༄ 𝑺𝒆𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑷𝒉𝒐𝒆𝒏𝒊𝒙 𝑾𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒊𝒐𝒓 (𝑽𝑫𝑻) ༄

Chapter 7: Liberation and Confrontation

Ana and Lucy found Eustace trying to steal one of their boats. He was also mumbling something about 'the British Consul' but Ana was too distracted by her thoughts to work out what. He wasn't too happy to see them and it took a lot of persuasion on Lucy's part to convince him to return with them. After promising that the slave trade had been abolished, Eustace begrudgingly decided to rejoin the others.

When the three caught up to the two Kings, Ana and Lucy learned how the Lone Islands had become so corrupt. During Narnia's Dark Age, the Islands were ignored—something Ana felt guilty about but the others assured her it wasn't her fault. As a result, they sought out relations with Calormen, which resulted in corruption and the start of the slave trade. And since the Telmarines paid little attention to Narnia's overseas territories, the governors of the Islands had gotten used to ruling without inference from Narnia. So they never expected the King of Narnia to show up and put an end to the slave trade. But now it was abolished and all the slavers were arrested, freeing the slaves.

These heinous actions caused Caspian to realize that the Governorship had failed. He immediately planned to establish a new form of government in its place. For this, he sought advice from both Edmund and Lucy before making a decision. It seemed to alleviate some of the tension that Ana was starting to notice between the two Kings. Though she wasn't sure if Caspian realized it or not. She had finally managed to place that strange tone in Edmund's voice. He was feeling overlooked and a little jealous. He was always the second King.

The former governor, Gumpas, had disappeared once the fighting broke out and no one knew where he was. But it didn't matter; he had lost his power and was to be arrested if he ever returned. Caspian ended up replacing the Governorship with a Dukedom instead. He made Lord Bern, one of the Seven Lost Lords, the first Duke. It was decided among the royals that the fates of the slave traders should be left up to the new Duke and the Islands' citizens.

Once that issue was resolved, Caspian quickly explained to Ana and Lucy about the mysterious Green Mist. Since the other Lords had left in search of the source, the Dawn Treader would have to head east to discover their fates. Ana was a bit apprehensive about it, but she wasn't sure if it was nerves or the events of the day. She was still on edge from being bombarded with painful memories.

By the time the royals had settled the issues on the Islands, the townspeople had retrieved their confiscated weapons. Arming themselves once more, the group left the former governor's house and rejoined Drinian and his men. They had been guarding the house while Ana, Eustace, and the royals were talking and making arrangements.

While they were inside, a crowd had begun to form. As they made their way back to the docks, citizens lined the streets and cheered. Many of them followed once they passed. After several decades of slavery, the people were finally free. Caspian and Edmund led the crowd, nodding their heads and smiling in acceptance of their praise. Everyone was happy.

Although Ana was pleased, she was also glad for the distraction. She knew the others were worried about her, but she still didn't know what was happening.

"Your Majesty!" a voice cried above the crowd, pulling Ana from her troubled thoughts. They all turned towards the source, hands reaching for their weapons.

"Your Majesty!" Ana recognized him as the man whose wife had been taken.
He tried to reach Caspian, but Drinian held him back. "Hold it!"
"My wife was taken just this morning!" he pleaded.
"It's alright, Drinian," Caspian told the Captain and the man was released.
"I beg you. Take me with you!" he pleaded.

The little girl from before caught up to her father as another woman chased after her. "Gael!"
"Daddy, I want to come," Gael begged.
"No, Gael," her father told her. "Stay with your aunt." He turned back to the King to argue his case. "I'm a fine sailor. Been on the seas my whole life."
"Of course, you must," Caspian grinned, patting him on the shoulder.
"Thank you," the sailor stated.
"But, Daddy!" Gael pleaded, holding onto her father.
"Have I ever not come back?" he asked. "Now be good."