The Narnian night was pitch black except for the full, pale moon that shone brightly down on the expansive and peaceful land. Lady Marquesa sat at the open window in her quarters, her black curls unpinned and left blowing in the gentle breeze that swept through the sweet-smelling air, scented with the flowers that bloomed in the gardens below her window. She hummed under her breath a lullaby that her friend had sung to her. Her bright black eyes watched the high tower as, yet another agonizing scream pierced the previously silent night before trailing off into low groans mixed with choice words.

Marquesa sat forward, her hands braced against the window as she thought wistfully, I wonder if I shall have a little brother or sister? Someone I can show the world to.

She was content, for a moment, to pretend like the news wouldn't threaten her life as she knew it.  The ominous thought that her uncle would easily kill her made her heart clench in so many different ways, but she stopped thinking those thoughts. That was, until the door to her chambers creaked open and she turned to see Doctor Cornelius inching his way inside. He wore a dark blue cloak that covered his frizzy white hair and rather scruffy beard as he turned to her with a grim expression, his round spectacles glimmering in the candlelight.

Eager to know what information he had gathered, she leaped off the window ledge and bounded over to him. Her full white skirt billowed behind her and the moonlight seemed to catch on the brass buttons on her vest.

"So? Has the baby arrived? Professor?"

Doctor Cornelius laid a gentle, frail hand on her shoulder and sighed, "I'm afraid so, my child. And you know what this means."

Marquesa crunched up her nose in anxiety when she realized what he was implying and shook her head in denial. Her eyes flashed and she took a deep breath.

"My father - he wouldn’t - "

"I wish I could agree with you, child, but the order has already been given."

Marquesa let out a shuddering gasp, her slim hands coming up to grasp her nightgown over her heart. She had hoped that there would be another way, that the man who she supposed loved her might let himself spare her life since they shared blood but alas, it was not to be. This course did not surprise her, merely causing her to nod, resigned at the turn of events, before turning on her heel and making her way over to her wardrobe.

Flinging the door open with a building urgency, she took out the small knap sack that laid at the foot of the wardrobe and pulled her travelling cloak from the high shelf. The girl threw it around herself, pulling up the hood as she joined Doctor Cornelius by the door. The old man looked both ways before leading her down the empty corridor towards her cousin's chambers. She cringed as her bare feet struck loudly against the cool stone floor and kept a steady hold on his cloak as they hurried along.

They came to a stop before a black steel door and the old man pushed it open gently, peering inside before ushering her in before him.

While Doctor Cornelius crept over to her cousin's bed, she opened his wardrobe to reveal the secret back inside and slipped on an old pair of brown boots that no longer fit him. She craned her head over her shoulder to see her cousin's silhouette struggle against the old man before he realized who held him.

She walked over to stand by the old man's side, sending her cousin a wobbly smile as his eyes drifted from her to the Doctor Cornelius before he took the man's hand off his mouth with an eye roll and mumbled, "Five more minutes."

"You won't be watching the stars tonight, my Prince," Doctor Cornelius told him in a rushed whisper, his eyes darting towards the door, "Neither of you will. Come. We must hurry."

Caspian turned at the panic in the Professor's voice and let him pull him up from the bed. Marquesa followed them with another pair of  rather well-worn boots and black cape for her cousin as the old man led Caspian to the wardrobe.

"Professor, what's going on?" Caspian asked quizzically, his voice taking a worried edge at the sudden urgency.

"Your aunt has given birth," the Doctor Cornelius informed him somberly, "To a son."

Caspian reared back at that and met Marquesa's eyes from over his shoulder. She nodded darkly, swallowing hard. He realized what it meant for them. Her cousin inhaled sharply, turning back to the door. Marquesa pushed him forward after the Professor, who waited at the end of the passageway for them both.

"Go, Caspian."

He hurried inside, holding the door open for her so she could squeeze in beside him before shutting it behind her both. She walked around him to stand with Doctor Cornelius but when she turned to see if Caspian was following her, she found him kneeling on the wardrobe floor, watching through a crack in the door.

She made to go forward and pull him back, but Doctor Cornelius stopped her, his eyes narrowed on the older boy as he whispered to her, "No. He needs to see."

It was silent, except for a rogue boot scuffing against stone. Then the crossbow bolts fired. Two quick rounds aimed at the great canopy bed her cousin had been sleeping in only moments before.

When they stopped, the tutor let her go and she inched forward, sliding a hand onto her cousin's shoulder to pull him back. She took him by the hand and pulled him along as the Professor disappeared down a winding staircase that opened into the Armory.

"Arm yourselves. Both of you," the old man commanded, and Caspian immediately went for the black leather armor and chainmail, picking out a long sword and a sheath.

Doctor Cornelius took Marquesa by the arm, leading her to where the bow and quivers were hung up on the far wall. He pulled one down for her and strapped them on with a sad smile as he said, "These will do. You remember what I told you, yes?"

"Pull back with an even arm. Take a deep breath before releasing. Aim true, strike the target in the heart " she recited seriously, closing her eyes as he patted her head in satisfaction. She felt her heart ache as she thought about what her father had attempted to do: kill her and Caspian.

"Good, good."

They turned to Caspian as he walked over to join them, and she handed him his cape and boots that she had snatched before leaving his chambers. He nodded his gratitude and sat down to pull them on. They only had a moment before they heard the distant shouts of guards, and Doctor Cornelius quickly led them out of the Armory towards the stables.

Marquesa struggled to run alongside them with the sudden weight of the quiver on her back. Truth be told she had never been one for working out so the weight burned her legs as she jogged at a quick, urgent pace.  Caspian noticed, holding out his hand to help her along. When they made it to the stables, the old man headed for where her cousin's horse, Destrier, was already saddled and waiting. The black horse whinnied at the sight of his young master and Caspian immediately rushed to quieten him down.

Doctor Cornelius urged them up and onto the horse. Caspian swung himself up first before extending his arm to her, helping her climb up and on behind him. Marquesa felt her cousin shaking as he looked down at his beloved tutor.

"You must make for the woods," the old man instructed them seriously as he adjusted the saddle and the reins. His eyes stared at them quietly as he said it.

"The woods?" Caspian repeated, uncertain if he had heard correctly. He blinked his eyes rapidly.

Marquesa shook her head at the old man, her face pale as she told him, "The woods are cursed. Any who dare enter them are never seen again!" She had heard her father speak of men who were dared to enter therein a mocking but somewhat awed tone. Yea, it was true that her own best friend, Arraz had gone in, chasing his horse and never returned, not a single bone or clothing item.

"Which is why they won't follow you there," Doctor Cornelius responded before turning to Caspian, digging through his bag at his side and pulling out a white, ivory horn, "It has taken me many years to find this."

Caspian took it from him, inspecting it with furrowed brows before passing it to Marquesa to put into the saddlebag. Marquesa marveled at the fine craftsmanship, tracing the features of the roaring lion as a memory tugged at her to remember. Perhaps a story -no- a legend maybe.  There was something unique about this horn, it was on the tip of her tongue – but yet again the thought escaped her mind.

Suddenly, Doctor Cornelius reached out to grasp Caspian's arm urgingly, warning him in a low voice, "Do not use it except at your greatest need." Caspian solemnly nodded, feeling the weight of this responsibility.

"Will we ever see you again, Professor?" Marquesa asked quietly, her eyes tearing up at the thought that this would be the last time she would look upon the man who had taught them so much. She loved him more than her own father she thought to herself sadly. But who didn’t love the old man?

"I dearly hope so, my child," Doctor Cornelius replied warmly, patting her hand, "Take care of your cousin. You know his importance."

She nodded and tightened her hold on Caspian. The old man nodded at her before turning to Caspian with a weary smile, grasping the older boy's arm as he told him, "There is so much more I meant to tell you, to teach you. I only ask that you remember the promise you made me when you were first born into this world. Be a good king. Stay true to yourself and your people."

"King?" Caspian frowned. He had not heard this before.

Doctor Cornelius took in the bewildered expressions on their face and nodded as he stepped back, "Everything you know is about to change."

As the sound of horses whinnying grew closer, the old man sent a great slap to the horse's flank to urge Destrier on. The horse let out a neigh before charging out of the stables and into the courtyard. There were many servants milling around, spreading the news of the birth of the Lord Protector's son, but they all turned to watch as the Prince and his Lady cousin rode past on his horse. Many stood mouths agape as they noticed the tear- filled eyes of them both.

Guards started running to stop them and Marquesa [LHG1] caught sight of two crossed spears, surely intended to knock them off and she cried out. Caspian shouted to her over his shoulder, "HOLD ON!"

She did as she was told, burying her face into his back and squeezing her eyes shut. Caspian rode on and when he was close enough, plucked the spear out of the guardsman's hands, using it to push the other spear away from where it almost grazed Marquesa before finally sending it into a pit of fire as they rode over the drawbridge.

The sound of fireworks caused Marquesa to pull back, watching as the castle behind her illuminated in bright green, pink and purple. Knowing what reason, they were for, she still found them enchanting to watch.  She found that they were almost over the bridge and let out a sigh of relief. Destrier reared at the loud, popping sounds and Marquesa yelped, clutching Caspian tightly as she started to slip back.

Caspian rubbed the horse's snout to calm him down and craned his head behind him. They heard an order to summon all the guards and the sounds of horses growing closer.

"Caspian, if you have forgotten how to ride, tell me now so that one of us can get us out of here alive!" Marquesa cried out as she saw the silver armor of the soldiers glinting from the drawbridge.

Caspian clicked his tongue and sent Destrier off again, yelling back at her, "Marquesa, keep your head down and your shoulders as small as possible!"

"I'm not a child, Caspian! It seems you have forgotten I am only three years younger than you, grandfather."

"I'm not saying it, so you don't see what's happening. I'm saying it so that if they have any archers with them, you don't present yourself a bigger target!"

"Ohhh, good thinking! I suppose my head is much bigger than yours."

 Frowning, she did as he said, and tightened her legs against Destrier's flank, using her cousin's travelling cloak to hide her position. His heartbeat furiously under her ears and she heard hers to the point where she thought it might beat out of her chest.

Destrier increased his speed, telling her that they had reached the countryside and she raised her head. The city grew smaller behind her, only visible by the firework display from the castle. When she turned back around, she saw with dark foreboding the great expense of woods ahead and felt panic climb her throat as they grew closer and closer.

“Doctor Cornelius better be right. Here goes nothing” Caspian muttered under his breath, eyeing it as well.

"I think I may look away now!" she muttered in Caspian's ear, squeezing her eyes shut as he urged Destrier on faster, his face set in determination as his eyes narrowed on the woods. The rumors of the cursed wood disappeared from his mind as he focused on getting himself and Marquesa away from the men on their tail.

"Close your eyes and think only good things," he advised his younger cousin as Destrier's hooves leaped over the boundary where the tree line met the clearing, the woods seemingly curving around them as if to bring them further into its dark interior.

Marquesa closed her eyes and thought of good things. Of the way toast tasted when the butter melted just right. Of the way the sun lit up the trees in the distance, causing even the great and terrible forest to look beautiful in the early hours of the morning and evening. Of the way Caspian laughed when Doctor Cornelius told one of his stories, his pale eyes glittering warmly down on the two children as they sat forward, eagerly waiting to hear more. She thought of her mother's embrace and the rare moments her father would look at her with something akin to pride. Of the way the cooks looked when she made cake for the first time. Of her friend Arraz’s brazen smile when he knew he had bested her in an argument.

She thought of many good things as Caspian rode through the dark forest and up the tall hills and through the marshes and across the river. Destrier rode strong and fast through it all, even as the horse breathed out in gasps.

"Marquesa. Marquesa?! Are they still behind us!?" Caspian asked her, craning his head to see if she were alright.

She lifted her head to reply but caught sight of the coming tree branch and she pulled him back with a scream, "CASPIAN, LOOK OUT!"

The tree branch was too close for him to dodge it and it hit him square in the nose, knocking him back into Marquesa and sending them both flying off the horse and onto the ground. Marquesa hit the ground on her back, knocking the air out of her and sending her wheezing. The knack sack that she tied around her wrist for safe keeping had hit her stomach with a omph! Her bow and quiver dug into her back and there was an odd crook in her neck that made her hesitant to turn it even slightly to see where her cousin had landed.

Upon finding no pain, she tried rolling onto her side to pull out the quiver and bow that were sticking into her back. Carefully she felt along her neck and found a lump forming on her neck. Marquesa felt a sob rise in her chest as she prodded the lump.

"For heaven’s sake, Caspian, look where you're going next time! Maybe look in front of you!" she groaned, rubbing at her forehead where he had smacked his head on his way down.

Caspian's own reply was a grunt as he heaved himself up with an arm to his stomach. Marquesa shook her head at him before looking around, feeling her body stiffen as she took in their surroundings. The trees were dark as they loomed over them both, so still that even the leaves looked like they stopped blowing to look down upon them. But the most eerie thing about the woods surrounding them was how quiet it was. There were no birds chirping in a happy song, nor leaves crunching under the paws of squirrels and the like. Dead silence was all that greeted them as the two Telmarines looked around. It was a weird feeling, hearing nothing at all.

"Where do you suppose we are?" Caspian asked off-handedly. His eyes seemed to grow wider with every second that he looked around.

Marquesa raised a brow at him and replied sarcastically, "I'm not sure, Caspian, let me just get out the detailed map that I created of this random place that I have never been inside! I suppose that will help us, won’t it?"

He threw her an annoyed look before returning to his observations. A low creak rang out suddenly from behind them and they scrambled back into each other as a wooden panel between the roots of a great tree opened, revealing an amber glow from inside. Almost like a little burrow of sorts. Something delicious wafted out of the room and her stomach automatically growled.

Two creatures raced out with sharp swords and Marquesa gasped as she clung to her cousin's arm. The creatures paused in shock, exchanging apprehensive looks as Marquesa whispered to Caspian, "Are you seeing this?!"

Her cousin didn’t reply, merely gaping in shock at the two creatures as one of them muttered, "They've seen us."

Caspian whipped his head around for a weapon to defend them both with before his eyes caught on the sword that had tumbled down with him when they were knocked off the horse. One of the creatures, a fair haired and heavily beard fellow, lunged forward with his sword hefted high above his head in a menacing manner before stopping a few feet away, his eyes settling on the horn on the ground a bit away from Marquesa's hands.

Caspian, Marquesa and the short creature all shared edged glances between the horn and each other. The creature turned back to his companion at the trunk of the tree as if asking for advice when the sound of hooves stomping the ground drifted to them. The children exchanged panicked glances and Caspian immediately jumped around to crouch in front of Marquesa.

The creature in front of them growled out, "Take care of them!" before racing off to face the approaching soldiers armed with only himself and a sword that barely came up to a horse's neck.

Marquesa instinctively lunged to stop him before Caspian caught her around the waist, the girl gasping out a warning with one hand outstretched pleadingly as if the gesture alone could halt him. She hardly knew the funny little person, but she felt bad that he would face such odds against him. It simply would not do to have him killed so violently she thought to herself. 

"NO! STOP! THEY'LL KILL YOU!"

"I'd worry about yourself, girlie," the other creature sneered as he approached them and Caspian shoved her behind him, scrambling for the horn. Marquesa felt frozen to where she stood, her mouth open. 

Do not use it except at your greatest need, Doctor Cornelius had told him.

With Telmarine soldiers closing in one side and a small creature coming forth to attack them with a knife on the other, Caspian saw no time greater need than now to call for help. Fumbling for the horn, he met his cousin's frightened eyes and gave her a silent nod. 

With that, he started forward and brought the horn to his lips, blowing deeply so that even the stars above would have no choice but to hear his urgent call.