Disclaimers: See Prologue for more info.
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Okay, so this story is mostly leaning on the movie "Prince Caspian". The story just took it's turn that way. So, I'm guessing this trilogy will follow suit with the Narnian movies. I'll still keep the books on hand, just in case.
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For a while, all Frodo could see and think about was Aslan's How. The place was real. As he neared the pillars of stone and the stone walkway, all thought of doubt left him. Even in that moment, it seemed as though he and Sam were here for a reason, whatever that reason might bring them. And yet, even he wondered how Sam ended up roped on this journey to begin with.
Bilbo, of course. He couldn't help but wonder if his uncle had something to do with it.
And there Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy trailed on in front of the crowd. Caspian followed, as did Frodo and Sam. They were guests here, but it seemed unwise to step in front of those more important than themselves. Still, watching the centaurs keep their swords in the air as they passed was an awesome sight, one that wouldn't leave Frodo anytime soon.
From the stone ramp came the inside of what appeared to be a large cave, dimly lit with fiery torchlight. The rooms were huge, leading as far as the armory, where soldiers clanged hammers against metal swords. So he was right. They were heading into battle. But what sort of battle?
"You two haven't fought before, I take it," Caspian asked, turning to Frodo and Sam.
"No," Sam addressed him at once, "but we are capable of fighting."
"I'd love to hold a sword," Frodo said, chirping up.
"Mr. Frodo," Sam said with caution.
"Here," Caspian said, passing a sword onto Frodo. "Try it out for size."
Clang! The weight of the sword nearly caused Frodo to buckle. It was a lot bigger than what he expected. Not nearly the right fit for him; though, he was surprised that Caspian took the sword away from him so quickly, handing him a dagger instead.
"Here. Maybe this one will suit you better," Caspian said, nodding his approval.
"Alright." Frodo looked on at the dagger now. There was some weight to it, but it was much easier to handle than a huge sword. He tossed it in the air for a moment before swinging it around a few times. The dagger seemed to be balanced enough. Yes, he could handle this kind of weapon.
"This is all good and proper," Sam inquired, looking up at Caspian in earnest, "but what about a dagger for me?"
"Here," Caspian said, also handing him a dagger. He told the two hobbits. "Why don't we let a dwarf show you how it's done." He called over to Trumpkin. "Trumpkin, why not teach them the ropes?"
"Well, I don't know," Trumpkin said, not keen on teaching anyone any lessons. Nevertheless, he approached the two hobbits, telling them, "They're not toys, you know. You won't do any fighting in one day, let alone three, and we really don't have time for you to learn all the skills. It takes time and practice."
"If Sam and I aren't fighting, then why give us daggers?" Frodo asked, concerned.
"To keep you from getting killed," Caspian addressed him. "But you won't need much training, will you?"
Frodo grinned sheepishly. It was all he could do to keep focused.
"Ready?" Trumpkin asked, flaying his sword in Frodo's direction.
Frodo blocked the weapon with ease. He took another step and parried. So far, so good… whoa! He dived out of the way before the dwarf could attack him further. Oh, he wasn't cut out for this! He tried again, only to get close to being skewered. Eventually, Trumpkin had him on his backside.
"Not bad," the dwarf said, helping him to his feet. He smiled. "You need some practice."
"What he needs is a good beating!" said a black-haired dwarf, tersely. He shook the blue-eyed hobbit's hand. "Nikabrik at your service."
"See Mr. Frodo," Sam inquired, "I told you I might need a dagger."
"A proper one, no less." Frodo added, astonished at himself for trying to fight. He asked the dwarves, while grabbing a sheathe for his dagger and sheathing it. "What exactly is down here? What's Aslan's How for, its name and purpose?"
"I think you need to come with us." Peter said, carrying a torch. Frodo sighed. Did he have a choice? He did, but he moved cautiously up the stone steps after Sam, the Pevensies and Caspian. The next area they entered was a tunnel, made from stone.
.
The tunnel was dark, save for the torchlight. There weren't any windows in this hallway, much like the armory. Frodo was amazed he could handle the darkness, and yet Aslan's How proved to be a comforting spot. But it was on a wall that he saw etchings of two kings and two queens, standing next to their thrones. They looked quite young, much like the Pevensies. Beside them was another etching. One representing a faun, a man that was half human half goat, carrying packages and an umbrella. The faun stood next to a lamppost.
What an odd thing to see! Surely, Frodo hadn't expected to see this, but there it was: the lamppost and the faun.
"Where are we?" Frodo asked, facing Caspian.
"That's a surprise worth telling." Caspian led them on down the tunnel. Frodo followed, unsure what lay at the end. Maybe there were some monsters. But no! There was a wide room with long basins filled with black powder. He knew it was powder, due to Caspian lighting the basin. Images appeared on the walls. So many animals. One of them, right in the center wall, was a lion, great and true as ever. Frodo wondered who he was. In the center of the room was a broken stone table, massive in size and covered in etched writing that he didn't understand. "We're home, it seems. This is the stone table….'
"….where Aslan was restored." Peter finished.
"He knows what he's doing then." Lucy muttered aloud.
"Lucy," Frodo addressed her, "do we… I mean… is Aslan real?" He added in interest, "Because if he is, I want to meet him."
"Mr. Frodo." Sam spoke in concern. "We haven't been here that long and already you want to meet a huge cat?"
"Yes Sam," Frodo nodded, "I do."
"I hope you do meet him. He's fantastic." Edmund answered, coolly.
"Thanks Edmund." Frodo said with a smile.
.
The minutes flew by. Frodo soon found the room gathered with important players. Whether he wanted to believe it or not, he was a part of a much larger battle. To his surprise, no one called upon him or Sam for aide. Were they joking? Surely, they wanted him involved in the raid.
"Why can't Frodo and Sam go?" Lucy asked, curious and concerned.
"Because they don't know how to fight, Lucy. They're much safer here." Peter said, heading towards the tunnel.
"But we can fight!" Frodo declared. "Sam and I, we…"
"It's too dangerous." Peter told him, firmly. "You and Sam stay here. Hold the fort until we get back."
Frodo looked at Lucy for help. Whatever her brother was up to… wait a minute! He was going to storm the castle without him. He wanted to go! But by the time he caught up to the others, it was too late. Peter, Caspian and half their army departed. Their destination: Miraz's castle.
Frodo was forced to stay behind, where he was safe. But what it really safe for a hobbit wanting to fight? No, it wasn't and he wasn't properly trained. It didn't matter. Nothing mattered. Absolutely nothing. He was stuck.
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Thanks for reading. :)
