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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IT IS THE EARLY MORNING of a clear day; the sea stretches like a mirror around the Dawn Treader. Well, as smooth as the sea can be. Here and there a wave – crowned with white foam – breaks at the ship's bow. About thirty days went by since their departure from Cair Paravel – 400 sea miles, their captain would say. Lord Drinian is Captain of the Dawn Treader since her first launching. It is a proud ship with the golden dragon head on its bow, the looped dragon's tail at the back and the purple sails. Emblazoned at the top of the fifty-feet-high mast flutters Narnia's flag. The golden lion on green ground will be seen from far away and announces their arrival. So far, they were anchored in a few harbours along the way. The Duke of Galma even held a tournament for King Caspian. They couldn't go ashore in Terebinthia due to an epidemic. The last land they set foot on were the Seven Isles. This was a few days ago. Now they are headed for the Lone Islands, the last land mapped in the Eastern Sea. Everyone wonders what may lay behind.
» Good morning, Luna, « Reepicheep hops onto the railing next to a young woman. A smile flickers over her features at the sight of her friend as she returns his greeting.
» This seems to become an interesting day, « he states as he looks out at the sea, taking deep breaths of the fresh salty air. It became a ritual between the two of them to try and predict the events of the awakening day. This is not only entertaining for them but for the rest of the crew as well. Some of the men picked up on this to last through rather uneventful days. To drive away the boredom on such days the two friends sought to learn the one or other handle to sail a ship. The mouse has his difficulties with those because he is too small and doesn't possess enough strength, but he isn't going to let that stop him from trying. Nevertheless, many other abilities are given to the Talking Mouse. Reepicheep is one of the most skilled knights of Narnia, even though he is barely two feet tall. Furthermore, his courage is greater than anyone else's. He belonged to the first to volunteer to become a part of the Dawn Treader's crew. This ship is the best in Narnia's rebuilt navy, it is a great honour to have been accepted as a crew member.
In exchange for learning how to sail, Luna and Reep give the more daring crew members sparing lessons in which even King Caspian takes part at times. This doesn't mean that the men aren't capable of handling themselves in a fight, but most of them are trained with harpoons, crossbows, and spears. The art of sword fighting is more commonly taught to people of higher status or rank. Luna enjoys those lessons more than anything because they remind her of her responsibilities at home, and they pull the crew together. Usually, she isn't one for nostalgia and this is no exception. As Caspian told her about his plans to travel east to find long-lost lords, seven friends of his father, she didn't hesitate to follow him. Years ago, shortly after he was crowned king, the young woman was given the task to watch over his life as his Crown Shield. Even though it isn't common for women to take up swords, Luna took and still takes her duty very seriously. King Caspian doesn't always make this easy, but he does his best for his country and people. Reepicheep doesn't belong to the King's Guard as he has responsibilities of his own, to lead the Talking Mice. He is a member of the Lion's Order, though, that means Luna gets to see him often enough around Cair Paravel. Fortunately so, as their friendship goes way back. Memories about their adventures she remembers with a fond smile.
