Inheritance: Scales of Change

Chapter Five - Terebinthia

    As you drew closer to Terebinthia the weather got significantly warmer. You found you didn't even need the fireplace lit at night, and during the day you spend most of your time on deck. Raxe had fashioned you a crutch to help you get around without needing to be carried everywhere and by the end of the third day you could almost bear full weight on your leg, as long as you didn't overdo it.
    Mid-morning Caspian called you over to the bow, handing you the spyglass.
"We'll reach the docks by afternoon." He smiled.
"You seem excited." You took a peek, the island looked like something out of a storybook. White stone buildings with red roofs, palm tree lined beaches with blue waters, and a large white castle with gold rounded spires were clearly visible from the harbor.
"I am. I heard the island is beautiful. The King and I have shared correspondence of peace between our kingdoms, but have yet to meet in person."
"His castle is nothing like I've ever seen." You put the spyglass down. "And the waters are so blue."
"I hope they will let us dock this time." He thought out loud.

    No one came out to stop either you or the Reina from docking, which was a good first sign that the epidemic had passed. The dock workers were friendly and helpful, and when they heard the King of Narnia was aboard they sent a messenger up to the castle right away.
    Sevas and his men were glad to see land, apparently they had been at sea for months.
"Was this you?" He questioned, pointing at his ring as he approached you and Caspian.
"Yes." You smiled. "I'm glad it worked."
"It took me a moment to realize the humming was not of my imagination." He laughed. "It has been so long... ah there we go." He shook his hand. "I forgot how hot that stone gets when we are summoned."
"Yours gets hot?" You asked.
"All of ours does, if another summons us it gets warmer and warmer as we get closer to them. It will not subside until we reach them."
"Oh, I hope it's not too bothersome for the others." You looked down at your own, wondering how it would feel to have a hot stone pressed on your chest for days. "I wonder how long until they all arrive?"
Your dad walked up behind you. "That could be a week or two. Who knows where they're scattered."
    You heard a horn blow and looked up to see an escort of knights and horses approaching the harbor.
"Ah that'll be for us." Caspian followed your gaze.
"In that case Señorita, I will stay close to the docks until you finish with your business." Sevas offered. "As the other Lords arrive I will be here to greet them."
"Thank you." You smiled at him, and put your hand on his arm appreciatively.

    "King Caspian X of Narnia!" The knight in the lead boomed. "His Majesty, King Odel, and her Highness Queen Eneln welcome you to their fair Kingdom. They request your presence at the castle at your earliest convenience, and deliver these fine steeds for your travel." He motioned to a few horses they were ponying behind them. "I am Sir Mar, and I will be your escort through our island." He balled his fist and hit his arm across his chest firmly, making a clanging sound with his armor.
Caspian mimicked the action, adding a small bow. "We are honored to be received with such an invitation. Permit me a few moments to assist my crew in unloading and my subjects and I will gladly allow you to escort us to the castle."
    You watched him behaving like royalty for the first time since you first met him. His posture straightened, his expression changed from light and friendly to calm and proud. Even the tone of his voice commanded respect. You were reminded very quickly that he was indeed a King, and suddenly felt unworthy to be standing this close to him.
    Sir Mar nodded and waited patiently while Caspian, Raxe, your father and yourself hauled your essentials off the ship, he then dismounted to help you pack things onto the horses. He treated you with as much respect as he did Caspian, even though he had no way of knowing you were just a nobody. He was very good looking, in a way a painting was beautiful. Perfectly sculpted, chiseled jaw, thick dark brown hair and soft brown eyes.
"Please, My Lady, allow me." He bent down on one knee when you were getting ready to mount your horse, offering you his interlocked hands as a boost.
"Oh... thank you." You blushed at the dramatic gesture.
Caspian watched you from the corner of his eye as Sir Mar effortlessly lifted you up, and placed your feet in each stirrup.
"Please follow me." He gestured to you all as he led his horse toward the town.
    Everyone in town came out to wave at your impromptu parade as you passed. Little girls would stop and point at you, and young women were giggling as Caspian and Raxe rode by. The houses were of decent sizes, you noticed they all looked very similar, and were built almost directly next to one another. There was a sparkle in the white stone walls as the sun reflected off it. Everyone seemed so happy and lively.
    As you neared the castle the buildings changed from homes to store fronts and shops. Seafood vendors, bakers, and craftsmen of all sorts lined their carts along the streets, it took all your restraint not to stop every few feet to look at their wares. There was a long, wide staircase at the foot of the castle, and Sir Mar pulled his horse up parallel to it, and dismounted. Caspian did the same, and several young boys ran out from the side of the castle to hold your horses for you.
    Before you had a chance to slip off your horse, Sir Mar was right at your side.
"May I?" He offered to grab your waist and help you down. Again you blushed, allowing him to do so. "If I may ask, My Lady, how did you injure your leg?" He noted as you gingerly stepped down.
"I fell off the top deck of my ship during a storm, it's really not so bad." You smiled up at him.
"You are certain? I am happy to carry you up the stairs..." He pointed to the top.
"Oh no... I'll be alright." You realized halfway through your denial that it was a lie...there were a lot of steps.
"She's tougher than she looks." Caspian came up next to you "And I am here to assist if needed."
"Of course Sire." Sir Mar bowed low. "I intended no disrespect, My Lady."
"None was taken good Sir, thank you." You gave Caspian a "really?" look, and he pretended not to notice.
You slowly made your way up the steps, with Raxe and Caspian's help. Silently cursing yourself for your pride. You should have just allowed Sir Mar to carry you...
"Are you sure you don't want me to carry you?" Caspian asked about a quarter way up.
"Why, so you can show up Sir Mar?" You teased.
"What...you wanted him to do it?" His face grew stern.
"I didn't want anyone to do it." You answered plainly. "But since you made such a stink about it..."
"Oh for fucks sake..." Raxe sighed and scooped you up. "Can we move along now?"