-----Chapter 4-----
On the Edge
A/N: So, I feel a fight coming up, don't you? -cough- No, don't get your pants in a knot…or your skirt in a…well, whatever. Just read and review and I'll feed you all cookies!
Disclaimer: All belongs to C.S. Lewis.
(Laelyn's POV)
Three days had passed, filled with rigorous training and planning. I was currently sitting under a tree near the stream after having had a hearty breakfast with my brothers and sister. Sighing softly, I closed my eyes and relaxed, trying to ease the tension that had been building up over the past few days. Soon all thoughts drifted from my mind and I lay there in a dreamy haze. But it was not long, for I was disturbed by the sound of a horn.
Disgruntled and but a tad bit curious, I quickly got up and ran back to the pavilions. As I neared the main tent I saw David run out. I hurried over to him seeing the look off disdain on his face.
"What's wrong?" I asked, panting slightly.
"Cladeus' army has been spotted marching some miles away."
My throat went dry at the information and my eyes widened. "Oh God…"
David looked at me and suddenly I was pulled into a hug. "This is it Lyn," he said into my hair. "It's starting. Quickly, get yourself ready and find Emily. Make sure she stays with her guard before you come back here. I'll find Stephen." He pulled away and smiled at me.
I nodded silently and began running towards my tent. "Emily!" I cried bursting through the opening. She looked up and seeing me, she quickly rushed to my side, hugging my middle. "Come, let me get my weapons and I'll take you to your guard."
She let go and sniffed. I glanced at her before flinging a blue cloak over my shoulders. I strapped my quiver to my back and hooked my rapier to my belt and then grabbed my bow. "You have your daggers?"
She nodded and I pulled her out our tent. Eight soldiers approached; apparently they had been waiting. "Keep her safe," I said. "No harm is to come to her!"
"Yes my lady."
Emily looked at me again and my heart broke. I stooped down to hug her, my eyes brimming with tears. "Don't worry. We'll come back safely. David shall win this battle."
Emily cried silently. "I know you will."
I gave her a quick kiss before nodding to the soldiers and headed back to meet David and Stephen. When I reached them, both were standing near the horses that were given to us. They were wearing armor and blue tunics with the symbolic blue knight and horse on them. A path was made between the soldiers and they watched us, waiting.
"Come," said David pulling Nyssa, my horse, forward. She was a beautiful chestnut mare with white socks. He helped me onto her before assisting Stephen unto a stallion. He then mounted his majestic black horse and began to make his way through the army.
(David's POV)
The distant sound of drums could be heard as the opposing army marched over the plains towards us. I looked to my left to watch Stephen. He sat on his horse, tense, his face grim. As if feeling my eyes on him, he turned to me and gave me a lopsided grin. I tried to return it, for my face felt as if it had frozen. The anxiety was killing me; I shifted slightly and felt Daeron, my stallion, move beneath me. This armor was certainly uncomfortable. My thoughts strayed to Laelyn, who was on the small hill behind us with the archers. Before leaving for the frontlines, she had stopped me.
---Flashback---
"Be careful, will you?" she asked softly. She was shivering slightly despite the warm air and the cloak she had on.
"Of course I will," I answered chuckling. "I'm not reckless, you should know that."
She shook her head laughing quietly. Then she became serious again. "Look out for Stephen. Make sure he doesn't get hurt. I'd rather he not visit the healing wards when this is over." I nodded feeling a lump form in my throat. "After all, I won't be there to look after you both." We both laughed again before falling silent. I looked at her but she seemed lost in her thoughts. I sat there waiting patiently for whatever she had to say.
Finally she snapped out of it and I could see the sorrow in her eyes. "Emily will be waiting. We don't want to disappoint her; I wish she didn't have to be alone if you take my meaning. David… She looked so scared, so vulnerable - I left my heart with her."
"As did I."
---End flashback---
Stephen's voice stirred me from my reminiscing. "They are here."
I looked ahead of me to see the faint lines of soldiers waiting. The sun danced across armor flashing light here and there. I grasped the reins tightly and set my chin. We were ready for them, we would win.
(Laelyn's POV)
"My lady, are you alright?"
"What?" I said, turning to the girl beside me, glad to be distracted.
"I asked if you're alright."
"No, I'm not alright. We're waiting for a battle to begin Rowena; of course I would not be alright. Are you alright, of course you aren't. No one's alright. And please, I've told you not to call me 'my lady'. It's just Laelyn."
Rowena looked at me with concern, although I could see a bit of amusement hidden in her face. "Yes my la – I mean, Laelyn."
I nodded absentmindedly while turning back to the front. This is going to take a long time to get used to if we make it. No wait – we are going to make it. Yes, we are, of course we will, with –
"Look," whispered Rowena. I followed her gaze to see the other army already lined up on the other side. I could hear the faint beating of drums coming from them. Just then the enemies' horns were sounded and its army was lead at a run. This was it.
"Ready the arrows!" I yelled notching an arrow in my bow. My back rigid, I waited for David's signal.