After the End (Narnia)

Chapter XV - Behind the Mask

Caspian, Peter, Diggory and Polly met in the library the next day to discuss the helmet and its origins. Caspian had retrieved the helmet from the garden outside the parlour and had brought it into the space to examine its qualities. He sat listening to the conversation as he traced the grooves that covered its front panel.

"We've been looking at the types of dark magic in history, both those we have experienced and other forms we have not experienced. Our findings suggest that this type of dark magic connected to dark magic we have experienced before, namely the green mist," Diggory started. Eustace entered the room with a knock. Polly smiled at the boy as Diggory continued. "We're going to need to source some information from those that have experienced this type of magic first-hand. Although we suspect the Lady of the Green Kirtle could be working with others against Narnia, we will start with those who have encountered her personally and who have knowledge of her power. Eustace?"

Eustace entered the conversation with confidence. "We know that the green mist is inexplicably linked with the Lady of the Green Kirtle. The type of mist is the same in its form and mostly in its powers wherever it lurks, yet the places and objects it has been linked to so far have been associated with the other villains we have faced in the past, namely Jadis and the Telmarine army under Miraz. The type of sorcery typical of the Lady of the Green Kirtle seemed to be partially included in this current mishap that involves Edmund. In enslaving Rillian, the Lady used a combination of an item and witchcraft. This does have links to Edmund's strangulation by the helmet," he explained.

Caspian's voice filled the room. "I think I've remembered something that could be to our advantage," he said, subdued. The others nodded, indicating for him to continue. "Every Telmarine soldier requires a last name to be engraved in their helmet in case they are found dead during battle. This specific helmet was quite worn in the spot where the name is usually written, and I have grown rather rusty in reading Telmarine script in the past few years, but from what I can make out, this helmet belonged to my uncle Miraz." The quiet chattering between Eustace and Diggory ceased as Caspian made his statement. Caspian continued with a sigh. "The helmet, like Tumnus' house, must have been untouched during the transition from Narnia to True Narnia, considering its magical properties. I am honestly, not surprised. My uncle was known to not only have worshipped the pagan gods of the Telmarines, most of which were harmless, but also to have practised dark magic in the confines of his chambers. A particular chamber was even created in his helmet to hold a stone bearing dark magic, to give him luck in battle."

Caspian held up the helmet in his shaky hands, pressing a compartment in the centre of the helmet. A seamless panel slid down into Caspian's hand, exposing a shining green crystal. His jaw dropped as he quickly closed the compartment. Eustace stared open-mouthed at the spot where the crystal had just emerged from. "I recognise that crystal. I saw it once. The Lady of the Green Kirtle wore three of them on a chain around her neck."

Diggory stared around the room with a grave expression on his face. "We will wait until Edmund wakes up, but I think we need to address this, and soon. Aslan's Country must prepare for war."

Papers remained strewn on the table as the group left the room in silence.

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Eustace had been greatly unsettled by the conversation in the library. The whole ordeal had brought back memories of an underground kingdom and an enchanted prince, memories that usually only appeared in his dreams. Nobody seemed to understand the true evil the Lady had brought. There was only one person to talk to.

Eustace made his way across the castle, asking after Jill. He finally found her reading a book in the castle's extensive gardens. He sighed as he sat next to her. "What's wrong, grumpy?" she laughed.

"They asked me about the Lady of the Green Kirtle. It's possible Edmund's condition might have something to do with her magic," Eustace revealed. "There are so many bad memories, you know?"

"I know." Jill encompassed him in a bear hug, holding the anxious man tightly in her arms.

"Sorry for being so weak," Eustace wiped the tears from his eyes as he attempted to laugh.

"Only strong men cry," Jill replied warmly. "You know what? We need something fun to do to take your mind off of things for a while." Eustace nodded enthusiastically at the idea, morphing back into his normal self.

"What do you suggest we do? The weather's not too shabby, so we could do something outside," Eustace suggested.

"I know. We're having a cheer-up-Eustace picnic, just the two of us. Let's go to the kitchens and see what we can find," Jill decided. The two walked in the direction of the kitchens, planning the night to come.

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Lucy had been cooped up in the castle all day after the scare involving Edmund. The fresh Narnian air seemed to be calling her, and she decided a walk in the forest would do her good. The youngest Pevensie ran down to the cloakroom to fetch her wellingtons and her coat, running into a familiar faun on the way.

Tumnus laughed as Lucy bumped into him. "Woah there, where are you off to in such a hurry?"

"I'm just excited to be going on a walk. I need some fresh air." Lucy admitted with a small smile.

"Then let me come with you," Tumnus insisted. "I'm in want of a little forest wandering as well."

"Ooh I have an idea!" cried Lucy. "Let's see if we can find the lamp post again!"

"Well then," said Tumnus. "I'll beat you to it!"