Hello, everyone. I'm back. Been pretty busy these past few months plus I got the privilege of visiting the Philippines again! It was awesome and I was able to write the second half of this chapter. This one especially took forever to come up with. But thankfully it is finished as you can tell. lol I was planning to post this at March, but my co-writer and another friend insisted that I post this already since I have finished it. And thanks to those who have been patient with me. I hope to finish this story before 2010 ends. If I don't...:s But since I returned, I gave you guys a loooonnnggg chapter. :D Hope that'll make you happy!
psychpineapplelover: Thanks for helping me write this chapter. It means a lot to me! And thanks for the lumpia...and the chill pill for Rovin. And thanks a bunch for that poster you made me. I'll post it when I'm finished editing that pic. By the way, for everyone else, there's another surprise from her.
eden54: Sorry I said that I would write four chapters while I was gone. Didn't go as planned but at least I gave you guys this long chapter. Right? ;p Thanks for that long review you gave me. I appreciate it. And thanks for the popsicle and message for Rovin. And don't you worry, I'll be your faithful reviewer for your fanfic. I can't wait for the next chapter :D
PippinBaggins: Thanks a bunch for that message! Rovin was twitching again! lol Either he is happy he has a compliment or he is just shocked. Are you going to be his number one fan? And thanks for calling me an awesome authoress! You are one of the BEST! Hope you'll keep reviewing for me!
flygurlxoxo: Thanks for previewing this chapter for me! I'm glad that I'm not the only writer where we live...besides Robyn. lol Hope you keep reviewing for me! Luv ya!
Your Grace Still Amazes Me: Thanks for reminding Rovin that he has his own story already. lol Hope you keep writing your stories and reviewing for me.
muzicdreamz: I did tell him that he would have fan girls jumping up and down when he enters! He's preparing for his moment. :p And thanks for being a faithful reviewer in those early chapters. (I'm not favoring, my other reviewers. Just to let you know.) I hope you'll stay faithful to me!
HP-anime-girl: Thank you for the cookie! Rovin was savoring it with all his being. (Not that he hated all the other goodies.) I hope you enjoy this chapter!
To my other faithful reviewers: Thanks and thanks and thanks a bunch for your constancy. I really appreciate it. I apologize if I didn't list you.
Disclaimer: I don't own Narnia or anything of it. They belong to C.S. Lewis, and Walden Media owns their own work. I only own Faith and Rovin, and psychpineapplelover owns Robyn.
As everyone walked in silence to this Dancing Lawn place, Robyn and I quietly chatted to each other. Behind me, Caspian was still deep in thought and appeared to be edgy, and earlier, Robyn had tried to play 20 twenty questions with me. But when I wanted to know what had happened to her and then to keep quiet to avoid saying anything stupid, my friend's attempt for random entertainment became fruitless.
"So Rob," I started the conversation quietly, "How did you get here? What happened to you when I was gone?"
"Well," she let out a huge sigh. "After I woke up, I discovered that I was in the middle of some wood area. Looked at myself, and thought that the thugs took my mini backpack and my clothes…that was my favorite shirt too," Robyn started to mope.
I, on the other hand, didn't feel any sympathy for her small loss. "Okay, okay. Forget the shirt. That was my least favorite shirt anyways."
"Hey! At least you were not the one wearing it," my friend protested.
I scoffed. "Whatever. Just…what else happened?"
Robyn continued. "I wandered around for a minute until I accidentally ran into Cloudbirth while he says that he knew I was there. Whoa, did I ever get the shock of my life when I ran into him!"
I arched an eyebrow at Robyn.
"Well, I didn't see him. Anyways, he took me as an enemy and, man, that was a gigantic sword. I tried to explain my situation to him, but he wouldn't listen. As soon as he dragged me to Glenstorm (I guess he's kind of their leader) and the others, I tried to explain again but in very simple English. (You should have been there, man. It was funny watching their faces.) Then when they said Telmarine, I looked at them like what? Then started to reason that I wasn't one. They didn't believe me at first until I said I didn't know the capital (if they had one), who was currently ruling, what money currency they use, that I didn't have their accent-"
"In other words, you didn't know anything about Telmarine stuff. Huh. Weren't you desperate," I commented with a smirk on my face.
"Yes, I was frantic," Robyn replied dryly, "Like they say: 'Desperate needs call for desperate measures'."
"Isn't it 'Desperate times call for desperate measures'?"
"Getting back to my story, I didn't realize I was in Narnia until I finally noticed where I was and what I was doing. Then I ran as far as I could and screamed like crazy."
I pictured the scene in my head. "Well that was funny… and stupid of you," I remarked again. "And really desperate!"
Robyn halted and glared at me. "Would you- don't push it, Faith, or I'll get Caspian," she threatened, "Rather I'll just drop you here and ask Caspian to leave you. Then we'll let the Telmarines come and rip you apart and hang you till you're dead and then leave. Then the birds will feast on your rotten flesh till only your bones remain. And then-"
"And then I think you watched too much Pirates of the Caribbean," I finished for her easily. "You're really becoming vulgar in that pirate mind of yours." Forgive her for her language. She's a fan of that too.
Robyn, nearly fuming now, turned her head to Caspian. "Caspian!"
I slapped my free hand on Robyn's mouth and turned her head back, facing me. "SHH! Just leave him alone! He's going through a lot anyways."
Robyn yanked my hand off. "Then give me a good reason why I shouldn't leave you here."
"It's just that it's funny. Something similar happened to me. But finish your story first."
Robyn opened her mouth to speak, but I stopped her first. "Let's get movin'. Our friend is waiting behind us." As we started to move again, my friend glanced behind her back.
"Sorry," she apologized with a sheepish smile to Caspian who was strangely smiling. I think he was listening to our conversation.
"Faith," said Caspian, "are you sure you don't need a lift? You might worsen the swelling if you continue to lightly walk on that foot, and it will take longer to heal." (For every now and then, I was trying my ankle.)
But I glanced back at Caspian and shook my head. "No, it's fine, Caspian. I can handle it. But thanks again." But I was lying. Hobbling or hopping to Dancing Lawn was almost unbearable to do even with Robyn helping me along the way. I even noticed I was taking small breaths.
"You sure? Sounds like you're tired too," Robyn asked with a little worry.
"Yeah, yeah," I answered carelessly, "Besides, you'd be laughing at me, Robyn, if you see me piggy-back riding him." Then I remembered and glanced back at Caspian. "Again, I have nothing against you."
Robyn cleared her throat. "As I was saying, after screaming like a mad man..."
"Mad woman," I fake coughed.
The other growled and yanked the arm she had over her shoulders. "Will you cut it out?"
"Ow!" I exclaimed, "Okay, okay. I'll shut up! Can't you see I'm tender here?" Behind me, I heard Caspian trying to contain a small chuckle. "Hey! I heard that," I called in irritation, "Mind if you stop being snoopy around us?"
Caspian ceased to laugh, but by the way he responded, I could tell he was still smiling, "Sorry, Faith. It's just that you two have an unusual conversation. Pardon me, Robyn, but we're not that cruel. We give a woman the respect as expected." He paused for a moment. "And what's this Pirates of the…? Who are they?" he asked curiously.
"Pirates of the Caribbean," I corrected him, "It's a movie trilogy my friend's really obsessed with."
"Excuse me! I'm not that obsessed," an offended Robyn jumped in.
"Um, may I remind you? Yes, you are that obsessed."
"Am not!"
"Are too!"
"Am not!"
"Fine! Who squeals with her sister every time Orlando Bloom comes into the picture? Whether Lord of the Rings or Pirates? Legolas or William Turner? WHO?"
"That was two years ago!"
"You still do it!"
"Oh yeah? Who goes on Narniaweb every single day? Who keeps me updated on everything? Who's squeaking every time Skandar Keynes shows his face? You tell me who, Faith!"
Instead of trying to be in denial, I gave Robyn a perplexed look. "I do? I don't remember that. I don't even remember a website called Narniaweb. And who's this Skandar Keynes dude? Who on earth-I should say who in Narnia is he? Is he a classmate of ours? Or is he that new guy we saw at the park?"
Robyn recalled the fault. "Oh yeah. You don't remember…But you still do it! And now you're going for William Moseley instead."
"And what's the point of accusing me of something I don't remember and I probably don't do? Okay, okay. Rabbit trail. Can we get back to the story now?"
"Where was I? Oh yeah. Well after-ahem, screaming, they caught me and then knocked me out and then dragged my behind back."
"Cloudbirth didn't drag you, Robyn," Reep called from ahead of us.
"Hey! I'm just exaggerating, Reepicheep. I'm a southern girl here, okay?" countered Robyn. "And would you stop prying too?" She raised her voice here. "In fact, anyone else eavesdropping Faith and I, mind if you mind your own beeswax? Thank you and have a nice day!" She sighed in annoyance. "Seriously. Well, just to avoid any other distractions, the end is just that I calmed down, and they took care of me, and here we are. And there you have it in a nutshell."
I gave it a thought. "So…when did this all happen?"
Robyn scrunched up her face to try to remember. "Maybe about...three days ago. Now what about you?"
I told my story to Robyn of what happened to me (three days ago too, I told her) and how Trufflehunter, Trumpkin, Nikabrik, and I met Caspian, leaving out the part where I dragged Caspian's behind in. I was about to tell Caspian's story, but Robyn cut me off reminding me that she knew Caspian's whole story already. Robyn tried to get me to play Black Magic, but her efforts were unrewarded once again.
Everyone walked in silence with the exception of Caspian. For every few minutes, the prince would offer me a piggy-back ride which I politely turned down every time, but his persistence was got on my nerves. After the tenth time he asked, I felt like chewing off his ear with a good long lecture about touching. For the thousandth time, Caspian, I don't need your assistance. I don't touch boys for no reason, I had mentally said to Caspian.
Robyn noticed Caspian's offers and asked me, "Didn't you tell him that we don't touch guys?"
I frowned. "Forgot to tell that part to him," I said in a low voice.
"Well, do you plan to tell him?"
"He's not a Christian…I guess it's safe to say. He wouldn't understand all that. How do I tell him in a…how do I say this…polite manner?"
"I don't know. Just tell him at least."
"But-"
"Just tell him. Just get it over with."
I sighed and cleared my throat. "Um, Caspian?" I called back to Caspian.
"Yes, Faith?" he responded.
"I…" but I hesitated. "Never mind. I'll tell you later."
"Alright."
Robyn snickered from my sissy move. "Chicken."
"What you say is what you are," I bit back.
"Too late. That's an old saying," she responded with a triumphant smile.
"Then why don't you tell him?"
She now had an evil grin. "I think he likes you," she whispered in a sarcastic tone.
"Wha-Well, you just crossed the line, buddy! I am a-"
And soon Robyn and I were squabbling against each other like good old friends do. No. More like sisters do. Actually like annoying chipmunks. Though I no longer had a hoot for what the others said or thought about us, I thought I heard Nikabrik grouse to Trufflehunter, "And I thought they missed each other."
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoO
The walk to this Dancing Lawn place seemed like hours despite what Robyn said about it only being a half a mile away. Now I had wished I had accepted Caspian's offer of a piggy back ride, for I was extremely tired (to be formal, exhausted with thirst.) But in reality, it was only a ten minute walk compared to our long travel from Trufflehunter's home to Fern Forest. I guess it seemed longer because I was hopping with a sprained left ankle, and I slowed everyone down.
We finally arrived at some new clump of forest; ahead of us, there were towering stones with moss and branches sticking out, and more vegetation grew around the rocks so it was somewhat concealed. I also could hear a faint, small gurgle of water nearby. Nobody except us were to be seen.
"The Narnians used to use this place as a party hangout," my friend started to explain, "now they seldom use it since they hide more often with the exception of this morning. Wouldn't that be awesome if we used this place as a party hangout? Think of all the things-"
"Robyn!" I scolded with a frown.
"Alright! Sorry!" A chuckle of two was heard from ahead of us.
When I glanced at Caspian, he seemed as if he was in wonder and awe. "My nurse mentioned this place once or twice at least," he said quietly.
I gave Caspian a questioning look. "Nurse? Were you sick or somethin'?"
Caspian shook his head. "No, no. She took care of me."
"As in caretaker or babysitter? Right?"
"I…I mean in rearing me up if that's what you mean. My mother..." once more he drifted off. That's a very tender spot of his I tell ya.
"Sorry, Caspian. My friend and I come from the far future in our world." (Caspian didn't react to this because I told him earlier.) "Yo no comprendo. Our terminology is…different from yours…kind of…in a way…I guess." I scrunched my face and tried to ponder.
Unfortunately, Robyn added more than necessary. "In fact, many words in our English language have totally different meanings today than fifty years ago. Like-"
I slapped her mouth shut before she could say more. "Whoa, whoa, whoa! That's T.M.I., you historian! (That means Too Much Information, Caspian.) He doesn't want- need to know anything of our time. Okay? Okay."
"Historian? You called me a 'historian'? Really, Faith? Really?" Robyn shot back, but I ignored her.
...*Sigh* Okay! Excuse me for my weird outbursts, readers and reviewers.I'll just give a summary of what happened next, for our conversations, mostly Robyn and mine's, were filled with rabbit trails, and I think it would mean that this part of the story would be boring to you if I fill in details. Even if you would enjoy our chitchats, I don't have the time or space to tell you.
When they took us to the middle of Dancing Lawn, I observed what the place was like; it reminded me of a natural coliseum or the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Only smaller. It wasn't a rectangular area, but it was round. The middle was just a small grass lawn like the main stage of a theater. Huge slabs of rock were somewhat stacked like stairs so they were like small platforms at various areas, and moss and turf covered some rocks like a blanket. Tall trees were jutting beside or between the rocks. Nobody was there except our group, and the place was quiet with the ripple of the small waterfall with a pool. I never found out if the water was drinkable. If we had a place similar to Dancing Lawn, I think it would pass as the perfect spot for yoga or meditation. In fact, I was thinking that I should just randomly sit down, cross my legs, hold my arms and hands out, close my eyes, and start humming. However, I put down the temptation. But if I did so, you probably can picture everyone else's reaction.
After Glenstorm was done with the tour, Reep, the mouse, went to do his own little business, and the old centaur sent out Cloudbirth and the other two centaurs (I had forgotten their names momentarily) with the message for the others to meet at Dancing Lawn at midnight for 'it was of the utmost importance' as he put it; the meeting concerned the horn that Caspian held. Robyn informed me that the Narnians (excluding Trufflehunter, Trumpkin, and Nikabrik) had a gathering early this morning.
"And you know, that horn woke me up like an alarm clock," Robyn declared with a chuckle.
Further away from Dancing Lawn, Glenstorm took us to his home which was obviously a lot bigger than Trufflehunter's cave and his house wasn't under a gigantic tree stump. Inside, there was a fireplace with a kitchen and a pantry for their gigantic storage of food (I don't get how they got so much food if they live in seclusion), but I didn't spot a living room or family room or even bedrooms. Just mostly empty areas. But I did notice one mat on the floor with a blanket and patches of dried grass at different places. I guessed rightly that the mat was Robyn's. When I asked Robyn how the centaurs slept, she said that they slept on their knees which explained the huge bird nests.
Glenstorm's wife Windmane wasn't exactly inviting to Caspian and me, since she knew Caspian was a Telmarine and assumed I was one too. She was familiar with Robyn and the others, but she didn't accept us two. Fortunately, Glenstorm, Robyn, and Trufflehunter backed us up, while Nikabrik remained mute. Then after all the commotion, we were given a nice meal of hot soup and buttered bread. (The soup was much better than Trufflehunter's, I'll say.) Windmane accepted me fine, but she was very shifty with Caspian who was now obviously uncomfortable. He had barely spoken a word after visiting Dancing Lawn. I tried to assure him that the Narnians would eventually accept him, but I didn't know if that helped in any way.
After dinner was finished, Trufflehunter redid my bandage and suggested that I take a rest and then have someone wake me in time for the meeting, for he said that waiting till midnight would be tiresome since it was only past 6. Robyn volunteered to be my alarm clock since she was a night person, and Caspian didn't want to take a nap because he said he wasn't tired. Glenstorm and Nikabrik headed out to somewhere, Caspian and Trufflehunter quietly sat down in a corner started to have a conversation, Windmane started to clean the dishes, while Robyn offered me her mat and said that she would just sit outside of the house. After I snuggled into a comfortable position, I slowly fell into a deep sleep, a deep dream. But I had forgotten to say my prayers, for the dream was of the meeting. A very bad meeting.
In the nightmare, Caspian and I were standing in the middle of Dancing Lawn with people or creatures (I couldn't tell what they were for their faces were shadowed) were yelling and shouting for us to get out there. But I also heard a shouts of 'Kill them!' I couldn't find Robyn or any of the other guys. I couldn't see Caspian's expression. Everything seemed to be distant and hazy. The next thing the 'things' did was throw weapons at us. Arrows, javelins, spears, swords, daggers, whatever. Anything that was sharp. I tried to shield myself, but suddenly, everything blurred, and we were back at the Fern Forest except it was dark.
Kill them!' a distant shout rang in the air. I look behind my back and see grown-up men in armor. And we were once more chased by the soldiers, but it didn't matter how fast we ran for more soldiers appeared every second. Finally, Telmarines shot up right in front of us. When I tried to play dodge (I didn't see what Caspian did), they fiercely grabbed us and cruelly brought us to our knees. W e were now captured. But a bizarre thing happened again, the soldiers unexpectedly transformed (it was something like melting) into thugs with batons, guns, and ugly expressions on their faces, and Caspian transformed (It was a flash of light) into Robyn with horrific eyes. With these changes, a gradual sense of something tugging or pulling me was increasing. I stared at my captor; he was grinning evilly and pointing a gun at me.
"Any last words?" he spat.
And my response was: "Holy Boloney!" He cocked the gun and pointed the head to my head, ready to blow my brains out.
Yet again another strange thing occurred. Everything rapidly blacked out. Then with a scream from Robyn and the sound of a gun being fired, I shot up…in bed with a gasp and Robyn sitting beside me.
Robyn heaved an irritated sound. "Finally! I've been trying to wake you up for the past two minutes!"
"Ah!" I sighed with relief, "You just woke me up from a nightmare. Thanks a bunch. Wow! That was some nightmare!" I declared as I slowly stretched myself.
Everybody was gone, including Caspian. The fire was out, and the place was nearly black. And I could hear faint shouts from outside. "Uh... where's everybody?"
"At Dancing Lawn, of course! You are late! So we've gotta go now!"
I yawned and rubbed my eyelids. "Mmm. Just five more minutes,"
But my friend didn't agree. After slapping my face a few times, my BFF yanked me up really hard, and I winced from forgetfully using the wrong foot for support. Robyn slung my left arm over shoulders and hurriedly walked out of the house. An annoying headache came on.
"Slow down, man," I whined as I rubbed my head, "I just got up from bed."
Instead of listening to my complaint, my friend started to explain the present situation. "Sorry, I forgot about you. Good thing the badger reminded me of you. Not going good so far. Even though Caspian tried to explain everything, no one believes him (except the others) and, of course, Nick is accusing him a criminal. Poor guy hasn't said much or hasn't anything else to say. I think he needs your help."
I just rubbed my head more. "How can I help him? They'll think I'm a Telmarine too. Even if they believe that I'm from a different world, how is that gonna help Prince Charming?"
"I dunno. Just do what you do. Oh, by the way, I already explained to everyone else who you are."
"Well, that helps," I muttered and groaned, "Man, this headache is killing me!"
Now as we were nearing Dancing Lawn, there were sounds of shouting, howling, growling, snarling, cawing, etc. - you get the picture. As we got closer to the entrance, I could hear words like 'Murderer!', 'Thief!', 'Kill him!', and 'Liar!' Sounds like a mad mob in the house tonight.
Right when we were at the entrance, I stopped Robyn. "Wait. Let's just stay here and listen. We don't want to make anything worse."
"No, we won't, you worry wart," urged Robyn, "Come on."
I plunked myself on the ground. "Please? Can't we just listen first?" I rubbed my head again and groaned. "This is gonna drive me crazy."
"Nuh-uh! We are going in whether you like it or not, Faith. And that's final." She proceeded to lift me. More like jerk me up in my private opinion.
When she started to move, I balked. For a minute, Robyn and I struggled with grunts and growls from each other; I tried to bite her hand so she would let go of me. After she did release her grip on me, my BFF attempted -scratch that- actually dragged me into the entrance and would have hauled me into Dancing Lawn itself if I had not grabbed a sturdy root of a tree that was sticking out. Thankfully, our little fight wasn't overheard or seen since everyone else was hollering, and we were in the darkness of the entrance. Something similar to a tunnel. And we both eventually calmed down and worked it out which meant I was victorious.
Where we were standing (actually Robyn was standing while I was sitting), I could see what was happening in a clear perspective. Though it was dark, there was moon light, and fire-lit lanterns were dotted about in the place. They were either held by something or someone-I should say-, hanged on a branch, or just placed on the ground. In in the middle, Caspian, whose his back was towards us, was holding Queen Susan's horn; he was silently looking on as he received accusations with pointing fingers, shaking fists, roars, and drawn swords raised above their heads. On my left, Nikabrik was near the little pool while sneering and pointing at Caspian. Trufflehunter, who was opposite of the black dwarf, was wordlessly watching the whole thing. Glenstorm and his family were facing us (or on Trufflehunter's right) and standing as still as statues. No word came out of their mouths, but Windmane had her sword drawn. That's odd. Never saw her with a sword. And I couldn't find Reep or his group.
When I looked surveyed the audience, I didn't see them as jaw-dropping or heart-stopping, yet I was surprised that I wasn't surprised. I wouldn't blame you if you find it strange for me to just suddenly be familiar with creatures you've never seen in real life. Of course, the audience consisted of Narnians. Both from the good side and the bad side. Narnians ranging from great to small and old to young were there. There were the talking animals of course: Bears, boars, cheetahs, tigers, panthers, and other types of huge cats, wolves, maybe a fox or two, and mice. I didn't remember seeing any other animals. And the mythological people (to us) were present too: centaurs, fauns, satyrs, minotaurs, dwarfs -well, they're probably not mythical to us since we see one every one and then in our world-, and one small -if he could be called small- giant who had a club.
The racket died down as Nick started to shout: "All this horn proves is that they've stolen yet another thing from us!" Of course he would be the little instigator! You sneak!
"I didn't steal anything," I heard Caspian respond in a bitter tone but sounding more like he was on the merge of crying.
"Didn't steal anything?" a Minotaur reacted with his deep, growling voice, "Shall we list the things the Telmarines have taken?"
Yet from all the hullabaloo of different answers being shouted, I heard distinct voices. "Our homes!" I heard Windmane respond.
"Our freedom!" another faun pointed.
"Our lives!" someone I couldn't see had said. And here the commotion increased, but everyone quieted down eventually.
Caspian raised his voice for all to hear. "You would hold me accountable for all the crimes of my people?"
By that point, I wanted to reach out to poor and unfortunate Caspian. But...What would be the use? I sighed sadly. I looked up at Robyn, and she seemed as if she helplessly pitied Caspian too. But she didn't glance at me.
Nikabrik walked right up to Caspian and said, "Accountable…and punishable." However, only a weak shout or two rang. Nobody else responded to this except one group- the mice.
All of them drew their swords as Reep exclaimed, "Ha! Those are words coming from you, dwarf." The chief mouse nimbly walked to Nikabrik, waving his sword at the dwarf. "Or have you forgotten that it was your people who fought alongside the White Witch?"
Nikabrik scornfully flicked Reep's sword, insulting the mouse's honor. "And I would gladly do it again," spat Nikabrik as he turned his glare on Caspian, "if it would rid of us of these…barbarians!"
"Why you little pig! I'm gonna-Mmm!" Robyn had slapped my mouth shut. I was probably too loud to her.
"Then it is lucky for you that it is not in your power to bring her back," Trufflehunter suddenly declared as he stepped forward, "…or are you suggesting that we ask this boy to go against Aslan now?" There you go!
At the mention of Aslan's name, there was uproar amongst the crowd and a delayed 'no' from the giant who apparently wasn't listening to the conversation. The audience settled down and Robyn removed her hand as Trufflehunter started to continue.
"Some of you have forgotten," he reminded the Narnians, "but we badgers remember well…that Narnia was never right…except when a Son of Adam was king."
However, this statement didn't please Nikabrik of course. Instead, he used his favorite excuse. "He's a Telmarine. Why would we want him as our king?"
It was obvious that they didn't want Caspian at all. Generally speaking, the Narnians' answer for that was, "We don't him as our king, and we want to get rid of him!" Come on! Defend yourself!
"Say something, Caspian! Dude, you're on the brink of death right now! You'll be toast or roasted pig!" I hissed. Though roasted pig sounds good right now.
"Actually, he'll be a weenie if he doesn't do anything, Faith," Robyn said quietly, "Oh. I just figured it out."
"What?"
"That'll make him a hotdog! Yum! Oh ho ho, even better! With chili!"
The only answer she received from me was a cold stare. Really. You're thinking about food now. That sure helps, Robyn. But I shook my head, turning my focus back to the main problem.
Now the Narnians were ready to get rid of Caspian whether Trufflehunter approved or not. Even the minotaur that had spoken earlier stepped forward with his sword drawn, ready to kill the Telmarine right on the spot though Cloudbirth held him back. But in a final attempt of winning the Narnians' trust, Caspian cried, "I can help you!" to which everyone stopped.
Seeing that he had a chance, he continued to explain. "Beyond these woods, I'm a prince." Silence. "The Telmarine throne is rightfully mine. Help me claim it. And I can bring peace between us." Caspian stopped talking and looked on with silent, but hopeful eyes.
And Caspian's request for help wasn't in vain. Whispers and murmurings spread throughout the crowd as Glenstorm slowly walked to his left and began to speak.
"It is true," he confirmed to everyone, "The time is ripe." He stopped where Trufflehunter was previously standing. "I watch the skies, for it is mine to watch as it is yours to remember, badger." The centaur raised his head to the night skies. "Tarva, the Lord of Victory, and Alambil, the Lady of Peace, have come together in the high heavens." Glenstorm solemnly turned his gaze to the Telmarine. "And now here, a Son of Adam has come forth…to offer us back our freedom." More whispering and murmuring.
"Is it possible?" A squirrel's voice suddenly chattered from above, "Do you really think there could be peace? Do you? I mean-I mean, really?" Well there's one for you, Caspian; this could be your ticket.
Instead of answering the squirrel's question, Caspian started this speech, moving around constantly for everyone to see his face: "Two days ago, I didn't believe in the existence of talking animals (Here, he gestured to a jaguar), or dwarfs (he gestured to Nikabrik), or centaurs (he gestured to Glenstorm). And yet, here you are…in strength and numbers that we Telmarines could never have imagined. (He raised the horn for all to see.) Whether this horn is magic or not, it brought us together. And together, we have a chance to take back what is ours." Now determination was on the prince's face.
As if second-motioning the Telmarine, Glenstorm, who was facing Caspian, announced, "If you will lead us, then my sons and I…"He drew his extremely, lengthy sword from his side and held it out in salute to the prince. "…offer you our swords."
As soon as Glenstorm had said this, Cloudbirth and- I'll just have to ask Robyn later for the other two guys' names- unsheathed their long swords and likewise saluted Caspian. But it didn't stop there. One by one, every Narnian drew his weapon (whether a sword, rapier, bow, long knives, or whatever) and held it up as if to say "We'll follow you." They all agreed with the old centaur. I, however, didn't find it an amazing moment or like the climax. I found it quite awkward watching the scenario unfolding before my eyes. Maybe it was just because that there was no majestic score playing in the background. Or it was like just an angry mob of accusers just shrug their shoulders and say 'Okay! We'll let you go,' after just hearing the defendant's plea for mercy. Everyone had their mouths shut except Caspian who was dazed and amazed at the Narnians' positive response. No one spoke so that the sounds made were the unsheathing of swords and the miniature fountain. I thought everyone was just going to remain silent until Reep said:
"And we offer you our lives…unreservedly," the mouse avowed as he twirled his sword and then bowed. I guess he meant the mice clan. Group…army…soldiers…guards?...oh, company.
Caspian still didn't say a word while I smirked, just watching him look gaga. "Wake up, man! You'll look weird if you don't."
Trufflehunter stepped forward once more. "Miraz's army will not be far behind, sire," he pointed out as the Narnians lowered their weapons to their sides.
Now Caspian seemed to have snapped awake from his trance. "If we are to be ready for them…" the prince choked a bit, "we'll need to hurry to find soldiers and weapons." He turned his gaze to Glenstorm who still held out his sword to him. "I'm sure they will be here soon." Then silence.
I heaved a sigh, seeing that nobody would break the silence. "Okay. Now you can drag me. They're done."
But instead of listening me, Robyn started to Caspian. "Encore, Caspian! Encore!" she applauded, clapping her hands, "That was a short, but very effective speech. One of the best! If you were in speech class, I would have given you an 'A'! Marvelous job! All it needed was some background music! Does anyone have a clarinet? Or perhaps a guitar? Orchestration would do a lot better." The nerve of her to leave me like that!
"Hey!" I shouted, "Do I have drag my bottom myself?" I growled as I got on both knees and started to walk on all fours, careful not to use my sprained ankle.
As I crawled to Caspian and Robyn who had started to happily chat with him, I received gasps of astonishment and stares that were piercing me like knives. That became one of the most embarrassing moments of my life...apart from running into a parked van and getting half of your two front teeth knocked out or unconsciously laughing at a random moment during school chapel. Now they were all whispering, and snarling was coming up in their systems. Caspian and Robyn still didn't notice until I heard Caspian ask: "Where's Faith?"
"This is ridiculous. I'm making myself look like an idiot. So much for first impressions," I muttered under my breath, "Oh, and look. They look like they want to me alive." I cleared my throat loudly so Caspian and Robyn (basically everyone) could hear. "Hey, Robyn! I need help here. I'm making myself a fool, and they look like they can be cannibalistic." One minotaur really growled at me. Oh boy! I'll be toast! I'll be the weenie instead of Caspian!
Finally, the others noticed. Trufflehunter came to my assistance and was first by my side while scolding me for going on my own, Nikabrik just smirked as he watched me look stupid, Robyn kept repeating 'Sorry! My bad!' as she followed Truflehunter, but Caspian just looked at me in amusement. After Robyn had helped me on my feet, she slung my left arm over her shoulders and stood up.
Robyn cleared her throat and loudly announced, "Everybody! This is Faith. The friend I was talking about. She is not a Telmarine as I told you, and she is on our side so there is no need to go berserk."
"She is in my service," added Caspian, "And if there's anybody who doesn't like her presence may leave the army at once." Everyone resumed to talking quietly.
I sighed with relief. "Wow! Thanks, Caspian. I owe you one." Then I glared at Robyn. "No thanks to you, buddy!"
"What?" She exclaimed. "No thanks for me?"
"What were you just doing earlier, Faith?" asked Caspian.
"What did it look like what I was doing?" I responded in a high voice with rolling eyes.
"And why did you not come earlier? This might have gone by much easier if you were with me."
"I woke up late and…that's all I say. Not that there's any secret, bro. But just bear with me, Caspian. I'll be tiresome occasionally."
Everyone grew quiet with the exception of whispering Narnians until Robyn asked: "So…what do we do now?"
"What did Caspian just say?" I whispered in an annoyed tone.
"Find soldiers and weapons, Robyn," answered Caspian who apparently didn't hear me. He turned his voice to the others. "Though I know that most of you Narnians are armed, I do not think that is enough for our army. I hear that dwarfs' smith works are of fine quality,"(Some of the midgets voiced their agreement) "but we only have a limited time. Our enemy is at Beruna as we speak." Some of the Narnians gasped and immediately started murmuring.
"When they started to ford Beruna," said Nikabrik, "the Telmarines" (I noticed how he said the word with disgust) "had set the place as their camp. By my suggestion, we should get some of our weapons from the Fords of Beruna."
Some of the crowd disagreed with Nick, yet Caspian nodded in consent. "They are not expecting an attack either. We have, at most, five days, and we can start tomorrow night. But in the meantime, we should prepare."
"Yes, but there is one thing," started Trufflehunter, "where should we camp? Not here definitely. Not a good place to defend."
Caspian raised his voice, "Does anyone have a suggestion?"
My hand shot up. "Oh, oh! I know where." Everyone held their breath. "…Disneyland." No one caught the joke except Robyn who cheerfully decided to play along.
"No, no!" piped Robyn, "Universal Studios!"
"Knott's Berry Farm!"
"How about Magic Mountain?"
"No way! Six Flags!"
"Uh….Six Flags and Magic Mountain are the same place, dumbo."
"Fine! Sea World! They'll have fun with Shamu and Dolly Dolphin!"
"I still say-"
"OH WILL BOTH OF YOU SHUT YOUR MOUTHS?" bellowed Nikabrik, weary of our yipping.
And Caspian wasn't amused either, for he wasn't laughing. But had a grave look on his face. "This is not time for fun, Faith! This is serious! It's about time to straighten up. Now. Does anyone have another suggestion?"
Robyn and I raised our hands again like eager children, making Caspian sigh in annoyance. "Does anyone else have a suggestion? Besides Faith and Robyn."
"AWW!" both of us girls moaned.
"It was fun naming places," I whined, "I had plenty of more ideas too. How about-"
Caspian's eye twitched. "ENOUGH!" he boomed and muttered, "Occasionally indeed!" Robyn and I smirked and high-fived. Bingo! That's one score!
Though no one offered any recommendation, everybody was whispering. Probably moaning about how annoying my friend and I were going to be instead of trying to come up with ideas. Even St. Nick was whining again to Trufflehunter, saying how they should regret of taking me with them. But I did notice that the mice communed among themselves in low voices as if they knew of a secret place. After all seem to come into accord, one mouse went up to Reep, whispered something is his leader's ear, and returned to his group. Reepicheep nodded to his group in approval, stepped forward, and gracefully bowed to Caspian.
"Your majesty," he said in utmost respect to his new king, "we have a suggestion for our stronghold."
P.S. The running into a van and knocking my two front teeth is actually a true story. It happened when I was...probably six yrs. old. lol
*Heaves a huge sigh* Finally, this chapter is over. In fact, I think this is the longest chapter I've written so far. And Chapter Eight...get ready for an entrance, Rovin. *Rovin, smiling contently, burps* Okay. So anyway...read and review, please! Oh, and cheer for Rovin's grand entrance.
