The Guardian of Narnia

XIX

Elvira stood on the port side of the boat with Edmund, Caspian and Drinian as The Lone Islands came into view and the sun began hiding under the horizon. She squinted to try and find a flag.

"Strange. No Narnia flag in sight," she remarked.

"The Lone Islands have always been Narnia's," Edmund said. She nodded in confirmation.

"Seems suspicious," Drinian said.

"I say we prepare a landing party. Drinian?" Edmund said. Drinian looked sheepish as he said, "Forgive me, Your Majesty... But the chain of command starts with King Caspian on this ship." Edmund's face fell.

"Right..." he said. Elvira rubbed his shoulder affectionately as he looked at her, anger deep in his eyes.

"We use rowboats. Drinian, pick some men and come on shore," Caspian said. As Davros the Minotaur called out orders, Elvira followed Edmund who went to the back of the boat, where it was quieter. She walked up to him and knelt in front of him.

"Edmund? Are you alright?" she asked, holding his hands in hers.

"It's... it's nothing," he said and stood.

"Now, Edmund, I know where you're coming from. You know who my brother is," Elvira said. She took his face in her hands and turned it to her own, "It either changes, or it stays the same. There's nothing we can do, apart from push through and soon enough, we become used to it. Believe it or not, I was jealous of Aslan when I was younger. He called the talking animals together, he helped Digory and Polly. I was his advisor. I was his first mate. I was never the captain. But when he would leave me in charge, I would always do my best, to show I can be like my brother, but not let it go to my head. When he returned, I was treated with more respect as a decent first mate. You can do that with Caspian. Relish in the time you're in this world, because you can't stay here forever. Okay?" Edmund nodded. Elvira smiled and gently kissed his forehead. He smiled and went a little pink. She smiled and turned out, hearing Caspian call her. She jumped into a boat with Edmund, Reepicheep, Lucy, Caspian and Eustace. They reached the other side and Elvira was the first to jump out. She helped Lucy onto shore.

"Onward! The thrill of the unknown lies ahead!" Reepicheep said excitedly.

"Can't we just wait till the morning?" Eustace asked.

"There is no honour in turning away from adventure, lad," Reepicheep said. Elvira shushed everyone sharply.

"Listen! Where is everyone?" she asked.

"Come on, jelly legs," Reepicheep said as Eustace struggled to get out of the boat.

"I'm capable of getting out myself!" he said indignantly. He promptly fell over after that.

"And you're certain you're related by blood?" Caspian asked Lucy. Elvira chuckled lowly and walked up the bridge into the town. Without warning, the pealing of a bell begun. Everyone jumped and looked up to the sound. Elvira squinted up at the bell tower, and she saw Caspian with a crossbow look up as well.

"Reepicheep, stay here with Drinian's men and secure the place. We will head up. If we don't come back by dawn, send the party," Caspian ordered.

"Yes, Your Majesty," Reepicheep replied.

~

The troop walked through the town to the main building. Eustace wasn't so keen to do so.

"Yeah, looks like nobody is in. So do you think we should go back?" he asked. Elvira looked back at him. She and Edmund shared a look.

"Do you want to come here and guard... something?" Edmund asked.