The Just and the Wise

Chapter 24

That night, we approach Romandu's Island. As we grow closer, Eustace releases his grip on the ship and propels us toward land. I sit in our shared cabin with Edmund, and as we get closer I grow slightly anxious.

"We can't even be sure the other lords made it to the island," I say, lacing up my boots tightly.

"We have to have faith, I guess," Edmund replies as he dawns his armor.

"I guess," I say.

Edmund takes my hand and squeezes it tightly.

"Aslan's with us always," Edmund smiles at me, "you trust him?"

"Of course," I say back.

"Then let's go."

Edmund and I walk hand and hand on deck, where the crew is waiting to lay anchor so we can go ashore.

"You got us there Eustace!" Reepicheep tells up at the Pevensies' reptilian cousin, "What did I tell you?! Extraordinary!"

We take rowboats to shore as the sun sets below the horizon. The island is beautiful and peaceful as the crew walks through it. Old stone statues line the path whole crickets and nocturnal animals chirp and buzz around us. The air is humid and thick as Edmund leads the group with his electric torch, followed by Caspian, and then Lucy and I. Drinian and the crew are behind us when we happen upon a long table.

Edmund shines his light along the table, illuminating the tall candles and food sitting in front of us. Ed walks along one side and Caspian the other, each eyeing the adornments of the table suspiciously.

"Mmm...food," the bull says, approaching the table.

"Wait," Drinian holds up his hand, and the bull stops in his tracks.

Caspian analyzes the table closely, and Edmund moves away and shines his light on the vines hanging around us.

"Oh!" Edmund gasps and jumps back at the sight of a man's body overgrown with vines.

Caspian draws his sword and pushes Lucy back behind him. The crew follows suit. Edmund inches closer to the man with his sword drawn and flashlight in front of him. I hold my breath as he gets closer and brushes the greenery away from the man's face with his torch.

"Lord Revilian," Caspian says, making everyone turn towards him as he breaks the silence.

He taps a ring on another man's hand who has also been captured by the overgrown plants.

"And Lord Mavramorn," Caspian finishes.

The crew puts their swords away, and Edmund looks at Caspian. Lucy finds another Lord hidden as well.

"Lord Argoz," Caspian nods as Lucy brushes the Lord's hair from his face.

Lucy suddenly jerks her hand back and gasps, and I turn and put my hand on my sword as she jumps back.

"He's breathing!" Lucy exclaims.

Caspian bends down and puts his face close to the lord's. His gaze shifts up to Lucy.

"He is, isn't he?" He says to her.

"So are they..." Edmund shines his light on the other lords as well.

"They're under a spell," I realize.

"It's the food!" Gael's father shouts suddenly, causing everyone to jump back from the table.

"Hey," Edmund calls out, his voice echoing through the empty stone area, "it's the stone knife! This is Aslan's table!"

"What?" I ask, making my way over to him, eager to see the table of Aslan himself.