Journey of Trust | A Narnian Story

Chapter 37 | Together

Is it land, though? Dark clouds rise from the sea. So dark, the sunlight seems to be swallowed up by it. They hover over the water, colouring it as black as the night. No one needs to spell it out, everyone knows by heart what lays before them: The Dark Island. Luna and Caspian whirl around at the call from the crow's nest, frozen next to each other while the crew rushes around them to get a look on the swirling darkness slightly larboard of the Dawn Treader – miles ahead, yet it seems to grow larger and even darker by the second. A cool wind picks up, pushing the Narnian ship toward the manifested evil. A shiver runs down Luna's spine at the sight, colder than she has ever felt before – colder still as facing a hostile army. This might not be so different, though, they have no idea what awaits them behind or inside these clouds. The warrior tries to pull herself together. She is a general after all, she must keep level-headed to give proper orders in battle. Straightening, she carefully adjusts her expression, masking her surprise and fear. There is still time, they will need it. She looks up to Drinian who towers by the wheel as usual. Exchanging a look with him, she nods before turning to Caspian. The king came to the same conclusion as his Crown Shield, switching into his stoic self. Their gazes meet and understanding passes between them,

» We need to prepare. «

That is what they do. After giving orders to the men, they rush below deck. Lucy already awaits Luna in their cabin. The queen started to lay out weapons and armour on the bed. With few words spoken, they work alongside each other. Luna doesn't wear a full suit of armor like knights do when jousting. She decides for a simple leather armor that covers her upper body, reinforced with chainmail. It doesn't weigh her down, so she can still be swift and agile while fighting. Putting on knee-protections and fastening her forearm-guards make the armor complete. Next is the sword belt. She makes sure to check every blade and sheath them correctly – not only her sword and dagger on her belt, the throwing knife in her left boot as well. Lastly, Luna straps her bow and quiver onto her back diagonally.

Lucy suits up as well, her dagger and a short sword on her belt. She leaves the healing cordial on the bed, ready to grab it later. It would be naïve to expect no one to need the precious liquid. Now, her fingers graze over Queen Susan's white bow and the delicate, red-feathered arrows, pondering on taking these weapons. Luna watches her friend for a moment,

» It's wise to have something with you and don't need it than needing something out of reach. « Lucy lifts her head, glancing from her companion to the bow on the bed. She hesitates to take it, seeing it belongs to her sister. Then again, Susan won't return to Narnia to use it. With a firm smile, she curls her fingers around the light wood,

» Alright, I'm ready. «

Meanwhile, Caspian and Edmund prepare in the study. Just as the close friends reassure each other to have their backs and hug, stepping back to check the other's armor over, Eustace is ushered in by Reepicheep. Both are agitated – the mouse is excited, anticipating the fight to the point where he can't sit still; the boy, however, is a nervous mess. Ed tries to calm his cousin down which gives Caspian the opportunity to step aside. He needs to clear his thoughts. Since he met Luna on deck half an eternity seems to have passed. Then, he wanted to finally sort it out. It being their relationship, whatever path it will continue on – friendship, romance or strictly professional – it needs to be determined. It wasn't the right time, and it certainly isn't now. Yet, he recalls what a friend once told him: You can't always wait for the perfect time. Sometimes, you must dare to act. Life is too short to wait on and on. One day, you will wonder what could have been, and then it will be too late.