The Naiad and Her King

Chapter 18

The Naiad Trilogy

Part 2: The Naiad and Her King

Chapter 18

"You are most beautiful," Caspian said, barely above a whisper.

Ava felt her heart sink to her toes. "Beautiful?" she thought. Ava remembered clearly what Caspian really meant when he said beautiful. "For you see, what truly makes a lady beautiful in my eyes is not only her looks, but her character also....My Queen will not only be fair to look at, she will be the full embodiment of beautiful." Caspian had only ever called her beautiful; even the great Queen Susan he only considered fair-faced. "You're beautiful, Ava, truly beautiful, in every sense of the word." He had told her that in the Duke's estate on Doorn after their kiss. Now he found Liliandil most beautiful?

Ava studied Caspian's face carefully. Could he really mean what he said, or was he under some enchantment? Some power of the star?

No. He wasn't.

Ava knew Caspian well, and she knew he was being completely earnest in his feelings. What's more, he was completely enraptured with the star. She had seen that look on his face before; it was when he told her she was beautiful. And now he was saying it to the star. Suddenly Ava felt a dangerous fire flare up inside her, and she fought desperately to keep it at bay.

"Ava?" Lucy whispered her friend's name quietly, but Caspian still heard and he tore his eyes away from the star briefly to look back at Ava. "Are you all right?" Lucy asked.

Ava's eyes met Caspian's for only a second before she harshly looked away. "I'm fine." Ava's eyes met the star's and she couldn't help but to feel remorse for her hateful thoughts of the girl. "Please, forgive us for not eating, but we feared the food might be enchanted and that it sent our friends to their sleep."

"They have never tasted it, young Naiad," Liliandil responded kindly.

"Then what happened to them?" Lucy asked.

"The poor men were half mad and almost fully starved when they arrived here seven years ago. They quarreled over what they should do next and they threatened violence upon each other. One took up the stone knife and meant to fight with it, but it is a thing not right for him to touch. And as his fingers closed upon the hilt, deep sleep fell upon all the three. Please, eat. The food is for you. There is enough for all who are welcome at Aslan's table. " Liliandil raised her hands and the candles were lit.

"And what about these, Lords?" Lucy asked. "Will they ever wake?"

"When all is put right. Come, there is little time." With that, Liliandil turned and began to walk away. Caspian was quick to follow, still entranced by the girl; Edmund and Lucy followed soon after, while Ava came last. Drinian and the crew stayed behind to enjoy the feast prepared for them.

XOXOX

"There it is. Dark Island," Drinian said solemnly from behind the wheel. After eating a full meal and a good night's sleep, or at least the attempt of one, the Dawn Treader and her crew had set out for Dark Island; it was just a short sail from the island of Ramandu. Liliandil had shown them the island the night before and confirmed what they must do to break the spell. They had to find the final lord and his sword, and he was somewhere inside Dark Island.

"Who do suppose is behind it?" Lucy asked.

Ava shook her head. "We may never know. Remember what Coriakin said. It has the ability to take on any form, and it can give life to our darkest fears."

"Then we must not think of them," Caspian said as he stepped up beside Ava and placed a hand on her shoulder. He knew what fear she had been thinking of. "We must be strong. Today, we do not face a single enemy, but we face the very essence of fear." He looked over to Edmund, "Let's get ready."