Everything was prepared and waiting in the broken courtyard; the Narnians were dressed for battle and ready for the journey and the horses waited for the humans who were gathered at the door.
Eris had tears in her eyes, her light brown hair blowing in the breeze. The day was still young and it would be dark by the time the Narnian warriors reached the Telmarine castle. She watched her brother and her friends as they sheathed swords, hid knives in their boots, and filled quivers with arrows. She had been upset ever since Gabriel had told her they were going back.
"Why must you do this?" she asked as she sat on her bed with tears in her eyes. Marsonia and Genia sat on the bed across from her, their expressions solemn.
Gabriel kneeled before Eris, his light hazel eyes filled with hurt, "because it is my duty to do what is right. For my friends, for you. Understand, my sweet sister, that as long as Miraz is alive, we will never have peace."
She understood, and those were the words she repeated to herself as she watched them prepare to leave. She watched Lily, tying her gauntlets tight around her arms. Her dear friend; she would not be strong enough to let her brother go if it had not been for Lily's kind words.
Eris felt selfish for not going with them. But there were too many bad memories and risks at stake…and she was not a fighter. She did not have the soul of a warrior. She did not want Gabriel to worry about her.
They were beginning to mount their horses and Gabriel approached her at the doorway. Tears streamed down her face but she managed a smile.
"I will return," he said with a hopeful smile. "Do not worry."
He placed his hand on her cheek and she held it to her face. He kissed her forehead and turned to mount his horse.
Eris looked to the small queen standing in the courtyard next to the dwarf Trumpkin. Eris wondered how Lucy could be smiling, so calm. She was used to going off to battle with her siblings. It must not be difficult for her to be hopeful.
The others looked back at her: Lily smiled at her and she could not control the tears that flowed freely down her cheeks. Caspian was watching Lily and Eris knew nothing would happen to her. She had someone to watch over her. She saw Leland and Gabriel exchange a laugh, their faces bright for a moment with their broad smiles and she felt a little relief enter her heart.
Each of their faces was heavy with worry as they rode out of the courtyard and down the sloping plain. Their party began to gallop, the centaurs, minotaur, fauns, and other fast animals kept pace with them easily and soon they were gone within the trees.
Eris stayed at the door.