Mist and Mystery at Calormen's Grove

The Dawn Treader

2. The Dawn Treader

The four siblings floated closer together, unsure what or who they would find on this huge ship. They had no idea of knowing how much time had passed in Narnia during their year in England, or if the crew members aboard the ship were even friend or foe. As the ship came closer, they could make out raised voices calling out both to the four in the water, and to others up on the deck.

The great vessel mastered the waters upon it sailed much like a dolphin, breaking through the waves with ease. The ship itself was huge and seemed a distant memory of the Golden Age when the Pevensies had been kings and queens. The ship was of the richest, darkest wood, with details of fine gold and deep naval blue. At the very front was a fierce, wooden dragon's head, keeping its crew safe from harm on the seas. One large deep blue sail was held up in the wind upon the mainmast and upon the fabric was a majestic crest.

"It's Narnian!" Lucy gasped in relief as she recognized the embroidered crest of Narnia on the sail. "It's a Narnian ship!"

"Let's hope that's a good thing," Peter whispered under his breath, still not ready to let the crest be enough to let down his guard.

The ship reached their side and slowed down. Many strange faces appeared by the railing and there was not one crew member whom the Pevensies recognized from first glance. They were mildly comforted however by the surprised awe upon the strangers' faces and their peaceful approach to them.

Suddenly a voice spoke above all the others with a strong accent that was undeniably familiar. A recognizable figure suddenly appeared in the midst of the crew members and jumped onto the railing with the grace of a lion.

"King Caspian!" Lucy smiled widely as Susan gasped gently in surprise.

"Your highnesses!" the Telmarine king shouted back just as surprised as Lucy had sounded. The tall man was dressed in a deep purple shirt and wide seafarer pants that flowed around his legs in the gentle breeze. A frown appeared on Caspian's face, but he wasted no time as he turned and called out orders to the crew. Everyone seemed to jump out if their trance-like awe as they heard their commander. There was commotion all over deck as they prepared to aid the kings and queens in the sea.

Caspian himself hesitated not as he dove into the ocean below. With strong, confident arms he swam over to the Pevensies while behind him a rope ladder was thrown over the railing of the ship.

The Telmarine king stopped a few feet before his friends and greeted them, "Your majesties. Forgive me, I was not expecting you. Most definitely not like this. Are you alright?"

"We're fine, Caspian," Peter assured and raised a drenched hand in the ship's direction. "But we'd be even better if we got out of the water."

"Drier, at least," Edmund corrected with a nod.

"Of course, come."

They swam over to the ship and Caspian swiftly helped Lucy get a firm hold of the ladder. As she climbed up, the king then turned his gaze to Susan. As their gazes locked, the king's hand reached out to her with some hesitation. His accent was thick and warm as he breathed, "My queen, you're next."

The young woman swam over to the ladder and as she began her ascension, she felt Caspian's guiding hand on her back for a short second, but then it was gone. Perhaps, she told herself as she climbed aboard, it had been but a wished fantasy on her part. The crew members helped her up and she thanked them before hurrying over to Lucy's side. A crew member threw a couple of blankets over their shoulders and the Pevensies flashed him a warm smile. The fabric helped Susan from shivering in the breeze but still she held her younger sister close to her chest.