» Land ho! « The look-out calls from the crow's nest in the early afternoon of the next day. Luna lifts her eyes to the mast's top. The sailor there leans over the balustrade and repeats his announcement. Within a few moments the deck is swarmed by the crew who were not up already. Everyone wishes to catch a glimpse of the land. Drinian holds a hand over his eyes and stares larboard – that is the left side of the ship if one looks from the ship's stern to its bow. He holds out his portable telescope for Caspian to take who stands next to the captain on the quarterdeck. The king takes a look in the distance, then he hands the telescope over to Edmund.

» So, these are the Lone Islands? « Lucy asks excitedly,

» It's been so long since I last saw them. « Indeed, it must be a very long time since the Kings and Queens of Old have been here, the Golden Age of Narnia lays about thousand-three-hundred years in the past.

» Finally! « Eustace exclaims, gripping the railing,

» I didn't think this nutshell would escape the storm and see dry land ever again. « Luna casts him a sideway glance but doesn't retort anything. There is nothing she may say that can possibly change his opinions. They climb the stairs to join the kings and captain as they decide what to do.

» What we see here 's Felimath, « Drinian explains,

» The other two, Avra and Doorn, lay beyond. «

» Are we heading for Narrowhaven? « Lucy asks. She squints to see more of the land on the horizon. Her brother kindly hands her the telescope. She takes it and lifts it in front of her right eye, shutting the other,

» Aw, good old Felimath, it's as green as I remember it to be! « The two kings smile at her excitement.

» Yes, « Edmund says fondly,

» We used to take long walks there. « Eustace stays surprisingly quiet. He eyes the land with interest which Reepicheep seems to note, too. The mouse sends Luna a glance to see if she did as well. She gets the impression that he is up to something.

» The capital's a good day's sail away, half with strong wind, « the captain receives his telescope back. Lucy gazes longingly at the green island in the distance. Caspian looks at her and turns his eyes to Edmund and Luna.

» I'd really appreciate to stretch my legs, « Caspian smirks and explains his idea. They may go ashore on Felimath and cross the hills to its other side where the Dawn Treader will take them aboard again. Then, they will set course on Doorn, the largest of the three islands and location of their capital Narrowhaven. The king's idea is met with approval from all sides – except Eustace's who would prefer to reach civilisation, yesterday at best. However, as soon as they are close enough to the shore, one of the longboats is manned to take them there.

Caspian, Edmund, Lucy, Eustace, Reepicheep and Luna take some time to walk along the beach to get used to real land beneath their feet again. Felimath is not called 'the green island' for nothing. The soft hills are lush as is the forest they pass along the way across the island. It's the second largest of the three Lone Islands – Avra being the smallest – but its shape is more extended in length than in width.

~

As the sun starts to make towards the horizon, the companions reach a soft valley between the hills. Just behind the low hill on the other side they spot the ocean again – or better, the strait between Felimath and Doorn which is only a few miles wide. Though, they stop short in their tracks as they recognize a faint column of smoke rising from the bottom of said valley. A group of trees obstructs a clear view but there must be people here.

» I thought Felimath was uninhabited, « it sounds more than a question than a statement as Caspian eyes the smoke.

» It is, « Edmund reconsiders his quick response before adding,

» At least, it was in our time. « He shrugs and smirks at the panting Eustace next to him. This rather short walk seems to have already exhausted the boy. Reepicheep – who entertained them with stories – stopped. He took to ride on Luna's shoulder some time ago and now balances there, watching the smoke as well.

» Well, « he exclaims,

» Shall we find out then? « Of course, he wants to investigate what- or whoever lurks there in the trees. He sounds ready for an adventure – may it just be the acquaintance of some Islanders – but Luna knows him well enough to notice his slightly crinkled nose. He is suspicious. She glances at Caspian as they wait for his decision.

» Yes, let's see, « he nods but rests a hand on her arm before she can take more than a step forward. Luna turns her head to the side as Reep arranges himself more comfortably on her shoulder.

» We don't tell them who we are just yet, « Caspian reminds her and casts everyone a look. She nods in understanding. Probably, it is wiser to not let every stranger know they are in the presence of two kings and a queen.

Only minutes later, they six friends reach the bottom of the hills and make towards the small group of trees. There, a few men sit around a bonfire, more smouldering than actually burning. The ashes are glowing with the rest of the heat, that is why more smoke forms than usual for such a small fire. The men – Luna doesn't spot any women among them – notice the group as they draw closer. They mumble among each other before one of them rises to meet the arriving. Caspian leads the group, Edmund, and Luna with Reepicheep still perched on her shoulder follow right behind the king. Lucy and Eustace put the taillight.

» Good day to you, « the man greets them with open arms and a warm smile, showing yellow teeth. He isn't very tall and plump around the hips. However, the tunic he wears makes him seem taller than he is. There is no sword at his belt but a long, crooked dagger. His hair is dark and reaches his shoulders, on his head sits a hat with two pheasant feathers.

» You're welcome to join us for a drink, « he invites them and beckons them closer. Interesting that he doesn't even ask for a name first. Maybe that is considered rude in the Lone Island's culture?

» Good afternoon, gentlemen, « Caspian greets as he steps in the circle around the fire. The others follow suit.

» We're not seriously joining those... persons, right? « Eustace whispers behind Luna in the complaining manner of his. However, he has a point. Those men don't look groomed and neat. Quite the opposite, it's no exaggeration to say that they look ragged, filthy even. This contrasts strongly with their host's rather noble garments. Instinctively, Luna's hand wanders to the hilt of her sword while she watches their new acquaintances attentively. She does definitely not think it wise to join them by the fire. Edmund seems to have the same thought; he leans closer to Caspian to whisper something in his ear.

» Come on, friends, sit with us, « the man who invited them says and plops down on a log,

» My name's Pug, by the way. « After introducing himself, Pug sends the six friends a smile again. Something seems off, though. His voice, his smile... they give Luna a smeary impression.

» He has a golden tooth, « Eustace remarks quietly, and Lucy shushes him. She obviously feels uneasy. Luna can relate. Neither does she like this sudden invitation without proper introductions, nor the looks that are sent their way.

» Thank you for your kindness, « Caspian speaks now,

» But we should continue our way. « As he declines the offer, Luna sighs in relief. This is no comfortable situation. A strange tension lies in the air.

» There, there, « Pug replies in an attempt to smooth the waves,

» You're a little shy, aren't ya? «

» Tacks, help our new friends to a drink, « he demands, nodding to a man across from him. This Tacks fellow rises obediently. He is tall with broad shoulders and visible muscles under his shirt. He looks less filthy than the rest of these lot.

» We really should go, « Edmund turns to his companions. Eustace already backed away a few steps, Lucy stands unwavering. Her hand grips her dagger tightly, she left the healing cordial on the ship. Caspian nods, he visibly doesn't like to run but they would be outnumbered, should it come to a fight. Even Reep who never backs down from a fight doesn't argue.

As this Pug person realizes that they won't stay and sit with them, he lifts his hat slightly. One might think that a gesture of farewell. Not in this case. As if on cue, the men jump up from where they are sitting and draw their weapons. Silver flashes everywhere and at a whistle from Pug, they charge.

As the howling men draw closer, Luna swiftly draws her sword. So do Caspian and Edmund while Lucy unsheathes her dagger. Reep draws his rapier, readying himself to jump on the first man who comes near them. Luna's heartbeat speeds up and she bends her knees to take a fighting stance. Then, the lines meet. The clanging sound of steel against steel fills the little valley between the green hills. Two men come at her with their scimitars. One is taken by Reepicheep while Luna blocks the other's first blow with her blade and pushes him back with it. But he doesn't give up this easily. He attempts to swipe her feet out from under her. She sidesteps with seeming ease. This is a fight with no rules, so much is clear. As the man struggles to get up fast enough, Luna sees her opportunity and takes it. She has learnt that chivalry is only for tournaments, not for the wild reality. With a powerful stroke her sword meets his throat. His weapon slips from his fingers, his hands cover the wound. To no avail, the cut is deep. The man gasps for air, sputtering blood in every direction. His wide eyes stare at the warrior as he drops to his knees and topples over, dead. There is no time to dwell on the fact that she just took a life, her own and those of her friends are at stake.

Luna braces herself as the next opponent comes running. He glances at his fallen companion and rushes at her with an angry battle cry. However, this anger is his doom. It leaves his blows inaccurate, not even once striking her. As he goes down, she leaves him to search for Caspian instead.

» Don't harm them! « Pug yells from his position at the edge of the fight. His words are irritating but Luna cannot stop to think about it. He doesn't lift a finger; he just watches his men get injured or killed. Now, anger bubbles inside of her and she wants to go after him, but her duty is to protect the king. There, she spots Caspian. He defeated his first opponent. Lucy and Reep handle themselves well and Edmund is with Eustace.

At a cry from behind her she whips around, and barley manages to dodge the incoming blow. The opponent from before recovered fast and got up to charge again. A quick exchange of hits follows – none doing any real harm. Then, the man delivers some strong blows and Luna needs to take a few steps back, losing ground in the process. However, she finds herself back-to-back with Caspian. He fights off this Tacks person. Suddenly, a yell sounds over the fight. A frightened sound of a young voice. Everyone freezes to take a look at what is happening. Pug has grabbed Eustace by the neck and presses a dagger to his throat. The boy is petrified, terror written in his eyes.

» If you don't want this laddie to call out like a li'l girl again... « Pug grins smoothly,

» Lay down your weapons at once! « For a moment, Eustace attempts to argue but closes his mouth again, thinking better of it. Lucy is the first to give in. She throws down her dagger with a huff. Immediately, a man rushes to tie her hands together in front of her.

» Get your hands off me! « Lucy exclaims and tries to shrug him off. Edmund glances at his cousin.

» Eustace! « He hisses and exchanges a look with the others. He is furious and it costs him every ounce of willpower to let go of his sword, following his sister's example. Two men roughly pull his hands behind his back to tie them with rope. Tacks and Luna's last opponent point their blades at them.

» What are you? « Caspian asks stoically, not lowering his sword. Pug smirks as if to say that they should have figured that out by now. Luna did and Caspian surely did too. With a dramatic sigh, Pug pushes Eustace forward, keeping the threatening blade at the boy's throat. A thin, red line appears, and a few droplets trickle down to the collar of his shirt. Luna grips her sword tighter; knuckles turning white.

» We're merchants, lad, « replies Pug and cocks his head to the side, seizing him with cold eyes,

» Well? How much do you care about your friend 'ere? « Caspian tenses even more than before, hesitating. Then, he slowly lowers his sword. But he doesn't just throw it to the ground, he holds it out for Tacks to take it. To an unpractised eye his posture doesn't change, remaining proud and straight like a king. However, as Tacks takes the sword form him, his Crown Shield notes Caspian's hands clasping to fists and unclasping in short intervals. Even though he is disarmed, none of the men move to bind Caspian as Luna still stands with her sword raised and Reepicheep next to her. But the men don't pay much attention to the mouse. Now, Pug turns to the warrior. His eyes narrow and she holds her ground, not shifting under his piercing stare.

» Now, my wildflower, yield or this lad will suffer, « Pug threatens. Eustace looks at her with wide eyes, silently pleading for help. He must feel every movement of the dagger at his throat. It is not crooked, she notes, more S-shaped. Luna is conflicted, though. Of course, she doesn't want Eustace to get harmed. But what will happen to the kings and queen? Her gaze meets Caspian's and she silently ask him for permission to lay down her sword. He nods once, sending Pug a dark look,

» Stand down. « Slowly, Luna lowers her blade simultaneously with Reep. Tacks reaches for her sword, hesitantly, as the tip is still high enough to fatally injure him.

» What are you waiting for? « Pug bellows,

» Take the damn thing! « Tacks gulps and finally takes the weapon from her. As her fingers let go of the hilt, a feeling of forlornness washer over the warrior. Not that she is entirely helpless without a blade, but she never did give up her sword once... not until now.

After the weapons are taken away by Tacks, Luna's opponent rushes to tie her hands. Pug releases Eustace from immediate danger and pushes him in the direction of one of his men. He is bound as well, so is Reepicheep. However, the Talking Mouse puts up a fight, biting every hand that comes too close and demanding an honourable duel. The man who tries to tie him up just laughs.

Meanwhile, Pug dares to get closer. So close that he can take Luna's face in his hands, turning it left and right, looking her over. He smells strange, like incense mixed with sweat. A shiver runs down her back, but she grits her teeth and keeps her militarily straight posture. She could just kill him now, but it would be no use as his men have the rest of the friends at sword's point.

» You'll bring a high price, my dear, « Pug says with a smeary grin, one of his teeth is missing and was really replaced with a golden one. There, his words are prove enough now: These men are no mere "merchants", they are slave traders.

» I'm very tempted to keep you for myself, « the man in front of her continues. Again, a shiver runs down her back, ice-cold. The Crown Shield has to turn her gaze away from this wicked man and meet Caspian's. His eyes spray with rage which he must hold in for the moment. His jaw is clenched, as are his fists. He doesn't seem to care about the bonds around his wrists that rub his skin raw.

» Keep your hands off her! « He spits at Pug. The slave trader's chief lets go of Luna and turns to Caspian. He eyes him, the smirk staying on his lips.

» Or what, boy? « He taunts him. Caspian's gaze is blazing, and Luna is very tempted to kick Pug or break his neck. She gets just one small step forward as Caspian does the same.

» Take those bonds off me and let's handle this man to man! « He suggests but Pug laughs in his face. However, she did note the slight change in the older man's stance. He isn't so sure of himself anymore, for a moment, at least.

At the same time Caspian and Luna moved, Tacks did as well, and now holds her own sword to her throat. The warrior hates this and struggles to keep her composure – supress the bubbling anger and remain calm, at least outwardly.

» Alright, let's take 'em to the ship, « Pug exclaims, turning to his men,

» Be careful to not harm them, we want good money for this lot. « He casts the females a glance,

» Our guests need to look their best tomorrow. « Edmund and Caspian are pulled away first, then Eustace and the now bound Reepicheep – still nagging at the slave trader who carries him upside down by his feet.

» What is tomorrow? « Lucy speaks up, starting to move as one of the men pushes her forward. Pug rubs his hands, smirking again.

» The market, child, « he answers, his voice drips with mockery.

Hey guys,

just a short reminder that the chapter Character overview got expanded! I hope, you enjoy reading this story ^^

Yours,

Lola