"We still don't know of our enemy's objective. We just know they're taking from us. They've taken our memories, our futures and our families. We cannot even leave the village without being questioned or harassed. We must act now."
The voice Edmund could hear on the other side of the door sounded loud and commanding. It was as if the man behind it knew what he was doing, and was proud of his self. He sounded strong, brave, and courageous – virtues the king admired in his own brother. It brought Edmund hope.
But before he could push open the door, more voices sounded.
"But there are too many of them, sir. There is but a handful of us down here."
"We must send for help."
"But how?"
"Surely we could get a message to Cair Paravel. They have more means to infiltrate our oppressors."
The voices began to rise. Higher and fiercer the brawl went, and Edmund could not take it any longer. He looked at his sister and friend, who both nodded.
The door burst open.
The room fell into a hushed silence. Edmund glanced around and noticed several Beasts and Creatures sitting anxiously around a round table. Amongst them, one of them stood out the most.
He body was malleable and lithe, with wild hair like his sister but with a battle-hard stare. When he saw the trio enter, he jumped up from his place.
"Josiah!" he cried.
She smiled proudly. The name "Guith!" left her mouth in a flurry of excitement as she ran into his open arms.
Edmund, Lucy and the rest of the room watched the reunion in silence. When the two broke apart from the hug, Josiah held her brother's arm tightly.
"Brother," she said. "There is some people I wish you too meet."
Edmund noticed that the Tree Spirit had noticed them from the corner of his eye. He watced as Guith nodded to his sister. He then looked back and them. He recognized them.
"Your Majesties!" he cried, sweeping into a deep bow. "It is wonderful for you to come, thank you. But how did you come into knowing this?"
Lucy smiled kindly. "It's a long story, really."
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Later that evening, Susan sat alone in an armchair in her bedchamber.
Her eyes had grown wary from crying. She could feel them drooping, just like her heart already had. She could barely feel. A pounding headache graced her mind. Something in her hands shook with pure hurt.
It was a dispatch from the squad that had escorted Edmund and Lucy.
They had gone against their orders, and contacted the Cair. The Captain, Fordunus, spoke of the occurring events in and around Hogwood and what her siblings had done.
It pained her to hear of all of this. It didn't seem fair. It wasn't right to do what these monstrous Creatures were doing to innocents. She wanted fiercely to stop it herself. But the Gentle Queen also felt she wouldn't be able to face it.
Who would run the castle? Who'd perform all of their duties if they all had left? What would happen if they all got hurt? It was bad enough that her younger siblings were in the midst of an uprising war, she didn't want to risk her country by throwing herself into it too.
She had decided.
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Nelson watched from the very first step of the Cair's front entrance. He saw the Centaurs and the men sharpening their blades and loading wagons and horses. He heard the mewing and growling of the Great Cats sharpening their bladed claws. He smelt the sweat on the backs of every soldier, medic, and officer. He felt the winds the Gryphons made as they prepared their wings for flight. He could feel the tendentious anxiousness.
Hearing the clinking of chainmail from behind him, Nelson shifted his eyes to glance up at the strangers. But the strangers were no strangers to the Squirrel.
King Peter and Queen Susan gracefully descended the staircase. The High King sported his armour and red tabard, his sword sheathed at his side. On his arm, the Queen resembled the pure portrait of worry.
She didn't dress for the occasion of battle. Her burgundy gown flowed down her waist, and spread out like an umbrella in a windstorm. Her hair was bundled high on her head, the dainty band of golden flowers placed gently on top of it. When she whispered to her brother, her lips were pursued downwards in a frown.
"Peter, please. I-I've changed my mind. I want to come."
"I know you do, Su." He replied sympathetically. "But you were right the first time. Maybe it is safer if you stay here."
"Peter—"
"Look," Nelson eyed them carefully. Peter's voice was barely audible to his ears.
"I may lose two siblings in this fight, Susan. I don't want to lose another."
Tears rolled down the Queen's cheeks as she watched him turn towards the assembling men. "At least…at least read this."
He turned back to face her and took a piece of parchment from her hands. "Goodbye, Susan. Stay safe."
She sniffed."You too."
They hugged momentarily before King Peter descended past Nelson and up beside his horse. He mounted his charged and looked at the Squirrel. "Thank you again, friend."
Nelson smiled.
The High King signalled, and with a cry, they rode off into the sunrise.
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Nelson watched them go, envy and hope burning in his corneas. He believed that the High King could save his brother and sister, and all the little ones at the camp. He believed that the High King could save his brothers from death.
But Nelson also thought that he could be a hero. He had already relayed a message that started a rebellion, and escaped a prison camp. If he could do that, couldn't he at least save his own brothers?
Taking a deep breath, he listened as the Queen re-entered the castle. He released it breath, before sprinting after King Peter's soldiers.
Wow, so I felt like I was writing straight out of Prince Caspian at the beginning part ('cept Lewis is a genius, who can write like it comes first nature and it probably is to him). So not much to say, but thanks! Review, smile, and have a good weekend! Nighty-night.
P.S. Yes, Nelson was supposed to be confusing. He's a little adorable squirrel who, personality's supposed to be a little awkward and off.
P.P.S. Sorry if this chapter WAS confusing. I had a very peculiar, very long day =(