» What on earth... « Eustace mumbles, rubbing his eyes. He must have awoken just as that... that mist came and faded again.

» Wasn't there a boat? « He asks, more to himself really, and shakes his head in disbelieve,

» I must still be dreaming. « Luna doesn't pay him much attention. She stares at the water where the boat, including its involuntary occupants, disappeared. What did just happen? The warrior remembers the words of the young prisoner next to her and turns to face him.

» What do you know about this? « she inquires,

» You called it the green plague. « He regards her, then nods hesitantly,

» Aye, I've- I heard stories the sailors 've been tellin'. « Keeping his voice low, he continues,

» They say the mist comes up every now an' then, claiming sacrifice, « the adolescent swallows and casts a careful look around, as if to be sure nobody is listening in. Luna waits for him to go on.

» Usually, three people are taken out on a small dinghy. As soon as they pass into the green cloud, it disappears with 'em, « he explains slowly,

» The slavers believe that they're safe for a month or so after. « If this story is true – and it seems like it – it certainly does not bode well. Where, for Aslan's sake, does that mist come from? Luna chooses not to ask further questions as some slave traders stride over. They hand out water and slices of bread. It's stale, but at least not maggoty. Better than nothing; she has had worse.

» This is unacceptable! « Eustace complains to the slaver who hands the boy his breakfast,

» Every prisoner in England gets treated better. « The man just stares down at the blond for a moment, probably trying to make sense of his words.

» Be glad that ya get somethin' to bite at all, « he advises then and shrugs,

» Pug feels generous t'day. « It sounds as if he really believes that.

» Aye, the boss wants our guests happy for the market, « another slaver comments in passing. This incites Eustace to complain even more. Reepicheep speaks up as well, demanding a duel, but the men just laugh and turn away.

While the sun rises, Luna nibbles on her bread. Her stomach rumbles, yet she forces herself to eat slowly; breaking down a piece at a time and chew each carefully after a sip from her cup of water. Many prisoners gulp down their food; they will be hungry again in no time. The man next to the Crown Shield eats purposefully as well. Either he has experience with too little to eat or he is sick.

» Thank you for sharing what you know, « says she to claim his attention,

» What is your name? « Between two small bites from his bread slice, he smiles slightly.

» The name's Mael, m'lady. « Pausing to look at her, he raises his eyebrows in question.

» Nice to make your acquaintance, Mael, « Luna bows her head respectfully,

» I'm Luna. « He returns her greeting before they continue eating in silence. She still can't fully comprehend what they just witnessed. Mist can't just take things, let alone, people. Well, at least her mind would tell her so. The warrior isn't scared easily but disappearing into the unknown must be horrifying.

» We can't just sit here and wait for someone to rescue us, « Lucy whispers to her friend, snapping her out of her brooding. The queen peels little pieces from her slice and chews them while watching the slavers. Their activity around the square increases; that market must be happening soon. She says out loud what Luna is thinking. However, it looks like the prisoners have no other choice than to wait. Luna's thoughts wander to Caspian and Edmund again. Hopefully, they are alright. Maybe the slave traders will bring them here? It's hard to imagine they won't try to sell them too; they even sell the stolen weapons – Reep previously pointed out a specific market stall, where a slaver laid them out for display. Luna should probably be angered, yet she can't let her emotions take control and cloud her mind. Not when she must think straight to get out of this and fast.

» Y'are the fresh ones they brought in yesterday, right? « Mael pops the last bit of bread in his mouth and chews thoughtfully. His fingers toy with his cup, careful to not spill anything. The fact, that he calls the Narnians fresh ones, indicates there are people who have been here longer. Just as Luna expected; this is no one time thing. She nods,

» How long have you been here? «

» Just a few days, « Mael shrugs,

» We- They attacked us as they set course 'ere. T'wasn't a long fight... still many were killed. « He adds the last part after a short pause. Luna eyes him as subtle as possible. Before, she didn't look close enough to notice the sinewy muscles stretching under his dark skin. He may be gaunt for a sailor, but he certainly doesn't strike her as weak.

» Fishing boat? « The Crown Shield asks. A small smile flickers over his features.

» Merchant ship from Tashbaan to Terebinthia, « he corrects her,

» Where are ye from, m'lady? « The woman next to him perks up at this question as if she waited for someone to finally ask the 'fresh ones' it. A child cowers next to her, munching on a small bread slice. The boy's cheeks are wet from crying and with one hand he clings to the woman – probably his mother. Luna lets her gaze wander over the other prisoners along the wall. Again, the cruelness of these slave traders dominates her thoughts; chaining people up like this, like animals, no, like disobedient dogs which are taught a lesson. She isn't sure if is wise to let the other prisoners know they hail from Narnia. She'd prefer to say nothing over disguising the truth – but what would be the alternative? The friends certainly do not look like Calormenes, their skin is too light. There certainly are Terebinthians and inhabitants of the smaller islands presents who would call such a claim. So, what to do?

Lucy follows the conversation. She stops eating as her gaze, as well, falls on the child. She skids forward to reach over Luna to the woman and the boy. The supposed mother eyes the queen warily. Lucy stays as she is and holds out what is left of her bread slice for the other female to take. She smiles slightly and watches the child's big eyes darting between them. After a few moments of seizing them up and down, the woman accepts the offer. Wordless but with a thankful nod.

» We're from Narnia, « Lucy answers quietly as she retreats, leaning her back against the wall. The queen levels a dark gaze at the slavers bustling around, sipping from her cup. The prisoners, who heard her, become still, sending the friends weird glances. Mael catches Luna's gaze. The two study each other. Then he lifts his cup in a silent toast.

~

The market begins. More and more people arrived over the course of the past hour. Not the common townsfolk, they still dodge around the walls, but wealthy residents or their servants, merchants, and other slave traders. Luna recognises it by their clothes; the garments are more colourful, nobler. They stroll around the square, viewing the goods at the stalls and sneaking glances towards the prisoners. To esteem their worth, perhaps. The warrior doesn't like those glances. They seem calculating, cold, even hungry. If she just had her sword – or at least no shackles on – she would have reinstated order, teaching those people a lesson about the worth of life. But, as she doesn't have the blade and there is no way to get it, she must sit still and watch Pug stepping onto the platform. Quickly, a crowd gathers before him. At a gesture from their chief, the slavers begin to unchain one prisoner at a time and escort him or her to the platform. There, Pug presents and advertises them. Of course, he does the talking, while Tacks stands guard next to the respective prisoner, ordering them to turn and keeping them from running. He doesn't have to do much. The shackles stay on, and Tacks simply holds the attached chain – which previously bound the prisoner to one of many iron rings in the wall.

The first is a man with greying hair. Pug starts with a price, a few bids come in. The slave trader bargains a bit and settles for ten crescents. To mark a sell, Pug strikes a gong. The sound causes several prisoners to flinch every time. Then, Pug writes something down in a book on that small lectern on the platform. A boy stands there, handing the slaver ink and quill. He certainly hasn't seen many winters. He is thin, but not lean, and wears better clothes than the children running along the walls. They stay crouched in the shadows, but they are there and watch what is happening. Their parents probably told them to stay away from this place or get away as quickly as possible. Still, the boy stands there with slumped shoulders, eyes flitting around anxiously, never remaining at one spot for long. Luna can guess what Pug is writing down in that book: The price of the slave he just sold, his profit. A shiver runs down her spine at the thought of being sold like an item.

Finally, it is Mael's turn.

» Ten crescents for this fine fellow 'ere, « Pug cries. Mael stands calmly, eyes fixed on a group of merchants with dark skin, maybe of Calormene origin as well.

» Twelve, « one of them shouts and strokes his black beard. Pug doesn't look satisfied yet. He waits a few moments to see if there are any other bids, only then agreeing. Tacks puts a small plate with a number around Mael's neck while Pug strikes the gong. Now, it's Luna's turn.

Pug looks over to the wall and nods at Tacks, who is to accompany Luna to the platform. Lucy, Reepicheep and even Eustace look up at her as she gets to her feet. Worry stands in their eyes. Luna forces a small smile for them and nods once, bracing herself. As Tacks and she reach the stairs up to the podium, he puts his hands on her shoulders. The Crown Shield hesitates, slowly setting her foot on the first step before shrugging him off. He huffs but keeps his hands away, just shooing the young woman towards Pug. The slave trader's chief awaits with a smirk.

» Be good, my dear, « he hisses with a lowered voice,

» We didn't kill ya and you got something to eat. So, be grateful and at least look happy. « Luna stares at him. He can't be seriously expecting his prisoners to look happy. She really wishes to give him a piece of her mind, her fingers flex. However, he has the others in his reach. Aslan knows where Caspian and Edmund are. So, she thinks better of punching him. Instead, she leans closer.

» Don't think for one second, I'm going to make this easy for you, « she hisses back,

» This is inhuman, and you're nothing more than filth to do this to people! « Pug narrows his eyes,

» Careful, girl, « he warns,

» Or your friends could get hurt. « That strikes a nerve. Luna flinches, reeling back into a straight position. Oh, she wants to lunge at him, but she must suppress any emotion. She cannot allow him more leverage over her.

» Really? « the warrior shoots back, unwilling to back down just yet,

» I thought you wanted to make money. « Yes, that may be reckless, but her anger gets difficult to keep at bay. It surprises her, things don't usually get to her head like this. But as the slavers tore the two kings away from the friends, something in Luna must have snapped. No one treats her friends – especially not her king – like this.

» Hm, well, you'll bring enough, so I can spare one of 'em, « Pug threatens now and every comment the Crown Shield thought of dies in her throat. Pressing her lips together, she stays silent in a lack of another choice. He smirks again,

» Thought so. « With that, he turns to face the crowd and presents the young woman to them. They buy slaves, so they are nothing better than the slave traders. Luna clenches her jaw and turns obediently when Tacks tells her to. She glances at all those unknown faces of men and women. Then and there, her heart grows heavy. What if they really are sold and taken away, far away from each other? Aslan would never let that happen, would he? By the Lion's mane, she is not usually this scared. She stood in front of armies, faced wars and monsters. One might except she could handle a bunch of merchants. But whatever she tells herself, an ice-cold shiver runs down her back each time she has to turn to another side for the crowd.

Twenty crescents are Pug's first offer as he grabs her arm and flashed his yellow teeth at the people around in a smeary smile.

» Twenty-five crescents! « Someone shouts. Pug shoots Luna a warning look. She pulls herself together to not make a disgusted face. Besides, she has Caspian and Edmund to think of as well. Who knows, if she doesn't comply, the slave traders will punish them for it.

» Thirty! « Cries another. Pug lets go of the warrior, now rubs his hands as he eagerly follows the further bids which soon reach fifty crescents, still increasing.

» One hundred crescents! « Someone bids after another round of yelling offers. Pug smirks and agrees immediately. The man who bought Luna at this auction is tall and carries a scimitar at his side like the slave traders do. He wears a long, silken coat with a hood that casts a shadow over his face. As Tacks puts a plate around the Crown Shield's neck, she swallows and lets herself be led to the side to the other already sold slaves. Her thoughts race, eyes darting around the square. Nowhere she finds help, all ideas forsake her. She is left to hope her buyer stays longer and maybe buys one of the others too. Or someone comes to save them. Or she can free herself after all. Her head spins, chaos rages behind her eyes. What a mess they got themselves into...

Lucy is next.

» Twenty crescents for this li'le lady, « Pug announces. The bids on Lucy shoot up as well and it doesn't take long for her to be sold. Then it is Reepicheep's turn. He throws wild insults at the slave traders, calling them cowards and not man enough for a fair fight. The people just laugh and continue negotiating merrily. Luna doesn't know but maybe they don't believe Reep can actually speak. Narnia hasn't been heard of around here in quite a while, apparently.

Eustace is the last of the group to be offered for sale.

» Ten crescents for this young gentleman, « Pug shouts,

» He's stronger than 'e looks and very hardworking too. « Eustace grimaces and defiantly crosses his arms over his chest – as well as that works with shackles on. Silence.

» Nobody? « Pug asks, stepping from one foot on the other. He looks at the boy with a suddenly uncomfortable look. If the situation wouldn't be so hopeless, Luna would laugh. It is a little funny to see Pug unable to sell someone. And Eustace's face... well, it speaks for itself. A movement in the crowd catches the warrior's eye. It is the man who bought her. He makes his way over. Oh no. Lucy notices him too. She gasps, reaching for her friend's hand.

» Alright, how 'bout five crescents? « Pug offers in the meantime. The mysterious man reaches them. He towers over the slave trader in charge of watching over the sold prisoners. They exchange a few words that Luna doesn't catch, and the man hands the slaver the money. One hundred crescents, that is what her live is worth. After the slaver counted it, he nods and steps aside. The man makes his way over to his new slave. Luna holds her breath; Lucy squeezes her hand tightly. Reepicheep is caught in a net, they tried to put him in the cage again, but he wouldn't have it, biting every hand coming near him.

» You, what's your name? « The man stands in front of the Crown Shield now. His voice is deep, carrying a strangely soft melody. She lifts her head to get a look of his face. He pulls the hood back a little, revealing tanned skin, dark hair, and a short beard. He is neither young nor old. One green eye stares down at her. The other, his left one, is closed due to a long white scar over that half of his face.

» Luna, « she surprises herself, again. She has no idea if this man has good intentions. Sure, she want to believe that, but if she learned one thing in her life, then to never trust anyone. Meaning, don't even tell them your name if possible. Yet here she is, doing exactly that. The man nods,

» You know I bought you. « It wasn't a question as he doesn't pause to wait for an answer,

» We're leaving now. « With that, he takes Luna's chain and turns around. She stands frozen to the spot and stumbles forward as the chain straightens. Lucy cries her name as their hands slip from each other's hold. This can't be happening! Luna doesn't even have time to say goodbye. To not stumble again, she tries to catch up to the man,

» Who are you? « They pass the slaver who handles the money,

» Where are you taking me? « However, her buyer remains silent, only glancing at her from the corner of his eye. Behind them, she hears Lucy and Reepicheep calling for her. And again, something in her snaps. She cannot leave them, too. She has a duty to protect the kings and queen and a strong will to do exactly that. So, she jumps forward, blocking the man's path.

Not far into the square, Pug still tries to get Eustace sold from the podium,

» Is there really no one who'll take 'im from me? «

» I'll take him off your hands, « somebody shouts across the market,

» I'll take them all! « With that, several soldiers in shining armour rush out of the streets. Luna doesn't recognise any of them, but she knows that voice. It's Drinian! The crew of the Dawn Treader has come! With help, apparently. Her heart skips a beat as she spots Caspian and Edmund among the men. A relieved sigh escapes her slightly parted lips, and for a single moment she forgets all they endured so far, forgets the fear and dread and worry. The man who bought her stares down at her during that moment. He doesn't seem to care about the soldiers who disperse the crowd, arresting everyone taking part in the slave trade.

» From this hour, the slave trade is forbidden on the Lone Islands, which are now once again part of Narnia, « Caspian declares, his voice raised to be heard by everyone,

» You are free. « Those final words are directed at the prisoners.

» But Sire, Governor Gumpas has expressly permitted- « Pug is interrupted,

» Gumpas has been dismissed. Lord Bern will oversee these islands now. « The slavers and a few of the buyers draw their weapons. The air is crisp with tension, and everyone pauses in silence as the soldiers draw their blades as well. The man glances at the scene briefly, his fist clenches around the chain binding Luna. Then, his free hand shoots out from where it rested on his scimitar to grab her arm. Hurriedly, he drags the warrior to the side of the square, into the shadows of the buildings. He takes a look over his shoulder. Pug grabs the profit book, pushes the boy with the ink to the side and jumps down from the podium. Tacks follows the slave trader's chief like a second shadow. They leave Eustace on the platform who keeps quiet, staring at the scene unfolding in front of him. The soldiers and the crew of the Dawn Treader raise their weapons, waiting for the slavers to charge. Caspian and Edmund nod at each other, there is an older man with them who nods as well as if they all agree on something.

Meanwhile, Pug and Tacks make their way to the sold prisoners where Pug takes a leather pouch from the slaver who handles the money. Of course, the chief only thinks about profit and is probably going to make a run for it. He must know the slavers don't stand much of a chance against those soldiers. A good leader would stand at the front, the first to charge and the last to turn and run. But what honour can one expect from a slave trader?

» We need to leave, « Luna's buyer mumbles and her attention snaps to him. He wants to start walking again but she plants her feet on the ground. She can't let him take her away, she must help the kings and free Lucy, Reep, Eustace, Mael and the other prisoners. Besides, the Crown Shield doesn't know anything about this man. How foolish would she be to trust him?

» I'm not going anywhere, « she looks right into his eye, bracing herself to be met with disapproval, frustration, and anger. His expression, however, remains as stoic as before. As they continue to stare at each other, his gaze softens slightly. In the background, Luna hears screams and the clanging of metal against metal as the soldiers and the slavers charge at one another. She shifts uneasily and the man's grip on her arm loosens. Somehow, she doesn't wish harm onto this man. Somehow, she believes he is good. At least, deep down.

» Let me go and leave, « she whispers, not breaking the eye contact once,

» You didn't hurt anyone; you'd be free of all charges against the slavers. « He looks torn.

The sound of the fight grows louder as it stretches over the whole square. Luna is running out of time; she needs to get over to Lucy and the others. And someone has to get Eustace down from the podium, he is a perfect target up there. This thought directs her gaze away from her buyer. Eustace still stands on the platform, stiff as a poker, like frozen to the spot. He must be frightened; the boy doesn't know this world and can't defend himself. That's when Luna spots Edmund making his way towards his cousin. Immediately, her eyes search for Caspian – with no luck, she can't see him anywhere in this chaos. However, the Crown Shiel sees Pug heading towards Lucy and the prisoners around her. She must get over there now! Therefore, Luna shifts in the man's grip, trying to free her arm. Surprisingly, it works. The man releases her, even the chain drops to the ground with a clank. Her head shoots up to see him drawing his blade. As he raises it, the warrior instinctively dodges the incoming blow. Though, it doesn't come. Instead, she hears metal slam on metal as he blocks a slaver's blow who must have sneaked up on them, sensing an opportunity. Luna stares at the man, the slaver does too, surprised about his failed plan. This close, the warrior recognises him to be that Carlos fellow from yesterday. Her buyer shoves him back with his blade. Carlos stumbles and turns to flee. He doesn't get very far as he runs right into Tavros. The Dawn Treader's second mate makes short work of the coward. Then, he turns.

» Lady Luna! « He booms, trotting over. She looks up to the man who bought her, finding him gone with no trace. Whatever that is about, she has no time to wonder now. As she greets Tavros, he already removes the long chain from her shackles. Luna has a lot of questions, but this is not the time nor the place. The minotaur frees her from the shackles as well. Then, he reaches for a dagger at his belt and offers it to the lassie. She nods at him in thanks,

» Now, let's free the others. «

Hi everyone,

I hope, you're okay and not going up the walls because of the quarantine? If you need someone to talk to, my mailbox is always open for you. Be safe and stay positive :)

~ Lola