Eternal || Edmund Pevensie (The Chronicles of Narnia) [2]

Chapter 26

CHAPTER 26

POSTED 4/30/22

The short sail to Dark Island was grim. Although this was finally the last leg of their trip in search of the Lost Lords — which, in a sense, was worth celebrating — there was also the unpleasant possibility that this might be their last trip at all. Who knew what lurked in the shadows and mists of that island?

The four royals of Narnia stood with Drinian and Tavros at the forecastle, all of them watching uneasily as they moved closer to their destination. It was also growing darker as they neared the island, and they weren't sure if it was because of the heavy grey and green mists shrouding it, or because it seemed as if the sun itself did not want to shine any of its light onto it.

"So, what do you think is in there?" Tavros spoke up.

"Our worst nightmares," Edmund said.

"Our darkest wishes," added Caspian.

"Pure evil," Drinian said with a shake of his head. "Tavros, unlock armory."

"My lord," Tavros obeyed, bowing before heading down the stairs to get to work.

"Archers, prepare yourselves!" Drinian told the crew.

"Aye, Captain!" they replied, immediately scattering to suit up and get their weapons.

"Light the lanterns!" Tavros commanded next.

"We shouldn't be so cynical, you know?" Mary suddenly said. "Acting like we've already been defeated isn't going to get us anywhere."

"Yeah, we've still got hope," Lucy agreed.

"You're right," said Caspian. "Let's get ready, too."

And so, the group retreated into their respective rooms. Edmund and Caspian went straight for the Stern Cabin, wordlessly suiting up the moment they got there. Edmund almost thought that they wouldn't exchange any words at all in the process until Caspian broke the silence.

"In case we don't get through whatever this is..." he began. "I want you to know I think of you as my brother, Ed."

Edmund stopped focusing on his armor to acknowledge Caspian.

"Me too," he said honestly. Neither of them needed to elaborate on that any further. It was enough that knew that they considered each other as close as family at that point.

Caspian moved around Edmund to help secure the upper part of his armor. Noticing the empty sheath attached around his waist, he said, "You gave up your sword."

"It wasn't mine to keep," said Edmund. It was true: the sword was owned by one of the Lost Lords as a gift from Aslan. It was only rightful that he left it at Aslan's table back at Ramandu's Island in order to help break the spell that has been tormenting Narnia.

"Use this."

Edmund halted yet again, this time in shock. Caspian was now holding out Peter's sword — Rhindon — the very one that was handed down to him when the former High King left Narnia for good.

"But it's —"

"Peter would want you to have it," Caspian said with certainty. After a moment of hesitation, Edmund finally gave in, grasping the sword firmly.

Meanwhile, inside Mary and Lucy's shared cabin, the atmosphere was similar: tense and somber. Gale was also there, having spent her time in there while everyone else busied themselves out on deck. But even she could sense the seriousness of the situation now and knew it wasn't the time for playing or laughing. Even though was only a child, she wasn't daft, and this whole voyage had made her learn quite a lot as well. And so, she stayed quiet for the most part as Mary and Lucy prepared themselves.