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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After Pug and his crew of slave traders brought the six friends on board of their ship, they set sail to cross the strait between Felimath and Doorn to reach Narrowhaven. The captured were pushed in the belly of the ship and escorted to the very back in a large cabin. Straw covers the floor, hooks are driven into the wooden walls, chains clatter quietly. It is dark in here; one single oil lamp is lit, and the little flame offers little light which is dimmed by the dirt on the glass. But it is enough to make out a few silhouettes, other prisoners who cower together. They do not speak and as Caspian tries to talk to them, he is shushed by one of them. The fear of the slave traders is evident. Additional to the missing light, the air is thick and smells foul. The straw must be rotten, it reeks of sweat and other unpleasant liquids. Luna really doesn't want to sit down but as the ship picks up speed, she has no choice. Strong currents must have gripped the ship, making it almost impossible to remain standing on the slippery straw.
» Is anyone hurt? « Edmund asks quietly as soon as he is sure that the slavers left. No one seems to be injured but shocked, in Eustace's case, and feeling paralysed like Luna.
» At least that's good, « the King of Old continues. Reepicheep scoffs, his whiskers tremble as he tries to suppress his anger.
» Yes, « says he, wiggling in the ropes binding him. He is the only one of the Narnians who wasn't chained to the wall as soon as they were thrown in here. The slavers didn't find any in his size.
» But this is unacceptable! We must get out there and teach this lot some manners! « The mouse is right, of course he is, but it does not seem likely that they can free themselves. As reluctant as Luna likes to admit that.
» What do we do now? « Lucy asks, her voice shaky. She clears her throat and casts everyone a glance. Eustace keeps quiet. He slides down the wall and draws his knees to his chest. With his arms slung around them he slowly rocks back and forth. Poor fellow. The boy got hurt, Pug's dagger left a scratch on his throat. However, he doesn't seem open for conversation at the moment. They need to have a look at his injury later, though. Luna makes a mental note before she turns her attention to Caspian. In the flickering light she notices his stoic face. He stares into the dark, lost in thought.
» We must wait, « the king finally says.
» What for? « Edmund raises an eyebrow, impatient. He sits next to Luna, so she can see his features. Caspian looks at him, probably ready for a retort but keeps quiet instead.
» As soon as we get off this ship, we get nowhere because they'll watch us like hawks, « Edmund presumes,
» And I don't suppose any of us swiped the key for our chains? « A half-hearted smile plays around his lips and the others join in, at least it's an attempt to lighten the mood. The truth, however, isn't very lightening and it weighs on everyone's hearts. Luna chooses to say nothing and leans her head on the wall behind her, staring in the flame of the oil lamp. It seems to grow dimmer, as its light fades gradually with their hope.
