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...
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He runs as swiftly as his feet carry him. This is no unusual occurrence, yet the darkhaired usually runs for other reasons. Today, however, Orion can't get to the harbour of Cair Paravel fast enough. As soon as the arrival of the king's ship was announced around the palace grounds, the boy took off. Not even the soldiers' laughs could change his mind, has he waited long enough for this day. Oh, what he has to show his mentor, to tell of all the things he has seen. And he must hear all about her adventures alongside King Caspian. The eagerness sets a smile on his pale lips – he ignores the sting of a fresh cut on his jaw. Also he ignores the grunts and calls of others he accidentally bumps – which happens too often for someone who likes to be called a Shadow – or cuts into their paths.
Soon enough Orion leaves the last buildings of the young city behind. His feet drum on the cobblestone, heavier than usual. A fresh breeze carries salty air from the ocean, further ruffling the boy's locks. His eyes are firmly set on the docks where more and more vessels joined Narnia's reinstated navy over the past year. Today, they are all manned, displaying the flag and freshly polished shields. A crowd already gathered along the streets until the mouth of the landing stage, waving at the ship edging closer. The golden dragon head blinks in the afternoon sun. Orion slows, narrowing his eyes in an attempt to look closer on the faces on deck of the Dawn Treader. He can't make out much. So, he slips past the people to get to the front; trying to be patient, as gentle and considerate as he was taught – but, in his excitement to finally see her again, fails on few occasions. If these were all tests, he would fail gloriously.
As the royal ship glides towards the dock, the crowd begins to cheer, the noise ringing in Orion's ears as he stretches and bends to see. Sailors let down tows as thick as his arm for the men on the landing stage to moor her. Then, the plank is prepared. While the people continue to cheer and wave and call for the king, he has yet to appear on deck. The crew work quietly and swiftly, largely ignoring the crowd's calls – even though they must yearn to greet their people, their families. Orion narrows his eyes, allowing himself to be pushed back into the second row. Something is not right; he can sense it. The cheers quiet down slightly until King Caspian emerges. His expression is carefully set and not half as joyous as Orion would have imagined after being away for an entire year. Vainly, the youngster searches for another on deck. He can't spot Luna's familiar figure anywhere. His heart pounds, leaping frantically. Where is his mentor? She usually is found by the king's side or scouting around. The boy lifts his head to where the King of Narnia stands at the railing, waving with one hand while the other grips onto a rope of the rigging. Caspian's gaze is guarded, barley any trace of the joyous twinkle he is known for. Orion frowns, wishing to have waited for his comrades – he could have now turned to them.
Caspian now raises the other hand to calm the crowd,
» It's good to be home! I certainly speak for all the crew when I say; we've missed these gentle shores, these lush hills, these people. We've missed Narnia. « He lowers his arms onto the railing, the smile only short-lived,
