Eol the Talking Eagle glided over the river. Prince Galen waved his arm and pointed to the shore. The great eagle swept down and then flew off.
Queen Susan cried out "Where is he going?"
Prince Galen replied "Hopefully back to your royal brothers or other search parties. I am sure he understood my signal. Let's go ashore over there and climb back up to the path."
Galen rowed the boat close to shore and then got out of the boat and dragged it to the ground. He then helped Susan disembark. Galen examined the slope.
"It is a bit steeper than it looked from the river. I think it will be easiest over there. I will climb first. Madam, you should hold onto my belt as you climb" said Galen.
Susan nodded and they climbed the slope of the riverbank. Lugh was waiting at the top of the riverbank.
"Your Majesty, your Highness, I assume you saw Eol fly overhead. Help should be here soon" said the leopard.
It was starting to get dark. Susan was shivering as it got chillier. Galen removed his cloak. Susan started as she felt his hands place the warm cloak on her shoulders.
"Thank you good prince, for your many kindnesses today" said Susan.
Lonan ran down the path towards them.
"The High King comes. King Peter will be here in just a few moments" declared the leopard.
Susan heard the sound of hooves pounding the road. She smiled as her brother, two human warriors, a talking unicorn and two centaurs came into view. The High King swung down from his horse and Susan ran to him.
Peter hugged her and asked "Su, have you been harmed? What has happened?"
Susan replied "I am weary and have some small cuts and blisters but I am safe thanks to these good knights who rescued me from being held captive in a foul cave."
Peter placed his hands on the heads of both the leopards and thanked them. Then he turned and embraced Galen.
The High King said "Well done my good friend. We have often been grateful for your courage but your rescue of Queen Susan truly places us in your debt. Let us get Queen Susan to safety and then you shall tell me of your adventures."
Susan said "Brother, there are still other foul creatures in these woods. Many years ago, we thought we destroyed the remains of the White Witch's army but some still remain here."
Peter nodded and said "By the Lion, we will return and give these woods a thorough cleansing but our first charge is to get you to safety dear sister."
Susan mounted on the back of the unicorn and Galen on the back of one of the centaurs and the party headed towards the east. Shortly, they arrived at a camp. Other search parties were also arriving at the camp. A cheer went up when Susan was seen. She slid off the back of the unicorn and thanked the gathered creatures, beasts and men who had been searching for her. Within a few minutes, Edmund arrived and rushed to greet Susan.
The three royal siblings sat at a fire with Prince Galen and some of their closest advisors. Susan thought the hot tea and camp rations tasted as wonderful as a banquet at Cair Paravel. Susan had shared everything that occurred during her captivity. She was tired and hardly able to listen to the conversation as the kings and their advisors discussed strategies for destroying the remaining creatures in the woods. At first light, she would be delighted to ride back to Cair Paravel. She heard Peter tell Galen he wanted to give him a reward for leading the rescue of Susan.
Prince Galen shook his head and said "I was doing my duty to you and to Queen Susan, your Majesty. I do not deserve anymore of a reward than any man, creature or beast who is here tonight."
"Nonsense," said King Peter, "We will discuss this further when we arrive back at Cair Paravel."
Susan wondered if Galen could choose a reward, what would he chose?