Queen Susan was exhausted. They had walked at a brisk pace since leaving the caves. There had been a brief skirmish after the first hour with two ogres. Lugh and Lonan had attacked from behind using their claws and teeth while Galen drew his sword and attached from the front. Susan had taken careful aim and shot the first ogre in the eye. The ogre had stumbled to the ground and Galen slit his throat. The second ogre had turned to battle the leopards. Susan shot arrows at the back of his knees. He also fell and the leopards finished him. Susan's hands were shaking afterwards – it had been years since she had shot an arrow in battle. They left the bodies behind and continued through the woods. About thirty minutes later, they heard the distant sound of yelling as the ogres companions found them. Galen had grabbed Susan's hand and started running. Lonan turned and went back to the last hill to scout out the pursuit while Lugh ran ahead to see if there were any dangers.
Susan thought she could run no further when Lonan returned reporting "They are not following us. There was a hag with a dwarf but they went back towards the caves. A wolf was sent in pursuit of us but I killed him."
Susan asked "Can we rest for a moment? I am sorry but I need to rest."
Galen said "There is a clearing ahead and I hear the sound of a stream. It will be a good place to rest."
The clearing was pleasant. Several trees were in blossom and a small stream provided them with some fresh water. Susan splashed water on her face and washed her hands. Galen gave her a piece of cheese and passed her the wine flask. She drank from it grimacing as a bit of wine dribbled down her chin. She then laughed.
"I am hardly the picture of a queen at the moment" said Susan. "Some members of our court would be quite astonished to see me like this!"
Lonan made a sound suspiciously close to purr. The great leopard said "You may not be elegant at this moment but I remember you as a brave and practical girl when you first arrived in Narnia. You will always be a queen."
Susan smiled and said "Dear sir, I do not remember being brave. My brothers were brave fighting the witch's army. I was astonished when I was given my gift of bow and arrows. I was afraid to use them at first. When the wolf attacked us, I fled and tried to climb a tree instead of fighting back. King Peter had to save me."
Lonan shook his head and replied 'Perhaps that is how you felt inside my queen but it is not how we perceived you."
"We should keep moving your Majesty" said Galen. "Are you ready to continue?"
"Yes, lead on good knights" said Susan.
They continued walking through the woods for the next two hours. Susan was so tired and she could feel a blister on her foot. She smiled slightly remembering she had gotten a blister during her first journey through Narnia. She was sure she hadn't walk as far since that first great journey.
Lugh returned, bounding through the brush.
"Your Majesty, your Highness, I found a small boat near the river" exclaimed the leopard.
Galen climbed through the bushes and tried to hold back the bushes so Susan could climb through. There was a small slope leading down to the river. Susan suddenly lost her balance sliding down the slope and crashed into the prince. They both fell at the bottom of the muddy slope. Galen landed on his back and Susan landed on her side with her head on his chest.
Galen winced and asked "Are you alright?"
Susan began to laugh out of embarrassment. "I believe so Prince Galen, but I am so sorry to have caused you to fall as well" said the queen.
Galen asked "Can you sit up?"
Susan thought for a moment that she actually liked lying like this. She felt her checks blush as she scrambled to sit up.
Galen got up and offered her his hand. Susan took his hand and stood up. Susan wondered what is wrong. She had taken his hand numerous times and never felt like this.
Galen released her hand and walked over to inspect the boat. It had a paddle and could comfortably hold two people.
"I'm not sure what this boat is doing here but it appears to be solidly built" said Galen.
"Perhaps some hunters left the boat?" suggested Lugh.
"If we take the boat, we will be able to travel more swiftly. Queen Susan will be able to rest a bit while we travel. I worry a bit about being on the river and being seen by our enemy but I feel we should risk it" said Galen.
Lonan said "I think it is a good decision, prince. You should take Queen Susan in the boat. Lugh and I will travel along the river and try to keep you in sight."
A few minutes later, Galen and Susan were in the boat traveling down the river.
Galen asked "Madam, please watch the left side of the river for any suspicious activities. Our good companions will be patrolling the right side. I will try to keep us as close to the right side as possible. Let me know if you see anything unusual."
Susan settled into her seat and watched the left side of the river. She could also not help watching her companion as he rowed the boat. She felt a strange feeling in her stomach. Galen at been at their court for almost ten years. Unlike other courtiers, he never tried to court her with poems or songs. He had seldom danced with her or paid any special attention to her. He was always loyal, serious, and responsible. Why had she not noticed how handsome and strong he was? Why did she suddenly feel like a giggly girl?