Golden Narnia

Chapter 5: The Archenlanders Arrive

Lucy did her best to balance all of her conflicting duties, once Susan had gone. Her first full day back she made sure to eat lunch with Avarro, which seemed to mollify his sour mood somewhat. She managed to introduce him to one or two of the humans at court, which he accepted neutrally. Mentally sighing, she set him out of her mind.

She met with the delegation from Ettinsmoor the third day she was back, more to get a feel for their position in the mining request than anything else. As she'd suspected, they were unaware of the direct impact granting their request would have on Narnian citizens. The Ettinmoorish people were a little insular, and they seemed to have difficulty understanding that simply because there were not houses with four walls and a roof in the neighborhood, it did not mean that Narnians did not have homes there.

Lucy thanked them for their time, and left pondering how to get her point across short of taking the stubbornly obtuse delegation head out and shoving his nose against a wasps' nest to prove that not all creatures lived in houses. Somehow she didn't think that would have quite the right effect, personally satisfying as it might be.

Next was her day in the legal court, hearing grievances and making judgements on issues not covered by Narnia's laws. It was unusual for anything too spectacular to come up, and really difficult or technical cases were generally saved for Edmund, who had a positive flair for coming up with equitable judgments.

The court seemed more crowded than usual today. Perhaps that was the absence of her siblings; it felt strange to sit in Peter's chair at the center of the table, and feel the empty seats around her.

Or perhaps some of the people with issues chose today to come because they thought she'd be more lenient on account of being the youngest, or a girl, or both.

She eyed the young Goat in front of her, who'd been caught plainly stealing boots from a shop (he'd wanted to eat them). Officially the law was clear. A thief owed double the worth of the item to the shop owner, whether or not the item was recovered. The Goat, though, had no income, being young, and as his mother had five younger kids at home, Lucy was loath to penalize the whole family for one youngster's mistake.

Nor did she want to put the town's sheriff in the position of having to imprison him, as the Goat was just old enough that jail time was a possibility; that would do no one any good at all.

Finally she decided. She fixed the Goat with as stern a look as she could manage. It seemed to work well enough, for the Goat lowered his head. "Goat Blaphtethemius, since you do not have the funds to make reparations to the shopkeeper, you will instead work for both the shopkeeper and the cobbler from whom he gets the boots, for a space of at least six weeks, until the whole of the debt is paid. You will do whatever work is asked of you, no matter how tedious, without complaint. I hope this time spent assisting others will bring the worth of others' labor and time to you, both in the making of goods, and in the selling of goods, and you will understand why we consider theft to be a serious offense. And the next time you are overwhelmed with hunger," she added, "Why not ask if anyone has food to spare?"

"Yes, Queen Lucy. Thank you, Queen Lucy," the goat bleated, grateful to have escaped imprisonment.

He was thanking her now, but she knew the wages from working in two shops for six weeks would more than make up the amount owed. Hopefully the goat would learn to appreciate the value of work, both his and others', in the future.

That was the last one she had to hear that day, so she hurried to her room to eat some lunch and change into something to meet with the Archenlanders, who had been very patient indeed, having been here without official welcome for several days. When she came into the small parlor that had been set aside for them, she found it was about a dozen people, ranging from several years younger than herself, to a couple in their late thirties. Several of the group members appeared to be related to one another.

The oldest man and woman, evidently a couple, saw her slip in, and immediately approached and offered a bow and curtsy, which she graciously waved them out of. "No need, friends, we're being informal here. See? No crown," she smiled, and their tense faces relaxed somewhat.

"I am Sir Aurrey," the man said. "This is my wife, Lady Melanta. We are most pleased to be here in Narnia, Queen Lucy. Our thanks for your hospitality."

"Please, sit," Lucy invited them, and waved at one of the servants, who vanished and brought back some decanters of wine and water. When they were all settled, she fixed them with her clear gaze. "Now. We are aware that Archenland's court has been… troubled. How can we help here in Narnia?"

"It's…" Lady Melanta began, twisting a handkerchief in her hands. "There's nothing wrong going on in the Court at Anvard." She said firmly.

"I know," Lucy said, and leaned forward and took her hand. "But there's not a lot that's good going on, either, is there?"

The woman's face crumpled. "No," she agreed tearfully, and evidently couldn't get more words out.

Sir Aurrey, who was a little more stoic, gestured at the youngest people in the room, two boys and a girl between six and eleven years of age. "Those are our children," he said. "Thad, Nil, and Mora. Nil was just two when Prince Cor was lost to us. He has never known King Lune's court while it was cheerful, and happy, and lively. But…"

His wife picked up the thread. "You are certainly wondering why after three years, we are not used to the sadness that is part of the court now. Well, late this spring, Her Majesty Queen Ramilka became ill. We thought she'd got a cold. Only, after years of mourning, she is weakened, and faltering, and seems unwilling to heal, even for the sake of Prince Corin. After six months of strain and silence at court, we decided it wasn't healthy for our children to live in such a bleak place, so we asked King Lune if we could repair to our Northern neighbors for a time. He… he understood. But to our surprise, a number of other noble persons declared they would come with us, if His Majesty permitted it, and he did."

"I think he'd rather be his own cheerful self," Sir Aurrey said. "But he feels it would be disloyal to his wife to show enjoyment in much, now. Which is a shame."

"It is," Lucy agreed. "Which is why my sister, the Queen Susan, is even now on her way to Anvard, to see what assistance she might bring. But you all are very welcome to Cair Paravel. I only ask that everyone in your party has been advised that not all of Our subjects are human, but they deserve as much respect as any in Narnia."

"Of course!" Lady Melanta said. "We've already met your Mr Tumnus. The children are enthralled."

At that Lucy smiled. "He has a soft spot for children. Speaking of which, if you have need of tutors or nursemaids or any other such person, please let Mr Tumnus know and he will find a suitable person to help you. And now, won't you introduce me to your travelling companions?"

In the end, it seemed the group of Archenlanders was comprised of Sir Aurrey and Lady Melanta; their three children; a newlywed couple about Peter's age, Lord Flor and Lady Adelaide; a gangly seventeen-year-old boy, Marc, who wished to become a scholar; two high born sisters aged about twenty named Sar and Dia, who hoped to become one or the other of the Queens' ladies-in-waiting; their cousins Bor and Boris, two newly-minted young knights in their early twenties, whose prospects of land or progress in Archenland were slim (they were hoping for opportunities of service to the Kings); and—

"But where is my cousin Rorin?" Lady Melanta asked in surprise, looking around.

She turned to Lucy. "I seem to have misplaced the last member of our party, my cousin Rorin, who mostly hopes to learn more weapons-work here. But I can't think where he's got to."

"Oh, Lord Rorin was called to the stable," Boris said. "There was a problem with one of the horses, and nothing would do but he go down his own self. Though I'm sure, Your Majesty, that he intended no insult to your grooms and farriers—" he added hurriedly to Lucy.

Lucy laughed. "Not at all. I admire someone who is conscientious about those things that have been placed in his care. There have been many times when I myself have lurked about the stables if there is an issue with my riding horse Lirana, though certainly there are those far better versed in animal healing than I."

Once they'd all had a chance to chat a while, and Lucy sensed they'd all relaxed somewhat, she asked them all to dine with her that evening as her especial guests, new-come to the Court, so they might meet their fellow court members, and begin making connections here.

She already had determined to introduce Sar and Dia to Mrs Beaver. The young ladies professed to be quite fond of embroidery, and Lucy knew there was at least one tapestry and two of Susan's gowns that weren't being worked on while Susan was away. That might be a nice surprise for her sister when she got back from Archenland. It would also be a good way to put the sisters' talents to use and make them feel needed and welcome. She hadn't got much of a chance to talk to Lord Flor and Lady Adelaide, but as they were still honeymooning, she'd leave them be for a while.

The young knights, Bor and Boris, she'd introduce to Orieus in the morning at training, and let him deal with whatever they'd need to fit into the Narnian military service. She was confident Mr Tumnus had already made plans for the children's education and occupation, and surely their parents would welcome a few weeks to get settled into their apartments at the Cair.

Marc, she decided, she'd take in hand herself, and show him around the library tomorrow sometime. The boy seemed rather shy. Hopefully having Lucy show him where things were in the library would set him at ease, rather than sending the boy into the spacious library alone. A rather stern Centaur was the chief librarian, and Lucy wouldn't want to send anyone easily cowed in to Greyrock alone. Greyrock was wonderful when one got to know him, but it had taken Lucy the better part of a year to wear him down. She'd try to help Marc along.

That left Lady Melanta's cousin, Rorin, who still hadn't returned. Lucy got an earful when she pressed Melanta for more information. It seemed Rorin was three years older than Lucy, around Edmund's age, and had been working and training toward his knight's belt when disaster struck: the knight to whom he'd been eqsuired had died unexpectedly of a lung illness.

For the better part of a year Rorin had been rather in limbo, as all of the other knights in Archenland already had enough squires, and did not wish to take on a relative stranger halfway through his training. But gaining a knighthood in Archenland required either a great service (as in Narnia), or a senior knight to avow before the Court that the squire had accorded himself befitting a knight, and had completed all of the training and service necessary. None of the senior knights, of course, could ask Rorin's previous master how far along he'd gotten in that training, so none were quite willing to take him on.

"As though they couldn't take Rorin's word for it," Melanta had huffed. "He has already taken vows of honor and chastity and faithfulness in Aslan's name, and he comes from a family that values sticking to one's word. Our grandfather was an earl, after all. But they won't, so that's that." She sighed. "He's hoping someone here can put what he's learned to some good use, and perhaps in a few years he can go back into service to become a knight. It's a shame. He's a lovely boy, but has never got a break in his life. His parents died young, so mine raised him—he's really like a younger brother to me. His master died, as I've mentioned; the court has just been bleak for years; and then last year, the young lady he was interested in decided to marry someone rich who was twenty years older than she, which was rather a blow. Oh," she added, at Lucy's look, "It was only a puppy love, but her betrayal still hurt, of course. I think that's part of why he wanted to get away from Archenland, too. I hope he finds happiness here."

"I hope so too," Lucy said sincerely. There was a discreet cough behind her, and she turned to find one of the secretaries hovering nearby, reminding her of her next appointment. "And I'm afraid I must take my leave of you all, now, but I look forward to dining with all of you this evening."

"It will be our honor and pleasure, Your Majesty," Sir Aurrey said, bowing, but Lucy thought they all might have looked at least a little happier than when she'd come in. It was all she could do.

"Remind me what else is on my agenda today?" Lucy asked the Dryad as they walked along the corridor.

Alissa looked through her notes. "Your Majesty needs ten minutes to speak with the cooks about the feast for King Edmund's birthday, assuming he's back for it, and then forty minutes conferring with General Orieus about recent updates to the Kings' campaign in the North. Then an elocution lesson with Barnabas, I've scheduled you a ten minute break so you can sit down, which thou art not to miss," she gave Lucy a look, "and then Mr Tumnus has requested a meeting to discuss how to disperse the Archenlanders in a useful way. Following that, it's back to your rooms to dress for dinner, and I've arranged for some musicians to come in and play after, make it a little festive for the Archenlanders."

"How lovely! Thank you for your thoughtfulness, Alissa. What does tomorrow look like?" Lucy said, starting down the stairs that led toward the kitchens. "I want to show young Marc the library, if I can."

"Weapons-training in the morning, of course. What with three young men to add, it might run longer than usual. Then you are supposed to meet Lilygloves down along Glasswater Creek to see where he's proposing to plant some citrus trees, which will take several hours. When you return, there's another meeting scheduled with the Ettinmoorish people, and then a review of the law courts in the evening. We can probably fit young Master Marc in between weapons-training and departing for Glasswater."

"Hm. And the rest of the week?"

The Dryad paged through her notes. "The next day, after weapons-work, there is a planning session for Queen Susan's artistic festival—don't make a face, Your Majesty, your sister looks forward to it every year—and then the Fauns have requested a meeting regarding next year's Solstice meeting. The day after that, weapons-work and then a poetry recital in the library. General Orieus will update you on the Kings' situation in the north, the housekeepers have their usual meeting, which you are requested to attend, and the armorers have some new innovations they've been pining to show you. Well, as much as a Dwarf ever really pines for anything. Your tea with Mr Tumnus is that afternoon. Later, there is a review of musicians for King Edmund's birthday fete—"

"—if he's back for it—"

"—and a semi-formal dinner for the Archenlanders, to let them mingle more with the rest of the members of the Court. The following day, after weapons' work,

you have an hour with nought particular planned, and then you're to inspect the local schools and hear the children's recitations. Upon returning to the Cair, another meeting with the Ettinmoorish delegation, and that's all until next week."

Lucy shook her head ruefully. "I am glad I get to share out all of these tasks usually!"

"You're doing most wonderfully, Your Majesty." Alissa said loyally.

"Thank you for your kind words, but—" Lucy found herself cut off by the sound of quick footsteps. She was surprised to see Avarro jogging down the corridor to catch up to her.

"Queen Lucy," he said, "I've been looking all over for you."

"I've been in meetings," she said apologetically. "In fact, I'm on my way to another right now. What do you need?"

His face fell. "Oh. Nothing. I just… haven't seen you in a while, that's all."

"I'm afraid my schedule really isn't my own. When Ed and Su and Peter are back I'll have more time, but for now, I'm afraid I'm swamped." He only looked more dejected. "I know!" she exclaimed. "Ride with me down to my meeting at Glasswater Creek tomorrow. I'll be busy during the meeting itself, of course, but perhaps we can talk on the ride down somewhat."

He perked up. "Really?"

"Of course."

"Wonderful. I'll see you tomorrow then."

He left, evidently in a much better mood.

"Easily dejected and easily satisfied, that one," Alissa said, tilting her head. "Are all human boys so strange?"

Lucy shrugged. "I believe they're not generally that… sensitive," she said. "But then, everyone's different, I suppose. Now, I have a meeting with the cooks…?"

The rest of her appointments flew by, and soon it was time for dinner. Lucy came in to the small banqueting hall, far less grand than the Great Hall, and perfect for hosting just a couple dozen people. Or, as was the case tonight, fifteen humans, two Centaurs, three Dryads, a Faun, and a Bear. There were the twelve Archenlanders, Lucy herself, Lord Peridan and his wife, and their young son, who looked around the hall with wide eyes.

General Orieus was dining with them, at Lucy's request, so that Greyrock, the Chief Librarian, was not the only Centaur present. But this way Lucy could introduce Marc to Greyrock in a casual setting. The Dryads were some of Susan's ladies-in-waiting, whom Lucy wanted to meet the Archenland ladies and assess their possible skills; Mr Tumnus was the Faun, and the Bear was a not-obvious guard, at General Orieus' insistence.

Lucy was pleased to see everyone walking around and talking with one another when she came in, and she was just greeting Orieus ironically, as this was approximately the fourth time today she'd seen him, when Lady Melanta came up, towing a younger man a couple of years older than Lucy.

"Your Majesty, please let me introduce my cousin, Lord Rorin," Melanta said, as Lucy turned toward her. "We did eventually find him."

"I am very pleased to meet you, Lord Rorin," Lucy replied.

The young man swept a perfect bow, leaning over Lucy's hand. "Your Majesty, I assure you, the pleasure is all mine." Still bowing, he turned his face up to hers and smiled. Lucy had never before really comprehended the phrase "took your breath away," but she thought she was getting an inkling now, as the undeniably handsome young man turned his intense blue-green eyes toward her. Waves of chestnut hair fell from a high brow, and a white smile split his lightly tanned face.

"I've heard such wonderful things about Cair Paravel, and Narnia, and all." His smile widened and became warmer. "Although," he continued as he straightened up, "I cannot believe no one ever specifically mentioned how lovely Narnia's younger Queen is."

Lucy smiled, willing to be charmed. "How kind of you to say. Lord Rorin, allow me to welcome you to Narnia, and I hope you will find yourself at home here soon."

"I feel like I'm settling in already," he murmured, and seemed to forget to move until Lady Melanta poked him.

"Go, find a seat, so the Queen can sit; if the Queen can't sit, none of us can eat."

Shaken loose from her bemusement, Lucy laughed and nodded, and waved everyone to take their places. She had to admit, she felt a slight thrill when Rorin turned back to look at her twice. Usually it was Susan who got the second and third looks. It was a pleasant change.

Somehow when the desserts had been brought out, and the music started, Rorin ended up sitting next to General Orieus, who was sitting next to Lucy. They all three ended up in an animated discussion of the relative merits of the various forms of unarmed combat, and during the conversation it transpired that Rorin's old master had taught him several tricks new even to the well-rounded Orieus. The Centaur immediately insisted Rorin come to the next morning's arms practice and show them some of the moves he was describing.

From the sidelong look she was getting from the general, Lucy rather thought Orieus was intending to add these moves to Lucy's arsenal of tricks.

It seemed a favorite pastime of his, since of the Four, Lucy was the most likely to be both away from the Cair, and the least guarded (she refused to take guards with her when visiting schools or going walking on the beach, for example). And perhaps one of these moves would be suitable for a quandary they hadn't yet solved: How Lucy could best defend herself while wearing full Court gowns, which allowed very little in the way of armament or weapons. (Though if she were at a Court event, Lucy couldn't fathom anyone wishing to harm her. Which was exactly why Orieus was concerned. They often bounced his pessimism and her optimism off of one another.)

All in all, Lucy went to sleep that night confident it was a day's work well done.

So there's Chapter 5. Kindly let me know what you think! Review review review (please)!