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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» What on earth... « Eustace mumbles, rubbing his eyes. He must have awoken just as that... that mist came and faded again.
» Wasn't there a boat? « He asks, more to himself really, and shakes his head in disbelieve,
» I must still be dreaming. « Luna doesn't pay him much attention. She stares at the water where the boat, including its involuntary occupants, disappeared. What did just happen? The warrior remembers the words of the young prisoner next to her and turns to face him.
» What do you know about this? « she inquires,
» You called it the green plague. « He regards her, then nods hesitantly,
» Aye, I've- I heard stories the sailors 've been tellin'. « Keeping his voice low, he continues,
» They say the mist comes up every now an' then, claiming sacrifice, « the adolescent swallows and casts a careful look around, as if to be sure nobody is listening in. Luna waits for him to go on.
» Usually, three people are taken out on a small dinghy. As soon as they pass into the green cloud, it disappears with 'em, « he explains slowly,
» The slavers believe that they're safe for a month or so after. « If this story is true – and it seems like it – it certainly does not bode well. Where, for Aslan's sake, does that mist come from? Luna chooses not to ask further questions as some slave traders stride over. They hand out water and slices of bread. It's stale, but at least not maggoty. Better than nothing; she has had worse.
» This is unacceptable! « Eustace complains to the slaver who hands the boy his breakfast,
» Every prisoner in England gets treated better. « The man just stares down at the blond for a moment, probably trying to make sense of his words.
» Be glad that ya get somethin' to bite at all, « he advises then and shrugs,
» Pug feels generous t'day. « It sounds as if he really believes that.
» Aye, the boss wants our guests happy for the market, « another slaver comments in passing. This incites Eustace to complain even more. Reepicheep speaks up as well, demanding a duel, but the men just laugh and turn away.
While the sun rises, Luna nibbles on her bread. Her stomach rumbles, yet she forces herself to eat slowly; breaking down a piece at a time and chew each carefully after a sip from her cup of water. Many prisoners gulp down their food; they will be hungry again in no time. The man next to the Crown Shield eats purposefully as well. Either he has experience with too little to eat or he is sick.
» Thank you for sharing what you know, « says she to claim his attention,
» What is your name? « Between two small bites from his bread slice, he smiles slightly.
