Artemis and Caspian: The Spy

Chapter Two

It was one of the few times in his life Caspian didn't wake with the sunrise. Stress had knocked him out cold. It was possible, but uncommon for the saviors to sleep against their schedules but there was a first time for anything. This morning, a trumpet had woken him up, signaling the arrival of Calatan and Heliatra's royalty. Outside Caspian could hear the distant sounds of hoofs and people calling. Curious, he eventually found the energy to saunter over to his open window, peeking his head outside. With a perfect view of the courtyard, he saw the gossiping crowd in the lower town part to let in a grand carriage and a regal looking woman sitting atop a very proud horse. Squinting he could make out the crown on her head. Several guardsmen surrounded her, one rigidly holding a flag proudly displaying the silhouette of a bear, the unmistakable crest of Calatan. By a quick deduction, Caspian guessed she was the realm's Lady. Although from the look of her massive frame, Caspian didn't know why she needed to bring so many guards to protect her. Nipping at her heels was a grand carriage, also surrounded by guards poking at the common people who got too close. The carriage too bore a flag but with an owl. Heliatra. Caspian stretched his neck out farther to see the person inside but to no avail, the purple curtains were too tightly drawn against the carriage's delicate window panes. He wondered what they were doing here. Even though he believed her, there was still a piece of him that hoped Artemis was wrong. That the war was still years away waiting for him to be ready, but seeing the Lady dismount with a grim look on her face told him that his notion was a foolish one. Fate had already weaved its tight web.

When the grand caravan came to a stop, King Tristian held his arms out fondly to the Lord and Lady of the sun realms. Lord Aileron, his brown beard flecked with grey, bowed feebly before his king. King Tristian let out a hearty laugh and gently clapped the lord on the back.

"Lord Aileron! No need for formality, rise my friend." The older gentleman let out a grunt and struggled to crack his back into an upright position.

"Greatly appreciated, my King." he winced, rubbing the knots in his old joints. King Tristian looked around expectantly.

"Where is the Lady Cassandra? I know my son and Lady Helena are excitedly expecting her arrival."

"Apologies your majesty, my daughter is at home." the Lord said with grave, wise eyes. "With your troubling letter, I thought it was best to leave my most trusted advisor to rule over Heliatra in my absence. Good practice and all." The King rubbed his chin with his hand, in deep thought.

"Yes, perhaps that was for the best. These are grave times indeed."

"I appreciate your understanding, my King," the Lord gratefully replied, excitedly looking over the King's shoulder. "Now if you'll excuse me, I'd love to see my eldest daughter." King Tristian smiled.

"Of course, she's already in the council room awaiting you." Lord Aileron smiled back and patted the King on the shoulder, slowly making his way toward the council room.

The next to arrive was the Lady of Calatan. Lady Kendra marched proudly over to the King and dutifully dropped down to one knee. King Tristian grinned at her dedication.

"Rise honorable Lady Kendra. You can relax." Lady Kendra stood the same height as the King with a broad frame and piercing hazel green eyes. Everyone in the five realms, including the King himself, feared her impressive prowess and the even more impressive reputation that seemed to follow her. Many wondered if the rumors about her wrestling a bear as a child were true, but one look from her piercing eyes and crack of her large knuckles could convince anyone of their validity and scare the bravest man into submission. King Tristian winced slightly when Lady Kendra grasped his forearm. The woman had the strength of a hundred pound ox.

"My King, it is an honor, as usual, to be here at the palace."

"Yes," the King answered politely, smiling to hide the fact he was rubbing his forearm where he could feel small bruises forming. "Where is Lord Terrowin?"