Back in the Wardrobe

Chapter 3: What has become

"No, But I am his direct relation. And might I say tis a pleasure to meet the Kings and Queens of old... and friends," Tumnus's relation said with a bow.

"It's a pleasure to meet you too..." Lucy trailed off.

"Oh pardon my rudeness! Goodness, I cannot believe I did not share my name! My Name is Reeden, and you must be Queen Lucy," he said.

"Then it's a pleasure to meet you Reeden. Yes, I'm Lucy. My brother, High King Peter, is the one over there with his fiancée from Archenland, Elizabeth. Edmund and Susan are the two over there. And the one that looks shocked is my boyfriend, Nathan," Lucy pointed everyone out.

"Excuse me for interrupting, But can we find out what has happened here? Reeden, what has become of Narnia in these past few years?" Peter asked.

Reeden hung his head sadly. "It started about four years ago. A group of gypsies from Calormen decided to settle in Narnia. Soon they started spreading rumors of mutiny and traitorous thoughts. At first, they were just attacking the kingdom by destroying the resources, as you can see from outside. King Caspian had tried to settle a peace treaty with them, but to no avail. But then things turned worse, for they took the treaty as a sign of their weakness. They gathered a small group of rebels highly trained in magic and swordsmanship, and attacked the castle. They said they would take no prisoners, kill everyone. King Caspian, may he rest in Peace, stayed in the castle, trying to rescue the women and children. He never came out. That was three days ago... Now, My queen, do not cry. Tis a noble way to go," Reeden directed the last part towards Susan.

"Sue, it's okay. He died still loving you," Lucy smiled sadly, tears now forming in her own eyes.

Reeden suddenly realized why the Gentle Queen was crying. She had loved Caspian. He stood silent as the family comforted the Elder Queen.

Susan suddenly stood up straight, wiped her tears away, and grabbed her bow. She had a scary look in her eye as she firmly said, "Let's go meet these invaders."

"Susan, don't be rash!" Peter tried to settle his sister.

"I still don't understand what's got her so worked up. Her supposed true love died, but what was he really to her? I mean you haven't seen him for years. He could be bald or fat, or ugly" Nathan blurted.

Susan glared at the dark haired boy. "He. Was. And. Is. My. Life." She spoke each word with so much emotion it made Nathan wince.

"Sorry, " He apologized, then mumbled, "not really."

With each word Nathan spoke, Edmund's dislike of him grew more and more strong. If Susan hadn't wanted him to teach him a lesson before, he would already have. But now that Susan was upset, maybe he would get his chance to show Nathan what happens when you anger a king.

"Your majesties, If I may," Reeden said.

"Go ahead," Elizabeth smiled.

"A small group of us Narnians have set up a camp at the Ruins of Cair Paravel. I suggest we go there to discuss with the others our strategies," Reeden said.

"Reeden, that's a logical idea," Edmund said, agreeing with the faun's proposed plan.

"What's Cair Paravel?" Nathan asked.

"The castle where my siblings and I once ruled, you silly," Lucy smiled at Nathan.

"Of course. How could I not know that?" Nathan said, sarcasm dripping from every word.

Edmund glared at Lucy's boyfriend. He was at his wits end with Nathan and one more thing would make him snap, he was sure of that.

Nathan returned Edmund's venomous stare. He was only dating Lucy for her money, and he figured Edmund could tell that. Edmund and him had never gotten along, ever since that day in school that Edmund had refused to give him the answers to the History test.

"Earth to Edmund," Peter said, waving his hand in front of his brothers face, as Reeden watched this strange exchange between the kings.

"Oh sorry. What did you say?" Edmund apologized, his stare off with Nathan now broke.

"I asked if you thought we could sneak back into the wardrobe to get the sword and such the professor left you," Peter said, clearly somewhat annoyed by his brother's sometimes absent mind.

"I'll go," Lucy volunteered.

"Take Nathan with you," Elizabeth said.

Lucy and Nathan headed back to the wardrobe and returned a few minutes later not only with the swords but with enough food rations to last them a week.

Since the time Nathan had made his comment, Susan had been silent. She was so upset, hurt, and confused as to what to do. The only thing she was sure of was that those who had hurt her love would pay dearly.

"Well then, are we set to go?" Reeden asked the royals and their friends.

"I believe so. Take us the quickest way you can to Cair Paravel," Susan said, her want to avenge Caspian's death growing stronger.

Meanwhile, on a small island once inhabited by a star and his daughter, Aslan sat speaking to the girl he had chosen to help and save all of Narnia.

"Marilyn, the task ahead will be treacherous. I have brought you here so as to make sure no harm became of you before the instructions I am about to give you were sent. When we are through here you will be sent to Calormen, specifically the area of the slave trade. You will pretend to be the daughter of Duke Demortez, Serophinia, and you will ask to see the strongest of the men for sale. Leave with the first one in line from the left. Ask the slave no questions and he will ask you none nor will he give you trouble. Then the two of you must immediately head to the ruins of Cair Paravel. There the rest of the issues will be met with help. You already know what will happen after that," Aslan said.

Marilyn nodded, gripping her choice weapon and change of clothing.

"Good. Be strong dear one," Aslan breathed on her and she was taken to the outlying woods of the slave trade.