Just a moment later, Eustace's cry startles everyone. The boy stumbles. As he loses his footing, he squeals and flails his arms. That doesn't do him any good. He falls nevertheless and rolls down part of the hill before coming to a stop. He doesn't move then, remaining in the grass, keeping his head down. Ed called out to him, and Lucy's head jerked up at the sound of her cousin in distress. Now, the siblings, along with Reepicheep, run down to see if the boy is alright. Luna jumped up, sword in hand and one step ahead of Caspian, who reacted just one second later. As they reach the others, Ed has crouched down next to his unmoving cousin. Eustace's shoulders tremble and a quiet sound is heard. Reep stands over his head, patting it.

» Eustace, are you alright? « Lucy asks while her brother rolls the boy over. The sight is not quite what they expected. Instead of tears, the friends find a few blades of grass on the youngest one's cheeks. Crying did not cause the trembling but laughing.

» I'm good, I'm good, « he assures his friends repeatedly. Edmund releases an audible sigh of relief, chuckling over his own worry. Reep grins, twirling his whiskers,

» You gave us quite a fright, young friend. « Eustace's eyes widen, and he laughs even harder, nearly choking as a hiccup starts. Tears spill now, of laughter though.

» Apologies, « he chokes out,

» This is by far the most ungraceful exit I've ever made. « Ed raises an eyebrow, quite sure this isn't fully true. Still, he swallows the sarcastic remark on his tongue. Instead, he agrees with the tall mouse, holding out his hand to help Eustace up,

» Yeah, you took quite a tumble. «

» My foot caught onto something and well... « the boy doesn't continue as he accepts his cousin's offer and is hauled to his feet. He sways slightly before finding his balance. Reep now pats his leg,

» Maybe a root of some sort? « Lucy shakes her head, exchanging a gaze with Luna. The two doubt there are roots strong enough to trip a boy, even if he is small and skinny like Eustace. So, the queen looks up to where he apparently lost his footing, brows furrowed.

» Well, good that you're unharmed, « Caspian chimes in, releasing the hilt of his sword. Eustace smiles and attempts to straighten his clothes and dishevelled hair. The blond locks stick in every direction and a few blades of grass and heather are caught in them.

» Thank Aslan for the lesson on how to fall, huh? « Luna chuckles and pulls the remaining grass out of Eustace's hair and from his collar. The boy smiles sheepishly, a rosy tint coating his cheeks. She looks him over,

» You're sure nothing hurts? « Her voice is soft, and Eustace can't help but relax. The older girl has grown on him, and her presence has a calming effect. So, he rolls his shoulders and moves around a bit for testing purposes. His right arm hurts, probably because it had to hold his entire weight and the additional force from when he fell. Else, he reports to be unharmed.

Turns out, it was no root that Eustace stumbled over. Instead, it was an old chainmail. Back in the day of its glory it surely was costly. Now the silver rings are rusty, but they must have been made by a fine craftsman. Soon, they find a shield with the Telmarine coat of arms, a golden cross on dark blue ground. It, too, is withered but Caspian concludes one of the seven Lords must have been here.

» We must find out what happened to him, « the king mumbles, looking around to see if there are any other weapons. Or bones, for that matter. They find nothing else hidden in the heather. Taking the chainmail and the shield with them, the friends spread out to look for traces of the remaining five lords.

~

» Guys, over here! « At Caspian's call everyone gathers at the foot of another hill, right in front of a large black hole in its side. The gaping maw disturbs the peaceful view of lush green grass.

» Ahm, « Eustace clears his throat uncomfortably,

» We don't need to go in there, do we? « The boy ogles at the cave entrance with narrowed eyes, folding his arms in front of his chest. He never was afraid of the dark in his room as a little child, yet walking right into this hole in the ground doesn't seem quite wise to him. Every explorer and researcher, especially cavers, will warn unexperienced folks from going in unprepared. He recalls three things in particular to be essential: A light source which won't go out at the slightest tap, enough rope to pull someone from a crevasse, and proper clothing. That includes shoes with special-purpose-soles and a helmet – in case some rubble is coming down. As the six friends have neither of those things, Eustace concludes that returning to the ship to fetch better equipment – even though he doubts there is any – or at least leaving this cave alone would be the best choice.

Luna views the entrance to the cave before shifting her gaze to Caspian. Thankful to the task at hand, she pushes all thoughts from before to the back of her mind. The king stares in the darkness for a few moments longer, then he turns, locking eyes with his trusted Crown Shield. His pose speaks of determination, he has sworn to find the seven friends of his father, so this is what he is trying to do. Meaning, they will go in. Luna nods curtly at him.

» Reep and I'll secure the perimeter, « she says,

» Give us a minute and wait out here. « Sometimes, Caspian wonders how she could change from the Luna he knows as his caring friend to a foresighted and calculating warrior in the matter of seconds. Where does she find the strength to put needs, emotions, and thoughts back to tend to whatever task at hand? On the other hand, he doesn't wonder about the commanding tone she uses in situations that may put his safety at risk, never mind who she is addressing, be it a king or a soldier. Reepicheep looks around, then he starts towards the entrance. Luna turns to follow as Caspian's hand brushes over her arm. He can't help it, he doesn't want her out of his sight for long, especially not in unknown territory. She feels the light touch and pauses for a split moment before falling in step with the tall mouse.

» Be careful, « Lucy tells them and nudges Eustace who mumbles under his breath,

» Sure, let's go into the scary hole, yay. « Another moment later, they disappear inside the cave. Caspian fixates the spot where they vanished out of the daylight. He can make out their figures but watching them won't make him feel useful. He turns to the others,

» We'll need light. «

~

Have you ever stepped inside a cave? The feeling of the warm air outside shifts to a cool draft. It sends a shiver down Luna's spine as she steps inside. From outside, the cave looks dark but after just a few steps dim light fills the hall of stone. The two knights look up to find its source, only to be met with a solid ceiling of earth and rubble. Here and there, stalactites add to the uneven surface above their heads. Droplets of water drip from one, then from another, creating a rhythm. Up ahead, the cave seems even lighter. They hear the sound of water, a soft murmuring echoing from the walls ever so slightly.

» Magnificent, « Reep whispers as they make their way towards the source. The ceiling arches upwards, forming a dome. Nearly the entire hill must be hollow! The light comes from small slits in the ceiling, a few of them are wide enough for sunrays to fall through. They reflect from some stones, there must be metal or crystal among the rubble. The most astonishing, though, is the lake that rests in the middle of the dome. Its water sloshes against the stones, creating the murmuring they heard before. If it weren't for the glistening of sunlight on the calm surface, it would seem like time stands still.

» Truly, « Luna agrees to Reep's previous statement as the two stop just where the cave expands upwards. They don't feel it would be right to go further without the others. However, the sense of duty drifts away with the rhythm of the water. It is calming, soothing even. Both, Luna and Reep let go of the hilts of their weapons unconsciously. Neither of them knows how long they would have continued to stand there if it weren't for the flash of light. Reep notices it first from the corner of his eyes, whirling around, paw back on the hilt of his rapier. Luna needs a moment longer to return to the present as her friend calls out for her softly. They exchange a look, remembering their task and hurrying back towards the entrance.

There, they find the two kings, the queen, and the cousin, nearly bumping into them as they took to stand right before the entrance. Ed has his torch with him, the one that works without actual fire.

» There you are, « the King of Old greets them, lowering the source of light to not blind them.

» Finally, « Eustace mutters, still hoping they will return to the ship.

» A minute, huh? « Caspian teases,

» You were in there for a bit longer than that. « His grin falters as Luna and Reepicheep only blink in confusion. The explorers exchange another gaze, they couldn't have been gone for more than a few minutes.

» Fifteen minutes, « the king fills them in. Luna's eyes widen at the revelation,

» Strange, I could've sworn we went in and out in half that time. «

» We must've stood there longer then, « Reep shrugs.

» Found something interesting? « Edmund inquires, eager to get moving. They can stand around on the Dawn Treader long enough once they set sail again.

» See for yourselves, Your Majesties, « the talking mouse steps aside,

» We didn't spot apparent danger, but be on your guard, anyway. «

As the four enter the cave, only Reepicheep follows them. Luna tells him she will be with them in a moment. First, she needs a breather. She finds it difficult to shake the stupor from staring at the lake. It's a peaceful stupor, but strange, nevertheless. Looking up into the sky, she thinks of Aslan. He will watch over them no matter what; He knows the way they are going. Being here is no coincidence, Luna doesn't believe there are any. This anchors her back in the present fully and strengthens her thoughts. With a smile directed upwards, the young woman turns and heads inside the cave.

She quickly catches up with the others who have already reached the dome. Like Reep and Luna before, they stand in awe of the place. Eustace gazes up at the slits in the ceiling. He puts a hand over his eyes, takes a step forward to see more and promptly stumbles once again – right into a stalagmite this time. He doesn't squeal, though. Falling against the stone sends a dull echo through the cave. Luna is at his side in an instant, pulling him back and away from the stalagmite to a spot with more even ground. The boy wants to wipe his wet hands on his trousers but stops as he notices the dirt on his palms. He thanks Luna with a small smile and skips towards the pool to wash his hands. Reepicheep climbs one of the larger stones at the water's edge and looks down while Edmund kneels. He spots something on the ground.

» Look! « He points towards the golden glimmer and claims everyone's attention. Caspian and Lucy were inspecting the small brook and tried to determine in which direction it flows. Luna steps closer as well, eyeing the water. Something must be off in here; it is too calm. As a child, she once was told of a flower which lures in small animals with a wonderful smell. As soon as the prey is between its leaves, the flower will strike, and snap shut like an oyster. You recognise these predators at the seemingly peaceful surroundings. There will live nothing except for other plants, her mentor had said. This entire island reminds her of such a flower. Luna squares her shoulders, steeling herself. With trained ease, the swirling of her thoughts drifts into the back of her head and her senses sharpen. She watches warily as Lucy points out the statue under the surface of the lake. Ed leans forward in his kneeling position to get a better look at it.

» It's too deep to reach, I think, « he mumbles, rising to his feet and drawing his sword. The King of Old exchanges a look with Caspian, who clasps his arm while Edmund dunks the blade into the water to measure the depth. On the stone, Reep leans forward, watching intently. Eustace forgets to wash his hands and observes the scene. How on earth did the statue get here? The boy buts his hands in his pockets, kicking a palm-sized rock into the water. It penetrates the surface with a splash, sending circular ripples over the lake.

» Everyone, get back! « Edmund cries out, jumping back, nearly toppling Caspian and himself over in the process. His sword lands in the gravel at the shore, the sound is swallowed by the echo of his voice pounding through the cave. Without asking questions, everyone does as told.

» What is it, Ed? « Lucy looks around for something that could have unsettled her brother. Luna has half-drawn her sword at his warning, bending her knees slightly to fight what- or whoever is about to attack. Edmund, however, doesn't react immediately. He stares at the water.

» Ed? « Caspian calls his friend's name. Reepicheep hops down from the stone, stepping next to Eustace who froze on the spot. The mouse draws his rapier, awaiting an attack just as Luna does.

» The splash... « Ed starts to explain himself,

» It landed on my boot and now there's a golden spot. « Luna frowns as everyone takes a look at the shoe in question. Caspian raises an eyebrow, his gaze wanders to the water. Eustace takes his hands out of his pockets, fumbling with his fingers. Gently, Luna drags him back a few more steps, giving him a look to stay there – she can't have him stumble again and fall into this water.

» It can't be, « Ed whispers. To everyone's surprise he steps towards the water, kneeling carefully. He grabs a long rock and dips its top into the lake. Quickly, he draws his hand back, placing the rock on the shore. Everyone watches as the water on it starts to glimmer and turn golden.

» Impossible, « Caspian says quietly, staring at the object as if it came from another world. Ed picks it back up, weighing it in his hand,

» It's heavier than before. « Lucy shakes her head slowly; her eyes wander to the statue. She gasps,

» The statue... It's- He was... «

» One of the lords maybe, « Cas steps closer to the water and Luna shifts uncomfortably. If this water – or whatever it is – turns everything immersed in it into gold, she doesn't want her friends anywhere near it, especially not her king.

» Thank Aslan, you warned us, Your Majesty, « Reep chimes in,

» Else, anyone could have touched the water. « Thinking it best to distance himself from the pool, Reep joins Eustace back at the stalagmite the boy stumbled into earlier.

Meanwhile, Luna tenses as Caspian leans over the lake to take another look at the statue – well, or the man it may have once been. Turned to gold is not a death she ever imagined possible, and she certainly doesn't want to start with it.

» Cas- « Luna calls his name, and he glances at her briefly, nodding once. A silent promise to be careful.

» It's Lord Restimar, « the king announces as he steps back, and points at an emblem on the statue's sleeve.

» Alright, can we leave now? « No one pays attention to Eustace as Edmund straightens. He fished the lord's sword out with his own. Neither blade turns to gold. The King of Old mumbles something under his breath and lifts the golden stone. He turns it around in front of his face, studying it,

» Pure gold, « his voice is lower than usual, a strange singsong to it,

» Whomever this island belongs to, could be the richest man. « Now, Edmund looks over to his sister who frowns at him,

» No one could tell us what to do anymore, we- «

» Ed, we can't take something from Narnia, « Lucy reminds him, grabbing onto her belt. She shifts in her spot as he continues to stare at her, well, he doesn't look at her, he seems to be somewhere else entirely. His gaze has something unsettling to it, piercing as it is and yet not really present. Luna hasn't moved, unsure of what to do. Oh, if there could be a real opponent, she wouldn't have to deal with this lure of the golden pool, so similar to that flower.

» It belongs to Narnia, « Caspian raises his voice. It sounds gentle, but there lurks something in his tone, something dark. The kings' eyes meet, their faces stony. The temperature seems to drop in the beautiful dome of the cave, even though nothing changed – not visibly, at least.

» What are you saying? « Ed's grip on the golden stone tightens. Luna wonders why this is important. They probably will never return to this strange island, so what is the point to argue over whom it belongs to? Anyways, as far as the Crown Shield's knowledge goes, Narnia's vaults are full. What is Caspian getting at? The king lifts his chin,

» What belongs to Narnia belongs to me, do not forget that! « Ed's eyes narrow and he rises slowly,

» Are you so insecure that you need to point this out every opportunity you get? «

» Only when you forget your place, « Caspian's eyes are narrowed to slits by now as well,

» You always want to be better, don't you? «

» I am, « the King of Narnia's Golden Age grips his sword, lowering his head a little. Then, he rushes forward, shouting,

» And I'll show you! « Cas is quick to rip up his blade to block the incoming high blow. Edmund draws back, only for Caspian to follow up with an attack. The kings clash in rage, now the sound of steel on steel echoes through this cursed cave. Eustace shrinks back, Reep guards him while Lucy and Luna exchange a glance. The Queen of Old wipes the shock from her features, replacing it with the determination to put an end to this. Luna has a vague idea what she plans to do. So, as soon as Lucy moves, so does she. Back to back they jump right in between the fighting men as they both draw back from a fast exchange of blows.

» Stop it! « Lucy shouts out, her voice increasing in volume with her following words,

» Both of you! « However, the kings are already charging again. They stop as the two move between them. Caspian has his sword up, taking a swing. He tries to stop, but his own strength forces him to carry out the blow. Luna doesn't even blink as she rips up her own sword. Their blades meet with a clang and Caspian stills, staring at the young woman. She stares back at him, confusion, shock, and anger at his behaviour written on her features. Guilt would crash down on him, weren't it for the stupor and the hot rage surging through his veins.

» You stand against me?! « He thunders,

» You of all people? I should've known you would betray me. « Luna tries her best not to flinch. She sets her jaw firm, adjusting her grip at her sword with one hand. Lucy's hand found her other, squeezing slightly.

» You know where I stand, « she answers, unable to remove the cool edge of her voice as angry heat spreads through her body,

» Whatever this place is, it doesn't change a thing. « The muscles in his jaw move as he tightens it,

» How do you speak to your king?! « Luna takes a sharp breath, squeezing Lucy's hand back,

» King or not, this isn't you, Caspian! « Her Caspian would know she will always stand by him, no matter what. He would know she would rather die than betray him. Yet, hurt is evident in her eyes. Once again, she finds herself wondering, if being friends with the king she is supposed to protect is possible. That very hurt, however, hits him like a brick wall. He frowns, stumbling to think a proper thought. With deep breaths he tries to calm himself, shaking his head to get rid of the heaviness of his mind. Luna watches as the fire leaves his brown eyes. Still, she doesn't let her guard down yet. Cas is thankful for the little support her sword against his offers, the pressure anchoring him back in the present.

In the meantime, Lucy turns her head to look at Caspian and back at her brother alternately.

» Look at yourselves, « she says, volume dropping to a near breaking point of tears,

» This place is bewitching you; we need to get out of here. « Edmund didn't need to catch his swing - he didn't start as he froze at his sister's voice. Now, he stares at her, and Lucy watches the mist in his eyes clear away. Embarrassment and guilt replace it. The King of Old looks down at the golden stone still in his hand. He lowers his sword, glancing at Caspian. This seems to once again fuel this sudden anger that came over him. He grits his teeth, trying to make sense of this situation. Lucy glances at him before walking off. Along with Eustace and Reepicheep, she leaves the cave.

Finally, Caspian is ready to lower his sword. Luna does the same. As Edmund turns away, throwing the golden stone back into the lake, she doesn't need to worry they will clash again. It seems like that storm has blown over, but every storm leaves a mark.

» Luna, I- « Caspian stops as her disappointed and hurt gaze flickers over him before she follows the others.

Caspian and Edmund carry themselves out of the cave, overlooking its beauty. They feel drained and not completely free of their stupor yet. Guilt weighs down on their hearts, both for the same and different reasons. As they step outside, they blink at the bright sunlight. Lucy has one arm slung around her cousin who is distraught by what he just witnessed. Not only the sudden fight between friends, but the dead man in the lake as well. Reepicheep turns around himself, watching their surroundings as if he awaits another attack – on mind or body alike. Luna just makes her way over to the three as a low rumble sounds from the cave. She freezes mid-stride, whirling around. Her eyes lock with Caspian's. She wants to lift her sword, which she never sheathed, but she is unable to move. There's another rumble, louder this time. Everyone stands still, staring at the black hole in the hill. A gust of wind howls over them from the cave. Then there's a deafening roar. The roar of a lion.