Orphic || Prince Caspian

four

The seven Lord of the inner King's Counsel were sent away at the beginning of summer. Caspian had turned eight and Miraz had been regent for four months. During those four months, things had changed. Ahren had heard more arguments from his father's study. The raised voices of shouting and the smashing of bottles. Servants began leaving the manor and the once warm stone halls became empty. Othello explained one night that Miraz was raising taxes on the Lord estates to make up for the loss over the winter. Lord Restimar could no longer afford to hire as many servants or guards. So while the sun grew brighter, the atmosphere within his home grew darker like an encroaching storm.

"Will you have to go too?" Ahren had asked as the guard tucked him into bed one night. The nursemaid who had been doing it since he was small, a motherly woman called Eva, had left last week. Ahren had sobbed every night since. (Not during the day. He didn't want Caspian to see him cry. He was bigger so he had to protect the prince, even though the prince was slightly older).

"No", Othello smiled as he rubbed the last stray tears from Ahren's cheeks. "Your father would never dismiss me. You're important to him and I am important because I protect you. Who would make sure you're not getting up to mischief if I'm not there, huh?" He poked Ahren on the nose and the seven year old giggled. "Now you get some sleep. You have swordsmanship in the morning".

The boy let out a groan at the thought and pulled the blankets up to his chin. Othello laughed and pressed a hand to his head, ruffling his curls before rising. "Goodnight!" Ahren called as the guard went to blow out the candle.

"Good night", Othello let out a breath and the flame died. There was the gentle rattle of the door closing. Ahren rolled over and hugged his stuffed animal to his chest. It was a faded ragdoll that had once been fashioned to look like a cat but had long since succumbed to love and time. His mother had made it before she died and he refused to sleep without it. He tucked it in close and buried his face into the pillow, trying to ignore the fear that everything was changing.

Two weeks later the Regent called a counsel with the seven lords. Ahren had made the trip to the capital and had spent the afternoon out in the courtyard practising sword forms under the sun with Caspian. The two boys laughing and re-enacting stories of great battles as they clashed their wooden swords together. Caspian was obviously the better despite not having been taught as long as Ahren. The larger boy's sense of coordination when welding a weapon leaving much to be desired. He made up for it with enthusiasm though, throwing himself at the other with loud laughter and a wild grin. Caspian beaming back as he deflected each blow. Not that either were seriously trying to injure the other.

They were still playing when the doors to the great hall opened and the seven lords came spilling out, their voice raised and loud. Lord Bern was arguing with Lord Argoz and Lord Restimar. At the sight of his father Ahren abandoned his game and ran happily over to greet him. He collided with his father's legs and took a hold of his tunic as he beamed up at him. "Father! Caspian and Tello said that my sword forms are improving!"

A sudden hush fell over the seven men at the sound of his voice and Ahren paused, suddenly afraid that he had done something wrong. Lord Bern cleared his throat awkwardly. "I forgot about your son Restimar. My apologies for speaking out of tern", he rumbled before making a hasty exit. Several lords followed him and Ahren turned to watch them go with a confused expression.

"Damn shame", Rhoop muttered not quite under his breath. "It's not like he could take him with him. It's no place for a child". Then he was far too far away for Ahren to catch the rest.

Lord Restimar shot a pointed look at the rest of his fellow lords and the stranglers hurriedly made their exit. Ahren watch the men all nod their heads in respect to Caspian as they passed. The prince watching with similar confusion, turning his head between the lords and his friend. "Was it a bad meeting?" Ahren asked.

Lord Restimar suddenly seemed older. His shoulders sagged and he ran a hand over his stubble. "My boy", he sighed as he reached down to lift Ahren up. The boy was getting a bit big for it but the Lord still lifted him easily and rested him on his hip. Ahren gripped his father's shoulders as the man carried him over to a bench and sat down. "I'm going to tell you some bad news. You won't like it but you've got to be a big boy about it".

"I'll be a big boy", Ahren promised as he rested on his father's knee. He didn't like this bad feeling.

Restimar's lips twitched into a small proud smile before fading again. When he smiled, he and Ahren shared the same grin. Other than that, Ahren looked just like his mother except for the loose curls he had gotten from his grandfather. The Lord took a breath. "The kingdom is not doing well. Our harvest is not going to be big this year and money is running dry. The regent has decided to send me and the other seven lords to the eastern isles to explore the lands. He believes there might be some resources there that may help us".

"You're gong away?" Ahren voiced. "On a trip?" His voice was small. "Can I come too?"

His father shook his head gently. "You are going to have to stay here. That is why you need to be a big boy. Othello will be here. He can look after you. I won't be gone long. I will be back before next spring, I promise". He leaned over and pressed a kiss to Ahren's hairline.

"Why can't I come with you?" His voice was threatening tears and there was stinging in his eyes. He didn't want to cry here. Caspian could see.

"Because it will be too dangerous. Besides, you need to look after your friend. Prince Caspian would be lonely if you came with me". Restimar brushed a soothing hand over his son's shoulders as the boy sniffed.

Ahren nodded. "I can be a big boy. I'll take care of Caspian".

This time his father's smile was wider, proud and loving. "I know you will. Now I need to talk to Othello. You go and practise your sword forms for a bit". He lifted Ahren down from his lap and gave him a nudge in the shoulder. The boy inhaled and blinked so that he wouldn't cry.

Across the courtyard, he could feel Caspian's eyes on him. Forcing a smile, he looked up and gave him a little wave. The prince waved back, dark eyes furrowed. Ahren sniffed again and once he was convinced he wouldn't cry, he hefted his sword and jogged back over. "What did your father say?" Caspian asked as he drew closer. To the side, Restimar had drawn Othello to the other side of the courtyard and the two men were discussing in hushed voices.

"Bad meeting", Ahren shrugged. He raised his sword challengingly and fixed a smirk onto his face. "Now high king Peter. Will you face me? The fearsome white witch!"

Caspian laughed. "I don't think the witch fought with a sword. She had her magic!"

"Knight of the witch then", Ahren shrugged. "I, knight Ahren of the white witch! I challenge High King Peter to a Duel!"

Caspian settled into a matching challenging pose. "I accept your duel". Then he let out a warning cry and swung. Ahren stumbled back and barely missed it. With a cry of his own, he swung back their wooden swords clacks together. Their eyes met over the crossed blades and they grinned at each other.

Unedited