Hey guys! I am SO sorry that it has taken me nearly three weeks to post this chapter. Lets just say that life got in the way, but when august starts up the chapters should come in a steady stream. I hope you enjoy this chapter..it is nice and long! I wish I could spend more time on it, but I really wanted to get something posted for you guys. Let me know what you think!
Chapter 14
My Own Worst Enemy
Peter's plan should have worked.
Every aspect was perfect; every detail was fleshed out, but the one thing Peter did not plan for—the one thing that could ruin it all—was the one thing that happened.
Beside the High King stood Cara and Caspian, both looking anxiously out into the vast sky as Edmund and his griffon disappeared into the moisture of a low cloud. Nearly all of Narnia stood at the edge of the Shuddering Wood, all filled with anticipation and fear of what was to come.
Now a mile from the forest, Edmund stared purposefully ahead with his electric torch clutched tightly in his hand. The only sound he could hear was the beating of his griffon's wings and the cool air as it rushed through his hair and passed his face. The night was still and quiet, a perfect opposite of what was to come.
As the griffon flew higher into the air, the thick fog hovering over the ground vanished below, and the concrete turrets of the Telmarine stronghold appeared in a glowing, ghostly white. The walls reached high into the sky, and a deep fracture in the land surrounded all sides. One lone bridge jetted from the front of the stark walls, making the castle seem almost impossible to infiltrate. It was a perfect display of the raw power that the Telmarines possessed, and the sight of it fueled both Edmund's hatred and fear for the people that dwelled within its walls.
Slowly the faded lines of the distant turrets became solid and distinct. At Edmund's command, the griffon moved even higher into the air and headed for the outermost turret. A Telmarine soldier became visible the closer they flew, his eyes gazing boringly straight ahead.
With one silent sweep, Edmund glided to the back of the turret, the griffon's claws immediately latching on to the rough roof. In an attempt to shield itself, the griffon pulled its wings close to its body creating a gust of wind and soft whoosh in the process. The guard turned instantly, his eyes now moving erratically behind him.
Edmund moved quickly away from the griffon and crouched close to the roof. Silence moved across the area once again, and deciding that the sounds were nothing of concern, the soldier turned back around and continued to look before him. The griffon glanced to Edmund, its talons itching to pounce. With a small nod Edmund gave the signal.
Moving without sound, the griffon lurched forward and latched on to the back of the guard. Edmund dropped to the ground just as the Telmarine disappeared into the night with a small gasp. Staying low to the ground, Edmund glanced around and listened. The night remained still and quiet. Confident that he had entered the castle completely unnoticed, Edmund moved forward and looked to the sky before him. Still seeing nothing, he pulled his electric torch from his pocket and reached his arm forward.
A tang of fear rushed through Edmund's body, his thumb hesitating to press the small button under it. With a quick sigh and quiet words of reassurance, Edmund forced his thumb downward and watched as a bright beam erupted from the end of his arm.
"There's the signal," Peter said as his eyes caught sight of the distant flickering light. Cara stared at it in the hope that it would vanish, but it remained constant and unwavering. Feeling Peter's eyes on her, Cara turned to the High King. "I need you with me," he said softly.
"I trust you," she whispered back, but her eyes shown with little hope. Peter gave a shallow nod before moving towards his griffon. The giant creature lifted its wings high into the air and grasped tightly onto its King. Caspian and Cara glanced to each other as they too were lifted into the air. Both royals attempted to mask their apprehension with a look of defiance, but it was clear that neither supported Peter's bold move.
Watching in silence from the ground were Glenstorm and his troops, their eyes following the skies. As the griffons became shrouded in darkness and fog, the general slowly stepped from the covering of the woods with his troops moving steadily behind him. Narnia was finally stepping forth, and even though all feared what was to come, pride and anticipation filled the hearts of the troops as they completely left the covering of the dense trees and made their way across the valley and towards the power that had suppressed them.
Peter's hand was gripped tightly around the hilt of Rhindon as he made is way passed Edmund's post and deeper into the grounds of the castle. Seeing their point of landing, he indicated for Cara and Susan to pull into the lead. Both Queens did as told, their griffons increasing speed and dipping lower over the castle. Scampering unseen below them were Reepicheep and his troop, their small eyes watching as their leaders began the assault on the castle.
The soldiers noticed them immediately, their eyes wide with fear and their arms locked with astonishment. Cara's dagger flew quickly from her hand and landed in the heart of the closest guard. Susan's arrow found its destination as well, both soldiers crumbling to the ground with hardly a sound.
Seeing another Telmarine moving in the shadows, Caspian urged his griffon forward and wiggled his feet from its tight grasp. Understanding the Prince's motives, the giant creature opened its talons and allowed Caspian to swing his body forward and kick the soldier from his perch. With a quick flick of his body, the Prince was once again secured in the grasp of the griffon.
Peter quickly pulled back into the lead, his griffon dipping low over the castle and moving towards a long stretch of open stone. More soldiers became visible as the group continued to glide closer to the ground. Caspian and Peter landed first, their swords moving in the moonlight as they quickly killed the few soldiers that had witnessed their arrival. The remaining three landed not long after, all stooping low as they moved forward and into the shadows.
Cara's heart beat rapidly as she glanced around. They were in, and there was now no possibility of turning back. Peter looked determined from beside her, his eyes scanning the area and calculating their next move.
"You can reach the bridge controls from that chamber across the way," Caspian whispered to Peter. "The controls for the gate are along the other side and a floor lower." The High King nodded in understanding and turned to Cara. Her gaze quickly met his, both understanding that their paths now parted. With a rapidly beating heart Peter pulled her hand into his and squeezed it tightly.
"You know what to do," he said softly. Cara nodded in silence before releasing her hand from Peter's and continuing down the corridor.
"Trumpkin," she whispered as she moved behind him, "our duty begins now." The dwarf looked to his King before falling in line behind Cara and disappearing into the darkness.
Peter stared into the shadows long after they were gone. "Peter!" Susan said in a harsh whisper, causing the High King's eyes to finally return their focus. "More guards are coming." Peter glanced passed his sister and down the faintly lit corridor. A small group of Telmarines were only seconds from discovering the already dead soldiers.
"Take them out," Peter responded as he moved from the shadows and ran towards the soldiers with his sword held high. Caspian and Susan quickly followed, both posed and ready for attack. The Telmarines fell quickly and quietly, Peter and Caspian's swords glinting with slight red in the shrouded light of the moon.
"We need to enter the castle," Peter whispered as they moved passed the dead and back into the shadows.
"Follow me," Caspian responded and began to move forward once again. Soon the three royals were situated at the top of a high pillar, all hunkering low and gazing over the edge.
"We can enter from the room just beneath us," Caspian whispered as Peter and Susan continued to glance at the ground below.
"Are you sure?" Susan asked with apprehension.
"Perfectly," answered the Prince. "These are my professor's chambers."
"We will need rope," Peter mentioned as he pushed himself from the ledge and began to look around. Caspian smirked in the dark and indicated to a line of rope looped around his arm. Peter looked at the rope with utter confusion.
"Where did that co—you know what, I don't even care. Let's go," he said with a small smile. Caspian immediately went to work tying the rope tightly around one of the square stones at the edge of the ledge. Once it was completely secure, he tightened his grip and swung himself over the edge. Moving quickly, Peter and Susan followed close behind, all praying that they would not be spotted in their vulnerable state.
Caspian landed on the ledge with a small thump before untangling himself from the rope and peering into the window. Everything seemed still beyond the thick glass, but just to make sure, the Prince tapped lightly on the window and called for his professor. He was met with silence. With a worried sigh, Caspian pulled his dagger from his belt and slid it into the latch of the large window. It popped open only moments later allowing Caspian to climb quickly inside and make room for Peter and Susan.
The room was crowded with books, papers, old artifacts, and paintings. Nearly every surface was covered by something. Peter entered the chamber not long after Caspian, his eyes scanning the area and taking in the blatant display of old Narnia. Before moving entirely into the room, he caught sight of an open book on a far table. It was illustrated with drawings of fauns and satyrs, the images giving Peter another push of confidence and pride.
Caspian moved around the room before him, he eyes searching in the shadows. It was obvious that they were alone in the chambers, which caused the Prince's heart to fill with apprehension. Caspian could feel Susan and Peter's eyes on him as he walked closer to a small table and picked up an ancient pair of spectacles.
"I have to find him," he said as he turned to Peter.
"You don't have time," Peter responded. "You need to get the gate open."
Frustration and anger swelled in Caspian's chest at Peter's words. "You wouldn't even be here without him," he shot back in a harsh whisper causing Peter's brow to furrow. Seeing his King's anger, Caspian lowered his voice and continued, "and neither would I."
Peter looked to Susan for advice, fear bubbling inside of him at the thought of his plans and orders already going astray. "We can deal with Miraz," Susan said as she looked to her brother.
"And I can still get to the gate in time," Caspian quickly added before casting Susan and look of appreciation and moving towards the farthest door. Peter sighed heavily and followed after the Prince, his mind praying that Caspian was right.
BBBBB
Cara lurched backwards as she pulled one of her daggers from the gut of a Telmarine. "Do you see anymore?" she whispered to Trumpkin as she steadied her balance and cleaned her blade.
The dwarf glanced around quickly before turning his eyes to the Queen. "Coast seems clear," he responded and moved towards the end of the corridor. Even though the halls of the castle were still and silent, every corner and every shadow seemed to hide another soldier. Following Cara and Trumpkin was a line of bodies; the ground coated with blood and abandoned swords.
Cara's heart began to pound in her chest as she moved passed Trumpkin and down another corridor. Her body pulsed with a feeling of excitement and dread. Something loomed ahead. It was pulling her forward with mumbled whispers and hazy images. The further she traveled the more hypnotized she became, her mind lost in thoughts of an ancient memory and her body reacting to only the most powerful commands.
Soft light began to seep into the corridor as Cara and Trumpkin made their way towards an open courtyard. Trying to control her now intoxicated mind, Cara rubbed her eyes and moved towards the far wall. Finding it safer for the dwarf to peer around the corner, Trumpkin glided passed his Queen and allowed his eyes to glaze over the barren stone.
"How many?" Cara asked quietly as she continued to control the pull that consumed her body.
"The courtyard seems clear, but the walls surrounding it are covered with vermin," the dwarf responded as he continued to glance around the corner. Cara let out a heavy breath, her fingers moving towards her daggers.
"Are there any shadows?" she replied as she moved towards her companion.
"None," he responded with a smirk. Resting her head on the cold stone of the wall, Cara grasped her weapons tightly and wracked her brain for any sort of plan, but her mind was shadowed by blurry images, and her body was tense with anticipation.
Finally overwhelmed by the need to continue forward, Cara pushed herself from the wall and entered the dim light of the moon. Trumpkin watched her with wide eyes as she scanned the courtyard and pulled more daggers from her armor.
"Ready your bow," she ordered without moving her gaze. The dwarf did as told, his bow quickly set with an arrow and ready in his hand.
"Move along the far wall; I shall take its opposite. We kill those across from us," she explained before moving fully into the light and slinking along the small shadow created by the height of the stones that surrounded the barren courtyard. It took only seconds for the two to be spotted, but both were prepared for the attack. Like terrified ants, the Telmarines began to run along the top of the wall and towards the steps leading to its open courtyard.
Cara and Trumpkin worked quickly, each dagger and arrow hitting its mark, but such weapons only last a limited amount of time, and before long the Queen and dwarf were pulling their swords from their sheaths and slicing anything that moved towards them.
Unburdened by a hazy mind, Trumpkin killed cleanly and moved on quickly, but Cara, who was struggling to concentrate, found her opponents to be overbearing and relentless in their attacks. With one swift move the High Queen was on her back and fighting to keep a Telmarine sword from piercing her chest. Finally finding her mind, Cara rolled quickly to the side and kicked the sword from the soldier's hand. He stumbled backwards, giving Cara time to climb to her feet and complete her attack. Moments later the man was dead, but as Cara's eyes found the entrance to a far corridor; her mind began to swim with hazy memories once again.
"Your Majesty!" Trumpkin yelled; his words warning Cara just in time to duck away from a deadly blow. Regaining focus, Cara struck the Telmarine in the legs causing him to crumble to the ground in agony. One last blow and the soldier was dead, but as Cara's mind filled with another bought of nausea, one of the few remaining soldiers attacked her from behind, slicing a thin line into her calf. Luckily Cara's thick dress protected most of her leg, but the sheering pain was enough to cause her to stumble.
Fear filled Trumpkin as he watched Cara stumble forward and onto her knees. Although she quickly climbed back to her feet and began an assault on the soldier that struck her, a small line of blood was following her along the ground, and her body tightened and winced at nearly every movement.
After defeating to the Telmarine that was pushing him towards the wall, Trumpkin run to the aid of his Queen. Cara sent him a small look of thanks as he forced the soldier to the ground and ended his life. Now only two Telmarines remained, but both the dwarf and Cara were breathing heavily and fatigued from fighting so many. As Trumpkin pulled his strength together and attacked the two soldiers, Cara's eyes began to search out the entrance to the farthest corridor, her body aching to move towards it.
A cry from Trumpkin caused Cara's mind to regain focus, and with a steadily bleeding calf, the Queen hobbled to his aid and struck the soldier in the back. Together the two companions finished off the last soldier, who seeing that his life was nearly over attempted to run. Yards from the old Narnians the soldier fell with two swords sticking from his back.
Seeing the last soldier fall, Cara heaved a great sigh and slumped onto the ground. Her leg was throbbing with every heart beat and her mind was once again swimming in a haze. Trumpkin made his way over to her and placed her small, calloused hand on her shoulder.
"We need to continue forward," he said softly as he glanced around the courtyard, which was now strewn with bodies and dyed with blood. Cara nodded at his words, but made little effort to actually move. "They will find the bodies; we don't have time," Trumpkin said in a slightly harsher tone.
Cara glanced at the dwarf before making her way to her feet. Although each step caused a jolt of pain to rush through her body, the haziness of her mind seemed to lessen as they made their way towards the farthest corridor.
Once again shrouded by the shadows of the castle, the two companions made their way quickly from the courtyard and closer to the front of the castle and the bridge control room. Cara's mind was still filled with distant images and voices, but the calls seemed to weaken the further they traveled. After nearly ten minutes of slinking and hiding, the corridor split into two long halls. One led to their destination, while the other seemed to weave off into another courtyard fall in the distance.
Trumpkin veered to the right, his body heading towards the bridge controls without a second thought, but Cara, whose body suddenly filled with a craving to follow the other hall, stopped at the split and moved her eyes back and forth between the two.
Her duties lay in the opposite direction that her heart told her to go. The voices and images grew before her eyes until she could barely see anything else. As Cara's eyes fixated on the hall before her, an image of an ancient friend moved through her mind. He was sacred and trusting, his eyes calling her forth. With little thought on the task at hand, Cara took a small step towards the empty hall. Soon one foot followed the other and her movements led her out of the corridor and into the shadows.
Finding that his Queen was not following, Trumpkin stopped his forward movement and called back to Cara. Hearing no reply, the dwarf turned quickly and tried to adjust his eyes to the change in light.
The High Queen was gone.
BBBBB
Edmund could not help but wish that he was somewhere else. He could visualize his brother—High King Peter the Magnificent—fighting his way valiantly towards the evil King Miraz accompanied by the brave Prince Caspian and Shield Maiden Queen Susan. The thought of it caused Edmund's forehead to fold into a deep scowl, for while his siblings were fighting for the good of Narnia, he was sitting bored and lonely at the top of a distant tower.
Suddenly feeling agitated with the situation, Edmund began to entertain himself with the only object within his reach—his flash light. After pretending to fight a great beast with the torches bright bean, the Just King found it amusing to attempt a balancing act. At the very moment that the small object found its center upon the King's palm, an ear piecing scream echoed off of the castles barren walls.
Startled by the sudden noise, Edmund jumped slightly and threw the electric torch off balance. With scrambling hands, Edmund attempted to catch the falling cylinder, but it slipped through his fingers and crashed onto the tower below.
With shaky breaths and wide eyes, Edmund peered over the ledge at the fallen torch. Only seconds after its fall a door flew open and a soldier walked out into the dim lighting, his eyes moving quickly about. Edmund's heart raced as the Telmarine made his way over to the lone object and kicked it with his foot. Seeing that it was nothing to fear, the soldier scooped it up and began to examine every aspect of it.
Edmund cringed when a beam of light shot from the torch and into the eyes of the soldier. Startled by the illumination, the soldier stumbled backwards before returning his eyes to the strange object. The sudden reverberating dong of a distant bell pulled the soldier's gaze away from the torch and into the center of the stronghold.
At a loss of what to do, Edmund leapt from the high tower and onto the back of the soldier, both immediately crumbling to the ground. As the bell continued to ring, Edmund scrambled to his feet and pulled his sword from its sheath. The Telmarine quickly followed suite, his attack on Edmund beginning before the young King could even collect his footing.
Edmund fumbled backwards from the weight of the Telmarine sword, but with one quick duck he was able to gain the upper hand and push his attacker towards the tower ledge. The soldier sneered in protest and swung his sword low attempting to throw off the King once again, but Edmund moved quickly, his feet tucking tightly under his body as he jumped into the air. Edmund's landing would have been perfect, but his foot caught the side of the forgotten torch, which caused him to slide backwards and loose his sword.
Chuckling at the boy's mishap, the Telmarine grabbed the dropped sword and attacked Edmund with both weapons. Edmund stumbled backwards until he reached the ledge of the tower. The soldier pushed both swords towards the King's throat, forcing Edmund's back into the cold stone. Fighting for his life, Edmund blocked the final blow with both hands, his strength dwindling as he attempted to hold the soldier at bay.
"Now, Ed. Now!" Peter's voice rang out from below the fighting pair. "Signal the troops."
"I'm a bit busy, Pete," Edmund replied as he attempted to shove the soldier backwards. His attempt paid off, for the Telmarine was dazed enough by Peter's entrance to loose focus. With the soldier finally away from him, Edmund ripped his sword from his opponent's hand and began a montage of fierce attacks. Taken aback by Edmund's power, the soldier was unable to do anything more than defend himself. With one final blow, Edmund pushed the Telmarine back before grabbing the now dim torch and whacking the soldier across the head with it. Knocked unconscious, the Telmarine fell to the ground, his sword strewn out beside him.
With the soldier lying at his feet, Edmund shook his electric torch in an effort to ignite the beam. "Bloody hell," he whispered as he beat the object against the wall in frustration. Below him Peter, Susan, and Caspian were struggling to open the gate, but their success would be fruitless if Edmund was not able to signal the troops.
"Ah ha!" Edmund yelled triumphantly when light shot from the end of the torch. Instantly Edmund pushed his hand forward and began to signal. Brimming with adrenalin the troops headed towards the castle upon seeing the first light of the torch.
The battle had officially begun.
BBBBB
Cara paid little attention to the thundering bell as she maneuvered her way down halls and through courtyards. Around her the castle seemed to be erupting with life, but she fought no one, opting instead to hide behind corners and statues as guard rushed passed her, for the only thought on her mind was reaching the voice that continued to echo in her mind.
Ducking behind a bust of Caspian I, Cara watched a horde of soldiers run passed her. Beneath her hazy dreams were thoughts of Peter and a growing fear that she was not the only one trapped deep within the castle walls. With Peter in her mind, Cara began to regain her senses, but the whispers and visions fought for their place within her, and soon the High King was pushed fully out.
Finally the last of the Telmarines disappeared into the shadows of the corridor, and with shaky steps Cara made her way to her feet and down the darkened hall. Her leg throbbed beneath her, but the High Queen ignored the growing pain and continued forward.
It was not long until the moon's light began to appear before her, the hall opened into a grand courtyard at the very center of the stronghold. Cara's head swam as she walked towards it; her steps became slower and her eyes fixated. What had been calling to her was soon to be in her grasp, and the fear and excitement of finding it was overwhelming.
Unlike the majority of the castle, the courtyard was filled with an array of trees and sculptures, but Cara paid little attention to anything save for the relic in the very center. It was a great horse made of carved marble and gold, the armor on its back and neck glowing in the faint moon. His two hind hooves were planted upon the block of stone beneath him, but his front were held into the air as his body reared away from something before him.
Cara's heart pounded as she made her way towards it, her memories and visions becoming solid in her mind. Alvaro stood before her—her guard, her companion—was sleeping in stone just as she had.
With a shaky hand, Cara reached out towards the statue, her fingers grazing across the smooth surface of the horse's hoof. Looking up and the animal's exposed underbelly, she noticed that the marble encasing him still displayed the beauty of his coat. Grayish black covered his body, while spurts of white circles dotted its surface. While his sister Altair depicted the light of a star, Alvaro was the entire night sky.
Slowly Cara's palm pressed along the cold stone of his leg, immediate warmth flowing from her fingers and into his body. Hard marble turned to soft fur as Cara continued to run her hand up the sculpture's hind leg and onto his flank. Warmth shot from her fingers just as it had Peter's; the essence of life spreading quickly over the stone surface.
As Cara's hands continued to move, the brilliant gold of Alvaro's armor glinted with brilliance in the waning light, and his mane and tail began to move in the soft breeze. Without warning, the heavy front hooves of the horse lurched forward onto the marble, the power of the fall cracking the stone underneath.
Cara moved towards her companion's head as he crumbled forward off of his pillar and onto the ground. "Alvaro," she whispered repeatedly into his mane as his eyes blinked with life and his feet wobbled on the shaky ground.
With careful steps, the horse made his way back to his feet, his noble eyes scanning the courtyard surrounding him. After finding his balance, Alvaro turned his eyes towards Cara, a soft nicker leaving his mouth as he nuzzled her with his gray nose. Although Cara's head was now clear, her eyes were brimming with tears at the sight of her lost friend.
As the High Queen's fingers softly ran over Alvaro's face, his ear perked up at the sounds of distant battle and the clanking of feet on stone. Moving passed Cara, Alvaro trotted a few steps towards the battle before stopping with his head held high and his quick eyes searching. Suddenly he called; a deep sound that rolled from his chest and passed his lips. With excitement he turned to Cara before returning his gaze to the battle.
Feeling his power and drive surge through her, Cara made her way to his side and mounted, her petite figure fitting perfectly between the grooves of the golden armor. Alvaro moved forward immediately, his heavy feet pounding into the hard stone, and his ears erect with excitement.
BBBBB
Trumpkin's forehead was squeezed into tight lines as he leaned forward into the handle of the bridge lever. Slowly the giant wheel began to move, each step becoming slightly easier than the last. Below the dwarf were Reepicheep as his troop; their little feet moving steadily forward as they pushed against the bottom of the lever.
Unable to locate his High Queen, Trumpkin had continued on with their duty. With the help of the mice, he was able to make his way into the bridge control room, but the task was harder without the assistance of Cara, and the dwarf was well behind schedule.
With one last push the thunderous roar of the bridge falling echoed through the castle. Trumpkin relaxed his limbs and allowed his head to rest for a moment on the handle before him. He task was now complete, but the possibility of it being too late caused the crease in his brow to remain intact.
"To battle!" Reepicheep yelled as he pulled his sword from its sheath and made his way towards a far window. Trumpkin let out a deep breath as he pushed himself from the lever and followed after the cheering troop of valiant mice.
Trumpkin reached the window just in time to watch a horde of Narnians push passed a flimsy gate and into the castle. Telmarines began to crumble to the ground as minotaurs and centaurs cantered over them and deeper into the castle.
Reepicheep allowed another sound of excitement to leave his mouth as Peter's voice rang through the air. "For Narnia!" the mouse yelled as he jumped from the window ledge and onto the roof below it. Filled with renewed excitement, Trumpkin began to follow suit, but the door behind him flew open revealing a small group of Telmarine soldiers.
Working quickly, the dwarf readied his bow and shot the first soldier that made his way into the room, but the others followed quickly and it was only moments before they were upon him. Unable to leave his spot, Trumpkin attempted to set another arrow to his bow. Although the dwarf was fast, his speed was no match for shear strength, and as Trumpkin fell from the open window and onto the hard stone below, his mind reached out to Aslan for the very first time.
BBBBB
Peter's eyes remained on the figure of Miraz as he fought his way towards the balcony where the King was watching silently. The man was tall with broad shoulders and a dark face. His eyes watched the battle below with little interest, his posture displaying what little concern he had for Narnian victory.
Fueled by anger, Peter slashed through all that approached him. He still had a chance to make this bloodbath worth while. If he could only reach the stone cold man perched high above him, he could end this entire escapade and return Narnia to its people, but as one of his most faithful troops fell from the King's balcony with an arrow piercing his heart, Peter began to realize that this night would never end in victory. Death was approaching them all, and quickly.
Far below Peter, Susan watched in horror as the halls surrounding them began to fill with Telmarines; their bows pointed downward and ready to fire. The night filled with sharp clanking as the Telmarines managed to sever the weight holding the gait open and the metal wall fell quickly to the ground. The great minotaur Asterius charged the gate, his shoulders catching the heavy metal as it flew downward.
His thunderous voice rang out as he sunk lower into the ground, but he did not give in to the pain that was mow coursing through his shoulders. Susan's heart lurched at the sound and he eyes sought out her brother. It was over. They had to leave.
When she found him, Peter was staring open mouthed at the battle below him. They were outnumbered and soon to be trapped. After casting one quick glance to Miraz, who was sporting an arrogant smirk, Peter turned to his troop and shouted into the air. "Fall back!" he yelled as he began to descend that stairs and make his way towards the gate that was barely open.
Hearing Peter's orders, Caspian made his way quickly to the stables and the hiding place of Dr. Cornelius, whom he had managed to rescue from deep within the castle. Peter's voice continued to echo across the battle ground as he ushered his troops closer and closer towards the open gate. Susan glanced around at the horror unfolding around her. Never before had she seen such death.
"Get her out of here," Peter said to Glenstorm as he made his way passed the general. Hearing her brother's voice, Susan turned towards the approaching centaur and leapt upon his back. Soon her body was free from danger, but her heart remained in the castle and with her people.
Peter's mind filled with panic as he continued to yell for his troops to flee, and his heart raced with fear as his eyes continued to search for Cara. Around him Narnians were being slain as they attempted to retreat, and above him King Miraz ordered his general to let loose the arrows. It was impossible for all to escape, and as Peter continued to fight his way towards the gate, he began to only care for the safety of those closest to him.
"Cara!" he yelled as he looked wildly around. Only feet from him a soldier was carrying the crumbled form of Trumpkin towards the exit, but the High Queen was still nowhere to be found.
"Where is Cara?" Peter yelled to Caspian as the Prince cantered towards him with another horse in tow.
"I saw her escape," Caspian responded as he continued towards the gate. Peter nodded in response, his heart feeling slightly lighter at the Prince's words.
As more Telmarines trickled into the courtyard, Caspian spurred his horse forward. Finding his steed leaving, Peter ran quickly to the side of the rider-less horse trailing behind Caspian and leapt onto its back.
Arrows began to rain down upon them as they galloped towards the bridge and from the castle. Peter had to force himself to continue forward as his troops were slaughtered around him. With two long strides, Caspian, Dr. Cornelius, and Peter made their way beyond the gate and out of the Telmarine stronghold.
Shaking with dread, Peter stopped his horse and watched as the brave Asterius strained against the weight of the gate and the five arrows that were now sticking from his legs and torso. Finally his strength waned, and with a thunderous clank the metal gate fell onto the collapsed minotaur.
Peter's heart burned as his people called to him from within the castle walls, their arms and voices reaching beyond the gate. "Peter!" Caspian's voice rang out. "The bridge!" Peter turned at the sound of the prince's voice, his eyes taking in the sight of the quickly rising bridge. After giving one last soulful glance to those dieing behind him, Peter urged his horse forward and over the small space of air created by the rising wood.
A griffon swooped low just as Peter reached the others whom had managed to escape, Edmund clinging tightly to the feather's upon its back. Peter nodded quickly to his brother before searching those around him. A deafening amount of Panic filled his chest as his eyes saw nothing of Cara.
"Where is she?" he yelled as he turned to Caspian. "You told me she escaped."
Caspian's eyes quickly surveyed the area, his body filling with just as much adrenalin and fear. "You told me she was ok," Peter shouted as he rode his horse closer to the Prince. Caspian looked at Peter with wide, frightened eyes, his mind realizing that it was Susan he had seen.
Peter's heart beat became haphazard as he looked back towards the castle. "I'm not leaving her," he said to the group, causing Susan to cling to Glenstorm in fear.
"Peter, what can you do?" the gentle Queen asked in a shaky voice. Looking wildly about, Peter turned to Edmund, his eyes focusing on the griffon before him.
"Get off," he said as he dismounted his horse and marched towards the winged creature.
"That is suicide," Caspian said as he moved his horse in front of Peter cutting him off. Peter look up at the boy with complete hatred.
"Move," he said in an even tone.
"Peter, he is right. There is nothing you can do now. We have already lost a royal; do not force us to lose another," Edmund interjected.
"Don't you dare say that," Peter shot at Edmund. "She could still be alive. She has to be alive!" he added, his voice becoming shaky and torn with fear. Edmund looked at his brother with pity, while silent tears began to work their way down Susan's cheeks.
"I'm sorry, Pete," Edmund said softly, causing Peter to clench his fingers tightly and stumble to the ground. With a sigh of regret, Edmund climbed from his griffon and made his way towards Peter. "You are High King," he said into Peter's damp hair. "Rise to your feet and return to the How. I will make a final sweep over the castle and report to you what I see."
Peter let out a shaky breath as he made his way to his feet and over to his horse. His jaw was clenched tightly in an attempt to remain calm, but all around him could see the anguish in his eyes. The High King watched as Edmund remounted the griffon and took off into the night sky, his heart reaching out to Aslan as it had not since his first departure from Narnia.
With one last look towards the castle, Peter ushered his horse into a gallop and headed for the Shuddering Woods, his mind recalling every detail that had just transpired. As the group rode forward, hatred began to take the place of sadness, for Peter's mind seemed to grasp onto the simple fact that Caspian had abandoned his duties to pursue selfish wants. The loss of life and the loss of the High Queen were all the fault of Caspian's failures.
Little did the High King know, Cara's predicament was caused by the very same thing.
What happened to Cara?? Find out soon! Please review!!