Prompt: Captain Obvious. Who is stating the obvious today?
"Cor." Aravis leaned forward, planting her fists on the table. "That's a horrible plan! It'll never work! You really think you can defend Anvard against two companies of Calormenes? It took the Narnians to protect Anvard against two hundred horse."
"We have better defenses now and a good plan." Cor protested. "It may be a risk, but what other choice do we have?"
"A better plan?" Aravis said dryly. "Obviously."
"That's the best we've been able to come up with," Cor said. "You really think you can do better?"
"Yes, actually, I do," Aravis replied, tossing her head.
"What makes you think you can do it better than my father's captains?"
"Maybe because I am able to see the bigger picture!"
"What do you mean? The bigger picture is that the Calormenes plan to attack by the end of two months."
"Why are they attacking?" Aravis said exasperatedly.
"Because they're Calormenes?" Cor said sarcastically. "I know why, Aravis. They want these Northern countries.
Aravis nodded. "Even though we've had peace for a long time, they still want them. They're just acting on it now, after Rabadash is dead. So what can we do about that?"
Cor shrugged. "Nothing. We can't change them."
"No, we can't change their wants," Aravis agreed, "but we can change our appearances. We have two months to act as unfavorable, fierce and hard to get as possible, especially at the border. I can go to Tashbaan and talk bad about Archenland. We can ask Narnia if they can help us. If some of the creatures come here it'll make Archenland a "land of demons" as well. We act as barbarian-like as possible. There are increased guards at the border, more drills, fiercer drills. All this will help us prepare for war."
"But we'll have to keep up these appearances," Cor replied. "That's hard to do."
"Do you want to save Archenland?" Aravis said. "This is a new kind of threat. The old ways aren't working, that's clear."
Cor was silent for a long while. Finally he said, "I just want to honor Father's ways," he said finally. "Father wouldn't use a tactic like that-"
"But you aren't your father," Aravis interrupted. Cor's face twisted, trying to hold back emotions and Aravis touched his hand. "I'm sorry," she said quickly. "I didn't mean-"
Cor shook his head, blinking back tears. "It's alright. I just want to run this country the way he would have. A way he would be proud of."
Aravis put her hand on his shoulder. "I think he would be most proud of you for trying something new and being your own king."
After a short silence Cor nodded. "I'll try."
The timing might be a little off in this, not sure. I need to reread Horse and His Boy. Please review!