Rising with the Dawn

Guard Something

The closer to the shore they got, the more restless Demetria found herself. Something was clearly not right. Instead of the bustling port she had expected that brought in the majority of Narnia's resources it was void of life, save for the occasional sea gull.

"This is not a good sign." Demetria muttered as she climbed out of the boat, wincing slightly at the strain even the simple movement put on her leg. Caspian nodded, gripping his crossbow slightly. Lucy and Demetria glanced at each other as their small group moved forward, Eustace in tow. They all froze when the sound of a giant bell ringing once echoed through the air, scaring a small flock of birds into the evening sky.

"Drinian, stay here with the men," Caspian commanded, leading the way. "If we don't return by dawn, send a party."

The farther into the dusty and silent town they went, the closer to the others Demetria inched. Her gut was telling her that eyes were watching them from behind those boarded up windows and closed doors. That no matter how abandoned the island seemed, they were not alone.

"Well, it looks like nobody's home!" Eustace claimed loudly as they approached the bell tower. "Time to go!" Demetria shared an exasperated look with the other three. Eustace didn't have to come with them, especially with how jittery he was.

"Why don't you come over here and..." Edmund seemed at loss for words for a moment, licking his lips as he paused. "Guard, something."

"Ah! Yes!" Eustace said, jogging over," Good idea cousin, very...uh, logical." Demetria smiled softly at Edmund, her hand gently brushing his.

"Good move." She muttered as Caspian handed Eustace a small dagger. Hopefully he wouldn't manage to injury himself.

"Demetria," Caspian paused to talk to her on his way to the bell tower doors, "Would you stay with him? We'll only be a moment." Demetria nodded, whatever she could do to help, she would.

"Oh don't leave me with the cripple." Eustace complained, his words causing a heat to flood her face. Why didn't he just smack her for goodness sake?! Edmund was red, but she knew it was for the same reason Caspian's was; out of anger.

"Leave it be." Demetria sighed, looking to Caspian and Edmund in turn. "I'll stay, you three do what you need to do." Edmund's jaw visibly clenched but he nodded, turning and following Caspian and Lucy inside. Demetria waited until the door closed before turning to face Eustace. She glared at him for a moment, debating scolding him, but thought better of it. Aslan had told her when somebody mistreated her, to not only turn the other cheek, but to forgive them and treat them with kindness. That included Eustace. Softening her gaze, Demetria smiled.

"You're the Pevensie's cousin right?" She asked gently, "What's that like?" What she wasn't entirely expecting was a long complaining ramble that referred to both Edmund and Lucy as "terrible", "absolutely horrid", "Unappreciative", and "Mean". Demetria didn't bother to correct him. She knew he was wrong and that was enough, as if the fact that her last fight had resulted in the brace on her leg. However she felt guilty for considering simple pretending to listen. She wished she had when a hand grabbed her by the arm and the cool metal of a knife pressed against her throat.

"Remain silent." A voice hissed in her ear even as Eustace squealed very much like a pig. Demetria could only send up a silent plea to Aslan for help. This was very very bad.