Journey of Trust | A Narnian Story

Chapter 40 | The End of a World

Peculiar, thinks Edmund by himself. His eyes have rested on Luna since she emerged from below deck. A smile is plastered on her face which she tries and fails to suppress. Something is up. The Just King can't imagine much that would get Luna of all people in such a chipper mood; she is known as a stern general, after all. A protector at the king's side who watches over him like a hawk. Edmund rolls his shoulders and decides to find a better spot to watch whatever this day is yet to bring.

It is true. Luna beams. She can't help it. She tries, but not her whole heart is in it. On the opposite, it would have her grinning from ear to ear and just laugh from the joy she is feeling. This, however, would go too far for the warrior. So, it comes down to the smile on her lips which refuses to be forced away as she goes about the middle deck to inquire about their position and further course.

Soon, Caspian steps outside. Edmund, perched at the front deck-railing overlooking the middle deck, narrows his eyes as his friend's gaze darts around until it settles on a mutual friend. Ed can't suppress a smirk at the grin flickering over the king's face. He doesn't even try to hide it but looks away quickly.

» What are you squinting at? « Reepicheep nudges Ed's leg before he jumps onto the railing. The mouse's eyes find Luna purposefully as if he already knew the answer to that question. Ed rises an eyebrow but doesn't get to reply. Lucy emerges on his right, slipping her arm through his.

» Guys, aren't we too suspicious? « The Queen of Old glances down at the middle deck where Luna has made her way over to Caspian. The two can't take their eyes off each other as they converse, totally oblivious that they are being watched. Edmund shrugs,

» Eh, I think we're good. But...you know what's going on? «

» Know what? « Another voice cuts in. Startled, all three friends turn around to find a confused Eustace standing there, trying to get a glimpse of whatever Reep and his cousins are discussing. Ed exchanges a look with his sister. Aslan, what are they supposed to tell the boy? What is there to tell, anyways – well, what is theirs to tell at least?

» Ah, what's there to know, « Lucy smiles, slinging an arm around Eustace's shoulders, trying to lead him away. Meanwhile, Edmund addresses Reep, leaving her to deal with their youngest friend,

» How long has that been going on? « He just hopes he doesn't blurt out Caspian's secret here but, judging by the mouse's knowing smirk and subtle lift of his brow, he doesn't need to worry. That secret seems not really worthy of its name.

» Better question is, when hasn't it? « Reepicheep chuckles, memories playing in his head. He doesn't intend to say much to the matter, it certainly isn't his place to spill what he observed.

» You're talking about Caspian and Luna, right? « Ed flinches at Eustace's remark, whirling towards the boy – honestly, he thought Lucy would take him to have tea or look for dolphins or more merpeople. However, here they both are, perched at the railing as Ed has been for the past hour or so. As everyone merely stares at him, Eustace shrugs nonchalantly,