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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In the years he sailed around the world, Drinian has seen enough to only be surprised by few things. He never would have thought this inconspicuous island would leave the king and his companions as distraught as they are right now. The six return to the shore like ghosts, silent and deeply withdrawn. Their faces are paler than usual, their eyes clouded. Without a single word, they board a longboat and wait. No greeting, nothing. The sailors exchange worried glances. Drinian gestures for them to continue their work while he approaches the group.
» Back to the ship, I take it, Your Majesty? « He asks Caspian. The young king doesn't react right away. As he is about to repeat the question, Caspian lifts his head slowly. His brow crinkles, he seems to try and think of a proper answer. Drinian couldn't possibly know the struggle the six went through: After the deafening roar their heads seemed lighter as their minds cleared, a fogginess spreading that let them forget the latest events. Well, forget may not be the correct term, it was more a blurring of their memory.
» Yes, « Caspian draws the word with a weak voice,
» We should leave. « Drinian nods in compliance. With the help of two men, he pushes the boat into deeper water and hops in to row and steer it over to the Dawn Treader. Usually, he doesn't ask a lot of questions, it's not his business to interrogate people. However, this clearly is an exception.
» Are you alright? « He inquires,
» Did something happen? « His gaze flickers over the faces. King Caspian blinks at the captain as if he needs time to understand what was said. King Edmund doesn't react at all, only staring out on the water, wringing his hands. Queen Lucy puts her head back, looking up in the sky for a moment before closing her eyes with a deep sigh. Eustace regards his shoes with more interest than he probably should, and Luna's eyes dart around, unable to find focus. Reepicheep, however, looks at Drinian from the other side of the boat. His black button eyes glimmer as he returns from wherever their minds were taken.
» I think, « the tall mouse speaks,
» We shouldn't set foot on this island again, Aslan help us, an evil lurks here. « Drinian raises an eyebrow at the knight,
» What happened? « Reepicheep shakes his head, the red feather of his circlet bobbing up and down,
» Sometimes it's better not to remember. « So, they set over to the ship while the crew transports and stows away what rations they found. The silence stretches and neither Drinian nor Reep break it again. As soon as they climb on deck, the six retreat to their cabins or Aslan knows where. The captain is left in confusion. He refuses to let it ruffle him; the old jack-tar calls the crew back and orders to set sail.
~
In the early evening, Caspian, Edmund, Lucy, Eustace, and Luna slowly come back to their senses. Reepicheep's mind cleared earlier, but the mouse retreated to his favourite spot on the ship anyways. As Jaro was told something happened to the king and his companions, he prepared a hearty meal for them. So, the five humans meet at the table. For the main part of dinner, they remain silent, only speaking to determine if anyone remembers anything. Nobody really does. Whatever happened on the island, only blurry moments are left in their memories. As they expect Drinian to want to map the new discovered island soon, Caspian decides to call it Deathwater Island. The others agree - it seems like a fitting name, no one could explain why, though.
