[A] The Catalyst {Plot Thread! All Old Narnians welcome!}

Caspian turned at the sound of a light approach. He had become incredibly paranoid as of late; it used to be that people could be walking around outside his room at the castle and he did not care, nor did he notice. But now it took little to alert his attention. However, the visitor was no threat, but rather a joy, and Caspian couldn’t help but grin at the sight of Reepicheep standing there, eagerly looking up at him. Caspian reigned in his excitement at seeing the mouse – he was still unaccustomed to the idea of a mouse being so... large, so intelligent and so noble – and he gave the mouse a solemn bow in greeting.

“Dear, noble mouse, I am happy you are one of the first to arrive.” He was sure that leaving him out during the meeting with Drinian was sure to have injured the mouse’s pride. That was far from the intent – if Drinian had been just any Telmarine missive, Caspian would have spoken to him publicly. But it was because Caspian feared how he might react to the news Drin would present that he had taken it alone. It had proved worthwhile too; things were falling into place a little better than he’d hoped. But that didn’t change the fact that now he had amends to make; right now, he doubted many of the Narnians would understand why he did what he did.

“There is a grave matter before us,” Caspian said slowly. He wondered how much he would be wise to tell, then decided it was all going to come out anyway. It had to. That was why he was calling the Narnians. “One of ours has died while in the possession of a Telmarine vial. Foul play, poison, is suspected but not yet confirmed.” He didn’t understand why any of Drinian’s men – for surely it couldn’t have been Drinian himself, right? – would poison just any Old Narnian. One would think they would be strategic. Not to say that any loss was terrible but why wouldn’t they target Glenstorm, or Reepicheep, or Trufflehunter... one he called into council? Granted, it could be full well that they were just too bright to take anything from a Telmarine.

Caspian sighed. “I have an important task for you, Reepicheep. One that must be carried out swiftly, and with the greatest of responsibility. A task I trust to you, if you will take it.” He turned away, steadied himself, and turned back. “The Telmarines must be bought to me. They must be brought before the Narnians to account for this gross error.” He ran his fingers through his hair. “I will not pass judgement until I’ve heard everything, but it certainly doesn’t look good for them.”