(A/N: Wow, you guys are the best with your reviews! Thanks so much for all your support, encouragement, and feedback. And now, to celebrate the one year anniversary of this wonderful movie, here is Chapter 8.)
Back at Cair Paravel
Lucy had calmed down quite a bit since the pep talk Aslan had given her and her brothers, but she was still understandably shaken up about Susan's disappearance. It was quite noticeable at breakfast the next day when she kept glancing at the empty chair where Susan usually sat.
"Don't worry, Lu. We'll find Susan." Edmund said.
"I hope she doesn't hate me." Lucy mumbled as she poked at her food.
"Lucy, while Susan was indeed angry at you, I'm sure she doesn't hate you. Now eat so you have energy for the journey." Edmund said.
Lucy weakly smiled as she ate her breakfast. But she still had serious doubts about how Susan currently felt about her and wouldn't feel better about it until she saw Susan alive and well.
"Don't worry, Lucy. Everything is going to be alright. It'll be fine." Peter said, sensing how depressed she still felt.
"I hope so, Peter." Lucy replied softly.
"It will, trust me. Now let's figure out what we need to do." Peter replied.
In Peter's room
"How long will it take us to get to Archenland, anyway?" Lucy asked.
"With the horses, about two weeks." Peter replied.
"Two weeks? I can't wait that long to find Susan! And we don't even know where this vile witch lives!" Lucy exclaimed.
"Lu, relax. Aslan said that it won't be hard to spot the old castle she lives in. I believe it looks very similar to Jadis's castle, but it's made of stone and it's smaller." Peter said.
"Oh bloody hell; I was hoping to avoid any remembrance of that cold hearted woman." Edmund grumbled.
Ignoring Edmund's comment, Peter continued on with "Aslan did warn us that we will encounter dangerous obstacles on our journey to Archenland. So it would be best if we take our weapons with us."
"Can I take Susan's horn and archery set with me?" Lucy asked hopefully.
"You have your dagger, Lucy, plus you don't even know how to shoot a bow and arrow." Edmund replied.
"I know, Ed. But Susan might want them when we rescue her, plus they're the only reminders I have of her until she's found." Lucy replied hotly.
"Ed, enough. If it makes Lucy feel better, then I see no problem with it. But don't forget to bring your cordial as well, Lu." Peter said.
"I won't forget, Peter. Now, when do we leave?" Lucy asked.
"As soon as we're ready to go." Peter replied.
In the stables
With their belongings with them, Peter, Edmund, and Lucy were getting their horses into their riding gear and ready for the journey to Archenland. At Lucy's insistence, she had been allowed to take Susan's horse with her and was calmly brushing the horse's mane with her fingers.
"I can't thank you enough for letting me ride you, Dria." Lucy said as she ran her fingers through Dria's long, beautiful brown mane.
"Oh, that is no problem at all, my lady. It's a pleasure to help you find Queen Susan." Dria replied.
Lucy tearfully smiled as she slipped the bridle onto Dria's head. The horse noticed her tearing up and nuzzled Lucy with her long nose, making her giggle a little.
"That tickles." Lucy said softly.
"I know, I hope it can make you feel better." Dria replied.
"To tell you the truth, the only thing that will make me feel better is seeing Susan again and telling her I'm sorry." Lucy replied.
"Hey, Lu. Are you ready?" she heard Edmund call from outside the stables.
"Coming, Ed." Lucy called back as she climbed onto Dria and settled down into the saddle.
Lucy was silent as she rode Dria out of the stable and into the field outside where Peter and Edmund were waiting on their respective horses and Aslan was waiting with them. The sun was high in the sky and the three of them could see clearly across the massive field into the forests.
"Well, Lu, are you ready?" Peter asked.
"I've never been more ready, Peter. I want to find Susan." Lucy replied.
"While it may be a difficult journey, dear one, I am confident it will have a happy outcome." Aslan said softly.
"Will you come with us, Aslan?" Lucy asked to which Aslan slowly shook his head no.
Noticing Lucy's lower lip sticking out as if she wanted to pout, Aslan smiled at her and said "This is your journey that you must take. But do not fear, I will be guiding you along the way as you search for our gentle queen."
Lucy immediately started tearing up again. She was still filled with guilt over her sister's disappearance and was more than willing to do anything to make up for it.
"It'll be alright, Lu. But we must get going now. Susan needs us." Peter said, placing his hand on her hand.
Lucy weakly smiled again and held Dria's bridle firmly in her hands. She leaned over and whispered into Dria's ear "Let's go and get Susan."
"Yes, my lady." Dria said and began jogging down the hill.
Lucy was quite emotional and proud as she led her brothers down the hill in the field and towards the forest. The only thing she could think about now was rescuing her precious older sister and apologizing for all the hateful things she said to Susan.
"Susan, I'm on my way. I love you." Lucy whispered to herself as the journey to Archenland officially began.
