Summary

You can expect the main characters to be a mix of the well-known ones, like the Pevensies and Caspian, and new OCs. The plot starts a bit similarly to the book/movie but will heavily deviate from canon soon. The lore and the rules of the fantasy world will mostly be respected, but some changes are bound to happen. The fic will be focused mainly on character development, and additional world building. The goal is also to partially focus on the Telmarine POV, without making them look like the good guys, but also not cartoonishly evil.

The Pevensie children in this story are all four years older than in the book. That means they are the same age or younger when compared to the actors in the second movie. It is due to many reasons, such as greater space for character development, potential love interests, ability to fight, and more. So, Peter 18, Susan 17, Edmund 15, and Lucy 13. Caspian is 16, which is a major change from both the book and the movie.

* A star indicates that the word's meaning is further clarified in the notes down below.

Chapter 1 – The Calm before the Storm

Enara was usually fond of starting a new day very early, often waking up with the first rays of sun touching the window. Today, however, she overslept and wouldn't mind staying in her bed for longer, if there was the time for it. Throughout the whole night, she might have slept for four hours, maybe less. Her peace was being constantly disturbed by dreams, and by weird ones on top of that.

First about her mother, who departed this world way far too early. Then about the green and grey forests and creatures from the past that lurked there. She didn't remember much and cared even less. At least that was what she tried to tell herself. Deep down, she knew that it was a lie. While peeking at a small mirror, a slightly distraught face was looking back at her, betraying her forced mask of disinterest.

Enara promptly washed her face in the wooden washtub, cold water running down her subtle olive skin. "They were just dreams, nothing more to it," she thought while tying her dark brown hair into a braid. Enara then briefly looked into her little cabinet, where a small number of her jewelleries were stored. She never had much fondness for such accessories, but these were one of the few things from her mother she had left.

After a while, just like many times before, the jewelleries were left untouched. "I would have to take them off during the training anyway, and I don't want some rascal in the barracks to steal them," making up yet another excuse not to wear them. Instead, she put on her much more familiar chain mail and as a second layer, her prized brigandine armour, black leather jerkin studded with metal rivets. Her hands were quick with it as she was running quite late due to the irritating dreams.

When Enara finally emerged from her room, she examined a plate of food the servants had brought as breakfast, grabbing her favourite olive bread and some cheese. For an esteemed lord's family, their living room wasn't very spacious. Certainly not nearly as big as the halls in their family's castle in the Fronteras*. It didn't matter to her at all, as Enara was accustomed to sleeping in tents when her regiment was training in the wilderness.

The problem was her dear father, Lord Sopespian*. He was not at all thrilled to live in one of the smaller guest apartments of Castle of Caspian, while Miraz gave the bigger halls to lords Scythley and Valens, the letter not even being present, leading the occupation of eastern Ettinsmoor. The fact Casa* Sopespian was wealthier than both of them just added insult to the injury.

He was already sitting in the far back of the room, where he made himself a small study. Behind him, a fire was gradually going out in their large mahana*. "Good morning," muttered her father in a calm voice, as his gaze was still fixed on some no doubt important documents lying on the table. His desk looked particularly messy today, just like his morning hair.

"Going to the barracks," announced Enara as she was hastily chewing a piece of bread.

Finally, he looked at her daughter with a hint of a smile. His short beard already showed signs of grey. "Would you hand over this letter to Gregoire on your way there? I don't have to tell you not to show it to anyone else, right?"

She nodded her head immediately and took it from his hand. Sopespian briefly looked at Enara in her armour that he gave her as a gift a year ago, his eyes fairly proud but also concerned. "Is there something else," she asked, suspecting something happened.

"How long it was since you last spoke to Prince Caspian, or even saw him?" he asked. "Oh, of course it's about him," she thought. Father wanted her to get to know the prince better since childhood. He was the key to the throne after all, and also quite handsome and clever. They used to train with swords and bow together when she was fourteen and he became somewhat of a friend, but those times were gone.

Truthfully, Enara didn't even remember how long it was since she last talked to him. Either Caspian started to avoid her, or much more probably, Miraz forbade it. She had to give father some answer though.

"I saw him probably two months ago if I remember correctly," her eyes looking to the side thoughtfully.

"It would seem that the beloved Lord Protector is keeping our prince more and more away from others," her father pointed out with his typical sneer. "He scarcely allows Caspian to attend the council meetings. A dangerous thing, but we may yet profit from it," he paused for a moment.

"For now, enjoy your sparring daughter, that would be all from me today." Lord Sopespian then immediately resumed his work, not looking back at her.

Xxxxx

The barracks were located near the castle's inner gate so the defenders could quickly react to enemy attacks. It smelled like steel and sweat here. In front of the huge military building was a large training space, with various bow targets, straw men, and circles for sparring. Today, around twenty men occupied the ground, most of them exercising with pikes and crossbows in a joint formation.

Enara knew a lot of them by name, after all, she had been here almost daily since she decided for a career in the army when she was fifteen. Their shining plate armours were reflecting sunlight, and their round helmets protected most their heads. The soldiers of the Royal Army.

She quickly noticed an older man with short dark hair and a face marked by many battle scars and headed toward him. He was commanding the soldiers with pikes, ordering them what formation to do. Once the Master of arms noticed her too, he stopped with the shouting of orders and greeted her with a subtle grin that looked almost unnatural on his harsh face.

"Looks like one of my most talented students decided to grace us with her presence after all. But talent is as good as useless in real battle when you don't even show up in time for it. Why exactly are you almost an hour late for your training?" he asked.

"I am sorry Navaro, I had to hand over a letter to someone," she explained, but her mentor's expression told her he wasn't trusting her with this one. "I had overslept a bit," she added embarrassed, with her eyes fixed on the wall behind him that suddenly looked more interesting than ever.

That's when a familiar voice slowly emerging behind them rescued her from further arguments. "Glad you are here", greeted her Florien Kastelo with a bit of friendly bitterness. "I had to train all morning with recruits that barely learned how to hold a sword. I assure you En. It was not as amusing as it may sound."

Florien turned his gaze towards the Master of arms with palpable respect, probably not noticing him before in his excitement. "Although that blond lad from Beruna might hide a certain dose of talent. As for the others, I fear it will take a much longer time. Save to say I crave for a real opponent." Enara's best friend was now looking directly at her, a playful smile on his clean-shaven face.

She anxiously nodded her head but was stopped in her tracks by the old Master of arms. "First you will take ten rounds around the courtyard. Actions have consequences as I told you a hundred times. No more tardiness."

"In full armour? Can't I do it after the duel?" objected Enara.

"I do not wish to hear any more complaints, soldier", he finished. Enara gradually started running. She regarded Navaro almost as a second father, but sometimes her mentor could be indeed annoying.

Xxxxx

Once done with the running, she together with Florien both eagerly picked their training swords still inside the scabbards and headed towards the circle for sparring, like many times before.

"You are breathing rather hard after those ten rounds. Are you sure you don't need any rest before we begin?" he asked her a bit mockingly.

Wouldn't be a proper day without Flori playing the role of her non-existent older brother. He had recently turned eighteen, which made him a year older than her. Always asking her if she isn't hurt or if she doesn't need anything, sometimes as a joke, often more seriously. Even though his comments often irritated her, she kind of grew attached to them, just like to him.

This day she decided to match his comical concern with her cockiness. "Is it just me, or do I hear someone scared of another loss against a lassie?"

"Ehh, no. I don't think I have a mood for losing today. But you are always welcome to test my luck, as you call it."

They finally positioned themselves in the circle, eyes now locked on one another, smiles and little jokes gone. Sparring for the duration of three rounds was their preferred way of training. Not too short of a fight, but still not unnecessarily long. One of their rounds usually didn't last longer than a minute.

Flori, having the benefit of not having to run around the courtyard shortly before the fight, attacked first with three quick strikes flying toward her. She managed to block all of them while retreating from him. When her back was near the boundary of the circle, she unexpectedly plunged at her opponent with a swift counterattack.

To every potential onlooker, it must have been clear she was the quicker one in this fight. But Flori's defence was the strongest signature of his fighting style. He thwarted her impressive attack attempts and tried to go for the win in the form of a quick thrust. She saw the blade in time however and in a great show of talent, she was able to divert it by her sword, simultaneously hitting his chest, granting her a win.

The second round wasn't that ideal for Enara. Encouraged by her surprisingly quick victory before, she assumed the initiative and tried to destroy him with countless quick slashes and thrusts, her rope braid flying in the wind.

Flori's defence however was prepared better this time, as he managed to block every single one of her tries. In frustration, she attempted a faint followed by a strong slash from the spin, but he managed to parry her attack, although with difficulties. Her own attack forced Enara out of balance, and she tried to save herself by attempting a quick recovery cut. But it was too little too late, since her opponent already managed to stab her, and the duel was tied.

The last round was up, and both fighters were breathing heavily. Her face was covered in sweat and the braid tied in the morning haste started to disintegrate, but her sharp dark hazel eyes still watched every move Flori had made. His training sword was held firmly by his left hand. Both were now more cautious, trying to predict each other's next move. They circled around the middle, occasionally colliding their swords. Finally, they had reached the limits of their patience, which weren't high for either one, and engaged for a good half a minute.

At last, Enara managed to deflect his attack and almost got him with his defences open, but Flori managed to evade somehow and shove her with his larger body. To her credit she didn't fall, just lost her balance for a second. Unfortunately for her, it was well enough time for Flori to win the fight with a thrust.

While exhaling loudly, he put the training sword into his scabbard, his short brown hair sticky with sweat. "You.. gave me a.. a run for my money today," he stated, while his chest was moving up and down constantly. "I think it is a retribution for how you tripped my legs the last time we had trained."

"You have to teach me that defence move you pulled at the end," replied similarly exhausted Enara after a short pause.

"It's true that as far as defence goes, you could use more than one of such moves," murmured her best friend teasingly.

"I could, just like you could use more agilidad*, you slug," countered Enara, shaking her head in disbelief over his stupid jokes. "Besides your defence is good enough to suffice for both of us in a fight. I always tell you we make for a great duo."

Xxxxx

A few additional duels later, Flori needed to go, as his shift as a guardsman was about to start and he needed to clean himself up. After another two hours of training with others, Enara too departed from the barracks. She spent most of her day with her other friend Alysa, both managing to steal a big carafe of delicious red wine that was supposed to be delivered to lord Scythley in a combined effort.

This carafe later saved their lives from unimaginable boredom, when it came to their mandatory lessons, in which they both had to educate younger high-born girls. Today's lesson was about etiquette and even while slightly drunk, the time was running painfully slow.

Finally, their lesson was over, and they could both retire from the position of a teacher, at least for another two days when the next lesson would start. They chatted for quite some time in the small castle gardens under the strange tree, an old gift from some long-gone Calormene Tisroc. But the lack of sleep and no shortage of training and wine soon got to Enara. After she had almost fallen asleep on Alysa's shoulder, they both decided to part ways with laughter.

Shortly after arriving in her room, she proceeded to read her book about old Telmarine siege strategies. Enara again fell asleep sometime during reading, for what could have been two hours. After that, she decided to get some fresh air before the night came. "If I hurry a bit, I should be able to surprise Flori on the southeastern tower."

She made her way towards the outer tower of the castle. Enara traversed the staircase of the white stone tower and got approximately thirty-five meters higher from the ground. Castle Caspian was a mighty fortress from which its occupants could directly observe all directions save for the west, where greyish mountains blocked most of the view for even the most sharp-eyed defender. Not that it really mattered as the castle was practically unassailable, standing on massive rocks that were almost hundred meters tall.

Flori patrolled from the top of this tower in his full armour. On his face clear sign that he was glad to see her after a long uneventful day on the post. Being from a family of simple traders, he was used to being bored, as his parents had usually left him home when traveling to other towns. He vividly remembered their house in one of the nicer parts of the town of Caspian, that lay not far from the main gate of the King's castle. But one day when he was fourteen, his parents never came back from the Western woods, where they had planned to trade with the nearby lumber camp. That camp was found ten days later by a patrol destroyed, with all its occupants dead or lost, arrows with blue feathers in the ground everywhere.

Flori soon had little money left and after a long recruiting process, he joined the castle garrison and spent most of his time in the barracks, as he couldn't afford to pay for his parents' house. At a young age, Flori became known for his talent and discipline, even gaining recognition from General Glozelle himself. He never learned who destroyed that camp, however. But he promised himself to find out one day.

"Have you seen something suspicious?" asked Enora in a show of faked curiosity, very well knowing nothing ever happens near this castle.

"Nothing much. Albeit there was a quick brawl near the Conqueror's inn. Oh...and I saw a horse escaping from some cart belonging to the army, but they brought him back after he had reached Beaversdam. Eventful patrol as always," replied Flori sarcastically.

She stood next to her best friend, both looking towards the southeastern direction during the sunset, an orange banner of the Telmarines with a black gryphon in it was proudly flying in the wind above them.

To the east and south, farms were spreading out before their eyes, the soil fertile compared to the meagre one in their original homeland of Telmar. And behind the farmland, a barely visible forest was almost ominously returning their gaze, reminding Enara instantly of her dreams.

"The forest looks so small from here. And yet it sprawls like 150 kilometers all the way alamar*," said Enara thoughtfully.

"How many times were you there?"

"Two or three times with my dad, while hunting. A few times when our company was training there. On the outskirts of course. Even though not that far from the boundary, one can see that the ancient forest is full of secrets. Sometimes... I dream about it," she confessed. And about the monsters maybe living there, she thought to herself.

"It looks like I am not the only one who has unfinished business with that forest," Florien slightly smiled while looking into the distance. Enara didn't smile at all as she was more than certain what he was referring to. After a silence that felt to her like a whole minute, she turned to face her friend that was like a brother to her, his face now quite sad.

"Hey, look at me," she declared with all seriousness, her sharp brown eyes focused on his. "You know we both share the same pain. How it feels to lose a parent, or both. When the things that belonged to them eventually break. When you eat the food that was their favourite." "When she is not there for me," her mind added. "You don't have to be always strong you know. The point is that we will always be here for each other, right?"

"Stop it, Enara. That almost moved me to tears," muttered Flori, not really meaning it, but his mood quickly lightening up again after what she said. There was a short silence. "You are right. And I will always be here for you, I promise. So, the dreams. Anything special about them?"

"I don't remember much from them. But... I have a weird feeling something old is awakening in the world."

"Damn, you stated that so ominously. Not a career in the army after all. You seem to aspire for the post of the main fortune teller of this castle."

She hit his arm in frustration while he was mildly laughing.

"No, but you speak the truth," said Flori apologetically. "I have a similar feeling that something is not right with the forest. For hundreds of years, it was left untouched. Who knows what creatures may lurk in its depths."

They were talking for another solid ten minutes, while he frequently looked around so nothing could escape his gaze in the last rays of sunlight. Even though nothing ever happened here, it was still important to do while on patrol duty.

After a while, Flori announced he had to go. Yet another patrol duty was waiting for him in the stables during the night and he had only a few hours of free time before it, so he needed to get some sleep. On the bright side, he had much more free time tomorrow and he promised Enara he would grab some mutual friends, and together they would pay a visit to the Conqueror's inn and drink some ale.

After he was gone, it was nearly darkness, but she kept looking in the direction of the west still, until small drops of rain began falling on her skin, and she finally left. Tonight, something felt odd to her.

Xxxxx

Once in the main keep, she decided to borrow some books and then call it a day. The dark corridors of the keep were occasionally illuminated by the oil lamps. Once she opened the tall familiar black door of the library, she was surprised to find two soldiers behind them on guard. She knew one of them, a bald man in his thirties with a well-known liking for cards and gambling. He was one of Miraz's guardsmen. They both removed their right hands from their sword handles.

"Forgive us lady Enara, we weren't expecting anyone this late in the library."

"It's quite alright Derwin, vigilance is never a bad thing. I will just take some books and be on my way," replied Enara and headed off towards the far-right corner of the library. The other man looked like he wanted to protest, but Derwin assured him all was good.

The library was spacious, having walkable balconies as the upper level and also many spaces where to read and study. This was all thanks to the former King Caspian VIII, who loved history and science and substantially enlarged the library.

Arriving to the history section, she was surprised again when she saw who was sitting at the table studying some old dusty book. His face was slightly pale, but perfect just like she remembered. A thunder from the storm outside broke the silence.

"Caspian? I mean, my Prince" she tried to mask her gasp, but she was too shocked to manage that. "It... had been a long time since we properly met. I was wondering why the guards." She turned her head a bit towards their location, even though they weren't even visible from here, a large bookshelf blocking the view.

"Ohh, Enara," said suddenly Caspian, evidently also surprised, and a bit embarrassed she caught him reading history books late in the evening. "Long time indeed. I almost didn't recognize you. How have you been? I must say, I miss our sword fights from our younger years quite a bit." He studied her while he cleared a bit of his longer dark brown hair from his forehead.

"Heh, that's almost three years. It is mad how the time flies," she replied, now more composed. "Anyway, I managed to complete the recruiting process a year ago so you could say I am a proper soldier now. The next goal is an officer."

Caspian laughed, an emotion that was usually strange for him lately under the constant surveillance of his uncle. "I remember. You always told me about how much you want to join... Sometimes multiple times a day."

"Sorry for that, I was an expert in being irritating as hell when I was fourteen, I admit."

"Nonsense. I am really glad we meet again. We must catch up sometimes, but I am afraid my "guards" will soon demand I go to my rooms, for my safety as they like to say, a lot these days." Prince's face was now full of distaste.

She made sure the guards near the door couldn't hear them properly. "My Lord Father and many others are concerned about you. Some are planning to raise the matter with the Lord Protector Miraz himself."

"I must thank your father when I get the chance, but no one is hurting me. It's just... I am sixteen and my uncle doesn't even allow me to leave this castle, save for the occasional horse rides. For how much longer can he continue to say that I am not mature enough to rule my own kingdom? He had his ten years of rule, plentiful time if you ask me."

"Well part of the nobility is slowly beginning to feel that way too, I can say that much."

"Anyway, afraid I'm starting to sound really whiny. Do you need any help with finding something before I go? I am acquainted with this section of the library as you can see," said Caspian while looking at his table full of books about the history of his ancestors.

"I really shouldn't be telling him," Enara thought. But somehow, she knew she could trust him. She sat down at his table on the opposite side and lowered her voice even more "I...was wondering if there are still some forgotten history books left... about the great eastern forest. And... maybe about its potential inhabitants too?" she said, still sounding uncertain.

He was quiet for some time, calculating his next move, and she started seriously questioning if telling him was a good idea. "You should go to Doctor Cornelius once you have some free time," he finally whispered.

He then closed his book and stood up, his voice now overly polite and strong enough so the guards could hear what he said, "It was nice meeting you. We should talk again in the future. Have a good night, my lady."

"Good night to you, your Highness," replied Enara, lost in her thoughts.

"Caspian." she heard him say, as he was leaving the section of the library.

Xxxxx

I really hope you enjoyed the first chapter, which introduces Caspian and the two main OCs, Enara and Florien. In the next chap, things will start moving fast, so you can expect a lot of action.

Telmarine ancestors in this story are English pirates and Polynesians like in canon. The difference is that a contingent of Spanish soldiers also passed through the entrance to Narnia, as they were on the island looking for these pirates. The ancestry of the Telmarines will be explained more in-depth later in the story. You may occasionally find a non-English word or even some pirate slang to showcase this mixed ancestry. No, I am not Spanish btw, just liked the idea xd.

Notes*:

The Fronteras – A hilly region in southern Narnia near the Aslan's how ruled by Casa Sopespian.

Lord Sopespian – I have made a slight change from the source material. The names of the lords like Sopespian, Glozelle, and Scythley are now their surnames.

Casa – a word for a Telmarine noble house adopted from Spanish.

Mahana – hearth/fireplace. Originates from "Mahanahana", which is a Tahitian word for warm.

Agilidad – agility, from Spanish.

Alamar – From the Spanish "Al mar" meaning "to the sea". In Telmarine slang also used to describe foolishness, due to their fear of the sea and what possibly awaits behind it.

Character Summary:

Enara Sopespian - Daughter of Lord Sopespian, Telmarine soldier, Age 17, light olive skin, dark brown hair, sharp hazelnut eyes.

Florien Kastelo – Telmarine soldier, currently guardsman, Age 18, short brown hair, tall, left-handed.

Prince Caspian – Son of King Caspian IX, Age 16, longer brown hair, chestnut eyes.

Lord Sopespian – Telmarine noble, Age 55, short messy hair, short and slightly greyish beard.

Adam Navaro – The Master of arms, Age 62, mentor for Enara, short dark hair, face marked by many battle scars.

Alysa Octesian – Telmarine noble, Age 16, friend of Enara.

Miraz – Lord Protector, Uncle of Caspian.

Lord's Scythley, Valens, Gregoire and Glozelle – Telmarine nobles.

Derwin – Member of Miraze's guard, bald.