ENTANGLED

Chapter Ten: The Journey Home

Andrantiel slowed her horse down to walk along the side of the Great River.

She had been riding to Celestine, from Cair Paravel for several hours now, traveling in silence even though her guards were close behind her, for she was reminiscing about her farewell with the Queens: they had hugged, reciting promises to see each other soon, and had waved at her up until she disappeared from their view.

Andrantiel looked around; she could still feel the warmth of the Queens. Now that the weight of the battle was off from her shoulder, finally, for the first time, the Princess became conscious of Narnia's beauty.

Cair Paravel was behind her then, shrinking into just a speck on the horizon. Ahead of Andrantiel were vast lands that were alive and vivid, the grass could not be greener, and the sky a brighter blue. She was enveloped by a kind of serene feeling; even the sound of the streaming water of the Great River sounded like the pitter-patter of tiny feet.

A gentle wind tugged at her hair, and as it did so, Andrantiel thought about how she would have loved to have spent a good deal more of her time here, in the Land of the Talking Beasts.

"Your Highness."

One of her guards had just spoken, and Andrantiel looked up. He was pointing west, towards a cluster of moving creatures a little way from where they were. Andrantiel squinted, trying to see, and as she did so-

She noticed the familiar movement of some of those in the group. No, they weren't horses, the motion was quite different and-

The realization came swiftly to Andrantiel. They were centaurs.

Apparently, Peter and Edmund had kept their promise to their sisters; they had only stayed in Celestine for only a night.

Andrantiel frowned. She was not sure that she was looking forward to meeting Peter so soon, but their meeting was unavoidable and what other choice did she actually have?

After a while, her riding party reached the part of the Great River that was shaped like a horseshoe. A number of familiar faces started to emerge; there were a few of the warriors she had seen back at the Strategy Room. There were a number of Centaurs as well, standing together in conversation, taller than anyone else (except maybe some of the bears).

Andrantiel dismounted her horse, and then continued her way on foot until she reached the kings' camp. Some beavers who were hurrying back and forth carrying things in their hands, greeted her. She returned their salutations as she tried to make her way towards the kings' tents. She passed countless creatures: fauns, cheetahs, mice, and even foxes. All of them offered to announce her to their King, but she politely declined.

Andrantiel was not sure she was ready to face a certain King just yet.

"Princess Andra?"

She turned, warily. However, it was only Edmund, and she exhaled in relief.

The younger King detached himself from a group of knights Andrantiel recognized as captains and walked towards her. He was not wearing his chain mail but was in a tunic, and Andrantiel could see bandages peeking out of from his right sleeve.

That is where the arrow-shaped scar is then, thought Andrantiel, and could not help smiling in silence.

"I thought we would meet you here," Edmund said, smiling.

"Why are you stopping here, Your Highness?" asked Andrantiel.

"Well, we just decided to go at a less hurried speed," he replied. "General Hermeus has been informed of our whereabouts, so I thought that we could afford to pace ourselves a bit slower. We can certainly reach Cair Paravel before nightfall."

"Indeed," Andrantiel said, realizing that she had forgotten to say something to him before he had left for the battle, days ago. "And please accept my apology; it was very impolite for me to rush you and your men into battle like I did. Let me express my deepest gratitude towards your gracious help in the clash."

Edmund laughed. "It is well received."

Andrantiel was sure that there was more that the King wanted to say, but at that moment one of his captains called him. The captain said a few things in a low voice to Edmund, and he listened intently.

Andrantiel waited until they had finished.

"Pardon me," said Edmund to Andrantiel shortly after. "I'm afraid that I have to excuse myself. Nevertheless, I assume you are hoping to meet my brother? He is behind the red tent, last time I checked. Now if you'd excuse me."

Then without another word, the King smiled at her and turned back to his captains.

Andrantiel hesitated. She stood there for a while, oblivious to the hustle and bustle happening all around her. Then, her eyes caught sight of the tent Edmund had just described to her and without warning; her feet propelled her towards it.

Andrantiel realized that this was how she got into trouble every time; there was no cooperation between her mind and body. In short, she did things without worrying about the consequences, until it was too late.

Andrantiel walked around the tent to reach its back, hearing distant sounds of metal objects striking each other. She found a wide clearing there, where the sounds were magnified, making the clangs seem louder to the Princess.

It was not long before Andrantiel could make out the familiar figure of the High King in the middle of the field. He too had also changed into his tunic, and was locked in combat with a noble-looking man, the sharp, sweeping, strokes of their swords flashing in the air.

Nevertheless, she did not have to stand there for long. The knight noticed her shortly after and he stopped sparring with the High King to bow to her. At that, Peter finally turned and lowered his sword.

And to Andrantiel's amazement, the High King smiled.

"Princess," he said.

"Your Highness," replied Andrantiel. "I hope that I'm not interrupting you."

"No, of course you're not," said Peter, nodding to the knight. "Are you going home?"

"Indeed, Your Highness," replied Andrantiel, watching the knight slip away. She was unsure how to react. The tone Peter used was casual. "But I just cannot let myself be so ungrateful as to not thank Your Highness for all the help you have given us."

Again, Peter smiled – or rather, grinned and he laughed softly. "You know what, Princess?" Peter sheathed his sword. "Call me Peter."

"But-"

"Really, I do insist." He grinned as he added, "Unless you have another name for me…"

Andrantiel got herself more confused. "No, I have none, uh…"

Peter had some fun watching her stumble a bit before he repeated, "Peter."

"Yes." Andrantiel blushed as she reiterated the name. It was as if the name was an embarrassing word to say aloud, not because it was so, but rather for the reason that, if Andrantiel would ever confess it, saying Peter's name gave her a funny feeling.

However, it was not as perplexing as the sudden nature of the High King. Peter sensed her uneasiness, seeming to be able to read her mind.

"I admit, I have to offer you my deepest apologies," he said. "I was too quick to judge you. Your parents, the Majesties of Celestine, have told me the truth of your predicament, and I regret the way I have acted towards you."

Andrantiel almost could not believe him.

"I understand that you did not trust me, but I assure you, Princess, if only you had told me, things would have turned out differently between us," continued Peter. "I hold myself against violence, but even so, I too oppose forced marriages as much as the disgrace of a nation."

Peter's last sentence made Andrantiel froze.

What?

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Quick author's note:

MaskedSoldier! You're back! Ahh... I thought I'd bored you out on the later chapters or so, hehehe... Thanks for the instant review!

And, of course, to each of you who review (well, who read and enjoy this story also included), thanks for making all of this worthwhile, guys! Love you all. And I mean it. XD

I'll try to put up the next chapter as soon as possible, though I'm not sure when… Hate the pile of school work, urgh… Well then, hope to see you later!