The sun was trying to peak through the clouds as the Splendor Hyaline arrived at the dock of Avra, the following afternoon.

Peter stood by the railing on deck and took in the errie isolation of the town. In all the times he had visited the country, it was always full of life and buzzing with activity. Now it was merely a ghost town.

Suddenly out of the corner of his eye he saw movement. Pretending not to take notice of it, he kept looking straight ahead. Sure enough the figure dashed across the road and took shelter behind a building.

'Whatever game he is playing, it is going to end.' Thought the king.

"In the name of Aslan, come foward stranger!" Ordered Peter.

Out from the shadows a tall man stepped out. He had a short black beard and a rather long face. His whole demeanor was one of anxiety.

"You speak of Aslan, you are the High King Peter of Narnia, are you not? Asked the man as he came closer.

Peter frowned slightly. "Yes I am. Who are you?"

Quickly the man hurried foward. "I am Reginus, sent to escort you to the safe house."

Peter was able to relax a little as he instantly recognized the name from the message and made ready to go ashore. The crew watched the king leave, clearly doubtful of this man, Reginus.

"What of my crew?" Asked Peter to Reginus as he set foot on land.

The man glanced over his shoulder. "Believe me your majesty, they are far safer on board the ship."

These words sets chills through the king but he refused to show his fear. Turning back to the crew he gave last minute instructions.

"Stay aboard unless I return for you. You know what to do if trouble arises."

The crew knew very well for it was the same rule for any outing at sea. If Peter was gone longer than three days, they were to split up, a party going ashore to see what the matter was and the remainder heading back to Narnia for help.

Peter had to quicken his pace in order to keep up with Reginus. Suddenly the man stopped, his back up to a building as he carefully peaked around the corner.

"What is going on?" Asked Peter, for he could no longer contain his courisity. "Why is the town deserted?"

Reginus only put a finger to his lips. Peter felt a little indigent toward the action but the sign was obvious. Later.

Reginus motioned for Peter to follow and the two took off, dashing across the street. This went on a few more times. Peter was feeling frustrated at the lack of information and all the sneaking around was making him anxious. All around he noticed a burning aroma that hung thickly in the air. The ground beneath was dirty with dust and ashes.

Finally, finally Reginus stopped at the back of an old rundown shack. A cellar with double doors lay on an inclined level of ground. Quietly, Reginus opened the doors and waved Peter to go inside.

His first instinct was to refuse. Having no idea what had taken place and all of the secrecy was driving him mad. But of course, he could not refuse. Reginus was clearly worried over something. If this was to be a trap, so be it.

Taking his first steps down below he found the cellar dark but yet he could hear shifting, whispers and movement. Then a voice in the dark called out,

"Reginus is that you? Did you bring King Peter?"

Peter instantly recognized the voice as Governor Longrain.

"The High King Peter, if you please Governor." Returned Peter.

By then Reginus himself had entered the cellar. Once the door was closed, candles were lit and the cellar lost it's creppy feeling. It was only then that Peter found out why the town was so empty. Much of the people were crowded inside this cellar.

Governor Longrain walked up and bowed quickly. His actions were as jumpy as ever, if not worse.

"My aplogizes your royal majesty. Thank you for coming so quickly and I am sorry for asking you to leave your family so close to Christmas."

Turning his attention to Reginus he quickly asked,

"Were there any new developments?"

"If you mean, has the dragon destroyed any more of our town, then no."

Peter opened his eyes in amazement.

"A dragon?!" He exclaimed.

The Governor closed his eyes and cupped a hand over his forehead.

"Please sit down and I will explain everything as promised."

☆☆☆☆

The dirt floor of the cellar was cold but Peter ignored this as he was absorbed into the Governor's words.

"Over a week ago our little town in the country of Avra was peaceful and thriving. Since then a dragon has unleashed it's wrath upon us. For what reason, we do not know. Where it came from, that we do not know. It has burned up most of the town. Homes, shops, schools. All nothing but ashes and a faint reminded of what we used to have. The only parts of town left in good condition are nearer the shore."

Reginus cleared his throat and said,

"Escape was our first plan, but the dragon sees otherwise. Until it can be stopped, what remains of our town is safe in here."

Peter could not help but to inturptt. "I understand your situation is dire, but what can I possibly do on my own?"

The Governor and Reginus exchanged looks.

"How well do you know your Narnia history?" Ventured Reginus.

"Enough to get by." Returned Peter honestly. 

"This is not the first dragon problem the Lone Islands have faced. In the year of 302 a large and terrifying beast swept over the islands and reeked havoc. It was King Gale of Narnia who defeated the snake. Bravely and valiantly he fought. It was he, we made emperor over the Lone Islands and it was he, who appointed the first Governor."

Peter listened in awe of the tale. It was true he had never know this. But he was still unsatisfied as to his being there.

"Although I have a new found respect for King Gale, what does that have to do with my being here?"

Nearby an old man, a native of the island gave a grunt and sounded off,

"Narnians are all thick headed, we'd be better off dead than in the hands of this boy."

Peter at once stood to his feet. His face burnt with both anger and embarrassment. Deep down he knew they expected him to kill the dragon. Governor Longrain stood as well.

"It will serve you better to watch your tongue!" He exclaimed.

Peter could not say a word, his mouth was dry and his blood boiled within. Never before had an insult been said to his face before. Reginus laid a hand on Peter's shoulder, urging him to be seated.

As Peter sat, he faced the Governor but said nothing.

"Ignore Samuel. He has been taking his pain out on everyone."

Peter gave a short nod. He felt numb and the sting of those words refused to leave.

"As we were saying," Began Reginus,  "As our Emperor, King Gale did not leave us helpless. The weapon, that he himself killed the dragon with, is on the Island for you to use."

Peter felt a little better knowing he would at least have a weapon.

"Where, pray tell, is this weapon?"

The Governor gave a smile and held out to Peter, a black crossbow.

A/N
yes! Things are slowly picking up, don't worry- the dragon will be making an appearance shortly.  Feedback is greatly appreciated, let me know if you are liking this.

Oh and the part about King Gale and the dragon, I did not make up. The weapon stuff I did make up.