back, again | prince capian

seven

Just as I learned the terrible truth of Miraz's betrayal, a wave of dread washed over me. The air was thick with tension as I sprinted towards the ground. The shrieks of my fellow Narnians echoed in my ears, urging me to move faster.

Rounding a corner, I skidded to a halt, my heart dropping. Archers stood poised, arrows drawn and ready, waiting for a single command to rain down death upon us.

My eyes darted to Peter, who appeared almost petrified, his face a mask of disbelief. Nearby, I noticed Caspian struggling against a throng of Telmarine soldiers, fighting valiantly but alone. The sight sent a jolt of urgency through me.

"Fight!" Peter shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos, galvanizing the Narnians into action. They surged forward, adrenaline temporarily drowning out their fear, but a sinking feeling gripped me as I worried that our mission was spiraling out of control.

As I fought, a moment of stillness enveloped me. I glanced around, my breath catching in my throat at the sight of a fallen Minotaur, lifeless and with three arrows protruding from its chest.

Suddenly, a sharp whistle cut through the air, and I instinctively ducked just in time to feel the wind of an arrow brush past my ear, embedding itself in the ground at my feet. I barely had a moment to collect myself when I sensed the chaos intensifying.

Peter caught my eye; I could see the unease reflected in his gaze. He was assessing the grim situation, and I was certain he must be considering a retreat.

Then came the ominous sound of chains rattling—the gates were closing!

"AHH!" A cry from below snapped my focus. I turned to see Reepicheep and Trumpkin stumbling down the stairs in a frenzy.

Panic set in as I scanned the castle grounds, my heart pounding.

In a split second, I locked my eyes with Peter's; he understood.

A Minotaur was bracing himself against the gate, using every ounce of his strength to keep it from shutting completely.

"FALL BACK!" he bellowed, his voice echoing through the chaos.

"FALL BACK!" I echoed desperately.

The Narnians reacted instinctively, retreating a step as understanding washed over them.

"We need to alert everyone!" I yelled, but the urgency was palpable; we couldn't linger here.

"Your Majesties, I hate to say this, but we have no time!" Reepicheep declared, urgency laced in his tone.

We all turned to the brave little mouse, nodding in agreement.

"I can help," I said, glancing back at the struggling Narnians. I lingered for a second, hoping I could save someone—just one more person. I scanned the scene and spotted a faun, coughing up blood.

Without hesitation, I rushed to his side, slipping an arm around his waist to help him stand.

"Let's go, come on!" I urged, pushing him gently toward the exit.

Once I safely ushered him outside, I spotted another familiar figure—a Minotaur, his breathing labored. I sprinted to him and checked his pulse, relieved to find he was still alive.

"Lean on me," I instructed, shifting his weight against me. "You'll make it; we're getting out."

We stumbled toward the gate, but just before we could pass through, a jarring force yanked my wrist, pulling me away from the Minotaur.

"Let's go!" Caspian's voice boomed.

"No! Let go of me!" I protested, digging my heels into the ground.