༄ 𝑺𝒆𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒕𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑷𝒉𝒐𝒆𝒏𝒊𝒙 𝑾𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒊𝒐𝒓 (𝑽𝑫𝑻) ༄

Chapter 5: Investigating The Lone Islands

With a nudge from Lucy—although she wasn't sure why—Ana left her alone with Eustace. She joined the Captain and the two Kings on the upper deck as they made plans for their arrival.
"The Lone Islands," Drinian announced. "The port of Narrowhaven."
"Strange," Caspian stated, handing the spyglass off to Edmund. "Not a Narnian flag in sight."
"But the Lone Islands have always been Narnia's," Edmund remarked.
"Seems suspicious," Drinian stated.
"I say we prepare a landing party," Edmund ordered. "Drinian?"
"Forgive me, Your Majesty," Drinian answered, "but the chain of command starts with King Caspian on this ship."
"Right..." There was that strange tone in Edmund's voice again. Ana wondered what exactly it meant.
Thankfully, Caspian agreed with Edmund's suggestion. "We'll use longboats. Drinian, pick some men and come ashore."
"Aye," the Captain replied. "Tavros!"

Tavros had been standing nearby, waiting for orders. He immediately turned to the crew. "Man the longboats! Furl the sail and prepare to drop anchor!" he bellowed.

As the crew scurried to do as they were ordered, Ana headed inside the stern to retrieve some weapons, with Lucy following. She knew Edmund and Caspian wouldn't be far behind. Lucy took a Dwarf sword as well as her dagger and cordial. Ana had two daggers and her bow and arrows. Caspian was armed with a crossbow, sword, and a few daggers. Edmund borrowed one of Caspian's swords and he decided to bring his torch along as well.

The sun was low in the sky as they clambered into the longboats. Eustace insisted on coming with them, despite his cousins' protest. But Ana could understand not wanting to be left alone with strangers. So she would just have to deal with whatever came of it when the time came. For now, they all quietly made their way to shore having very little to discuss.

As soon as his boat had docked, Reepicheep leapt out excitedly. "Onward!" he exclaimed. "The thrill of the unknown lies ahead."
"Couldn't this have waited till the morning?" Eustace groaned. One of the sailors, Rynelf, helped the two girls out of the boat as Reepicheep turned to face him.
"There is no honor in turning away from adventure, lad!"
"Listen," Lucy said and they grew quiet. "Where is everyone?"
Eustace struggled to get out of the boat and Reepicheep offered him his paw. "Come on, jelly legs!"
"I'm quite capable of doing it myself!" he grumbled before face-planting into the steps. "Oof!" Reepicheep sighed.
"And you're certain he's related by blood?" Caspian asked, watching Eustace struggle.

Lucy's face fell a little at the question but neither Pevensie answered. Ana noted they seemed to have different opinions on what they thought of their cousin. Lucy seemed sympathetic and Edmund seemed annoyed by him, but both also cared. It was partly why they didn't want him coming with them.

The Islands were quiet and vacant. There wasn't a soul in sight. The only noises were the sounds of the water lapping against the boats and quiet chatter from the men. It was curious and very strange, so the group approached with caution.

Suddenly, a bell tolled and several of them jumped. Ana scanned the area as Caspian aimed his crossbow in the direction of the sound. It came from a Bell Tower in the center of the town, but they were too far away to see anything. They most certainly wouldn't be able to hit anything from that distance. But the only thing that moved were some birds that must have been nesting in the tower.

After pausing for just a moment, Caspian pressed forward. Reepicheep began to follow but was halted by his King.
"Reepicheep," Caspian ordered, "stay here with Drinian's men and secure the place. We'll head on. If we don't come back by dawn... send a party."
"Yes, Your Majesty." Ana heard the sound of his rapier being tucked away as Reepicheep rejoined the Captain.

Caspian led a small party consisting of only the three royals, Ana, and Eustace.  They approached carefully, looking for signs of life. But it appeared to be abandoned. The windows of the houses were boarded up as were some of the doors. While it wasn't unusual for there to be few people that late in the day, the lack of anyone was just plain eerie. Ana didn't like it one bit and she could tell the others were a little on edge as well.