Alex was growing weary, her arms tired as she swung again and again, blocking and thrusting. She stabbed another soldier, kicking the next into the pit before taking a brief respite. Gasping, she turned and what she saw made her blood run cold. Caspian had fallen into the pit and Alex watched in horror as Glozelle approached with a raised pike.
"Caspian!" She tried to yell but it was a gasp as she hurtled towards the pair. She saw Glozelle hesitate, which confused her but she was brought to a screeching halt when a tree root grabbed him and pulled him away. She stared in shock as the trees moved, coming to the Narnians' aid. She was joined by Peter and Caspian, the latter of whom had been pulled out of the pit by the former. Edmund soon came to stand beside her and they watched in awe as the trees attacked the soldiers with a vengeance. The four exchanged glances before Peter lifted his sword and yelled, leading the charge: "For Aslan!"
The Narnians all charged, Alex feeling her strength return as hope coursed through her veins. She charged against the soldiers, and swung, hearing Sopespian's cry: "To Beruna.' She glanced briefly at Caspian and he nodded. They chased the retreating soldiers, knowing that if they regrouped at the river, the fight would become difficult. The Narnians sped through the forest after the soldiers, but they all stopped, blinking in surprise at the sight before them. The river had shot up to form the shape of a river-god, who was swinging down at the soldiers before grabbing the last part of the bridge. Alex could see Sopespian on his horse, swinging his sword wildly, helpless in the face of such power, before he was swallowed up as the water came crashing down.
That was when Alex saw the great lion across the river, standing majestically beside, and her heart leapt with joy, little Lucy. Looking at the others, she saw Peter and Susan exchange ashamed glanced before Peter led the way across the now calm river. Alex saw Aslan watching the Narnians collecting weapons from the defeated Telmarines as they climbed out of the water, and she admired his magnificent mane.
The five teens arrived before Aslan, Caspian in the center with his sister by his side and Edmund beside her, while Peter and Susan stood on his other side. They knelt before the great lion, bowing their heads.
"Rise, kings and queens of Narnia." Peter, Susan and Edmund lifted their heads before standing up, but Alex and Caspian kept their heads low before the lion.
"All of you." Aslan said gently and Alex looked up slowly, startled. Caspian was just as confused as he stared at the lion, before bowing his head. "I do not think I am ready." He admitted and Alex nodded in agreement, her head bowed low.
"It is for that very reason I know that you are." Aslan replied and Alex and Caspian slowly rose. Alex gave the lion a shy smile, which he returned as Lucy beamed at them. Suddenly they heard bagpipes and several mice walked up. Alex's heart dropped as she saw Reepicheep on the little stretcher, carried by his brave warriors. Lucy rushed forward, pulling out her cordial. She let a drop fall into his mouth, and they all relaxed as he breathed, opening his eyes and sitting up.
"Oh, thank you, Your Majesty…" Reepicheep began when he spotted the great lion right behind Lucy. "Oh!" He cried, standing up. "Hail Aslan! It is a great honor to be-" He stopped abruptly as he stumbled forward mid-bow. He looked over his shoulder only to find his tail missing. "I am completely out of countenance." He rushed out apologetically and Alex smiled. "I must crave your indulgence for appearing in this unseemly fashion." He looked up at Lucy hopefully. "Perhaps a drop more?" He asked as he looked at her cordial. Lucy glanced between it and him.
"I don't think it does that." She admitted apologetically.
"You can have a go." Reepicheep said encouragingly and Aslan smiled. "It becomes you well, Small One." He said amusedly and Reepicheep turned back to address the lion.
"All the same, great king, I regret that I must withdraw. For a tail is the honor and glory of a mouse." He declared as he raised his sword in a salute.
"Perhaps you think too much of your honor, friend." Aslan stated, his brow arched as he peered down at the mouse.
"Oh well," Reepicheep stuttered, embarrassed. "It's not just the honor. It's also great for balance… and climbing…" he flourished his sword as he finished. "… and grabbing things." Aslan smiled when one of Reepicheeps followers spoke up.
"May it please your high Majesty," the mice all drew their swords and held them to their tails as Reepicheep's right-hand mouse continued, "we will not bear the shame of wearing an honor denied to our chief."
Alex smiled at their courageous loyalty as Aslan laughed. "Not for your honor," he spoke to Reepicheep, "but for the love of your people…" Aslan let out a great breath and Alex watched in awe as Reepicheep's tail grew back.
"Oh, look!" Reepicheep cried in delight, holding his tail and showing it to his men. "Thank you, thank you, my liege!" He bowed to Aslan. "I will treasure it always! From this day forward, it will serve as a great reminder of my huge humility."
Alex and Lucy laughed with Aslan as the others grinned.
"Now, where is this dear little friend you've told me so much about?" Aslan asked Lucy, and Alex had to suppress another laugh when she spotted Trumpkin. He had looked over nervously at Aslan's words, and Alex nodded at him encouragingly. He slowly made his way over, bowing low before the lion. Aslan roared suddenly, causing Alex and Trumpkin to jump slightly and Trumpkin shuddered.
"Do you see him now?" Lucy joked with a laugh and Trumpkin had to give her a small smile. Alex grinned as she leaned her head on Edmund's shoulder. He wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close and ignoring the amused looks from his siblings. Alex noticed Aslan gazing at the pair and turned look at him questioningly. The lion simply shook his head and gave her a warm smile. Alex returned it but she couldn't help but think that there was a touch of sadness in Aslan's gaze, as though he knew something they didn't.
But she brushed the thought aside for now as Edmund glanced down at her and gave her a smile. She beamed back, ignoring the amused coughing behind her as Edmund reached down and kissed her nose. She scrunched the offending feature and Edmund joined the others' laughter while Alex smiled, feeling content.