Chapter 8

My talk with Peter came sooner than I had anticipated-or wanted. It was 5 weeks after the battle and I was "permitted" to start walking again.

"Alright, you've avoided this long enough. We are going to talk." said Peter who found me as I was walking in the meadow.

"Did you have a question about a law? Or about how to handle a foreign diplomat?" I asked innocently.

"Neither. Clara, we need to discuss some things. You know we do."

"What's there to talk about? I failed, it was only because Aslan resurrected that the battle was won."

"You saved Lucy's life! Even though you barely even know us!"

Silence prevailed.

I at last said, "I don't know you. You're right. I was given a responsibility and whether I knew you that well or not, I had a duty not only to you but also to my father."

"Your father?" he said with a look that clearly stated he had no idea what my father had to do with any of this.

"Remember? My father was the guardian of the throne. Since he…he died, the role became mine. Also, I like your family."

"Except for Edmund…" Peter said under his breath.

"Edmund…is my friend as well. Although, we may argue and disagree quite frequently."

"Yes, you mean like today?"

Smirking I replied, "He had it coming. He should not have said that women had no place in consul meetings. I didn't say anything! At the time…"

"Yes, but you yelled at him afterward!"

"Like I said he had it coming."

After the mirth in the air had calmed, I continued "You four have things well underhand so..."

"You can't leave! We need you to help us!"

"Peter, I can't help you forever. Sooner or later you'll have to figure things out on your own."

"Fine. I choose later." he said petulantly.

I sighed. "I'll stay for another month. Then I'll decide."

And then I'm leaving.


The next couple of weeks were spent looking at laws and diplomatic treaties. Evidentially, the White Witch cut off all trade with all the counties surrounding Narnia leaving the country to fend for itself. Edmund and I insisted on opening trade with Archenland since that was Narnia's nearest neighbor. Peter and Susan, on the other hand, wanted to work on the problems in Narnia. I pointed out that this directly affects the Narnian economy.

After arguing about it for half-an-hour Peter finally said, "If it means that much to you than you can go to Archenland."

"Alright, I'll go." Edmund said very proud that he got Peter to actually listen to him.

"Clara's going with you." Peter stated.

" Exactly. Wait…what?!" I asked in disbelief.

"I believe he said you're going with Edmund." Susan supplied with an uncharacteristic smirk on her pretty little face.

"I don't need a baby sitter!" Edmund said to Peter irately.

"I'm sure you don't think you do." He said somewhat condescendingly.

"Peter. You cannot be serious." I said forcing my voice to not go higher.

"I assure you I am. It's high time you two learn to get along."

I sighed. Edmund glared at everybody before getting up and walking out of the room.

I said quietly, "You can't run the kingdom by yourself. You have to listen to someone else other than yourself."

I went to find Lucy after the meeting was over.

I was annoyed with Peter, but knew that he'd have to figure out the hard way that just because he was the oldest he couldn't do whatever he wanted.

He means well…most of the time. I suppose that he's accustomed to nobody apposing him. If he continues like this, he…he'll make mistakes he won't be able make right.

I found Lucy sitting with Mrs. Beaver under the shade of an oak tree.

Going over to them, I sat down.

"Lucy…has your brother always treated Edmund like he can't do anything?" I inquired softly.

"Usually." she whispered it as if she were ashamed.

"Hello Mrs. Beaver!" I said brightly, too brightly.

"Hello dear! How are you?" she asked pleasantly.

"I'm doing well...If you'll excuse me, Your Majesty I have to go pack." I curtsied to Lucy. She playfully glared at me, they had made it clear that I didn't have to curtsey or call them by their titles.

"Pack? Where are you going?" She asked with a frown on her face.

"Well, I think Edmund and I are going to Archenland. That's what Peter said." I called over my shoulder.

When I stepped into my room I immediately made sure my dagger and kris were in the proper places. Since I didn't know when we were leaving, there really wasn't any sense in packing yet.

Deciding I needed to go outside, I mounted the horse I rode into battle with, her name was Flisha.

"Guardian? Where are we going?" Flisha asked.

"Somewhere that I can clear my thoughts."

We rode into a forest that was overgrown; I made a point speak to Susan about clearing it somewhat.

"Why are we going in here?" Flisha inquired.

"It looks interesting."

"It looks haunted."

I laughed.

Flisha shied away from the path.

"Flisha what's wrong?"

"I sense evil. We should go back."

"If there is evil we should keep going, besides I want to see what's beyond this forest."

We went on a few miles before the fog closed in. By then I couldn't see anything, I knew it was pointless to turn back; we'd only get lost further.

We were truly lost, but I refused to believe it was my fault.

Flisha should've said something when she saw the fog…it's her fault. And Peter's.

I saw a shadow in the mist, and just as I was about to say something to Flisha, a voice spoke out from the vapor.

"Well, well, well, what do we have here?"

With horror, I realized Peter and the rest had been mistaken; we had not killed all the wolves. As they surrounded us, I could tell they all wanted one thing and one thing only. Revenge.