[Fic] The Pirate Queen (11)
Title: The Pirate Queen
Summary: As the Lone Islands return to Narnian rule once more, a mysterious figure emerges from the shadows of history and folklore. Will Caspian be able to discover the identity of the Pirate Queen and why she's back before the Dawn Treader resumes its journey east?
Disclaimer: The Chronicles of Narnia belong to the estate of C.S. Lewis. I own nothing but the plot and the original characters in this story.
Notes: Anyone remember this? It's taken me 4.5 years to write/finish this chapter, if the dates of posting on LJ and DW are to be believed. Where has the time gone?? Might be best to re-acquaint yourself with Chapter 10 or start at the beginning here (which will need an overhaul at some point).
The pirate's declaration hung loudly in the air as the main room of the tavern fell silent. Every eye was fixed firmly on the figures at the crowded table, watching and waiting to see who would make the next move.
"The Pirate Queen," Lucy echoed his last words as she carefully withdrew the dagger from the table. She turned the blade in her hand and satisfied with its condition, returned the weapon to its sheath. "Yes, I suppose you may call me that, though I'm not much of a pirate at all. I would prefer one of the other titles given to me over the years but you may address me as such if you wish."
Pug opened his mouth to speak but paused as he felt cold, sharp steel pressing against his back.
"Choose your words carefully, Pug," Edmund advised. He kept his voice low but amidst the deadly quiet of the room, his words seemed loud enough for all to hear.
The pirate started, surprised to be addressed by name. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat, limbs moving ever so slightly as he leaned forward to avoid feeling the tip of the blade behind him.
"Y-your Ladyship," Pug began, eyes looking up at Lucy as he tried to peer through the deep folds of her hood, "what I have done to incur the wrath of the most famous and feared woman of all the known seas?"
"Flattery will not help your cause, I'm afraid," the Queen replied coolly. Next to her, Veron pushed his chair away from the table and rose from his chair. He stepped aside and gestured for Lucy to take his place. As she slid into the seat, the two men on either side of her - Kadeesh and the Archenlander, Garrick - backed away from the table as well, leaving the pirate to face her alone. She folded her hands on the table and looked at him. "Tell me, Pug, what is your occupation?"
There was confusion on his face. "You know what I do, your Ladyship."
"Humour me, if you will."
"I'm a merchant, Ma'am."
The sounds of snickering and snorting rippled around the room. Edmund raised his free hand and the crowd instantly quieted. "Let him finish," the King said. "Those with grievances shall have their chance to speak."
Pug swiveled in his seat and glared at the many amused faces that surrounded him. "Think what you like but I do run a business. My trade deals with goods that are bought and sold just like any other item that passes through these islands."
"This we know, Pug." Lucy worked to keep the anger from seeping into her tone. She was very glad her face was still hidden though she knew she would have to reveal herself soon. "And this is why we are here."
She then turned to her right. "Garrick."
The Archenlander started but swiftly recovered. He took a step forward and dipped his head briefly to Lucy. "Your Ladyship, how might I serve?"
"You have our apologies for indirectly involving you with our business." He again nodded, accepting her words. "To you and all others that have remained thus far, I give you the choice to stay or go. Those who choose to leave may do so now and must swear by your gods to speak of this to no one. Should you stay, you must take the oath and become a member of my fleet."
Lucy had pitched her voice to address the room but it was to the red-haired main she mainly spoke to. Those that had not wanted to get involved had already left when she and Edmund made their way to Pug's table earlier. To Lucy's knowledge, only those who belonged to the fleet had remained in the tavern.
For several seconds, no one moved. The Queen kept her eye on the Archenlander and waited. From the expression on his face, Lucy could see the man was carefully considering his options. He looked briefly at her and then cast his eyes around the room before returning his gaze to the woman sitting beside him.
"Ma'am," he began respectfully, "I humbly beg permission to depart. 'Tis a privilege enough to be in your presence but I have no wish to join up. My loyalty belongs to my king and captain."
Lucy smiled beneath her hood, unoffended by the man's decision and pleased with his words. "Well said, sailor of Archenland. I cannot fault a man for such loyalty and it does you great credit. You may leave on the conditions I spoke of before."
"You have my word, Ma'am, as a man of the sea, that I shall not speak of this to anyone. This I swear before you and the gods of the sea."
"We and the gods shall hold you to your word." As she finished, Lucy could feel the air around her grow thick and heavy. Like a pebble falling into a puddle, the presence of magic rippled outward from the table to the corners of the room. The folds of her cloak fluttered slightly while goblets and plates rattled noisily at other tables. She could even make out the tinkling of chains and other objects some distance away.
Garrick paled as he too felt the magic wash over him. It took him a few moments to recover, the color returning to his face once he was able to breathe normally again. He took a deep breath and said, "The gods bore witness to my oath, your Ladyship."
"They have and they acknowledged it. You are free to leave, Garrick."
The red-haired man stood up. He turned to Lucy and bowed deeply. "Fair winds and tides to you and your fleet, Ma'am."
Lucy nodded and watched him go. As he passed Edmund, he dipped his head towards the King and proceeded to the door. The crowd that surrounded the table silently parted before him, dividing into two rows and creating a tall, narrow passageway. A strong burst of light appeared briefly at the far end and vanished just as quickly when the door shut again. Garrick left the tavern without a backward glance at those who remained.
The Queen felt a gentle nudge at her side. She looked down and her eyes met those of Benn's. The Otterhound raised a forepaw and tapped her knee twice. Lucy reached out and touched his head once, signalling she understood his message: all clear. During the journey to the tavern, they had agreed to keep Benn's true lineage as a Talking Animal secret for the day's event and use codes devised by Edmund to pass messages between each other.
Edmund saw the signal between his sister and the hound. "Is there anyone else here who wishes to leave?" he asked, wanting to confirm there were no other unwilling participants remaining in the tavern. He waited a moment but none answered him. From where he stood guarding Pug, the King motioned to Kadeesh. The Calormene nodded and slipped through the crowd, heading for the door. After a moment, a click could be heard as he locked the tavern from within.
"So here we are, Pug," Lucy said as she turned her attention to the pirate. "You, me and a crew that is loyal and willing to serve my cause."
"I can serve you too, Admiral!" Pug replied hastily. "I'm a man of the seas as the rest of you lot."
"That you are," she agreed, "among other things."
He shrank back only to quickly sit up and forward again, eyes wide as he briefly felt the touch of steel against his skin again. He had momentarily forgotten about the armed figure that stood behind him.
"Your Ladyship, whatever I have done to offend you, it was purely unintentional," Pug said, twisting his fingers nervously in his lap. "I am ever your loyal servant and mean no harm to you."
"But harm you did, Pug." Lucy's voice was cold. "Harm to me and mine." She paused for a minute before continuing. "Earlier, you said you were a merchant."
The pirate nodded. "I am, Admiral."
"And what sort of goods do you deal with?"
Pug did not answer right away. He broke his gaze from her and Lucy watched as his eyes traveled around the room. No one spoke aloud but Lucy could see their thoughts written on their faces; on some were looks of curiosity while others bore signs of having already passed judgement on the accused. She did not need to see Edmund's face to know her brother's thoughts.
After what seemed a very long time, the pirate murmured something under his breath. Lucy did not hear his words but did not miss the low growl from the Hound beside her.
"I did not hear your answer, Pug."
Pug swallowed forcefully and raised his voice slightly. "I deal in slaves, your Ladyship," he said, before quickly adding, "it's not unlawful to buy and sell slaves here."
"It is now," a voice answered amongst the crowd. Several heads nodded while others made sounds of agreement.
"So what?" the pirate sneered. "I can always ply my trade elsewhere. A man's gotta make his livin' somehow and there are other markets in the world besides this Narrowhaven, you know." He wagged a finger at the chorus of unhappy grumbling that followed. "You don't have to like what I do and you can't do a damn thing 'bout it. And don't forget," he added in a smug voice, "the King pardoned me."
Lucy had heard enough. She opened her mouth but Edmund cut in before she could speak.
"King Caspian pardoned you for laying hands on his person and he ordered the slaves to be set free and all monies returned to the buyers," Edmund said. "His pardon did not include your other transgressions, Pug."
The pirate cowered at Edmund's words. "What d'you mean, m'Lord?" he asked, watching as the other hooded figure moved forward to stand behind the Queen. Edmund sheathed his sword as two members of the Fleet took up his previous position to guard the slave dealer.
"Pug," this time Lucy addressed him, "you are hereby accused of laying hands on other royal persons with the intent to sell them for your own profit."
"What royal persons, your Ladyship? There was only the so-called king of Narnia. Who else is making these accusations?" He turned in his seat and looked around, eyes narrowing at every person and creature that met his gaze. "It was one of you, wasn't it?" And without waiting for an answer, he faced the table and Queen again.
"Is this a trial, your Ladyship?"
"Yes," Lucy replied simply. "You may answer to no king but any wrongdoing committed on the seas fall under my domain. Are you willing to face these accusations and submit to any judgement that I may make here today?"
The pirate paled but he nodded. "I've nothing to hide, your Ladyship. Yes, I did sell the boy king but I swear before the gods there was no other nobles aboard my ship."
"You swear before the gods the truth of your words, Pug?" Edmund asked.
"I do, your Lordship."
"And should you be found guilty, do you swear before your gods to accept the judgement of the Lady Admiral?"
Pug nodded again. "I swear by the gods."
Lucy spoke up, her voice carrying across the room. "Will all of you bear witness to this man's claim?"
Many heads bobbed up and down, joining the chorus of "Ayes" that filled the air.
"Do all of you swear to your gods to keep secret of this trial and not speak of those present nor of what is to come to anyone outside of this room?"
"We swear before our gods," came the answer from the Fleet.
"And you, Pug?" asked Lucy. "Do you swear before your gods that what happens here shall remain known only to those present here and you will not speak of it to anyone?"
"Aye," replied the pirate. "I swear to the gods of the seas."
The air hummed with magic as all of the recited oaths were bound to each and every being in the tavern. Once again, objects shook and clattered around them but this time, a great gust of wind blew out the flames of all the candles in the room. In the darkness, Lucy could hear both gasps of surprise and oaths whispered amongst the various members of her Fleet. Someone in front of her-she thought it was Pug-nervously uttered a prayer to Neptune.
A hush eventually descended in the darkened room as everyone waited for the magic to settle. When Lucy felt the invisible pinpricks against her skin fade away, she let out a sigh and mentally prepared to proceed with the trial. She heard mutterings around her and the scraping of chair legs as people began to move about in the dark.
The clinking sounds of flint and steel could be heard above the low conversations and soon a bright and crackling fire emerged from the hearth along the far wall. Kadeesh held a newly lit lantern in his hand and began to relight the candles on the tables nearest him. He was soon aided by others and in the span of a few minutes, everything was visible once more.
The Queen turned her attention back to the man sitting opposite her. During those brief moments of darkness, she had wondered if he would try to flee but one quick glance eased her fears. Pug remained in his seat and though the spellbinding had distracted her, others had kept vigilant guard over the man. Benn had placed himself next to the pirate, standing right beside his chair; Lucy could see the Hound was on alert from the way his ears were pricked and by the continuous wagging of his tail. Behind Pug stood a pair of Selkies, each with a dagger drawn and aimed at the man.
"Place your hands on the table, Pug." Edmund's voice silenced the murmuring in the tavern. It was only from her brother's command that the Queen realized Pug was not sitting as still as he first appeared. Both of the pirate's hands were hidden beneath the table. From the side, Lucy could hear the Otterhound growling.
"What is it, Benn?" Lucy asked softly. In response, the growling grew louder and the Queen could see the Selkie guards tense in anticipation.
Pug looked nervously at the Hound and very slowly raised his arms. When his hands appeared over the edge of the table, Lucy could see something glinting through his fingers. One of the Selkies guarding him leaned forward and quickly snatched the object from his grip. The guard opened his hand and revealed a folding knife; a thin sliver of the blade partially protruded from its sheath.
They had not searched the man for weapons though it did not surprise Lucy in the least. Only foolish pirates would keep no other blade on their persons beside the obvious sword and Pug was no fool.
"Have you any other blade hidden from us, Pug?" the Queen asked, though she did not expect a truthful answer.
Edmund drew his sword as Benn circled the pirate, sniffing at his heels. The Hound stopped at Pug's right side and growled, pawing at the ground. At a gesture from the King, the guard knelt down and patting down Pug's side, discovered a dagger tucked inside the man's boot.
The pirate winced as the Selkie handed the weapons to Veron for safekeeping. "Yo-you're Ladyship, if you'll let me explain-"
"There is nothing to explain, Pug," Lucy replied calmly. "You sit here accused of treason against those whose domains you inhabit. What say you?"
"I'm an innocent man, your Ladyship!" Pug exclaimed defiantly. "Who dares accuse me of such things?!"
It was time for Lucy to reveal herself. She pulled back the hood that had hidden her face from view since she entered the tavern. "I am one of your accusers, Pug."
The pirate gaped at the young girl before him, eyes widening in recognition. "You!"
Lucy dipped her head in acknowledgement. She then looked up as Edmund shed his cloak, unmasking his identity as well.
Pug raised a finger, pointing shakily at them. "Y-you're the little girl and the lad that were with the king."
"We are," said Edmund. He wondered if Pug knew who they were other than Caspian's friends; the king had not identified them by name at the slave market. "I am King Edmund of Narnia and this is my sister, the Queen Lucy, sometimes known as the Pirate Queen."
"You're just children! You can't possibly-"
"We are who my brother has said we are, Pug." For one moment, Lucy traded one role for another; she was neither pirate queen nor Lucy Pevensie of England. Even in the dim light of the room, no one could mistake her regal bearing as she sat in the simple wooden chair as if it were her gilded throne in the Great Hall of Cair Paravel.
"You laid hands unduly on our royal persons and such actions are considered treasonous, no matter the jurisdiction."
The pirate shook his head, unwilling to accept the Queen's words. "That boy king never said-" he sputtered before trying a different tact. "This ain't Narnia. You have no right."
"These islands have been a property of the Crown of Narnia ever since the reign of King Gale," Edmund answered. His sword was still unsheathed but the blade was pointed downward and not at the other man. Pug was under guard at all sides and did not pose a threat just yet. "All kings and queens of Narnia also inherit the title of Emperor or Empress of the Lone Islands. You were born here, Pug, and as such you answer to Narnia and her king."
Pug latched onto Edmund's last words, an oily smile appearing on his lips. "May I remind your Majesty that your King Caspian decided to give me a pardon instead of locking me up in the Narrowhaven gaol?"
Edmund ignored the mocking tone of the pirate. "Caspian is not my King; I am not his subject, nor is the Queen's Grace. He, like us, serves under Aslan and our brother Peter, the High King of Narnia. As to the leniency our royal cousin bestowed upon you, it was for the charge of laying hands on himself, not for the rest of your captives."
Unhappy and angry murmurs filled the room. Pug squirmed as he felt the harsh gazes directed at and judging him.
"You have much to answer for, Pug," Lucy said. "Under Narnian law, do you know what the punishment is for treason?"
The pirate looked at her and slowly shook his head.
Lucy leaned forward and looked gravely at him; her face was no longer that of a young girl but a solemn, adult Queen.
"Death."
DW: 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 . 8 . 9 . 10 . 11 . 12 . 13
LJ: 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 . 8 . 9 . 10 . 11 . 12 . 13
Crosspost: http://autumnia.dreamwidth.org/34938.html
Summary: As the Lone Islands return to Narnian rule once more, a mysterious figure emerges from the shadows of history and folklore. Will Caspian be able to discover the identity of the Pirate Queen and why she's back before the Dawn Treader resumes its journey east?
Disclaimer: The Chronicles of Narnia belong to the estate of C.S. Lewis. I own nothing but the plot and the original characters in this story.
Notes: Anyone remember this? It's taken me 4.5 years to write/finish this chapter, if the dates of posting on LJ and DW are to be believed. Where has the time gone?? Might be best to re-acquaint yourself with Chapter 10 or start at the beginning here (which will need an overhaul at some point).
The pirate's declaration hung loudly in the air as the main room of the tavern fell silent. Every eye was fixed firmly on the figures at the crowded table, watching and waiting to see who would make the next move.
"The Pirate Queen," Lucy echoed his last words as she carefully withdrew the dagger from the table. She turned the blade in her hand and satisfied with its condition, returned the weapon to its sheath. "Yes, I suppose you may call me that, though I'm not much of a pirate at all. I would prefer one of the other titles given to me over the years but you may address me as such if you wish."
Pug opened his mouth to speak but paused as he felt cold, sharp steel pressing against his back.
"Choose your words carefully, Pug," Edmund advised. He kept his voice low but amidst the deadly quiet of the room, his words seemed loud enough for all to hear.
The pirate started, surprised to be addressed by name. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat, limbs moving ever so slightly as he leaned forward to avoid feeling the tip of the blade behind him.
"Y-your Ladyship," Pug began, eyes looking up at Lucy as he tried to peer through the deep folds of her hood, "what I have done to incur the wrath of the most famous and feared woman of all the known seas?"
"Flattery will not help your cause, I'm afraid," the Queen replied coolly. Next to her, Veron pushed his chair away from the table and rose from his chair. He stepped aside and gestured for Lucy to take his place. As she slid into the seat, the two men on either side of her - Kadeesh and the Archenlander, Garrick - backed away from the table as well, leaving the pirate to face her alone. She folded her hands on the table and looked at him. "Tell me, Pug, what is your occupation?"
There was confusion on his face. "You know what I do, your Ladyship."
"Humour me, if you will."
"I'm a merchant, Ma'am."
The sounds of snickering and snorting rippled around the room. Edmund raised his free hand and the crowd instantly quieted. "Let him finish," the King said. "Those with grievances shall have their chance to speak."
Pug swiveled in his seat and glared at the many amused faces that surrounded him. "Think what you like but I do run a business. My trade deals with goods that are bought and sold just like any other item that passes through these islands."
"This we know, Pug." Lucy worked to keep the anger from seeping into her tone. She was very glad her face was still hidden though she knew she would have to reveal herself soon. "And this is why we are here."
She then turned to her right. "Garrick."
The Archenlander started but swiftly recovered. He took a step forward and dipped his head briefly to Lucy. "Your Ladyship, how might I serve?"
"You have our apologies for indirectly involving you with our business." He again nodded, accepting her words. "To you and all others that have remained thus far, I give you the choice to stay or go. Those who choose to leave may do so now and must swear by your gods to speak of this to no one. Should you stay, you must take the oath and become a member of my fleet."
Lucy had pitched her voice to address the room but it was to the red-haired main she mainly spoke to. Those that had not wanted to get involved had already left when she and Edmund made their way to Pug's table earlier. To Lucy's knowledge, only those who belonged to the fleet had remained in the tavern.
For several seconds, no one moved. The Queen kept her eye on the Archenlander and waited. From the expression on his face, Lucy could see the man was carefully considering his options. He looked briefly at her and then cast his eyes around the room before returning his gaze to the woman sitting beside him.
"Ma'am," he began respectfully, "I humbly beg permission to depart. 'Tis a privilege enough to be in your presence but I have no wish to join up. My loyalty belongs to my king and captain."
Lucy smiled beneath her hood, unoffended by the man's decision and pleased with his words. "Well said, sailor of Archenland. I cannot fault a man for such loyalty and it does you great credit. You may leave on the conditions I spoke of before."
"You have my word, Ma'am, as a man of the sea, that I shall not speak of this to anyone. This I swear before you and the gods of the sea."
"We and the gods shall hold you to your word." As she finished, Lucy could feel the air around her grow thick and heavy. Like a pebble falling into a puddle, the presence of magic rippled outward from the table to the corners of the room. The folds of her cloak fluttered slightly while goblets and plates rattled noisily at other tables. She could even make out the tinkling of chains and other objects some distance away.
Garrick paled as he too felt the magic wash over him. It took him a few moments to recover, the color returning to his face once he was able to breathe normally again. He took a deep breath and said, "The gods bore witness to my oath, your Ladyship."
"They have and they acknowledged it. You are free to leave, Garrick."
The red-haired man stood up. He turned to Lucy and bowed deeply. "Fair winds and tides to you and your fleet, Ma'am."
Lucy nodded and watched him go. As he passed Edmund, he dipped his head towards the King and proceeded to the door. The crowd that surrounded the table silently parted before him, dividing into two rows and creating a tall, narrow passageway. A strong burst of light appeared briefly at the far end and vanished just as quickly when the door shut again. Garrick left the tavern without a backward glance at those who remained.
The Queen felt a gentle nudge at her side. She looked down and her eyes met those of Benn's. The Otterhound raised a forepaw and tapped her knee twice. Lucy reached out and touched his head once, signalling she understood his message: all clear. During the journey to the tavern, they had agreed to keep Benn's true lineage as a Talking Animal secret for the day's event and use codes devised by Edmund to pass messages between each other.
Edmund saw the signal between his sister and the hound. "Is there anyone else here who wishes to leave?" he asked, wanting to confirm there were no other unwilling participants remaining in the tavern. He waited a moment but none answered him. From where he stood guarding Pug, the King motioned to Kadeesh. The Calormene nodded and slipped through the crowd, heading for the door. After a moment, a click could be heard as he locked the tavern from within.
"So here we are, Pug," Lucy said as she turned her attention to the pirate. "You, me and a crew that is loyal and willing to serve my cause."
"I can serve you too, Admiral!" Pug replied hastily. "I'm a man of the seas as the rest of you lot."
"That you are," she agreed, "among other things."
He shrank back only to quickly sit up and forward again, eyes wide as he briefly felt the touch of steel against his skin again. He had momentarily forgotten about the armed figure that stood behind him.
"Your Ladyship, whatever I have done to offend you, it was purely unintentional," Pug said, twisting his fingers nervously in his lap. "I am ever your loyal servant and mean no harm to you."
"But harm you did, Pug." Lucy's voice was cold. "Harm to me and mine." She paused for a minute before continuing. "Earlier, you said you were a merchant."
The pirate nodded. "I am, Admiral."
"And what sort of goods do you deal with?"
Pug did not answer right away. He broke his gaze from her and Lucy watched as his eyes traveled around the room. No one spoke aloud but Lucy could see their thoughts written on their faces; on some were looks of curiosity while others bore signs of having already passed judgement on the accused. She did not need to see Edmund's face to know her brother's thoughts.
After what seemed a very long time, the pirate murmured something under his breath. Lucy did not hear his words but did not miss the low growl from the Hound beside her.
"I did not hear your answer, Pug."
Pug swallowed forcefully and raised his voice slightly. "I deal in slaves, your Ladyship," he said, before quickly adding, "it's not unlawful to buy and sell slaves here."
"It is now," a voice answered amongst the crowd. Several heads nodded while others made sounds of agreement.
"So what?" the pirate sneered. "I can always ply my trade elsewhere. A man's gotta make his livin' somehow and there are other markets in the world besides this Narrowhaven, you know." He wagged a finger at the chorus of unhappy grumbling that followed. "You don't have to like what I do and you can't do a damn thing 'bout it. And don't forget," he added in a smug voice, "the King pardoned me."
Lucy had heard enough. She opened her mouth but Edmund cut in before she could speak.
"King Caspian pardoned you for laying hands on his person and he ordered the slaves to be set free and all monies returned to the buyers," Edmund said. "His pardon did not include your other transgressions, Pug."
The pirate cowered at Edmund's words. "What d'you mean, m'Lord?" he asked, watching as the other hooded figure moved forward to stand behind the Queen. Edmund sheathed his sword as two members of the Fleet took up his previous position to guard the slave dealer.
"Pug," this time Lucy addressed him, "you are hereby accused of laying hands on other royal persons with the intent to sell them for your own profit."
"What royal persons, your Ladyship? There was only the so-called king of Narnia. Who else is making these accusations?" He turned in his seat and looked around, eyes narrowing at every person and creature that met his gaze. "It was one of you, wasn't it?" And without waiting for an answer, he faced the table and Queen again.
"Is this a trial, your Ladyship?"
"Yes," Lucy replied simply. "You may answer to no king but any wrongdoing committed on the seas fall under my domain. Are you willing to face these accusations and submit to any judgement that I may make here today?"
The pirate paled but he nodded. "I've nothing to hide, your Ladyship. Yes, I did sell the boy king but I swear before the gods there was no other nobles aboard my ship."
"You swear before the gods the truth of your words, Pug?" Edmund asked.
"I do, your Lordship."
"And should you be found guilty, do you swear before your gods to accept the judgement of the Lady Admiral?"
Pug nodded again. "I swear by the gods."
Lucy spoke up, her voice carrying across the room. "Will all of you bear witness to this man's claim?"
Many heads bobbed up and down, joining the chorus of "Ayes" that filled the air.
"Do all of you swear to your gods to keep secret of this trial and not speak of those present nor of what is to come to anyone outside of this room?"
"We swear before our gods," came the answer from the Fleet.
"And you, Pug?" asked Lucy. "Do you swear before your gods that what happens here shall remain known only to those present here and you will not speak of it to anyone?"
"Aye," replied the pirate. "I swear to the gods of the seas."
The air hummed with magic as all of the recited oaths were bound to each and every being in the tavern. Once again, objects shook and clattered around them but this time, a great gust of wind blew out the flames of all the candles in the room. In the darkness, Lucy could hear both gasps of surprise and oaths whispered amongst the various members of her Fleet. Someone in front of her-she thought it was Pug-nervously uttered a prayer to Neptune.
A hush eventually descended in the darkened room as everyone waited for the magic to settle. When Lucy felt the invisible pinpricks against her skin fade away, she let out a sigh and mentally prepared to proceed with the trial. She heard mutterings around her and the scraping of chair legs as people began to move about in the dark.
The clinking sounds of flint and steel could be heard above the low conversations and soon a bright and crackling fire emerged from the hearth along the far wall. Kadeesh held a newly lit lantern in his hand and began to relight the candles on the tables nearest him. He was soon aided by others and in the span of a few minutes, everything was visible once more.
The Queen turned her attention back to the man sitting opposite her. During those brief moments of darkness, she had wondered if he would try to flee but one quick glance eased her fears. Pug remained in his seat and though the spellbinding had distracted her, others had kept vigilant guard over the man. Benn had placed himself next to the pirate, standing right beside his chair; Lucy could see the Hound was on alert from the way his ears were pricked and by the continuous wagging of his tail. Behind Pug stood a pair of Selkies, each with a dagger drawn and aimed at the man.
"Place your hands on the table, Pug." Edmund's voice silenced the murmuring in the tavern. It was only from her brother's command that the Queen realized Pug was not sitting as still as he first appeared. Both of the pirate's hands were hidden beneath the table. From the side, Lucy could hear the Otterhound growling.
"What is it, Benn?" Lucy asked softly. In response, the growling grew louder and the Queen could see the Selkie guards tense in anticipation.
Pug looked nervously at the Hound and very slowly raised his arms. When his hands appeared over the edge of the table, Lucy could see something glinting through his fingers. One of the Selkies guarding him leaned forward and quickly snatched the object from his grip. The guard opened his hand and revealed a folding knife; a thin sliver of the blade partially protruded from its sheath.
They had not searched the man for weapons though it did not surprise Lucy in the least. Only foolish pirates would keep no other blade on their persons beside the obvious sword and Pug was no fool.
"Have you any other blade hidden from us, Pug?" the Queen asked, though she did not expect a truthful answer.
Edmund drew his sword as Benn circled the pirate, sniffing at his heels. The Hound stopped at Pug's right side and growled, pawing at the ground. At a gesture from the King, the guard knelt down and patting down Pug's side, discovered a dagger tucked inside the man's boot.
The pirate winced as the Selkie handed the weapons to Veron for safekeeping. "Yo-you're Ladyship, if you'll let me explain-"
"There is nothing to explain, Pug," Lucy replied calmly. "You sit here accused of treason against those whose domains you inhabit. What say you?"
"I'm an innocent man, your Ladyship!" Pug exclaimed defiantly. "Who dares accuse me of such things?!"
It was time for Lucy to reveal herself. She pulled back the hood that had hidden her face from view since she entered the tavern. "I am one of your accusers, Pug."
The pirate gaped at the young girl before him, eyes widening in recognition. "You!"
Lucy dipped her head in acknowledgement. She then looked up as Edmund shed his cloak, unmasking his identity as well.
Pug raised a finger, pointing shakily at them. "Y-you're the little girl and the lad that were with the king."
"We are," said Edmund. He wondered if Pug knew who they were other than Caspian's friends; the king had not identified them by name at the slave market. "I am King Edmund of Narnia and this is my sister, the Queen Lucy, sometimes known as the Pirate Queen."
"You're just children! You can't possibly-"
"We are who my brother has said we are, Pug." For one moment, Lucy traded one role for another; she was neither pirate queen nor Lucy Pevensie of England. Even in the dim light of the room, no one could mistake her regal bearing as she sat in the simple wooden chair as if it were her gilded throne in the Great Hall of Cair Paravel.
"You laid hands unduly on our royal persons and such actions are considered treasonous, no matter the jurisdiction."
The pirate shook his head, unwilling to accept the Queen's words. "That boy king never said-" he sputtered before trying a different tact. "This ain't Narnia. You have no right."
"These islands have been a property of the Crown of Narnia ever since the reign of King Gale," Edmund answered. His sword was still unsheathed but the blade was pointed downward and not at the other man. Pug was under guard at all sides and did not pose a threat just yet. "All kings and queens of Narnia also inherit the title of Emperor or Empress of the Lone Islands. You were born here, Pug, and as such you answer to Narnia and her king."
Pug latched onto Edmund's last words, an oily smile appearing on his lips. "May I remind your Majesty that your King Caspian decided to give me a pardon instead of locking me up in the Narrowhaven gaol?"
Edmund ignored the mocking tone of the pirate. "Caspian is not my King; I am not his subject, nor is the Queen's Grace. He, like us, serves under Aslan and our brother Peter, the High King of Narnia. As to the leniency our royal cousin bestowed upon you, it was for the charge of laying hands on himself, not for the rest of your captives."
Unhappy and angry murmurs filled the room. Pug squirmed as he felt the harsh gazes directed at and judging him.
"You have much to answer for, Pug," Lucy said. "Under Narnian law, do you know what the punishment is for treason?"
The pirate looked at her and slowly shook his head.
Lucy leaned forward and looked gravely at him; her face was no longer that of a young girl but a solemn, adult Queen.
"Death."
DW: 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 . 8 . 9 . 10 . 11 . 12 . 13
LJ: 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 . 8 . 9 . 10 . 11 . 12 . 13
Crosspost: http://autumnia.dreamwidth.org/34938.html