Lost boy || Prince Caspian

21

The sun was high in the sky, glinting off the gold of Eustace's scales as the dragon swooped through the air ahead of them. The bright light of day did nothing to decrease the menacing aura of the island ahead of them. It was a misshapen thing of dark stone catching up in a maze of caves from which deep green smoke poured. It reminded Otto of the talks of mustard gas he had heard from the war. Creeping yellow green gas that curled and choked your lungs, drowning you in your own blood and filling your vision. It sent a thrill of fear up his spine and he gave a shiver. Caspian, who stood next to him, caught the motion and his hand came up to rest comfortingly on his lower back. Otto could feel the warmth of it through his shirt and he let it give him strength. 

The rest of the crew were all out on deck staring with anticipation and horror at the hell they were about to enter. Otto, Caspian and the Pevensie children were up on the quarter deck with the higher ranking members of the crew. They had the better view of the island, not that they were grateful for it. "What do you think is in there?" Davros, the minotaur asked, tone audibly nervous. 

Edmund swallowed. "Our worst nightmares". The boy was pale. 

"Our darkest wishes", Caspian added. He was watching the island with a narrow eyed resoluteness that Otto found comforting. Caspian was never one to back away from what he must do, it was one of the things Otto loved about him. 

"Pure Evil", Drinian stated. The captain let go of the wheel, the waters keeping them on their dreaded course, and stepped away. "Davros. Unlock the armoury". The minotaur nodded and stomped down to the main deck. Drinian turned out to the crew. "Archers, prepare yourselves". A scuttling of activity as the crew spread out across the deck. 

Caspian let his hand fall from Otto's back as he turned to the Pevensie children. "Lets prepare ourselves". As a group they turned towards the stairs. Lucy disappearing to her cabin to get ready while the boys crossed into the navigation room. Otto followed Caspian inside as Edmund shut the door behind them. "Here", Caspian pulled open one of the larger cupboards in the back and retrieved a leather breastplate from inside. 

"You didn't tell me you had these in here", Edmund exclaimed with happy surprise. He crossed the room and took the offered armour from Caspian's hands. It was a mixture of leather and metal. Thick leather making up the breast plate with metal shoulder pads attached to the sides. The whole thing was covered in more leather belts and buckles the Otto had seen on armour before. This was far more complicated and expensive than the old leather breast plate he had worn the last time he was in Narnia. He eyed the buckles with a frown. 

"Newly made", Caspian boasted with a grin, accent curling his words as he relaxed slightly. "Designed to be lighter than the armour we used before, but still as protective". He pulled a second set from the cupboard and slipped it over his head. His fingers deftly adjusting the buckles until it rested snug against his frame. Edmund had been too busy admiring the gold decoration on the straps to notice. Caspian looked up and held out a hand. "Otto, come. Let me help you with yours". 

Otto walked to his side and held out his arms for Caspian to pull the third set over his head. It was heavy on his shoulders but not enough to hinder movement. It was more of a grounding weight and it eased some of the nerves in his stomach now that he knew that they were protected. Caspian leaned over him, close enough for his hair to tickle Otto's cheek as his fingers tightened the straps. Behind them Edmund had finally stopped admiring his armour and was pulling it on. 

"There", Caspian's voice was low. "You're done". His gaze was dark as he looked up into Otto's eyes. The lighter haired boy silent as he gazed back, then he leaned forwards and pressed their foreheads together. Caspian inhaled deeply, eyes fluttering shut and one hand coming up to cup Otto's jaw as they leant into one another. Otto's hands gripping securely at the strap around the king's waist as they took a moment to savour each other's presence. It lasted almost a minute before a muffled huff interrupted them. The pair pulled away and turned to Edmund as they opened their eyes. The younger boy was struggling with his straps. Caspian sighed fondly and let go of his partner to go help him.