"A Change in the Winds"

Ch. 7

(Narnia, Aslan's HOW)

"Our best shot now is to get to Aslan," Audrey told the group. "He's the only one that can help us."

"Where would we find him, though?" Edmund asked.

Suddenly Audrey had another vision. Her nose began to bleed again and her eyes turned white momentarily. Peter went to her and held one of her hands tightly, so she wouldn't fall to the ground. Susan took the other hand to balance her as well.

The vision only took a few seconds to happen. The nose bleed wasn't as bad as it has been. Her head still ached though. When her eyes went to normal she gulped up some air. She nodded to Peter and Susan, signaling them to let go. They did, but a little reluctantly.

"The forest," Audrey answered Edmund.

"Lucy should be the one to go," Edmund said.

Peter glanced over to his young sister.

When Lucy nodded in agreement with Edmund, he said to her, "Someone should go with you."

Susan stepped forward and volunteered, "I'll go."

"The Telmarines are getting closer, Your Majesties," Reepicheep said with a slight bow. "We need to buy time."

Audrey moved her eyes over to Caspian. She could tell that he was now reserved about speaking. The former Queen noticed that he had wanted to speak up now, however. Peter followed her gaze to the Prince. Audrey gave a small nod, silently nudging her husband.

"You have an idea, Caspian?" Peter asked.

Caspian stood up slowly. He looked a bit nervous, like a school boy who had just been picked on by a teacher to speak in front of the whole class.

"Miraz may be King, but he must still abide by our laws," he said, gaining confidence with every word. "You must duel with Miraz."

((()))

Audrey fussed with the chain mail of Peter's battle suite. It had been a very long time since he had had to use it. She had hoped that he would never have to use it again. The former Queen let out a heavy sigh. Audrey could hear the distance voice of Peter coming from one of the many corridors of the HOW.

Peter entered. He had immediately stopped talking to Caspian at the sight of his battle suite laid out upon the rock. Peter stepped forward and gazed upon his suite even closer. Trumpkin handed his helmet over to him.

"Who's going to be your second, your Majesty?" Trumpkin asked.

"If I may, Majesty? I would be honored to take on the responsibility," Reepicheep said, bowing.

Trumpkin let out a soft snort, "You?"

Before Reepicheep could respond, Peter told him, "As you well know, my good Reepicheep, there are many humans who are quit afraid of mice. It would not be fair to the opponent, for they will be forced to forfeit and runaway."

Reepicheep bowed.

"You're very clever, your majesty. That's exactly what I was thinking," the brave mouse said.

He gave a look to Trumpkin. Peter gave a small smile. He turned to Caspian.

"Caspian have Ed --"

"I would like to be your Second," Audrey interrupted him "I have that right," she told him.

Peter stepped over to her and put her hands in his.

"I've learned long ago not to argue with you once you've put your mind to something," he told her. Peter stole a kiss from her before saying, "Let's get ready."

To be continued . . .