9. Peter contra mundum
You've been back almost a fortnight... Surely Aslan will realize the mistake soon and send you on your merry way, just as your sister has predicted? Be honest with yourself and for once don't pretend the thought has not entered your mind before.
Peter sighed as he fought back another wave of dusky thoughts that threatened to overwhelm him. When he had awoken in Cair Paravel on their third day back in the castle, he had first sensed a shift inside his mind that he hadn't quite been able to shake since. In the beginning he had been thrilled to be home, a feeling that had not quite subsided yet, but now... The young man wasn't sure.
He'd been having these momentarily lapses of faith when he would ponder whether or not Susan was correct in her hesitant disbelief, not that he'd ever willingly admit as much to his younger sister. More often than not he'd ask himself questions with no answers; Why had he truly returned when specifically told he would never see Narnia again? Was his unexpected presence thus unwanted? What was his place in this world now that he was meant to have none?
Needless to say, this secret gloom had put a damper on his mood and he sometimes sought solitude to reach a solution, though none seemed to be found. His siblings - well, perhaps with the exception of Susan then - had acclimatized smoothly and wore happy faces almost all day long. It was easy for them, however, to keep a cheerful smile, for they had never been forced to say a final, heart wrenching goodbye to Narnia only to be pulled back under the most suspicious of circumstances.
Of course, Peter reminded himself, it wasn't Edmund or Lucy's fault anymore than Susan or Caspian was to blame, and he mustn't ever forget that fact.
As the former High king wandered down one of the beautiful, empty corridors of the castle, he couldn't help but ponder why all these thoughts had so suddenly struck him like a bolt of lightning on a cloudless day. He'd been so content there for a while and had simply enjoyed each moment that had been offered to him, regardless of later outcomes.
He was interrupted by the sound of a familiar voice calling out to him, "Peter!"
The Pevensie faltered and looked back only to see the tall, regal Caspian stand a few feet behind him, dressed in a velvety tunic embroidered with silver and gold. There was something stiff to the dark-haired king's stance, but he still smiled warmly at his company.
Peter frowned in confusion as he greeted his friend, "I didn't hear you approach."
The Telmarine spoke as if he had not heard the comment, "I fear only your wisdom as former High king can help me settle a small dispute."
When no further details followed, the Pevensie man nodded. "... You know I will always aid you in whatever way I can. What is it I can do for you?"
"Come to the council hall after lunch. I will need your guidance then," the dark-haired king spoke in a deadpan voice the other boy had never heard the king use before. Caspian's rhythmic dialect always seemed to stem from his passionate feelings, but this time the king seemed utterly void of emotions.
Peter frowned and took a hesitant step towards his friend, "Is everything alright, friend?"
"Come to the council hall after lunch," the Telmarine man simply repeated. Clearly whatever it was had to await a more opportune moment. Not one to disrespect his friends or allies, the Pevensie inclined his head in acceptance.
"I will be there later. I promise".
A man of his word, Peter Pevensie headed straight towards the council hall after sharing a quiet lunch with his siblings. The grand doors to the council hall reminded the king of days past when this used to be his domain and no one else's. The power had been his and he'd wielded it with justice and pride. Those days did not seem so far away now that he was back, yet had never been further from him with Caspian on the throne.
YOU ARE READING
Mist and Mystery at Calormen's Grove
AbenteuerSet after the events of Prince Caspian. The Pevensie siblings return to Narnia - without an explanation as to how or why! With Caspian's aid, Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy must figure out the reason behind their return before the mystery consumes th...