Chapter 28

AN: I apologize for the long delay. I am actually busy entering Narnia on a regular basis as a performer for theater for the youth at my university (on top of everything else). We are performing "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe".

The time that followed was a whirlwind. As soon as word got out that Susan had returned, there seemed to be hundreds who wanted to see her. They came rushing out of the garden and many tried to convince her to follow. She shook her head saying she could not enter the garden and they all seemed to understand.

Ella was a little surprised and how welcoming everyone was to their lost queen. She understood that Susan and the others had been considered great rulers, but seeing how she was with those she ruled was proof that they loved their Queen, even when she had lost faith.

Ella stayed off to the side, feeling a bit lost. She had done her part, but she wasn't sure what happened next. Would she somehow be sent home? She knew she wasn't much of a fighter but she wanted to make sure that Narnia was safe, even if she did have to go back. She also considered writing in a journal like Susan did. She could write about her Narnia adventure and keep it so that if she ever started to forget anything, she could read about it again. She doubted she could ever forget about such an amazing place, but she supposed anything was possible.

Peter and Lucy returned with horses and a few others which included Jill, Polly, Diggory and Eustace. They were all happy to see Susan and were allowed to cut the others to say hello. There were still many waiting to see the queen when Peter announced that they had to go. No one seemed upset by this, especially when Susan promised them that she would see them all again soon. Ella found it hard to imagine that this confident young woman was the same older woman who had been crying in Chicago.

When everyone was getting onto their horses, Edmund came over. "Do you need a hand?"

Ella looked at her horse, considering it. "Let me see if I can do it," she finally decided. She had seen everyone else get on and off their horses without much trouble. She figured she should be able to do it as well. She lifted one leg and put the foot into the stirrup. It felt very high and unnatural, but she didn't think her foot would slip out. She silently counted to three in her mind then, with her hands holding onto the front of the saddle. There was no saddle horn like a Western style saddle. These seemed more like English style saddles. Thin, but lighter.

On three, Ella pushed off the ground and pulled on her arms. She found herself sitting on the saddle on the first try.

She grinned at Edmund who was smiling as well. "You did it."

"I did," she answered happily. "Maybe now I will also be able to dismount without falling," she laughed.

"We'll make a rider out of you yet," Edmund assured her then got onto his own horse.

Peter led the procession away from the garden with many waving goodbye to the kings and queens. Ella thought she spotted a few that were mentioned in Susan's journals such as Mr. Beaver and Mrs. Beaver. She also thought she saw Mr. Tumnus but she couldn't be certain. There were just so many of them.

Away from the gates, the horses started to go faster, trotting and then into a rocking canter. Ella's fingers gripped the reins at the same time as the edge of the saddle. She didn't want to fall off.

The ride to Cair Paravel didn't seem long and Ella felt her horse slow down as they neared it. When they reached the front gate, everyone dismounted. Though there was a serious reason for this meeting, there was happiness too. Lucy seemed determined to stay near Susan and the others kept smiling amongst themselves. They weren't mad or upset with her for losing her faith. Instead, they were just glad she was there.

After bringing the necessary supplies inside, they all met in the windowless meeting room that Ella remembered from her last trip. She had said goodbye to everyone here, yet they were back.

"I have spoken with others," Peter said after they had all taken their seats. "The only way to defeat Tash is to fight. His numbers are growing and some of our scouts have not returned. We fear they are beyond the door."

Ella felt an icy cold fear take over. "People are missing?"

"Some," he admitted.

"Can't someone go through the door to rescue them?"

"Some have tried but none have succeeded," Edmund replied. "You have been there. You know what it is like."

"And it is spreading," Peter sighed. "Ice is forming around the door and coming into Narnia."

"What can I do?" Susan asked.

"You are an amazing archer. The best," Lucy replied. "We think you can defeat Tash."

"Why me?"

"It won't just be you, Su," Peter smiled at her. "It will be all of us. All the friends of Narnia united, we can fight him and we can win. We will be at your side and we will all win. We will save new Narnia."

Susan seemed pleased by the assurance that she wouldn't have to handle it alone.

There was a momentary pause, and then Ella decided to speak up. "Is there anything I can do?" She had never fought in battle and she doubted her ability with a sword or bow and arrows had improved since the last time she had been in Narnia. "I might not be great in a fight but maybe I could help…"

"You managed to remind me of here and helped me believe again. I am sure you could do anything you wanted."

"I didn't do well with a sword or bow and arrows."

"We will find something for you," Susan assured her. Ella felt as if Susan was more of a peer now, instead of a much older woman. She also felt like Susan understood. She didn't want to be fighting, but she wanted to help Narnia and all the friends she had made.

"We will track down Tash. We have scouts searching for him and the others that serve him," Peter said. "I want everyone ready." He opened a map on the table and started to use strategic terms that made Ella's head hurt. However, it appeared there were groups all around waiting for word from the kings and queens. They were also searching for some sign of Tash.

"Any questions?"

No one else seemed to find it overwhelming.

"Everyone keep your weapons close. Practice if you want." He turned and offered Ella a small smile. "And make sure you don't forget to get some food and some sleep." Then he glanced at Susan. "You should too."

"I might be old there, but I am feeling fine here," Susan assured him.

As the company split apart, Edmund approached Ella. "Do you want someone to practice with?"

"Don't you want to be with Susan?"

"I do, but I think we will have time to catch up. Besides," he motioned and she saw that Lucy was at Susan's side. "I think those two need some time."

"In that case, thank you. I'd appreciate it."