The Naiad and Her King

Chapter 2

The Naiad Trilogy

Part 2: The Naiad and Her King

Chapter 2

"Oh!" Ava took in a great gasp of air in surprise as she looked upon her target. "Caspian, she's beautiful! She's breath taking! Simply stunning! I can't seem to find the right words to describe her."

"So you like her then?" Caspian questioned sarcastically.

"I believe, Sire, that would be an understatement," Lord Drinian replied. Caspian's smile grew wider and Ava let out a little laugh.

"Honestly, Caspian, I don't know what to say," Ava said.

"Well that's a first," Caspian teased.

"Oh stop." Ava hit his arm playfully. "Have you thought of a name for her yet?"

"I have thought of many names. But after giving it a considerable amount of thought, I believe I have settled on the name Dawn Treader. It seemed most appropriate seeing as how she will be sailing eastward in about a month's time."

Ava turned her eyes back to the target before her: a magnificent ship sitting just out to sea. She had an open-mouthed dragon's head at her prow and the tail at her stern. The jade green wings of the dragon stretched nearly half the length of the ship. Ava found herself breathless before the sight of it. She had known for several months that Caspian was building a ship and planning a trip to the east, but he had kept the details of the ship a secret even from her. He sought the aid of the trees, Dr. Cornelius, and even the River God for a magical concealment hiding the ship from view. Only those who were building the ship could see it. Now, at last, Caspian had allowed Ava to see the final product before the rest of the citizens.

"A month's time, really? You plan to leave that soon?" Ava asked, looking back at Caspian.

"Ava, I do not think I could hold back my excitement much longer." And in truth, Caspian looked the most excited he'd ever been.

"Who will be her captain?"

"That honor would be mine, Princess," Drinian said as he gazed adoringly upon the magnificent vessel.

"A finer choice you could not have made, Caspian. And what of her first mate, who should have that honor?"

"Look at you! Been doing a bit of reading, have you?" Caspian asked.

"Oh Caspian, I have been as nearly as excited as you about this voyage. Of course I would do my research. And even if I weren't excited about it, I would have had to research it anyways just to keep up with all your talk."

Caspian let out a hearty laugh before finally answering Ava's question. "Drinian and I have discussed the matter of 'first mate' quite often, but we have yet to make a decision."

"If I may be so bold as to offer my opinion..."

"I would expect nothing less from you, Ava."

"...I would suggest Tavros. He is most loyal to Your Majesty, and for a Minotaur I find his heart to be quite light. The thrill of a sea voyage would please him to no end." Ava continued on as if she hadn't heard Caspian's sly remark.

"Not to mention he would be quite the sight to behold if we were to run into any unfriendly vessels," Drinian added.

"That he would," said Caspian. "I will take your opinion into consideration, Princess."

"That is all I ever ask of thee, Your Highness," Ava said rather former like earning her a glare from Caspian; to which she responded with an innocent smile.