As the Beavers led Peter, Susan, and Lucy over a ridge, they all saw an endless sea of crimson tents. "This must be Aslan's main camp," remarked Mr. Beaver. "We'd best be going to meet him. Come on!" Before they could move toward the camp, a figure raced out of the camp and headed for the travelers. "Judging by his speed," thought Mr. Beaver, "he must be a centaur, the most powerful fighters of Narnia, behind Aslan, of course.
However, as the figure drew dear, it became quite clear that the fighter was not a centaur. In fact, he was not even a creature of Narnia. A human boy about Peter's age rode up on a small but agile mustang. His chestplate and greaves were made of black boiled leather, not enough to stop a Minotaur's axe, but enough to keep it from killing him. Over this he wore a dark hooded cloak. He wore no helm. Two curved scimitars rested in sheaths mounted on the saddle, and a powerful longbow was strapped to his back. His skin was dark as were his eyes and long hair. This slightly foreboding appearance was softened by an easy smile.
"My lord and ladies, I am Scott Castillo, the Forest Ranger. I was the leader of the Narnia Liberation Movement, aka The Resistance, until we joined forces with Aslan." His grin widened. "Speaking of Aslan, I've been sent to escort you all to him. He wishes to meet with you."
Susan searched his face. "Carefree grin, western accent, laid-back attitude…you're from the States!" she exclaimed.
Scott laughed and placed a hand to his heart. "Milady, I'm hurt at how you seem to think Americans are lazy, pleasure-loving fools. But yes, I am your friendly Southern Californian mercenary. I am at your service." He dismounted his horse and mock-bowed. "Shall the ladies ride?"
Peter nodded at his sisters. Susan and Lucy came forward, and Scott helped them mount. Seeing the unasked question in Scott's eyes Lucy exclaimed, "Don't worry, Scott. We know how to ride."
Scott grinned again. "Good, then let's go. Aslan is waiting." Pulling the Beavers aside, he whispered, "Aslan will no doubt tell you this himself, but thank you for bringing these three here safely. I'm worried about the fourth however."
Mrs. Beaver spoke up. "Edmund has been taken by the White Witch."
Scott nodded gravely. "Yeah, I'm aware of that. My spies have informed me of Edmund's position, but that report came yesterday. Jadis has no doubt moved and taken him with her. I have no clue what she plans to do now, so I don't know what direction she has chosen to move in. I'm going to talk to Aslan and General Oreius so that we can mount a rescue operation." This said, he caught up with Lucy and Susan. Peter walked behind him with the Beavers. "You know," Scott said to Susan, "being and American and all, I'm really not all for this monarchy thing."
Looking down at the ranger, Susan asked, "Should that be any cause for concern? Will we have to worry about you leading a revolution to replace our reign with a democracy?"
Laughing, Scott replied. "No, no. I wouldn't mind too much if you took the thrones with your siblings."
Confused, Susan asked, "Now why is that?"
Scott cocked an eyebrow. "Isn't it obvious? You would look so beautiful in royal garments. Actually, you'd look beautiful in anything."
Susan looked at him suspiciously. "Are you flirting with me?"
He shrugged. "Is it working?" At this, Susan tossed her head and urged the horse forward. Gazing at her retreating form, Scott muttered, "Apparently not."
"Good job," called a voice from behind him. The ranger turned to see Peter smiling at him.
"What do you mean?" asked Scott. "Aren't you supposed to be mad at me for hitting on your sister? You know, threaten me and warn me to stay away from her."
Peter laughed. "Most boys would hope to avoid all that. If you get more serious, you may get some, if not all, of it. However, simple flirting isn't going to get you in trouble, at least not with me. I'm just congratulating you on escaping unharmed. The last boy who flirted with Susan left with a nasty scar on his right cheek and an oddly-shaped nose. All she did to you was leave."
Whistling, Scott muttered, "I have got to be more careful when choosing girls to go after. Well, thanks for the heads up, milord."
Peter shook his head. "No, don't call me 'milord.' It makes me feel old."
Scott sneered. "Ha! That was not what you should have told me. That just gives me another reason to continue, milord. Besides, my men are serving Aslan, and I call him 'milord' and 'esteemed general.' Now, how would it look if I called the leader of the army 'lord' but not the heir to the whole realm?"
"He's right, Peter. Aslan is a fierce fighter, but you are above him," chimed in Mr. Beaver.
Looking to Peter's waist, Scott asked, "May I see your blade, milord." Nodding, Peter drew the weapon and handed it to Scott. The ranger weighed it in his hand. "The weight is a little heavy for my tastes, but if you have no previous experience it should be just fine. The balance is perfect." Glancing at the pommel, a golden lion's head, he added, "And quite pretty to boot. No doubt you'll be knighted by Aslan, so you'd better start training to fight like one. Defense first. That shield won't let a lot through and your weapon is a shortsword so you should be able to move it fast enough to parry most attacks. Talk to our master-of-arms and he'll make sure you get armor worthy of your sword. He's a dwarf, one of the master forgers. You'll be well protected."
They were now a short distance from the sentries. Peter turned to the American saying, "You said my sword was too heavy for your tastes. What would you prefer?"
Scott eyed his liege carefully. "You'll make a good king, milord. You pick up on stuff that most people wouldn't. Find me after your audience with Aslan, and I'll tell you." Moving ahead of the mounted sisters, who were waiting for their companions, he approached the sentries, two powerful centaurs. "Where is your respect? Your lords are coming to meet with Aslan. Hail your lieges!"
The two centaurs bowed their heads and raised their lances in respect, muttering, "Yes, general."
As they entered the camp, the soldiers looked up from their various duties in wonder. Not only was the legendary Forest Ranger dismounted, but his horse was being ridden by two girls. After moving a short distance, Scott had his mount halt. "Forgive me, my ladies, but I must return my horse to the stables. Keep going, for Aslan's waiting for you. I will rejoin you once my duties are done." Susan and Lucy dismounted, and Scott took their place. Turning the mustang, he rode off in the direction of the stables.
The children met Aslan, and Scott returned just in time to hear Aslan ponder over the missing Edmund. One of Scott's rangers, a hawk, turned to him, muttering, "General, did you not receive our report concerning the Son of Adam's location?"
"Yeah, I did," whispered Scott, his swords now sheathed at his sides. "But some things should be unsaid. We didn't have time to launch a retrieval force before she moved, and telling Aslan and Oreius would have set the camp into chaos. Now, however, he knows." The hawk nodded knowingly.
Aslan turned to meet the Forest Rangers eyes. "General Castillo, you are to watch over the Pevensie children and prepare them for their trials ahead. I believe another human will make them feel more comfortable."
Scott nodded his head. "Yes, sir. As you command." With that, Aslan returned to his tent, and Scott walked over to his charges. "Well," he said, grinning broadly, "I'll be seeing a lot more of you." He focused his gaze on Susan, who rolled her eyes. Behind her, Peter was doubled over with silent laughter.
"Sir Scott, I thank you for your gracious care, but I must ask you to stop making flirtatious advances toward me," Susan said firmly.
The Forest Ranger raised his eyebrows. "Oh, so now were using the formal form of the word 'flirting' now are we, milady? It will be as you command. However, I will remind you that I am no knight, only a high-ranking soldier, so please don't attach a 'Sir' to my name. Also, don't ask me to do something, command me. You are my lady, and I am your retainer."
With that, Susan curled her hand into a fist and connected solidly with the side of Scott's face. The ranger went down from the unexpected blow. Susan stalked off, fuming, Lucy following behind her. Peter burst out laughing before helping his bodyguard up. "I warned you, Scott. You shouldn't have used the term 'my lady.'"
Rubbing his jaw, Scott replied, "Jeez, I'd meant that in a formal way. Your sister is one heck of a catch, but you have to fight to get her."
Peter laughed again. "All too true, my friend. All too true. Now, let's go. I plan on learning how to use this blade correctly, and you are going to teach me how."
