Chapter Five
I spent the night in the wilderness, wrapped in both of my woolen blankets. When the sun peaked over the mountains the next morning, I quickly packed my things again and got on my way. I hoped to reach the camp that afternoon, if I had been traveling in the right direction. And I really hoped I had.
I had to detour around the huge lake that once I could have just walked right across. But it, like the rest of the country, had melted. I trudged through fields of wildflowers and had to cross a river below the Great Waterfall. Its roaring pounded my eardrums and the mist it created made me shiver. Although I didn't know it at the time, I was crossing just south of the Witch's camp. I finally reached and crossed the Fords of Beruna, and knew I had to be nearly there.
When the sun was right overhead at midday, I began hiking up a grassy hill. Nearing the top, I stopped. I listened closely, and in the distance I heard the clanking of metal and the sound of voices. I crouched down and crawled the rest of the way to the top and then lay down on my stomach to peek across the hilltop.
I didn't have to worry. Below me the most beautiful sight greeted my eyes. Brightly colored striped tents dotted the rolling landscape and the bright spring sunshine glinted off of the armor of the Narnians as they bustled about the camp. My heart gave a hopeful leap and I stood and brushed myself off. I made my way down the hill as quickly as I could, sliding a bit on the dewy grass. When I reached the flatter land of the rocky valley, I began making my way through the sprawling camp. I tried to stay out of the way of the busy fighters and looked for where I was supposed to go. Finally I spotted a friendly looking Dog and walk over to him. "Umm, excuse me, sir, but do you mind me asking where I am supposed to go? I want to help fight." The Dog turned to me and wagged his tail. It looked like some kind of hound, with long floppy ears. "Yes, if you'll follow me I'll show you the way. Just right over here, these are the newcomers' tents. You can find one to put your things in, and then I'll take you to Moonwise. She's a centaur in charge of the…female units." The Dog trotted on ahead and I had to jog to keep up with him.
He led me to the first female centaur I had ever seen. She looked just as fierce and noble as the males. The Dog explained my situation, and then trotted off. I was left alone with the centaur. "Greetings," she said in a grave voice. "I am glad to see such a brave girl such as you come to help us conquer the Witch and take back what is rightfully ours." I nodded slightly, unsure of what to say. She smiled and went on. "You will begin your training for battle tomorrow. Report to me at dawn at the archery range." With that she turned and left me with a pounding heart. Training began the next morning. A small smile spread across my face.