I gazed out of the window and watched as the first rays of morning's light, the first light of spring spread over the countryside. Winter was finally over. Today, we would journey to "the village of the fort", known to many as the town of Cair.
I exited the warm cottage and let a shrill whistle pierce the new spring air. From across the plains of melting snow two horses appeared, one pure white, the other coal black, both galloping at a breakneck pace. I smiled as they came to a halt before me. I set to work tacking them up and attaching the saddle bags Lucy and I had prepared last night.
Lucy, dressed in my finest dress of rich violet with my silver velvet cloak, looked radiant as she stepped out into the warm spring morning. I had opted for a more practical option, my black tights, white huntress tunic, leather boots and black leather belt. My grey cloak was light though warm. My quiver rested across my back, my bow confined in the safety of it. Lucy had insisted I pack a dress, so, I had packed a dress in my saddle bag along with my purse and dagger. Lucy had her saddle bag filled with apples and bread. A flask of water each was attached to our saddles.
"Did you put the fire out?" I questioned, adjusting the length of my stirrup.
"Yes Ren, it's as cold as ice," Lucy replied, climbing up into her saddle upon Ivory.
I turned back, into my hut and grabbed the necklace my father had given me from its place on my sideboard. I took one last look around my home before pulling the door closed and locking it, placing the key on my necklace before I clasped it around my neck.
I swung up into my saddle, taking hold of Ebony's reins. I glanced over at Lucy who seemed mesmerised by the change that was taking place before her eyes. The snow was melting and in its stead the plains were coming to life in arrays of beautiful wild flowers. Even the trees on the ridge which surrounded the High King's villa seemed to come to life, dancing in the soft spring breeze.
"Come Lucy, if we ride hard enough we could make it to Owl Wood before nightfall.
Without delay we urged our horses into a canter towards the East.
It had been so very long since I'd felt this experience, the wild whipping through my hair, my cloak billowing gracefully behind me, Ebony's graceful movements across the earth. I sighed and allowed myself a deep breath. For the first time in a long time I could smell all the elements of which Narnia was built, combine into one, like a pot with all the ingredients to a recipe simmering away. Memories of my childhood swirled through my mind returning me to times long since passed…
"The berry grove is this way," my younger brother stated, pointing in the direction of the cliffs.
I shook my head, "Tarva, berries need water and good soil, and so, they'll be near the river."
He glared at me, "That way."
I shook my head, "I bet a slice of Mother's berry pie they're this way." I picked up my basket and ventured off in the direction of the river. I heard Tarva's heavy footfalls following behind me.
Breaking through the tree line we arrived at our destination. Hidden amongst the trees, nestled amongst the tall trunks were masses of wild berry bushes. The entire grove had colour splashed through it from the rich red of the strawberries, to the vibrant hues of the blue berries and the darkest shades of the blackcurrants, each berry as delightfully tasteful as the next.
We set to work filling our little woven baskets for our mother.
"These are incredibly good," Tarva commented, the content of his mouth muffling the words to an almost inaudible statement.
I turned to face him, my hands on my hips and eyebrows raised in an unimpressed manner, "I don't think you quite understand this job Tarva. We're meant to collect the berries in our basket, not our mouths. Mother will be most disappointed if your appetite is ruined because of our expedition."
Tarva swallowed his mouthful and smiled up at my sheepishly, his face and hands a mess of mulberry juice, "I'm sorry." I shook my head and returned my attention to the strawberry bush in front of me. "Little brothers…" I sighed, grasping another plump red berry.
"Cair Paravel is most glorious, Ren. You'll love it, I'm sure. The most beautiful room in all of Cair Paravel is its Grand Hall, in which the four thrones stand. It has a glass room that allows one to see the stars and the moon in the night and the clear blue skies of day, and the balcony that extents from it looks down over the beach, if you look hard enough you can see the country of Galma. Well, I believe so anyway…" Lucy concluded.
I chuckled slightly, "How would you know any different? Surely the royal's private quarters and other such important areas are not available to every citizen of Narnia for viewing."
Lucy seemed lost for an answer, "I suppose you are most right… I just, know people on the inside of Cair Paravel."
I smiled, "Well it seems I am in good hands. You are a trustworthy guide on such matters."
Lucy smiled and laughed slightly, "I am surprised you have never been to the East in all the three years of the reign of the new Kings and Queens."
"I suppose I never really felt the need to venture there. At least now, you have given me a reason," I answered, slowing my horse to a walk. Lucy pulled on Ivory's reins, slowing her to match Ebony's steady pace.
Lucy frowned, watching the road ahead of her purposefully, "If you spend your whole life waiting for reason, you will never truly live."
I turned to Lucy, "What you say is true Lu, though behind all action is reason, it is the driving force of life itself. Reason is like a force that wills us to do things, to achieve goals."
"But each person's reason is bias," she began, "It is dominated by experiences, desires."
I frowned, "Yes, though just because one desires something does not mean it has to be bad. One who desires freedom will fight oppression. One who desires truth will seek it through the darkness of deceit." Lucy fell silent. "But not all reasons are just… that is why for every evil, Aslan created its opposite. For every death, he blesses with new life. Sometimes, more often than few, evil reigns until reason wills beings to change it, to challenge all that is known," I continued.
"But, is it not one's right… freedom?" she questioned.
"Yes, but the reason they chose to fight is because it is their right," I replied.
"Then you must find a way to challenge yourself." Lucy's words were but a whisper.
I turned to her, my eyebrows furrowed, though she had spurred her horse onwards leaving me with my thoughts. I sighed, perhaps my young friend was right… but for now, those thoughts would have to wait. With that I urged Ebony into a gallop, racing after the flash of white and silver.
