Chpt. 2 – The Plan

Several stories above the 'Chamber of the Table', on the platform which ran around the outside of the How, a faun stood guard watching carefully for any sign of Telmarine scouts. Movement to the right suddenly catches the sentry's attention. Squinting his eyes he could see a mounted Telmarine soldier at the edge of the forest. They both turned immediately, the Telmarine rode off to report to Miraz and the faun scurried into the depths of the How. The Narnians quickly assembled with the Pevensies and Caspian in the chamber of the Stone Table. Peter spoke to the group;

"It's only a matter of time" he began, looking at everyone gathered before him, "Miraz's men and war machines are on their way. That means that those same men aren't protecting his castle".

"What do you propose we do, Sire?", enquired Reepicheep.

Caspian and Peter both speak at the same time, in response to Reep's question. Peter turned and gave Caspian a withering look, not believing the arrogance of the Prince. After he retreated in concession back into the side-lines, Caspian didn't know whether he loathed or admired Peter – so full of confidence, so sure of himself, so king-like.

"Our only hope is to strike them before they strike us" Peter said.

"But that is crazy" interjected Caspian, once again challenging the High King. "No-one has ever taken that castle" he added by means of explanation.

"There is always a first time" Peter retorted now getting visibly annoyed with Caspian. He received an equal look of annoyance back.

"We'll have the element of surprise" agreed Trumpkin, standing forward determined to support a plan which at the moment, seemed like their only real chance of success.

"But we have the advantage here" countered Caspian, rising to his feet.

"If we dig in, we could probably hold them off indefinitely" Susan added, standing beside Caspian. Peter gave her a 'What are you doing?' look.

"I, for one feel safer underground" Trufflehunter stated, not liking the High King's ambitious plan one bit.

Peter could not believe what he was witnessing. These people were amateurs he thought to himself. He was the person with the most experience in the matter at hand, seconded only by his brother, who was quiet as usual. He turned to Caspian, determined that he should prevail;

"Look", he began, deciding to try some common sense. "I appreciate what you've done here, but this isn't a fortress. It's a tomb."

Edmund rose to his feet, taking a position next to his elder brother.

"Yes, and if the Telmarines are smart, they'll just starve us out" as if this was the most obvious thing in the world. He noticed the grateful expression on Peter's face and scowled.

"We could collect nuts!" suggested the hyper squirrel, Patterwig, which caused a groan of exasperation from everyone.

"Oh yes, and throw them at the Telmarines! Shut up!" came the sarcastic response from Reepicheep. Turning to the High King;

"I think you know where I stand on this, Sire".

After he had nodded in gratitude, Peter turned to Glenstorm, the centaur and general. "If I can get your troops in, can you handle the guards?"

"Or die trying, my liege" came the solemn response with a bow of the noble head.

"That's what I am worried about" Lucy called from behind everyone.

"Sorry?" Peter asked, his brow furrowed in confusion as he looked at his sister.

"Well, you're all acting like there are only two options: Dying here or dying there" she continued.

"I'm not sure you've really been listening, Lu" Peter responded.

"No you're not listening" she shot back. "Or have you forgotten who really defeated the White Witch, Peter?".

A flash of anger was evident in Peter's blue eyes. Now completely sick of everyone, including his sister, whom he rarely quarrelled with, he clenched his fists and spat;

"I think we have waited for Aslan long enough"

He turned on his heel and strode out of the chamber fuming at how his authority had been questioned and leaving those remaining a little taken aback. This dissipated quicker than you might imagine with the realisation of the impending night's action. Eventually, Reepicheep was dispatched to fetch the brooding King back to the chamber so final preparations could be made for the night's attack. The afternoon turned speedily into dusk. By this time the Narnians were together in the entrance hall of the How, saying their goodbyes to those who weren't coming and good luck t those who were. Lucy, much to her consternation, had been instructed to stay behind and was not impressed with her brother.

"We'll be back later, Lu. I promise" consoled Peter, trying to comfort his upset sibling.

"Don't make empty promises, Peter" she retorted and went to talk with Edmund.

The two had become quite close Peter noted to himself, since their first visit to Narnia. He felt bad in a way, knowing how he had upset his sister, but told himself that he was doing what needed to be done. Caspian brought him back to reality as he strode over, somewhat reluctantly it might be added. The two had barely spoken since the altercation earlier in the day. In fact, both boys were thinking back to their introduction that morning and how it had characterised the way they behaved towards one another. Oblivious to this fact of shared thoughts, they looked and nodded by way of greeting.

"Ready?" asked Peter.

"I suppose so" replied Caspian, acknowledging Edmund as he joined them.

"Everyone is set, Pete"

"Alright. Let's go"

Peter, Caspian, Susan and Edmund walked out of the How, behind them followed their army. The Narnians. Not much was said on the long journey to Miraz's Castle. Some attempted small talk, but most said nothing, contemplating fate and whether they would still be here in the morning. When they reached the edge of the forest and could see before them the Telmarine castle and town, perched high on a hill, Peter turned to Glenstorm and made sure he was set. Then without a word, he beckoned those he had selected over to where the griffins stood waiting.

"Okay" he whispered to the group and to Edmund; "See you on the other side"

"You too" came the reply. The attack had begun.