The Just and the Wise

Chapter 25

We sail onward towards the mystic island. The crew is almost silent with the exception of necessary communication. Lucy, Edmund, Caspian, and I stand behind Drinian as he steers the Dawn Treader forward. We're all very tense, not looking at one another with our eyes firmly fixed at what lies ahead.

"What do we think is in there?" Tavros the bull asks hesitantly.

"Our worst nightmares," Edmund says calmly.

"Our darkest wishes," Caspian adds.

I glance at Lucy briefly, and she grabs my hand and nods as bravely as she can.

"Pure evil," Drinian looks at us dramatically, "Tavros, unlock the armory. Archers! Prepare yourselves!"

Drinian calls the men into action. They begin lighting the lanterns, and Caspian turns and nods to us.

"Let's get ready," he says.

We leave the deck of the ship and return to our cabins to dress ourselves as protectively as possible. I put on an armored vest over my blouse and corset, and I lace up the toughest boots available to me. I tie my hair back in a braid and secure my belt. Edmund puts on a partial suit of armor and straps it on. I cross my arms and stand by the door waiting for him.

"What?" Edmund asks me.

"Nothing," I say blankly, "I'm calming myself down since we don't know what this place can do. No fear, no thoughts, nothing."

"Ah," he says, slightly confused.

"Mhm," I say, chewing my lip, "I'm going to check on Lucy real quick."

I walk to Lucy and Gael's cabin and notice the door is cracked. I hear a quiet conversation happening and decide to wait before entering.

"When I grow up," Gael's timid voice floats through the crack in the door, "I want to be just like you."

I hear footsteps, Lucy's, I assume, move away from the door.

"When you grow up," Lucy says in a mature tone, "you should be just like you."

I smile at her words, and a sense of calmness washes over me. Lucy may be the youngest Pevensie sibling, but she is the bravest of us all.

I walk back to my cabin and find Caspian standing with Edmund.

"Y/n," Caspian says when I walk in, "I wanted to speak to you two."

"What is it?" I walk towards the two men, glancing between them for clues.

"I'm case we don't get through...whatever this is..."Caspian blinks and shakes his head at his own words, "I want you to know I think of you as my brother, Edmund."

Edmund nods to Caspian.

"Me too," he replies strongly.

"And Y/n," Caspian turns to me, "You're one of the most trustworthy people I've met, and I'm very glad you're here."

"Thank you, Caspian," I give him an appreciative half smile.

"I see you gave up your sword, Ed" Caspian says in a more upbeat tone, attempting to lighten the mood.

"Wasn't mine to keep," Ed replies as he finishes tightening his armor.

"Use this," Caspian reaches for Peter's sword behind him, offering it to a shocked Edmund.

"But it's-"

"Peter would want you to have it," Caspian says determined.

Edmund's eyes look at the sword like a child looks at a candy store. He reaches out hesitating, but he grabs it firmly and looks at Caspian thankfully. Caspian glances at me, and tilt my head at him to show that I appreciate his respect for Edmund.

"We ready then?" Caspian rubs his hands together quickly before heading towards the door.

"I'd say so," I tell him, mustering every ounce of strength and courage in me as I nod and follow him.

"Lets go then," Edmund follows behind me as the three of us exit the cabin, ready to face whatever lies ahead.