. Have a little faith. Have hope; all cannot be lost," Serene smiled, setting the blade back on the table.

"How do you know all this about the swords and the Guardians? You speak as if so certain that this is true. Not to doubt you, but I merely wonder," Caspian asked suddenly.

"Caspian, I no longer live in Lumea; where do you think Aslan took me when I disappeared that day on the battlefield? When we no longer walk this land, we do not sleep in the ground; our souls go to be with Aslan in his country. Though we cannot be seen, we are not truly gone. I have talked with the Seven; they are the most wonderful men and women – such tales they tell, how aweing they are! The only things they lack are their blades, which – if all goes well – we just might be able to return to them.

"For when we come to Aslan's Country, I shall cross over, and I will not return. If we find all the swords, I will carry them to His country." Serene's face was solemn, but her eyes were peaceful, she did not fear death, for she had no reason to. For her, death was the beginning, not the end as some believed in Lumea.

"Forgive me; I had forgotten. Sometimes I forget the Narnian beliefs regarding death," Caspian confided, reclining slightly, his eyes on the swords.

"You are young, and young men and women do not dwell on the end of life. It seems too far away to comprehend; I understand. As to Narnian beliefs, I do not label them as such, for all wish to believe in an eternity of sorts, and life after death. Narnians simply found this easier to accept with Aslan as their god," Serene said with careful surety.

You know Todd and Jaddai's, but Rezef's blade was called 'Cerddoriaeth' the Old Narnian word for 'music', Hena's was called 'Stjörnu', the archaic word for 'star', I believe, Ivvah's was called 'Ddewrder', or 'valor', Shebna's was called 'Erbyn', or 'against' and Othniel's was called 'Sarff'; I don't know for what reason he called his blade 'serpent', but call it that he did. All had unusual names, for reasons which they will not tell me. Jaddai's is the only one I am certain of, for she was not secretive about it," Serene said, staring thoughtfully at the weapons on the table.

"Thank you for taking the time to tell me about the swords and Dark Island; it helps me prepare for what lies ahead of us that we must conquer. I am glad Aslan allowed you to join us for this voyage," Caspian said, standing as he looked gratefully at Serene.

"It is nothing; information is not meant to be kept but spread around so that many might share in the wealth of knowledge," Serene said contrarily, not wanting to be made into some leader or sage, which she was not.

"Whenever you talk of death or Aslan's Country, it reminds me how old we are," Edmund remarked quietly from where he sat near the windows. Caspian glanced over at him. He saw a young man who looked naught but sixteen, though he spoke like a wise, grey-bearded old man. It always took him aback, and he knew he would never become used to it, even with Susan.

"I know; you begin to feel… tired, relaxed, as if the world may go on without your approval now," Serene agreed, slowly nodding her head, black locks sliding over her shoulders to frame her face.

"As if you can rest," Edmund agreed, rising. "Forgive me, Caspian; sometimes I speak my thoughts aloud, but don't worry; the doldrums pass!" Edmund declared, brightening a bit, though his mind was still weighed down with his thoughts. Serene laughed blithely, coming to his side as he moved toward the door.

Caspian merely smiled, shaking his head a bit as he sheathed Rhindon and the two other blades.

~|:Xo0oX:|~

"Rilian, what's my boy doing?" Susan asked, coming to sit on the rug of her cabin. The baby was quickly learning how to crawl with efficiency, and Susan knew it wouldn't be long before he was walking. She had never understood her mother's view that children grew up too fast. Now, watching her son learn to sit up and crawl, play and laugh, she did understand. Children grew up too fast; they were only precious sweethearts for a few years before they wanted to go and do everything on their own.

Rilian's head turned when he heard his mother's voice. The baby smiled, blue eyes so like Susan's filled with the innocence of a child. Susan marveled at how trusting children could be in adults. It was almost cruel, she thought, how reliant they were and how adults could be so thoughtless and selfish.

The war back in England was the result of selfish, cruel men who did not care for the world and legacy they left for their children. Children, in her opinion, should be considered before any war, because the result, the victory, did not matter. Hundreds of years later, it was the ones that lived, survived, the children, who would matter. What the war did to them was what counted.

Turning her thoughts from the dark subject, Susan smiled at her boy. "What do you have?" She asked. The boy gave a squeal and crawled away, the hair ribbon clasped tightly in his fingers. "No matter how old you get, I shall see you as this baby always," Susan said with a smile, following her son. She picked him up, kissing him lightly on the top of his head, brushing her fingers against his soft dark hair.

"A Prince of Narnia, but my Prince first," she cooed softly when the baby turned his head. She walked to the windows at the back of the cabin. With a cry, the little boy leaned out of his mother's arms, small hands reaching for the glass panes of the window. "Do you see the ocean? That's the ocean," Susan said, looking at her son as she pointed. The baby squealed, clapping his hands. He smiled up at his mother. Susan smiled back.

A/N:

Again, a major thanks to Jesus' girl 4ever, who Beta-ed me again!

I know, this chapter doesn't really move the plot. Mostly it's just meaningless fluff. I had to write it, I was getting tired of the seriousness! Besides, it's like, the last bit of fluff before the major events in the plot start happening. I had to reintroduce Rilian into this, because frankly, I will forget him. I haven't really made much of him throughout this, which wasn't really smart.

But then, I brought him into it enough to show. I just had to do some more scenes with him and Susan. I know Susan might seem OOC when she's with Rilian, but I think everyone, fictional or real, becomes OOC when babies are involved. I know I get really weird! Why do people start talking nonsense to babies? It's like we enjoy making goofballs of ourselves or something.

In the book, C.S. Lewis writes "Eustace wasn't perfect. He had relapses." so I just had to put that in as well, I couldn't help it, it's such a perfect sentence, so well-written.

I like the idea that Arran is someone everyone's been told to be careful around, but Eustace can see honesty in him better than anyone. Because of what they talked about when the boy was a dragon, Eustace can see through Arran's façade to the real him underneath.

I like the idea that Eustace found himself liking Dragon Island in spite of everything, that because it changed him, he feels a bit of partiality to it. I think, even if it was a bit painful, I'd still appreciate the place that I became a new person in. It's a milestone, it marks an event he will never be at again. Anywhoo, tell me what you think.

ILoveFanfiction:

Finally, you have an explanation for my calling Todd 'the first and last Guardian'! Does this explain things to you better? I hope so!

I knew you'd like that story, isn't it great?

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