Susan again
Faster, Edmund, ride faster! I thought as a flash of white and silver streaked by me. The Horse beneath me put on a burst of speed as the Unicorn sped almost out of sight. Get to him, get to him, get to Peter NOW, Edmund!
If Sir Giles's words were true, Peter's condition was severe. Critical. But if anyone could save my older brother, it was my younger brother.
I saw Flisk peel off to the south, moving to cut through the Ogre ranks at a right angle. Edmund's sword Shafelm, Blade of the Western Wood, flashed brightly even though the day was overcast and I heard the din of metal on metal as Flisk plunged into the line of Ogres.
Faster, Edmund.
I was panting as much with effort as with anxiety. How could he just ride into that crush? Was his fearlessness brave or reckless?
Faster, Edmund. As you love him, ride faster.
We were in range to reach the slowest of the Ogres attacking Oreius and his party and we drew up in a line. Xati gave an order and we launched a single round of arrows before Sharet streaked past us, shouting at us to hold our fire. A dozen or more Tigers and Panthers and Leopards were seconds behind her and we made way for the royal guard to thunder past us.
"After them!" I shouted as the last Faun passed us, spurring the Horse on without hesitation. Slower than the guard, the archers gave chase, many of them on foot and only lightly armed. Xati caught up to me.
"Left! To the left!" she yelled, veering off to the right. She motioned some of the archers to follow her,the remainder behind me. I saw her plan and obeyed, trusting her greater wisdom in these things and sighting a few Ogres trying to escape, perhaps to get reenforcements from the remains of Methalain's army. I could shoot from a galloping horse, though not with the same degree of strength as standing. I let loose an arrow, catching the furthest Ogre. I didn't stop him, but I slowed him and that was enough for me. I aimed for the next Ogre, then the next, wounding them in turn. The Cats and Gryphons took over from there, swooping down and harrying our enemies, careful to stay out of range of the Ogres' spears and clubs.
Despite all our efforts, Oreius and his troop were under heavy assault. Was Lucy there? Part of me hoped she was, for Peter's sake, the other part wished her far away and safe, for mine.
Ride faster, Edmund.
