Caspian didn't resist, maybe he fell unconscious. Luna's knuckles are white from fisting her hands so tightly. The crew are reluctant to share details of what happened after the Crown Shield went overboard. After repeatedly telling them to not spare her feelings, Drinian retells it as detailed as he dares. The captain, the lassie, the crew and the four lords are gathered around the map table in Drinian's quarters. Apart from a few guards for the decks and the prisoners, everyone is present as they work out a plan to free the king and the Dawn Treader from the pirates.

» We can't be sure how serious his injuries are, « the captain continues, hands flat on the table,

» They... beat him and put him in chains after you... were gone. « This isn't easy for him to relive. He was forced to stand aside, hands bound behind his back, while a slaver ruffled through this very room in search of valuables – not that Drinian cared much about the things, but it was the first time he could think in peace. Calmly, as if the pirates hadn't just killed an innocent young woman and beaten a man half-dead, he went through drawer after drawer. The captain's stoic mask crumbled, and fury danced across his features, his jaw ticking, and yet he felt powerless – the king chained, the lassie taken by the sea, the crew imprisoned. And all that is his fault! He shouldn't have dismissed Elrik's warning about the rocky islands, about the shadow between them. He heaves a deep breath to calm himself, catching Luna's gaze. Her rage burns in her chest, her fury blazing through her veins like never before. The storm in her eyes would make enemies shrink back, and the captain's eyes mirror it. No, it isn't easy to talk about his shortcomings, nor is it easy to listen to the pirates' cruelty.

They work out a plan: A small team will sneak in when the pirates are all drunk from the feast and therefore sleepy. They should be easy to trick or take out, if necessary. All eyes are on Luna – her position in this quest wasn't even a question. Not because her relation to the king – which's nature was revealed to all as Pug took the engagement ring from Luna. She barely noticed its absence, too drunken with rage and worry, her mind too occupied with getting Caspian back. Who shall come with her? Everyone wishes to go and is ready to be selected by her. The Crown Shield meets Drinian's gaze,

» Could you and Tavros oversee preparations here? « The captain lowers his head in agreement while Tavros places a fist against his chest.

» We also can't take Vigilhoof or Anaru – your hooves are too loud, « Elrik nods in apology towards them before looking Luna straight in the eye, placing a hand on her shoulder,

» You know I'll stand with you. «

» We? Lad, ya're in no shape for this, « Tingel shakes his head, his voice is strict, but his eyes concerned. Luna smiles at her friend, patting his good arm,

» I know. « She sighs,

» But he's right, you- «

» No discussion, « Elrik cuts her off, frowning,

» I won't let ya face those bastards alone! « Drinian crosses his arms, studying the young sailor. He has always been headstrong, but his friendship with the lassie now makes him reckless – as honourable as his offer is, he would only slow the group down.

» She ain't alone, « Rynelf comes up at Luna's other side after squeezing past the four lords who view the discussion in silence.

» I'm unharmed, and as the lad said, ya need competent companions. « Even though the opportunity for a joke presents itself, no one utters a word. Luna lets her eyes wander over her crew's faces once again. She has commanded great forces but this is different. These are her friends. Oh Aslan, she sends a silent prayer, be with us.

*

The small group of Narnians reach the Devil's Tide as soon as most pirates are too drunk to stay upright. Aslan knows what made them so careless, they even let their guards drink. Most are asleep in all possible and impossible places, scattered on the deck Luna now sets foot onto. Behind her, Rynelf, Halion and Tingel climb up the wooden rungs at the ship's hull. Down in the dark water, Timea is barely visible. The crew was mildly surprised – now it is clear, how Luna could survive. The Crown Shield moves aside for her companions, making sure to make no noise – her right-hand rests on the hilt of her sheathed sword, the left wields a dagger. They all wear light leather-armor and as many weapons as possible to remain flexible and silent. Thanks to Drinian, Rynelf and the lords' input, they have a vague idea of the layout of the Devil's Tide – a ship built in Telmarine tradition. Plus, Luna has been here before – even though she is still puzzled about how Pug managed to retrieve it from the Lone Islands. Scurrying from dark spot to dark spot, the four make their way down to the middle deck and along the railing. The closest hatch below deck lies close to the main mast – the Devil's Tide possesses two, the smaller is positioned on the front deck.

They reach the hatch without incident. No one intercepts them or seems fazed by the unfamiliar faces – one pirate blinks at them with a confused expression before lifting his bottle towards them and then to his lips. Of course, this behaviour is suspicious but Luna only cares for getting down there and freeing Caspian. Pug and his entire heap of pirates can drink themselves to death. So far, she didn't spot the pirate captain, though.

In the belly of the ship more lanterns lighten their path past snoring pirates in hammocks or on the bare floor, past barrels, and crates of supplies. At the front lay the captain's quarters as well as three other cabins, at the back the prison in which the six friends were once held, after their capture on Felimath. With long steps over the rowing benches the four finally reach the brig, as pirates call it. A single guard is posted in front. Halion clamps a large hand over the also drunken pirate's mouth before he can scream in alarm. Luna fishes the key from a hook on the wall and fumbles with the lock while Rynelf and Tingel are on lookout. No sound from inside. Her heart leaps. Is Caspian in there? Alone? Alive? Then, the door swings open, creaking – the four flinch and hastily look around at the sound. A single lantern is lit inside, right next to the door. Its light doesn't reach far. Luna's nose crinkles as she is met with the stench of foul hay, urine, and blood. Nothing changed here.

Halion drags the now unconscious pirate in, Luna follows cautiously, her dagger drawn, while Rynelf holds up a lantern. Tingel leans the door ajar from outside, he will keep an eye out for threats. Then, the light reaches the middle of the cell where a figure kneels on the straw, back turned towards the door, hands chained to the low ceiling. A formerly white blouse is now stained with red and dirt. Dark hair sticks to the hanging head.

» Yar Majesty! « Rynelf growls, stepping closer. Luna stares at Caspian's back, pleading Aslan that not all the dark is blood or at least not all the blood is his own. Her fury threatens to break out of her in an angry howl, she can barely restrain herself. So, she rushes forward, trusting her companions to have her back.

She falls to her knees in front of the king, hands lifted but hesitant to touch him. Seeing him up close, bound, bruised and bloody... All that storming rage stills at once as she lays eyes on his face. The chains hold his hands above his head which rolled to the side in a daze. Is he awake? Is he alive? The Crown Shield's heart threatens to burst from its frozen shell of fear and worry as she reaches out to touch his cheek, carefully, paying no mind to anything else. Her crew, her friends will alert her to any danger. His skin is cool from sweat and grime, but a slight twitch of his features tells her enough. Thank Aslan! The king is barely conscious – injured from the fight and the beating and whatever they did to him here. Covered in bruises, Luna wagers he probably obtained at least a few broken rips. Her fury stirs and she suppresses another roar – oh, she wishes to alert Pug and make him pay for this. Instead, a meek sound escapes her throat, something between a wince and a sob.

» Caspian? « She places both hands on his cheeks to gently lift his head. Her fingers tremble.

» Cas? «

Only now does he show a reaction. His eyes flutter open – the left only half due to a swelling. He blinks, trying to make sense of what his blurry vision shows him. The King of Narnia hisses in pain as he shifts his body. He couldn't pinpoint one place hurting more than another, everything hurts. Every breath sends searing pain through him, his knees and wrists are rubbed raw. His head pounds and he tastes blood on his dried lips. Then again, all this is nothing compared to the screaming pain in his heart, echoing through his mind and soul alike. Luna is gone, just like that. The darkness in this prison seems to seep into his chest, fill the emptiness the loss of his beloved ripped into the very fabric of his essence – and he even welcomes the dark, it numbs the pain and lets him dwell in memories. So, as the blurry imagine in front of him clears bit by bit, Caspian only smiles, thanking his feverish dreams for their mercy on his broken heart. Once again, Luna calls his name – an almost sacred melody to him. Maybe she returned to take him with her, to go wherever Aslan's people go after death. He hums quietly. Whatever this new trickery is, whatever they will do to him, he won't allow the pirates triumph and show his pain. He will hold onto any image of his beloved, of Narnia and his people that grants him refuge from this darkness. Pug and his lot will only get the stoic mask of a king.

» Is he conscious? « Cas can't place the deep voice right away. His brow creases. What kind of dream is this?

Luna glances at Rynelf,

» Aye, but he's delirious. Maybe we've to carry him. « She turns her attention back to her beloved. His face contorts, shifting from a content daze to confusion.

» My love, « she leans forward, gently placing her forehead against his,

» I need you to wake up, we must go. « He would go everywhere with her, to the very ends of the world. Though, he can't bring his limbs to follow his command, her command. He curses the pirates for binding him here, for not letting him share Luna's fate. Exhaustion and hurt – of soul and body alike – weigh him down, let his eyelids drop once again. He fails to shake the daze. Then again, it brings him such lovely dreams. Something soft caresses his cheek, warm and gentle. Once more, he hears her call his name. So familiar. So impossible. He allows his thoughts to carry him away. And they would have, weren't it for a careful shake and a call that rips him into reality.

» Caspian... Wake up, my king! « His eyes fly open wide, and he gasps as realisation hits him. The stench of the stale air. The feeling of straw pricking his knees. The pain cursing through his every fibre. None of it matters right now. The chains above his head rattle as he tries to move, staring at her as if she was a ghost – which she could still be, the mind plays nasty tricks on men, especially at sea.

» Luna? « Tears form in his eyes and his throat tightens. Her name is no more than a croak,

» How- You're- You are alive? « Carefully, she continues to caress his cheeks, pushing strands of hair from his face. Her throat tightens as well at the sheer weight of emotion in his voice and eyes.

» Yes, « her voice almost breaks, tears already sitting on her lashes,

» I'm here, Cas, I'm alright. « Long forgotten are the sting of her scratches and the resistant nausea. She closes her eyes for a single moment, letting her heart rejoice at his proximity. It sprouts hope; they will be alright. Then, she turns her head, letting her lips brush his skin, kissing the tears away.

» You came back... « his words are merely a whisper,

» I thought- « A sob cuts him off. It breaks free, unleashing a flood of tears and whimpers that push away the pain and sorrow. And if this shall turn out a trick, an imagination, he will still be grateful to have seen her one last time.

Luna lets him lean against her; his head buried at her shoulder. Behind him, Halion examines the chains and at a nod from the Crown Shield takes aim. A few powerful strikes later, Caspian is free. Luna supports him as he isn't prepared to hold his full weight. Her arms snake around him, holding the crying king. He tries to lift his arms, to touch her, to hold her close, but they still won't follow his command. A whimper escapes his dry throat as he inhales her familiar scent.

» Shh, « the warrior presses another kiss to the side of his head. The king is still unsure, should he trust all this or is it a product of his mind? Whatever it is, he decides to follow as long as Aslan lets him – because he is safe now, and whatever may come he trust his Crown Shield with his all.

*

Moments later, Tingel pushes the door open,

» Hurry! They've realized something's up! « Alerted by the dwarf's call, Luna glances at her comrades. Rynelf finished looking around the prison – no one else is here. He helps the lassie get the king to his feet. Caspian hisses in pain but grits his teeth. Despite still not grasping the entire situation, he understands they must get away. Blinking the tears away, he swallows the lump in his throat and supresses the pain as good as possible. Calls and the pounding of many feet sound above them and from the hallway outside. Pug's crew – at least those who are sober enough – must have spotted the intruders or realized what is going on over on the Dawn Treader.

» Now what? « Rynelf has one arm slung around Caspian's back. Luna clutches her dagger with her free hand, thoughts racing. Getting out will be far trickier than coming in. Drinian and the four lords warned her about not having a concrete plan, but she didn't care.

» Break a hole in the hull? « Halion swings the axe in his left while pointing at the outer wall with the blade in his right. Luna shakes her head, that would take too long and make them sitting ducks in here. No, they will escape the same way they entered. A grim determination is edged on her features.

Tingel huffs, retreating inside.

» Three men, « he reports, lifting his blade. Luna lowers her head slightly, eyes narrowed,

» Rynelf, you stay with the king. Tingel, protect them. Halion with me. « Her thundering heartbeat slows as she slips on the mask of a general. She leaves Caspian in the sailors' care and steps in front of them, flanked by Halion. The tall man squares his shoulders, mumbling a prayer. Only a moment later, Pug's new second in command bursts in. A mocking smirk flickers over his features as he spots the Narnians,

» Now, now, ya didn't think it would be this easy to save yar pathetic king, did ya? « The words are slurred and his walk wobbly. If he is surprised to see Luna – or if he even recognizes her – he masks it well. Not that it would matter. Wordlessly, the warrior seizes the three pirates up. Then, she releases her long pent-up fury.