Chapter 14: The First Feast
It was Susan who broke the silence first. "I thought all the Moltenores were dead?" she asked.
"All except the ones standing before you now," replied Maraidia. The man next to her cleared his throat. "Allow me to introduce my father, Lord Darius Moltenore, and my grandmother, Her Grace Dulcinea Moltenore." They nodded their heads in introduction.
"It's an honor to meet you, Your Highness," said Peter, with a bow. Susan and Lucy began to follow in curtsies.
"Lady Queen." Maraidia sharply held up her hand. "The proper address for the High Queen of Narnia is 'Lady Queen'. Though I didn't expect you to know that information, being that you are not from here…" The siblings all flushed red and looked at their feet. "However," she continued with the ghost of a smile. "'Your Majesty' is also frequently used and as such is acceptable."
"But I don't understand," Lucy began "How-?"
"I'm sure you all have many questions," Aslan interrupted. "And they will be answered in time. Until then, Dulcinea, will you please escort Susan and Lucy to their tent?" The old woman nodded and ushered the girls out. "And Darius, would you go with Peter?" asked Aslan again. Darius nodded stoically and took Peter with him. When they were gone, Aslan turned to Maraidia.
"My daughter, surely you understand by now that they are here to help you liberate Narnia and preside over the land with you?"
"I do," Maraidia said shamefully as she hung her head. "I'm sorry, Aslan. But I've worked so hard over the past few days to prove to you that I can indeed rule on my own."
"I have seen your leadership blossom wonderfully, Maraidia," Aslan smiled. "And I am very proud of you." She looked up to see him smiling at her. "But I need you to consider what more I ask of you. Give them a chance to prove themselves to you, as I gave you a chance to prove yourself to me." Maraidia grit her teeth but managed to clamp down on her anger.
"Yes, Aslan, I will try."
"Try to accept them, just as I have accepted you, if you wish to bring about the everlasting peace to Narnia." Maraidia said nothing this time, but simply nodded her head. "Now I believe it is time for the feast. Would you accompany me?" This time, Maraidia smiled.
"I would be honored Aslan."
The early evening could not have been more perfect. It was deliciously warm with plenty of golden sunshine blanketing everything in its glow. The breeze flurried through the trees, carrying with it the new smell of spring. Though Maraidia scarcely had to hunger throughout her life, never before had she felt so excited to eat than she had for this first feast. She sat at Aslan's right paw in honor, her father and grandmother on her right. To Aslan's left was Peter, followed by Susan and Lucy. Filling up the rest of the table were esteemed high-ranking officers of the Army of Aslan and some of the fantastical races as well, such as Oreius. They, too, had wide eyes like the Pevensies as the platters of food were served to them. Never before had they seen such an ostentatious yet incredible display of a feast. There was roast pheasant and duck and venison with accompanying sauces, mounds of mashed potatoes with butter, herbs, and cream. There was steamed fish, hearty soup, and a glorious display of roasted, crisp vegetables, even a great wheel of cheese that was melted and sliced to each person's liking. It was almost a wonder that conversation happened at the meal at all.
"Tell me, my children," Aslan said. "What do you think of Narnia?" Maraidia paused with her fork of pheasant halfway to her mouth. She leaned forward in her seat to see what the Pevensies would say.
"It truly is a beautiful country, sir," Peter said. "We've never been to a place like it before. Everywhere we've been and everything that we've seen has been more incredible than the last."
"I loved walking through the forest just before we came here!" Lucy added.
"And this camp is truly remarkable!" said Susan.
"It's all splendid," said Peter again. Susan and Lucy nodded in agreement. Maraidia chewed her food carefully as Peter's words washed over her. It was a double edged sword. She was happy that they liked Narnia a good deal, but it also worried her. For you see, she was hoping for them to become so homesick after having been in Narnia for a while, that they would return to their world and stay there for good.
Aslan asked them several more questions, some aimed at one sibling in particular, some open ended for all of them to answer. However, no matter what their responses were, Aslan seemed pleased with all of them. He even dared to ask them what they thought of ruling and of the prophecy. "Well, to that," Peter began. "It certainly wasn't what we had in mind was going to happen when we arrived here, of course, Aslan. But if it is our destiny to do so, then we will certainly try our best." Susan and Lucy nodded as well. Then, Peter turned to Maraidia. "And if I can say, Your Hi- I mean, Lady Queen, it will be a great honor to rule with you." Maraidia was not expecting that. But she smiled tightly and nodded curtly to Peter from across the table. The rest of the meal went on without much more talking. But it was when they were just finishing dessert (which was Maraidia's favorite chocolate cake), did there come a disturbance. A satyr captain ran up to the table.
"I'm so sorry to disturb you, Great Aslan," she said out of breath. "Lady Queen, Lord Moltenore, your spies have returned." Maraidia and her father shared a quick glance at each other then looked at Aslan. He gave them a nod to rise from the table. They both did and scrambled up from the table.
"Maraidia," Aslan said just as she rose. "I want you to take Peter with you." This surprised the both of them. Peter locked eyes with Maraidia and sheepishly rose to his feet.
"Yes, Aslan," Maraidia replied, barely containing her irritation. She spun on her heel and the two of them followed her father to where the three spies awaited them. They had sent out Chalsarda the elf, a griffin named Aeolus, and a mole named Pebblecloak. The mission they were assigned was to find the White Witch's camp and bring a report back on what kind it was. They all bowed as they saw them approach. Peter stood awkwardly towards the side.
"Well, state your report," said Darius. "What is the Witch's army like?"
"Massive, my Lord!" Aeolus. "I was able to get a good view from above. She has more followers than we had previously thought." Darius pinched his nose.
"What's their strategy?"
"From what I was able to learn from spying on her officers they don't have one," shrugged Chalsarda. "All she seems to be focused on is to just destroy us."
"I kept myself burrowed in the ground so as to overhear any secrets," Pebblecloak said. "They all think that we do not have the stomach to fight. They believe that we will surrender as soon as we see their forces."
"That is where her mistake will be," Maraidia said. "We can do all things, even winning this war, as long as Aslan is with us. They think we are weak, but they will see that we are ten times stronger than her strongest soldiers."
"Thank you for your report," Darius said. "You are dismissed. Go enjoy the leftovers from the feast." The three spies bowed before them again and then headed towards the field. Darius turned towards Maraidia. "I might not like the idea of you fighting in a war, but I cannot protect you as I have any longer. You will have to fight many more battles than this. It only makes sense for you to help me plan our strategy."
"You mean it, Father?" Maraidia asked, dumbstruck.
"I do," Darius replied. "Now come." He walked off towards their tent, Maraidia following him.
"May I come too, Lady Queen?" Peter piped up. For a moment, Maraidia forgot that he was there. Just as she was about to refuse him, she remembered what Aslan had said and once again bit down on the snap that was going to arise from her mouth.
"If you must," she seethed. And together they joined Darius in the tent. He had a map rolled out on a table and several figurines scattered about on it.
"Now, we must develop a strategy that will allow us to win this fight while losing the least amount of troops possible." Darius began.
"Can't we try to surround them?" Maraidia suggested. She moved the figures to illustrate her idea.. "Attack from all sides."
"We would have to take them by surprise in order to do that. And nothing surprises Jadis."
"We could try to attack her camp? They certainly wouldn't expect us to do that."
"That's something they would try," Darius replied. "We needn't stoop to her level. We have honor." They discussed several more potential plans for the next hour or so. Peter had tried to offer suggestions of his own but was shot down by Maraidia every time. The more he tried the more angry she became.
"What if we split the army into two sections?" Maraidia finally said. "And the second portion is used as a reserve. When the first wave falls back on my command, the second one joins in. There's a good chance that the sudden additions will overwhelm Jadis's troops." Darius smiled at her.
"Yes," he said. "That might actually work!" Maraidia paused for just a moment to smile back at her father. Now Peter saw his chance.
"There's a war going on where I'm from, you know," he said. "My father's fighting in it."
"Then why don't you just go back there and join him?" Maraidia sneered. "Make life easier for all of us."
"Maraidia…" Darius warned. But at that moment she did not hear him.
"I'm only trying to help," Peter said quietly. "I have some ideas, too."
"You have no business trying to help!" Maraidia snapped. "This is not your world, you are not from here! I have been training for this my entire life! This is my destiny and mine alone! These are my people and my country to protect! Not yours!"
"But what about the prophecy?" Peter answered back.
"The prophecy only states that all five thrones in Cair Paravel must be filled with two Sons of Adam, two Daughters of Eve, and myself as the one true Queen. That's all you're good for. It says nothing about any of you fighting in the name of Narnia."
"But I want to fight!" Peter raised his voice. "I want to help protect this country! And if you would stop being so stubborn and selfish to listen to me we might actually be able to work together!" Maraidia paused and glared at Peter, her nostrils flaring and face rose red. He stared right back at her, equally as angry.
"I would rather live through another hundred years of winter than ever work with any of you!" she spat. Then she swiftly left the tent and ran out of the camp. She did not stop running until she had reached the small stream in the nearby woods. It had quickly become a favorite place of hers. The sunlight poked through the trees and danced along the surface of the water. It was magical and calming to look at. To relax her mind, she gathered some small wildflowers, clover and grass and fashioned a small crown for herself and wove some through her hair. She had been out for about an hour when soft footsteps approached her. She looked up and was surprised to see Susan and Lucy.
"Are you alright, Your Majesty?" Lucy asked in a small voice. "We saw you run out of the camp. You looked upset."
"I'm fine, thank you," said Maraidia, still rather hotly. She picked up a small stone and angrily threw it into the stream. When she did not say anything more, the sisters took a seat on either side of her. Maraidia drew her knees up to her chest and rested her head on them.
"How are you feeling?" Lucy asked. "With all that's going on?"
"I beg your pardon?" Maraidia replied.
"Well," Susan fidgeted, trying to choose her next words carefully. "You're so young, and expected to lead an army into war. It must be a lot on your shoulders." Maraidia looked up, surprised. No one since the entire journey began, not even her father, had asked how she felt about everything. She was truly dumbstruck, not quite knowing how to respond.
"I find it difficult to keep up hope as of late," she said. "I know that with Aslan on our side we have nothing to fear. However not everyone believes that. Not everyone believes in me."
"Whatever do you mean?" Lucy gasped. "It seems like everyone here respects you."
"I wish I could have the comfort of that thought," Maraidia said. "I can scarcely do anything without my father's permission. Can you imagine? I'm supposed to rule the kingdom, yet how can I when he insists on being the ruler of me? The rest of my family only support me because it helps them better in Aslan's sight. If only I had my magic. Then this whole ordeal would be easier."
"Magic?!" Susan exclaimed. "You can do magic?!"
"Not without the Jewel of Everlasting Light."
"What's the Jewel of Everlasting Light?" asked Lucy.
"Does it matter?" Maraidia snapped, tossing another rock into the river with a violent splash. "I don't have it, so it may as well be useless."
"We could help you get it," Lucy said in a small voice. This flared up Maraidia's cooled temper again. Of course Lucy had to use the word 'help'.
"Why do you all insist on helping me?" she seethed. "Can't you see I do not want your help?"
"Aslan brought us here for a reason, Lady Queen," Susan said. "We're supposed to help you."
Maraidia scoffed. "This is not a simple squabble to settle. This is not a diplomatic ordeal. This is war, which warriors have to fight in. Tell me, what exactly have you done since you've arrived here to actually help Narnia? You come to a land you have no knowledge of and think you have a right to any of it?!" Susan and Lucy stared at her open-mouthed. "You do not belong here. None of you do!"
"But the Prophecy-," Lucy began in a small voice.
"Yes, yes, the Prophecy," Maraidia interrupted. "How everyone so loves to remind me of that. But nothing will stop me from removing you from this country as soon as it is fulfilled!" This took the sisters aback. Lucy's eyes welled up with tears. This threatened to tug at Maraidia's heartstrings, but her anger quickly overcame that. She turned her back on Susan and Lucy.
"Come, Lu," Susan whispered. "Let's leave Her Majesty alone." Then, Maraidia heard them rise and leave the clearing. Finally, she felt as if she could breathe. It was almost sunset when another set of footsteps sounded in her ears. They were heavy and padded. She would know them anywhere.
"I knew I would find you here," said the voice of Aslan. Maraidia did not respond. She felt Aslan lie down on the grass beside her.
"Is my father looking for me?" she finally asked.
"Not yet," Aslan replied. "He is training Peter." Peter. Just hearing the name made her want to throw herself into the river.
"I see," she said simply. A few moments passed by before Aslan spoke again.
"I am disappointed in you, Maraidia." he said. Maraidia snapped her head up to look at him, but Aslan was staring ahead, not meeting her eyes. This time it was her that felt tears spring to life. She immediately felt guilty.
"That does not surprise me," she murmured. She tried to make herself small. "I have not behaved much like a Queen today have I?"
"No, you certainly have not." Aslan replied. "Even worse, you threatened to disobey my commands. Those that I gave to prosper you, not hinder you."
"I don't know what to say for myself, Aslan," Maraidia mumbled. "I'm sorry." Aslan did not respond. Instead he stood.
"Take hold of my mane, Maraidia," he said. "I wish to show you something."
"What is it?" Maraidia asked as he stood and grasped Aslan's glorious mane. It felt like silk in her hand. He did not answer her, but instead exhaled a deep breath. Suddenly, the forest and sunlight around them faded and disappeared. They were replaced with marble walls, portraits and high, open windows. Maraidia walked to one of the open windows, where the sun was just starting to set behind the ocean. "Where are we?" she asked.
"A place when pride destroyed Narnia," Aslan replied gravely. Just then, several servants rounded the corner of the hall where Maraidia and Aslan were standing. Maraidia moved to get out of their busy way, but was shocked when one of them went right through her! "These are the shadows of things that have been," Aslan said once more. "They have no consciousness of us." Maraidia was about to respond when two women came around the corner that the servants passed by, one following the other. They were dressed resplendently, one in a gown of violet with a high collar, the other in a gown of pink with white gloves. They both wore glittering jewels and crowns. Maraidia thought the younger one looked suspiciously like her grandmother, only with deep black hair.
"Would it trouble you so to just listen to me?" the younger one said.
"I see no reason why I should," the other woman replied. "If I've told you once I have told you many a time. There is hardly an excuse for you to be concerned."
"Who are they, Aslan?" Maraidia whispered as the two women carried on their conversation. Aslan did not reply. He stared ahead, watching the scene unfold.
"You have fallen from the knowledge that Aslan truly is King here," the younger one said, pointing an accusing finger at the other woman. "You trust more in yourself than in he. This will be your demise unless you would just listen!"
"This trivial discussion will cease here and now!" said the older woman, raising her voice. She went to continue down the hall, but was stopped by the Lady in pink placing her hand on her shoulder.
"Ynacia," she said gently. "I may not get you to heed my warnings, this is becoming clear. But if you value your crown, the kingdom, and the family, then I implore you to wear the Jewel again."
"Ynacia?" Maraidia gasped as the women continued. "So this is Cair Paravel isn't it? In the past."
"Indeed." Aslan nodded.
"You had better take my words to heart, sister. Lest you be the foolish one." said the woman that Maraidia now knew was her great-grandmother Etheraya. Another attendant rounded the corner opposite the two sisters and called Queen Ynacia away. Maraidia followed Aslan in her direction. She paused for a moment to take a look at her great-grandmother's face. She did not see very much of herself in her, though she wished she could. She and Aslan followed Ynacia to the splendid throne room. There were the Five Thrones of Legend. Ynacia walked up the Middle Throne, the seat of the High Queen, and sat. Maraidia and Aslan stood to the side. And they waited. Maraidia was just about to ask what was going to happen before the question was answered for her. The heavy gold doors to the throne room were flung open, and in walked a woman taller than any Maraidia had seen. She had coiled blonde hair, piercing blue eyes, and was wearing a white gown with a fur mantle. In her right hand was a staff that looked like an icicle. She was accompanied by wolves.
"Jadis!" Maraidia cried. She had never seen the White Witch, but there was no mistaking that it was she. "This is the day she took over Narnia, isn't it?" Aslan simply nodded once more. Maraidia could do nothing but watch as Jadis advanced towards Ynacia, turning the room to ice and snow in her wake. She reached her at her throne, took her wand and stabbed the Queen in her abdomen. She pulled it away and blood stained the dark fabric of Ynacia's gown as well as Jadis's hands and wand. Maraidia put her hands to her mouth in shock. So this was how it happened. This was how Narnia fell. Maraidia approached Ynacia and sank to her knees as she watched her great-grand aunt slowly die. The shame and realization she herself felt took her over. She covered her face with her hands and began to weep. The sounds in the castle of female screams, of every woman that was in her family being killed, save for Etheraya, accompanied her sobs. She looked up for just a moment to watch the frosted walls and floors turn to solid ice. Snowflakes fell. Maraidia locked eyes with Aslan and was about to speak, when a voice cut through the quiet.
"Ynacia, no!" It was Etheraya. She slid along the iced floor to her sister, gathering her in her arms. They were whispering to each other. Maraidia crawled closer to hear them better.
"I should have listened to you," Ynacia gasped.
"I go get the Jewel," said Etheraya. "I'll place it round your neck and you can heal yourself…"
"Tis too late," Ynacia replied. "Get the jewel and get out of here. Have children; it is the only way to save Narnia. Perhaps one of your heirs will be chosen." Maraidia clutched her now aching heart. She was the one of whom Ynacia spoke, and she was failing at living up to it. "Sister, please forgive me…" Ynacia whispered.
"There is nothing to forgive, my sister," Etheraya sobbed. After telling each other they loved one another, Ynacia gave a great heave. Her breath stilled. Her eyes closed. She was dead. Etheraya kissed both of her sister's eyelids, wiped her tears, and stood. "We will meet again in Aslan's Country, my dear sister," she said. "Farewell." Then the scene around Maraidia and Aslan faded, and they were back in the woods once more. No time seemed to have passed. Maraidia still sat on her knees, unmoving, but breathing heavily. Her mind was swirling thinking about what she had just seen. Aslan came over to her.
"I know now," Maraidia said, looking up at him. "I understand." Aslan stared at her still, not saying a word. He was waiting for her to continue. "Etheraya tried to warn Ynacia. She wanted to work together with her. But Ynacia didn't listen. It was her selfish pride that blinded her and cost her not just Narnia, but her life. Oh, Aslan, I don't want to follow that path!" Maraidia began to sob again, hands resuming to cover her face. Aslan took his paw and gently moved them away. Then he placed his paw under her chin and tilted her face up towards him.
"You have learned, my daughter," he said. Maraidia flung her arms around Aslan's mane in an embrace. He returned it by placing his paw on her back.
"Thank you, Aslan," she whispered. "You have opened my eyes." She let go of Aslan's mane and wiped her tears. "I now know what I must do."
"And I have no doubt that you will succeed," replied Aslan. Then he finally smiled at her, eyes filled with joy. Maraidia smiled back at him. Within her, she felt a sense of peace. It felt like the most wonderful thing in the world. "Come," said Aslan again. "It is getting late. Let us return to the camp." Maraidia wiped her remaining tears and rose to follow Aslan out of the woods. The sun was now almost set. Torches were illuminating the camp. As Maraidia emerged with Aslan, those who saw them bowed. But she didn't notice. She saw the Pevensie siblings, who had seemed to be in conversation beforehand, staring at them. Before she could even offer them a smile, Peter ushered them into his tent. Maraidia gave a heavy sigh of guilt. She turned to look at Aslan, who nodded at her again. Then he parted from her and took to his tent. Maraidia looked up at the sky, where the moon was glowing high and bright. She needed to rise early.