In the early afternoon Lucy and Edmund finally receive a tour of the Dawn Treader. They did see most of it already as the ship is not that big. However, now Caspian explains everything to them, and he looks proud by doing so. They start on the quarterdeck which lays in the back of the Dawn Treader, higher as the main deck in the ship's middle. The crew also calls it the poop. This is where the ship's wheel and the tiller are. As usual, Drinian stands at the wheel and keeps the Dawn Treader on track. For this duty, shifts are divided among the captain himself and the two highest ranking mates. Stairs lead up there on both sides – starboard and larboard. This deck is completed by the golden dragon's tail. Luna remembers the time Reep and she balanced out there to pass the time under Drinian's watchful eyes. The Talking Mouse has a major advantage though, in size and in keeping his balance. As they did this for the first time, Rynelf ended the mischief by calling them down. The first ship's mate takes safety very seriously and doesn't relax as easily as others. The look he cast Luna then as well as his words, she can still picture vividly.

» Don't ya fall down there, « he said and smiled crookedly,

» Didn't take ya for a mischievous one, lassie. « He was right, Luna does take her duty so very serious that there isn't much time left for such jolly things. However, with Reepicheep she tends to have her fair share of it. Especially since they spend every day in each other's company and the journey hasn't been eventful so far.

The middle deck lays lower and centres around the mast. Two hatches – one smaller than the other – lead down in the belly of the ship. On this deck, the dinghies are stored. Those are small boats which carry the crew ashore if there is no proper harbour fitted for the Dawn Treader. At the back lay the entrances to the study, the cabin Lucy and Luna share, and the salon as well as Drinian's cabin and the sick bay which is occupied by Eustace. On the other side, between the stairs up to the small front deck or forecastle, a hen coop is located. It houses nine chickens that are cared for by Anaru, the scullion, who helps the ship's cook Jaro. The galley – the ship's kitchen – is his domain at the very front of the Dawn Treader, located within the forecastle together with the quarters of the first and second ship's mate. Once, Jaro explained to Luna why the galley is sat there. As a ship sails with the wind, the smoke and smell of the kitchen's chimney would waft over the whole ship, if at the stern. The location at the bow prevents this.

After greeting the people in the galley, Caspian leads the small party to the hatches. One by one, they climb the ladders down into the ship's belly. They find themselves in a large room with an uneven floor as the rowing benches are integrated in it. The Dawn Treader is not one of those galleons which have slaves row them day and night. Actually, the oars are used scarcely, to get in and out of harbours until the sails catch enough wind and the ropes tighten, or when the wind refuses to push the ship at all. Supplies and barrels containing water, beer and wine are stored here as well. There are sacks of flour, salted pork and sides of bacon, different kinds of cheese, durable vegetables and fruits like carrots, potatoes and apples, honey jars, nuts and even biscuits. Strings of onions and garlic hang from the ceiling here and there, as well as smoked ham, bacon, and the hammocks of the men. They walk to the back where a small cabin is situated. This is where Caspian and Edmund hanged their hammocks. One bunk is available which will be Eustace's as soon as he recovers.

» We'll be quite alright down here, « Edmund smiles while he inspects the small cabin further. The walls draw closer together downwards so that there isn't much floor. At the back of the room, a porthole welcomes some light in. However, it can't be opened as it lays underwater most of the time, depending on the waves. Luna feels a little uneasy about evicting the king out of his own cabin. At least, it's not because of her alone... and he did insist.

After finishing the tour, everyone heads back up to the salon. Reepicheep wanders off to his favourite spot on the ship. The proud dragon head at the front of the Dawn Treader has a small space in its mouth where a man can fit rather comfortably and overlook the sea ahead. The mouse loves to sit there, between the wooden dragon teeth to hold onto, and sing to himself. If someone has watch duty there, they are glad to have company. It can get pretty lonely – especially as the crew are used to have people around all the time. However, Luna likes that spot, too, as well as the crow's nest on top of the ship's mast. A little alone time is something she appreciates. That is why she is glad that Drinian allows her to take the one or other watch. Being able to help around the ship makes her feel useful. Her job to guard the king is rather uneventful when they are at sea. What could possibly happen to him here? Everyone knows everyone, one is never really alone, and they all are part of a nation which looks up to its king. Of course, Luna fulfils her task regardless. One does never know what can happen, imagination just goes that far. But variety is welcome and working outside is a plus Luna takes without questions asked.

Now, she hangs back to remain on deck. Night is falling and a chilly wind brushes up. At night, it gets rather cold at sea, especially if strong winds howl over the water and whip up the waves. Luna leans over the railing, watching the white foam forming on the wave's crests. Someone muttering under their breath draws her attention to Eustace who staggers around the middle deck, struggling to keep his balance. He climbs up the stairs clumsily, nearly toppling over a few times. One of the sailors nearby rushes to lend the boy a hand but he just hisses that he can manage on his own. The sailor raises an eyebrow, shrugs, and turns back to his work. Luna shakes her head. Why is the boy behaving like this? There is absolutely no need to be so rude, no one is at fault for his misery... or what Eustace seemingly considers as his misery.

» When's this storm going to end? « Calls out the boy as he spots her and manages to get hold of the railing. Slowly, he creeps forward step by step until he reaches the warrior's side. Drinian silently watches the boy from his spot at the wheel. Now, the captain bellows out a loud laugh which causes Eustace to flinch and whip around.

» Storm? « Drinian asks,

» What storm can ya possibly mean, lad? The sea's at 'er finest. « The king's and queen's cousin frowns at the older man.

» Who is that? « He asks in Luna's direction,

» And why's he so loud? His voice gets through my head. « She refrains from rolling her eyes and chooses to ignore the complaint.

» This is Lord Captain Drinian, « Luna explains instead as Eustace turns back to her, regarding her with his light blue eyes.

» And when are we going to reach land? « He demands to know, a little calmer now,

» Probably this nutshell could take shelter in a bay until the storm passes. «.

» You aren't used to the sea yet, « Luna chuckles at his persistence about the imaginary storm,

» In a few days you'll wonder why it was so difficult to walk properly on deck at first and have a funny feeling when walking on land again. « Eustace turns his gaze to the water, his face paling a tad bit.

» How about we join the others inside? « She therefore suggests. The boy just huffs and wobbles back to the stairs. Luna follows swiftly, making sure he reaches the bottom without tripping over his own feet.

As they enter the salon, the kings and queen sit at the table, bent over the map. They must have brought it over from Caspian's study. The two kings discuss something while Lucy traces the lines with her index finger. At their entry, they look up in unison. Luna bows her head respectfully and steps closer.

» There you are, « Lucy's face lights up at the sight of her cousin. She scoots over at the bench to make room for the two newcomers. Luna thanks her with a small smile and takes a seat after Eustace slides in first.

» We were just discussing Narnia's borders, « Edmund gestures to the map. Now Luna notices what Lucy was looking at so fondly. The Lantern Waste where she and her three siblings appeared in Narnia for the first time.

» You were busy, weren't you? « Edmund continues, shooting Caspian a look,

» How long is it since we were here? « At his first question, Caspian hesitates, and shares a look with his Crown Shield. They were busy indeed. Narnia had to be re-established and it took long until Narnians and Telmarines could live in peace next to each other, even longer for them to live with each other and work together. The first work the new Narnian nation accomplished in collaboration was the rebuild of the castle Cair Paravel as the king's residence and capital of Narnia. Now, it stands as a mark of triumph over racism and for peace. Sure, there still are disputes between the races but they get fewer and fewer. Oh, Caspian had to muster all his diplomacy skills to sort out who is going to live where. Narnia's nobility and aristocracy had to be parted equally between Old Narnians and Telmarines – which is not completed yet – and the duchies had to be distributed. Something that the human part of court and nobility is struggling with, is to accept other species and regard them as equals. Much pressure weighed on Caspian, but he mastered the challenges one by one. He still does and he will surely continue to do so as soon as they return home. However, this is by far not everything. As Caspian holds her gaze, Luna guesses he is thinking the same.

» It's been three years, « he finally answers, not breaking the eye contact,

» And a very eventful time, I must say, yes. « Edmund studies the map again, pointing to the Narnia's outer-borders,

» Now I'm curious. Please, tell us everything. « And Caspian does as is asked of him. He tells the others about the time following his coronation, after the Second Battle of Beruna and the four king's and queen's return to their world. He explains the struggles to unite Narnians and Telmarines, the project of rebuilding the capital and, finally, he talks about the wars, leaving out the gruesome details. The Kings and Queens of Old have had their fair share of wars and battles during their reign.

» After the battles with the giants of the North last summer, they even pay us tribute, « a shadow flits over Caspian's face. Those battles were cruel and brought death to so many, the numbers of the fallen were greater than in any other war they fought. Caspian forces a small smile and nods to himself.

» Now, there's peace around all of Narnia, « he concludes but Luna notices that his smile doesn't quite reach his eyes. Shadows of the past haunt him, she is familiar with that feeling.

» How is Trumpkin? « Lucy senses the dark mood hanging in the air,

» Why didn't he accompany you? « Caspian leans back, rolling his shoulders,

» Trumpkin stayed at Cair Paravel because I named him regent until my return. « Indeed, their friend reigns Narnia in Caspian's absence. He couldn't have chosen someone better suited for the position. The dwarf may be grumpy most of the time, but his heart is in the right place, and he knows how to handle things. After all, he acted as Caspian's counsellor since day one. Lucy must have thought the same as she speaks it out loud.

» This is illogical, « Eustace pipes up,

» How can there be strife in a make-believe world? « Everyone looks at him quizzically. Edmund rolls his eyes and folds his arms in front of his chest, he is probably used to that sort of behaviour. Caspian furrows his brow while Lucy seems to think about the right words to explain the whole of Narnia to her cousin.

» In other words, « Luna mumbles,

» You don't think this is real? « The blond looks at her and stifles a laugh.

» Of course, it isn't, « he clarifies with a tone as if it is the most obvious thing in the world,

» Finally, someone who understands. « At that, Edmund snorts, earning a glare from his relative.

» Eustace! « Lucy scolds,

» You can't just say something like that. « He seems unfazed by her words, shrugging her off. However, he lowers his head and murmurs something that sounds like "Just stating the facts". Luna raises an eyebrow at the boy and his antics, then her eyes wander to Caspian. The king leans back in his seat, regarding the three castaways for a moment before turning his gaze to catch Luna's.

» Well, « he says, and a smirk tugs at his lips,

» I don't know about you but I, for one, feel very real. «

This plan of the Dawn Treader is slightly modified by yours truly. At the beginning of the chapter, you find the colored version without the additional descriptions.