Chapter 6

Caspian's P.O.V.

After my match with Kristen, I took a stroll in the gardens behind the stained glass of the north side of the Grand Hall. I loved coming here after a rousing sword-fighting match to calm down and think about things. This time I didn't have much to think about. There were no problems in the castle as far as I knew. So, I got up and walked to the Grand Hall. On my way into it, I thought I might check on Scarlet and Ally and see how they were doing.

However, as I walked I was stopped by a frantic guard running in front of me in a panic.

"Your majesty," he panted, "I'm sorry to disturb you, but I have an urgent message. It's about Venificus." The name struck anger and fear and hatred in my eyes. "You see," he continued, "I have received word that a threat has been sent to us from Venificus saying that he is rising. He plans to take over and this time, he's more powerful. His army is building up and I fear that maybe this time it will really happen." I looked down anxiously, deciding what to do next.

"We must make a plan and discuss strategies for battle."

"Battle? Already?"

"We must take every precaution we can!" I insisted. "Now," I went on, "Tell everyone in the castle. We need all the help we have. Tell them to spread the word also. I will inform Kristen, Scarlet, Ally, and Edmund. Hurry!" We dashed off in different directions. I planned on telling Scarlet and her sister first. They would come with us, since I didn't want them to be alone in a place that they've only been in a day or two.

I knocked on the door. "Come in!" it sounded like Scarlet said. I rushed in.

"Scarlet, where is your sister?"

"I'm right here," Ally stated as she walked in from her adjoining room.

"Good. Now, I need you two to come with us to our hideout in Aslan's How. We have received a threat from Venificus. He plans on invading, and we have to discuss battle plans as soon as possible."

"Who's Venificus?" Ally asked.

"I'll tell you on the way to the How. Right now you need to come to the front of the castle. I will have my guard give you both a horse. I assume you two know how to ride?" They exchanged uneasy glances.

"I'll take that as a no," I decided. "Well, these are talking horses so they will take you through how to. You'll catch on easily. Now go! We need to hasten!" They put on their shoes and I walked them out of the room.

"There," I pointed to the front doors, "Out those two doors will be a guard. Tell him I sent you for two horses." They nodded and went on as they were told.

Next was Kristen. I wanted Kristen to stay in the castle so she wouldn't get caught up in the battle and so she could be there if anyone or anything came and blow the horn. I went to her Tower Room and found her reading in her closet. Yes, it seems odd, but she enjoys being alone and truthfully it looks quite comfortable and peaceful.

"Hey Kris."

"Hey Cous'," she said smiling as she put her book down. "What's up?"

"Well, there's something I need to tell you." Her smile faded a bit.

"What is it?"

"Everyone in the castle and I are going to Aslan's How to discuss things."

"What do you need to discuss?" She insisted.

"Don't worry yourself about it. It's not important for you. However, while we're gone you will stay here in the castle. If anyone comes, blow the horn."

"But who would come?"

"I'm just taking precautions, Kris. We won't be gone for too long. Maybe a day to a day and a half." I put my hand on her shoulder. "I'm counting on you to make sure things go smoothly here. Keep the horn close to you all the time. Keep your sword fairly close, too. Just in case."

"I got it, Cous'," she confirmed. "Don't worry yourself." She winked and I chuckled.

"Alright, well I should be off. Goodbye Kristen. Be safe!" She laughed at me as I left. I got to the front of the castle and ran into the same guard as before.

"Your highness, everyone in the castle is ready to go."

"Really? That fast? You all cease to surprise me with your swiftness. Let's go!" And we set off to Aslan's How.

Kristen's P.O.V.

"Yes!" I yelled in my Tower Room. The whole castle was gone and it was just me, alone, with the entire castle to myself! I danced around the room, and then went back down to the Grand Hall. I knew what I was going to do. I had planned for this day far too much. Walking behind the thrones, I looked around for the secret doorway. Once I found it, I opened it to the swirling steps going down.

Oh, yes. This would be fun.

Edmund's P.O.V.

I had taken a nap after my encounter with Camille, but when I woke up, there was no one there. No one in the entire castle. There were no maids, guards, anything!

I walked all around the castle, but it was completely still with no one to be found. I started to panic. What if everyone had been taken or something? That was nearly impossible with everyone in the castle, but where were they then?

Trying to calm myself, I went to the garden outside my room behind the stained glass window to the north of the Grand Hall. I slumped on a bench and tried to figure something out.

Then, I thought I heard a voice. At first I thought it was just my imagination. No one was here! But then I heard it again. Louder. And a piano playing. I followed the noise and heard it coming from a room, but where could the room be? All there was was a wall with… Then I remembered the Treasure Chamber. I opened the wall door and walked down the swirling steps down to it.

In the middle of the Chamber was a piano, as I had heard. The person playing was on the other side, so I walked around to see who it was.

I couldn't tell who it was at first, but when she realized I was there she gasped and stopped playing. I gasped too. It was Kristen. But I didn't expect her to look like this.