This is the tale of a journey that takes Luna not only to discover the world beyond Narnia's borders; she will find a purpose that goes deeper than protecting her king.
» That's why. I can't protect you the way I should... « As she looks into his ey...
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As the sun rises over Dragon Island at the beginning of the following day, Edmund is awoken by a fresh breeze brushing over his face. It is colder than the dry heat the crew of the Dawn Treader got used to here. He yawns and stretches before sitting up and rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. It seems he is the first to get up, the others still asleep on their mats around the fireplace. There aren't any flames or ember left. Edmund sighs; that means breakfast will take all the longer. His gaze wanders around camp: Lucy and Luna share a mat and face each other in their rest. Caspian lays sprawled over his mat, his blanket half in the dust. Reepicheep is curled up closest to the fire, the mouse forms a more or less perfect circle with his body. Usually, Eustace's large head rests right next to his new friend. Now, however, the dragon is nowhere to be seen. Edmund turns to look around for his cousin but can't spot him anywhere. His brow crinkles in confusion; where could he have gone? And that without waking someone, not even the rest of the crew – about half of the men have taken to sleep ashore as well, taking turns now and then. The King of Old throws off his blanket and rises to search for Eustace and to make sure he is alright. He still feels responsible for his cousin's misfortune. He should have been more careful with him and looked after him better. So, it is only natural he tries to make up for it by looking out for the younger boy as good as he can now.
~
As the others wake up, they find Edmund and Eustace missing. The first isn't unusual, though, as the Just King likes to take morning walks. Most days, he returns from his stroll as soon as breakfast is ready. He doesn't avoid helping, quite the opposite. Both kings, the queen and the Crown Shield always look for opportunities to lend a hand to the crew – even with the repairs of the ship. Drinian and the carpenter appreciate the gesture but always tell them exactly what to do – just to be sure their inexperienced hands do more good than damage.
This day, however, Edmund doesn't return as the pot with porridge is set over the fire.
» Did someone see them leave? « Lucy asks. Only shaking heads are the answer. It's interesting how a beast as big as Eustace can get away without noise. The queen clearly worries. At least, Edmund took his sword with him.
» I don't like this, « she mumbles. Luna places a hand on her shoulder and exchanges a gaze with Caspian.
» I can set out with a few men immediately, « she offers, already tightening her sword belt. Caspian nods in appreciation but stops her with a simple gesture of his hand,
» If they aren't back within the hour, we'll look for them, « he turns to Lucy,
» Is that alright with you? « Her eyes wander along the shore as she agrees. She never was one to always worry about everyone and everything like her older sister, yet she finds herself a lot more protective over her family and friends in these uncharted waters and unknown islands. Narnia may not be a dangerous place but who knows about the lands beyond its borders.
