Golden Narnia

Chapter 6: Training

The next morning on the training grounds, Lucy had to muffle a laugh. She wore her usual beaten-up clothes, armor, and mail that she trained in, and her hair was braided and pinned and covered with a cap. No one else who'd been training with her gave her a second glance, but Lord Rorin had looked faintly taken aback when he realized the 'boy' he'd been looking at was really she.

She commented on it in a light tone. "Lord Rorin, you look somewhat scandalized." She was expecting him to pooh-pooh a girl learning weapons-work, and instead got a pleasant surprise.

"Queen Lucy, I apologize for staring," he said. "I am being stupid. From our conversation last night, it was obvious you had experiential knowledge of combat, and not just book-learning. I simply was not expecting you to be… er, disguised, and so did not pay you the proper deference when I saw you. I was scandalized at my own obtuseness and lack of gentility."

"The Queen has found that if she is not obviously the queen, or even a female, her practice bouts tend to be more useful," Orieus said. "Otherwise her opponents tend to hold back. Her royal brothers still do."

"They've seen me running about in odd clothing and wild braids all my life," Lucy replied. "For them, they can't forget I'm their sister. They do their best."

"If they truly did their best, they'd fight you properly," Orieus said. "But they have gotten better," he allowed. "Now, Lord Rorin. Show us some of these tricks your old master imparted to you."

"It's less combat, and more wrestling," Rorin answered. "The goal being to get your opponent on the ground long enough you can get away if you need to."

He started describing some of the moves, and both Orieus and Lucy looked intrigued. "So, if you got your opponent's arm sort of like this…" Lucy said, reaching up and taking hold of Rorin's arm.

He nodded. "Yes, then provided you push here and here, he can't move without overextending his elbow."

"But if your opponent moves his arm like that, and bends here, he can get out," Orieus said, pointing.

"Right! But that's why you…"

The discussion continued until finally Orieus declared, "Enough talk. Let us go through these movements, slowly."

They started to work through them together, stepping through the motions, and after a while, Lucy started to catch on. She ignored the curious looks from the others training in the yard.

"But wait," she said, on a slight gasp as Rorin levered her elbow out and level with her ear. "What if I—" She shrugged down a shoulder and twisted, and in a moment was free.

Rorin's shoulders sagged. "I know. That's as much as my master taught me before he passed away. He said there was a way to adjust the grip so your opponent was only able to move in one direction. If he didn't, his air would slowly be cut off, and he would fall unconscious. But since moving in that one direction hurt, most opponents would fall unconscious before getting free. Then you could run, or tie him up, or whatever you needed to do, when he was out cold."

Orieus stroked his chin. "It is intriguing. We shall continue working on it; as it is, several of those moves could be converted into combat moves to incapacitate a potential enemy, Queen Lucy, so we will work on that, as well. Now, kindly go get your practice knives." Lucy nodded and headed off.

Orieus turned to the would-be squire. "Lord Rorin, what weapons expertise have you?"

"I don't know about expertise, General Orieus," Rorin said. "But my master was teaching me sword work and archery and staff work."

Orieus nodded. "A sound foundation for the martial arts."

"Erm…"

"You have a question?"

"The Queen Lucy fights with knives?"

"She doesn't yet. She will, if I have anything to say about it," Orieus said. "By her will we are training her in sword work, and she is now getting to be almost a good an archer as the Queen Susan. But as a sword is not nearly so ready to hand as a knife, to a Queen, she and I are working on knife fighting skills as well."

"That seems… very practical." Rorin frowned.

"Queen Lucy is generally quite lighthearted, but despite this, and despite her youth, she can be very practical," Orieus said. "Just as all of the Monarchs have many facets. If you stay here long enough, you will come to know their varying sides."

Rorin smiled. "Even in just a few days, I've met so many wonderful people here. The Narnian Court is just so… so happy."

Orieus' eyes warmed. "It is a joyous place, Aslan be praised. Now, to work." He trotted over to the side of the yard and retrieved his own practice sword. "Lord Rorin, be on your guard. Let's see what your old master has taught you."

More than an hour later, Rorin was toweling sweat from his face and marveling at the Centaur's stamina.

He'd just had a workout like he hadn't had in years, and the Centaur had simply told him to cool down, and trotted over to a knot of Guardsmen working through drills. Lucy had left a while earlier, beckoned away by some palace flunky or other. Rorin found it interesting she'd got permission from Orieus to leave the drill grounds before she left. She really did take this training seriously.

He passed through the doorway back into Cair Paravel, heading towards the rooms he'd been given, intent on a wash and a change.

He nearly bowled over Queen Lucy, who managed to not look at all like she'd spent the past ninety minutes running around fighting a Centaur and other humans.

He was going so quickly he almost knocked her down, and had to grab her shoulders quickly to keep her on her feet. His face went pink with embarrassment as he blushed and bowed. "My apologies, Queen Lucy, I didn't see you there."

"It's no matter," Lucy replied cheerfully. "I'm still pretty short, so a lot of people don't always see me. I was coming to find you, actually."

"Me?"

"Yes. I have business down at Glasswater Creek today, and some people and I are riding down. Would you care to accompany us?"

"Certainly!" It was a great honor, to be asked to accompany a member of the Royal Family somewhere. At least, in Archenland it was. Perhaps here it was different? Regardless he found himself really liking Queen Lucy, and welcomed the opportunity to learn more about her, and by extension, this happy land of Narnia.

Her smile brightened the hallway. "Wonderful, I was hoping you'd say yes. We'll meet outside the south gate in thirty minutes. I'll see you there."

"Of course," he bowed, and as soon as she was gone, made double time back to his rooms. He didn't want to be late.

When they all convened on the south lawn, Rorin was interested to see the mixture of people going. There was Queen Lucy, of course, and a sandy-haired young man standing close by her.

The Faun who'd quietly welcomed the Archenlander party to Cair Paravel the night they'd arrived was there, going over something on a paper, and there were two others who he thought were Dryads, from their height and the faint suggestion of wispiness about them. They were looking over the horses that had been led out of the stables (all dumb beasts, of course; as an Archenlander, Rorin knew what an affront it would be to suggest riding a Talking Horse). At Lucy's feet, between her and the sandy-haired young man, lay a midnight-dark panther.

When Lucy saw him coming, she smiled and waved him over. "Lord Rorin, hello!" Keeping an eye on the panther, Rorin approached cautiously.

She introduced him around—the Faun wasn't going; the others were. When he was introduced to young "Avarro, of the Telmarine court," Rorin was surprised at the annoyance in the young man's face, as though being introduced were an affront. Rorin wasn't quite sure how to handle this, so he decided to ignore it for the moment.

"And this is my personal guard, Tawi," Lucy said, and the panther stood, giving him a long look.

Rorin swallowed, throat suddenly dry as the Cat padded toward him. She seemed much, much larger than when she was lying down. And then she spoke, her voice rasping out past glinting fangs.

"Of your kindness, do not move for a moment, Lord Rorin," she said, and circled him, drawing in a long breath as she did. When she'd completed circling him twice, she sat back at Lucy's feet, and looked up at her. "All right, Your Majesty. We can go now. I have everyone's scents."

"Scents, milady?" Rorin asked curiously, pushing down his nerves.

The panther gave him an approving look and bared her teeth in a feline grin. "If anything should happen to Her Majesty, I will know who was with her. I will also be able to track her, if somehow she is taken away."

"Ah. I see." Rorin said, and cast a speculative look at Lucy. It just seemed so… strange to think of anyone wanting to harm her. She was short, young, and fresh-faced, and didn't look like someone who would invite any harm. But, he reminded himself, young or not, she was a Queen.

There was a call from someone nearby, and people started checking girths and bridles in preparation for leaving. They mounted up and started moving down the path. Though he was certain Tawi, the panther, could kill him when he was in the saddle nearly as easily as when he was on the ground, somehow the extra height of being on horseback made his fear subside significantly.

Lucy was still close enough to continue their conversation. "Queen Lucy, allow me to say that I sincerely hope the extra caution is unnecessary," Rorin said, nodding toward the panther who padded beside her horse.

Lucy grimaced a little. "Generally it isn't, but our captain of the guard insists. Especially as I am the only one of the Four in Cair Paravel at present."

"I suppose a little caution never hurt," Rorin replied, then brightened as a thought struck him. "Perhaps I can offer service to Narnia in the guard, if there are positions available."

"Oh, don't worry about finding a position so soon," Lucy replied. "Get to know Narnia a little first. Where you fit in might just surprise you."

Rorin turned to include Avarro in the conversation. The young man had an unpleasant expression on his face and was slouched in his saddle on the other side of Lucy. Rorin ignored his look and commented, "That's likely true. You've been here for a while, Avarro, what do you think?"

"What does it matter what I think? No one cares," Avarro replied, glaring at him.

Lucy shot Rorin an apologetic look and reined her horse over near Avarro's. "Avarro," she said, in a quieter tone. "What is the matter? You're not usually rude."

He reddened slightly. "My uncle doesn't want me back home. I don't belong anywhere," he said.

"You're welcome at Cair Paravel, surely you know that," she replied.

"Am I? You've got a new friend to talk to now," he said, nodding at Lord Rorin. "I thought you and I were going to get to spend some time together today."

She gave him an exasperated look. "I can have more than one friend, you know. And Lord Rorin is only a little older than you, and he's quite nice. If you'd give him half a chance, I'd bet you two would get on pretty well."

He snorted.

"Well, let me know when you're through with your snit," she said, a little sharply. "I don't know what's got into you, but when you're over it, then you may speak to me." She kicked her horse into a faster gait and rode ahead, spine straight. She waved Rorin to keep up with her as she passed him, who dutifully obeyed, studiously looking away from Avarro's reddening face.

Only Tawi, glancing back, saw the expression on his face before he quickly assumed a stonier countenance. Avarro didn't look embarrassed, or chastened. He looked furious.

The group made it to Glasswater Creek without incident. They all dismounted in a little glade near the flowing water's edge and stretched after the long ride. Lucy glanced at Avarro's still-dark face, rolled her eyes a little, and knelt to look at the plans Lilygloves had made ready for her to review.

Tawi settled down nearby and began cleaning her paws of dust, keeping a watchful eye on the young Queen.

Rorin stayed near his horse, uncertain what he should be doing. He was here at the Queen's request, but she was quite obviously occupied in a discussion with a Mole, who was gesturing around them excitedly. Evidently the excitement was contagious, as Queen Lucy's gestures also became animated, and a becoming flush warmed her cheeks.

He found himself gazing at her, wondering how it was always Queen Susan whose beauty was spoken of, when Queen Lucy was so pretty. True, she was young, but he could see her growing into a lovely woman. She exuded life and happiness with every shake of her head.

"Who are you, anyway?" A somewhat rough voice shook him out of his reverie, and he turned to see the Avarro standing sullenly to the side. Evidently his boredom was such that he now deigned to speak to others.

While he'd love to ignore the rudely-put question, especially after how petulantly the other young man had behaved on the ride down, his knightly training rose to the fore and reminded Rorin that the better part of valor was to treat those who disdained you with politeness whenever possible.

"I'm Lord Rorin of the house Namh, of Archenland." He said politely. "There are a party of Archenlanders spending some time at the Narnian Court. I am one of their number."

"Oh. Archenland." The sandy-haired stripling didn't seem to know what to do with that information.

Rorin prompted him. "And you are...?"

"I'm Avarro, from Telmar. I'm here at the request of the royal family."

Rorin ignored the arrogant tone. "And what do you do, here in Narnia?"

"Oh—I—well." He seemed to fumble for words. "I, er, study. And learn." Abruptly he asked, "What are you doing here, anyway?"

"I just said, our group from—"

"No, not 'here in Narnia.' Here." He gestured around them.

"Her Majesty asked if I'd like to come; I 's all."

"But—but when did she ask you?" Avarro sputtered. "You just got here!"

"Why, this morning, after—"

"This morning? But she… Never mind." The sulky look came back over his face. "I suppose she had to. Since you're new."

"Her Majesty may do as she wishes; I cannot possibly comment on her feelings behind any of her actions, but I believe her invitation to me was a warm and friendly one. Not one of obligation," Rorin said stiffly, inclined his head shortly, and walked away before he did something he'd regret.

Like punch one who was evidently some sort of favorite of the Queen between his squinting, suspicious eyes.

Rorin found himself standing near Tawi. "I don't think I like that Avarro fellow much," he said. He hadn't realized he'd spoken aloud until she replied to him.

The sleek black head turned to look up at him. "Then I believe you have a good sense of people, Son of Adam," the panther rasped. "I have never liked his scent. Why the Queen puts up with his tantrums…" her sides heaved in a sigh. "But that is more than I should say."

"I understand you perfectly, madame Tawi. I really do," he answered, watching Avarro glare and sulk where he'd left him.

On the ride back, Lucy took pains to speak with Avarro for a time, which seemed to mollify the angry young man a great deal. Rorin rode a distance behind them, watching. Avarro seemed to be wheedling for something, more like a six year old than a sixteen year old, but Lucy was shaking her head to whatever it was. Rorin couldn't hear them. Eventually she heaved a sigh and a weary laugh and waved her hand. "Fine. Fine. But that's all, Avarro. I'm very busy."

Avarro fell back then, an undeniable smirk crossing his face.

Rorin considered a moment, then moved his horse along the column to Lucy. As he did, he heard a low-toned growl of words from the panther, which he couldn't make out. As he neared Lucy, he heard her reply: "It's just a visit to the local school. I'm sure it will be fine."

"I do not like him as your escort," and now there was a hint of a snarl. "Please, take someone else."

"I can't," Lucy said, sounding irritated. "I've promised."

"It was a foolish promise to make, then," the panther replied, and Rorin's eyebrows rose. He'd noticed that the Narnian court did seem a trifle less formal than Archenland's, but that reply was really rather over the line.

Evidently, Queen Lucy agreed, for she replied sharply. "Tawi, stop it. I've made my decision."

There was a slight growl from the panther, but she subsided.

By this time Rorin's horse had caught up to Queen Lucy's. He noticed the color was high in her face. Wisely he decided to say nothing about the argument he'd overheard (it was none of his affair, after all), and instead said pleasantly, "Do you have to go visit all new ventures like the planning of that citrus grove, then?"

She looked over in him in surprise and smiled. It looked a little strained. "No, only those that involve other countries, or those being funded by the treasury. Or if the proposed change might cause problems, like when a Badger sett wanted to put their home under a roadway, which would have caused both to collapse. Mostly we try to encourage people to work things out for themselves, when we can. Otherwise it comes to our hearings, and it is rare that any one person is totally satisfied with our judgements there."

"Which likely means you are arriving at really fair decisions," Rorin pointed out, and she laughed, the rest of the irritation fading from her face.

"By Aslan's grace, I hope that is true."

"So what else does a Queen of Narnia have to do with her time, besides discuss grove planning and render judgements?" He asked, settling into his saddle comfortably. The wood they rode through had a pleasant mix of sun and shade, and while he could see the shining walls of Cair Paravel rising in the middle distance, they'd still be riding for a while.

"Oh, later there's another State meeting with the Ettins."

"The Ettins? I thought it was all Giants up there."

"It's mostly Giants—the chief family right now are related to the Buffins, rather nice sorts of Giants—but there are Men there, too. It is a party of Humans who are here."

"What under the sun could bring them to Narnia? I'd always heard they were rather insular."

Lucy pursed her lips. "Minerals. They need some for building materials, as the Giants rather take up most of the available resources on Ettinsmoor, but they are being positively—well. It's a bit frustrating," she said, speaking carefully, "to try to help people who refuse to give any way themselves. But that is my problem to deal with. Have you any plans for the rest of your day?"

"None yet. Do you have any suggestions?" Rorin asked, hopeful she would invite him to spend more time with her.

It was just so refreshing to be around a ruler who was happy most of the time. Even if that ruler was very young. But then, she was only a year or so younger than he himself...

"Have you visited the library yet? It's nearly my favorite place to go when I have nothing planned. Lately, that's rare," she rolled her eyes a little, but smiled. "But you should go, and see what you can discover."

Rorin smiled back at her. "I will, and I'll let you know what I find."

"I look forward to hearing about it," Lucy said, and shortly afterward, they all arrived back at the Cair.

Rorin gamely headed to the library, satisfied that at least he'd lifted Lucy's mood a little. Though he really hadn't a good idea what had caused her mood to darken in the first place. Despite only being here a few days, he sensed that dark moods were not typically part of her makeup. And he had no wish for the court of Narnia to become half so grim as that of Archenland.

So there's the next bit. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU to the folks who reviewed! It truly, really means a lot and I appreciate the time taken.