The_Complete_Chronicles_of_Narnia_(volumes_1-7,_in_order_of_publication)

"It is this," said Edmund. "I do not think we shall find it easy to leave Tashbaan. While
the Prince had hope that you would take him, we were honoured guests. But by the Lion's
Mane, I think that as soon as he has your flat denial we shall be no better than prisoners."
One of the Dwarfs gave a low whistle.
"I warned your Majesties, I warned you," said Sallowpad the Raven. "Easily in but not
easily out, as the lobster said in the lobster pot!"
"I have been with the Prince this morning," continued Edmund. "He is little used (more's
the pity) to having his will crossed. And he is very chafed at your long delays and
doubtful answers. This morning he pressed very hard to know your mind. I put it asidemeaning
at the same time to diminish his hopes - with some light common jests about
women's fancies, and hinted that his suit was likely to be cold. He grew angry and
dangerous. There was a sort of threatening, though still veiled under a show of courtesy,
in every word he spoke."
"Yes," said Tumnus. "And when I supped with the Grand Vizier last night, it was the
same. He asked me how I like Tashbaan. And I (for I could not tell him I hated every
stone of it and I would not lie) told him that now, when high summer was coming on, my
heart turned to the cool woods and dewy slopes of Narnia. He gave a smile that meant no
good and said, `There is nothing to hinder you from dancing there again, little goatfoot;
always provided you leave us in exchange a bride for our prince.'"
"Do you mean he would make me his wife by force?" exclaimed Susan.
"That's my fear, Susan," said Edmund: "Wife: or slave which is worse."
"But how can he? Does the Tisroc think our brother the High King would suffer such an
outrage?"
"Sire," said Peridan to the King. "They would not be so mad. Do they think there are no
swords and spears in Narnia?"
"Alas," said Edmund. "My guess is that the Tisroc has very small fear of Narnia. We are
a little land. And little lands on the borders of a great empire were always hateful to the
lords of the great empire. He longs to blot them out, gobble them up. When first he
suffered the Prince to come to Cair Paravel as your lover, sister, it may be that he was
only seeking an occasion against us. Most likely he hopes to make one mouthful of
Narnia and Archenland both."
"Let him try," said the second Dwarf. "At sea we are as big as he is. And if he assaults us
by land, he has the desert to cross."
"True, friend," said Edmund. "But is the desert a sure defence? What does Sallowpad
say?"