A Wardrobe to Another World

Chapter 14 - Welcome

⟢Susan's POV⟣

After walking for a few more hours we finally reach Aslan's camp. The valley is filled with the most vibrant green grass I have even seen. The red and gold tents popping up everywhere seem like they belong there and are part of the scenery. Our footsteps are muffled by the clanging of metal against metal and the making of new weapons. As we follow the Beavers nearer I jump as a loud horn is blown. Looking for the cause of the noise I see Hazel walking with Lu swinging off her arm. Hazel catches my eye and seems to read my face before pointing to a ledge about halfway up the cliff. I follow her hand with my gaze and find one of the strangest sights. A half-man, half-horse creature holding an old fashioned horn and blowing it.

Walking through the camp made me even more confused. What kind of place is this? Talking animals and weird mythical creatures. I plastered on a fake smile when Lu looked at me. The creatures stop what they're doing and stare as we walk through the camp with the Beavers. "Why are they all staring at us?" I ask through my teeth not expecting an answer. "Perhaps they think you look funny." Lu quips at me. All of us laugh a bit at that, Lu isn't really known for her retorts.

Peter unsheathes his sword and holds it high in front of him. Out of the corner of my eye I see Hazel cover her mouth to hide her laughter. "We have come to see Aslan." My brother's voice rings out clearly. Everyone behind us starts to bow. Turning back to the tent I see the paw of a lion step out from the tent. I watch in awe and shock as the biggest lion I have ever seen comes out. I notice Hazel bowing and quickly follow her example. I quickly lower my head to not get caught staring.

"Welcome Peter, Son of Adam." The Lion's voice is warm and kind as he starts speaking. "Welcome Susan and Lucy, Daughters of Eve." I tentatively raise my head to look at him. He looks really kind and nice. "Welcome Hazeline, Heart of Narnia. Welcome Beavers, you have my thanks. But where is the fifth?" At that we all lower our gazes and get to our feet. "That's why we're here, sir. We need your help." "We had a bit of trouble along the way." "Our brother's been captured by The White Witch." Peter and I alternate the explanation. "Captured? How could this happen?" Aslan wonders aloud. "He betrayed them, your majesty." Mr Beaver answers. I hear the whispers of the crowd behind us and feel a little sick. "He did not! He was tricked, Aslan. You have to believe me!" Hazel silenced all the whispers with that. "Peace, dear one. I'm sure there is an explanation." "It's my fault really. I was too hard on him." I gently place a hand on Peter's shoulder as he answers Aslan. "We all were." I correct Peter. "Sir, he's our brother." I follow Aslan's gaze to Lucy as he responds to her quiet statement. "I know, dear one. But that only makes the betrayal all the worse. This may be harder than you think. Artema and Oreius please lead them to their tents." Everyone starts to disperse and a young nymph follows the centaur, Oreius, as he walks to us. "I'm Artema, your highnesses. It is an honor to be of service. Please follow me." The nymph spoke with a little bow before leading us away from the center of camp. "Hazel, I would like to speak with you." Aslan's voice rings out once more. Hazel turns and nods before following Aslan into the woods.

Before long we reach our tents that really aren't that far from Aslan's. They inform us on whose tent is whose before leaving to continue their work. Lu and I head into our tent and I hear Lu squeal when her eyes fall on the dresses hanging beside each bed. There's one that has a mix of trousers, shirts and dresses which I'm guessing is probably Hazel's as there is a photo of two people beside the bed. The man looks a lot like her so I guess it's her parents in the photo. It's quiet for a while as we both stare in wonder and pick a dress from our respective areas.

I'd just finished changing when the tent flaps open and Hazel walks in. She smiles upon seeing us in the beautiful Narnian dresses that she probably hasn't seen in years. I point to where hers is and she walks over. I hear a quickly stifled noise and walk over to see if she's okay. She's staring at the photo with a million different emotions written on her face. "It's your parents isn't it?" I ask her quietly. She just nods before tearing her eyes from the picture and getting clothes. I walk over to my area to see if there is anything to pin my hair back with as my normal pins fell out on the walk here. I hear footsteps behind me and look in the mirror to see Lu standing there. "Can you do my hair?" She asks me quietly. Holding a few pins. I nod, getting up and telling Lu to sit on the chair. I start helping Lu and realize part way through that Hazel has also joined us. I finish and turn to her. "Do you want me to do yours?" Hazel asks me quietly, not wanting to disturb the calm peaceful atmosphere. I look at her hair to see that hers is already tied back in a braid to a ponytail. It really makes her look like a warrior paired with the trousers and shirt she's wearing with her sword sheathed at her waist. I nod slightly and sit on the chair again. I watch as she pulls back small strands to create a simple yet beautiful half up that matches Lucy's. Hazel tells us all about the surrounding area and we decide to go to the river that she directs us to before leaving to go talk to some of the Narnians.

 - 1040 words