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...
A/N: This chapter once was "The Calm" with is now included in Chapter 11. So, no need for confusion if there are comments relating to that chapter.
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After a small breakfast, the six friends transfer back to the study. It's warmer there and everyone can rest a bit more. Eustace is still in the boys' cabin, refusing to leave his bunk. Edmund and Reepicheep attempt to play chess but every time the Dawn Treader hurtles down into the next wave trough, the pieces tumble all around the room – one has already gone missing. So, the Queen and King of Old show the mouse a game they use to play in their world, it's called City-Country-River. Every player receives something to write with. Then, one person silently starts the alphabet, and another has to 'stop' randomly. The resulting letter sets the round of the game. For example, if "D" is chosen, every player has to jot down a city, a country, a river, and whatever other category the players agreed on beforehand, starting with this very letter. Who completes it first, will receive the most points. It sounds fun but Luna feels nauseous, especially when focusing on writing, and retreats to the padded windowsill. Caspian doesn't join either, he broods over some papers.
The Crown Shield has no idea how much time has passed as there's a knock at the door and Drinian enters. The captain is soaked from head to toe. Everyone looks up from what they are doing and greet the man politely while he shrugs out of his coat. A puddle forms around his boots.
» Captain, how's it out there? « Caspian rises from his desk, both hands holding on to the edge. Drinian clears his throat, stalking over to the king,
» This storm's dour, but it should pass us soon. «Thank Aslan, Luna thinks as her head and stomach still feel funny - she could really do without another case of sea sickness.
» Do you know where we are, exactly? « Edmund steps to the desk as well where Drinian pulls out a map from the upper left drawer. Lucy sends the other female a look and they silently agree on sneaking a peak as well. However, as Luna stands her knees give in for only a moment as if they were made of jelly, and she has to grit her teeth to stay upright.
» Well, what's east of the Lone Islands? « Lucy asks just as the warrior reaches Caspian's desk, gripping the edge just in case.
» Uncharted waters, « Drinian's eyes wander over the map,
» Things you can barely imagine. There're tales of sea serpents and worse. « The siblings exchange a look. Where Lucy looks wary, a smile spreads on Edmund's lips,
» Sea serpents? « Drinian raises a brow, and the Dawn Treader shifts as more waves break at her bow as if in protest to the incredulous tone. The captain hasn't travelled to these waters either, so he can merely tell them what he heard. They knew what they were getting into, well, they had a faint idea. Luna, for one, never expected to be caught by slave traders and fall seasick but she will try her best to be ready for whatever comes next. Drinian still stares Edmund down. Quite understandable, sailors are superstitious. It is said joking of the sea will get back to you double.
