This is the tale of a journey that takes Luna not only to discover the world beyond Narnia's borders; she will find a purpose that goes deeper than protecting her king.
» That's why. I can't protect you the way I should... « As she looks into his ey...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Caspian didn't resist, maybe he fell unconscious. Luna's knuckles are white from fisting her hands so tightly. The crew are reluctant to share details of what happened after the Crown Shield went overboard. After repeatedly telling them to not spare her feelings, Drinian retells it as detailed as he dares. The captain, the lassie, the crew and the four lords are gathered around the map table in Drinian's quarters. Apart from a few guards for the decks and the prisoners, everyone is present as they work out a plan to free the king and the Dawn Treader from the pirates.
» We can't be sure how serious his injuries are, « the captain continues, hands flat on the table,
» They... beat him and put him in chains after you... were gone. « This isn't easy for him to relive. He was forced to stand aside, hands bound behind his back, while a slaver ruffled through this very room in search of valuables – not that Drinian cared much about the things, but it was the first time he could think in peace. Calmly, as if the pirates hadn't just killed an innocent young woman and beaten a man half-dead, he went through drawer after drawer. The captain's stoic mask crumbled, and fury danced across his features, his jaw ticking, and yet he felt powerless – the king chained, the lassie taken by the sea, the crew imprisoned. And all that is his fault! He shouldn't have dismissed Elrik's warning about the rocky islands, about the shadow between them. He heaves a deep breath to calm himself, catching Luna's gaze. Her rage burns in her chest, her fury blazing through her veins like never before. The storm in her eyes would make enemies shrink back, and the captain's eyes mirror it. No, it isn't easy to talk about his shortcomings, nor is it easy to listen to the pirates' cruelty.
They work out a plan: A small team will sneak in when the pirates are all drunk from the feast and therefore sleepy. They should be easy to trick or take out, if necessary. All eyes are on Luna – her position in this quest wasn't even a question. Not because her relation to the king – which's nature was revealed to all as Pug took the engagement ring from Luna. She barely noticed its absence, too drunken with rage and worry, her mind too occupied with getting Caspian back. Who shall come with her? Everyone wishes to go and is ready to be selected by her. The Crown Shield meets Drinian's gaze,
» Could you and Tavros oversee preparations here? « The captain lowers his head in agreement while Tavros places a fist against his chest.
» We also can't take Vigilhoof or Anaru – your hooves are too loud, « Elrik nods in apology towards them before looking Luna straight in the eye, placing a hand on her shoulder,
» You know I'll stand with you. «
» We? Lad, ya're in no shape for this, « Tingel shakes his head, his voice is strict, but his eyes concerned. Luna smiles at her friend, patting his good arm,
