I Believe (Sequel to 'Believe in Me')

Five: The Raid

Five: The Raid

    “It’s only a matter of time. Miraz’ men and war machines are on their way.” Peter was addressing the crowd of Narnians, turning in a circle as he spoke so as to take them all in. It was a technique that Lilith had taught Peter so as to become a better speaker, although she didn’t thin about that now as she could sense the promise of war strong in the air. “That means those same men aren’t protecting his castle.

    “What do you propose we do, Your Majesty?” Reepicheep spoke up although Lilith couldn’t tell if he was addressing Caspian of Peter. 

     “We—“

     “Our—“

Lilith could feel the tension in the room mount very suddenly as it seemed both Peter and Caspian were just as unsure as her in regards to who was in charge. Caspian took a step back and Lilith let out a soft sigh, she did not think that the Narnians needed to see their Kings arguing, especially since she knew that Peter would never let someone else take his place. 

     “Our only hope is to strike them before they strike us.” 

Lilith stifled a gasp at Peter’s words. She and everyone there knew that that castle was virtually impenetrable. 

     “But that’s crazy, no one has ever taken that castle,” Caspian voiced Lilith’s concerns. Peter gave him a small glare. 

     “There’s always a first time,” he said. 

     “We’ll have the element of surprise.” Lilith turned to stare at Trumpkin. She had never known him to be one for jumping into battle, especially when the odds seemed to be stacked against them. She had always known him to be more conservative. 

     “But we have the advantage here,” Caspian exclaimed while Susan stood up and stepped forward.  

      “If we dig in, we could probably hold them off indefinitely.” Peter gave Susan a look that told her to stay quiet and keep out of the discussion. Lilith feared that he would reproach her there in front of the Narnians, however she was saved from finding out what he would do by Trufflehunter. 

     “I, for one, feel safer underground.” Lilith had to stop herself from agreeing with the badger just to get Peter to stop this plan before it begun. However she knew that he would call out her lie, she had never liked being underground. 

     “Look, I appreciate what you’ve done here, but this isn’t a fortress, it’s a tomb,” Peter addressed Caspian, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. 

    “Yes, and if they’re smart, the Telmarines will just wait and starve us out.” Lilith agreed somewhat with Edmund, it was a technique she had once used those many centuries ago before she had met the Pevensies and while it was affective one required patience to see it through. Mira was not known for his patience. 

     “We could collect nuts!” Pattertwig exclaimed, his eyes wide. Lilith had to cover her mouth to stifle a laugh. 

     “Oh yes, and throw them at the Telmarines! Shut up” Reepicheep said sarcastically before turning back to Peter. “I think you know where I stand Sire.”

There was a tense silence as Peter once more looked at the gathered Narnians, his eyes briefly finding Lilith’s. He looked at her, hope and questions in his gaze. While she knew she should have voiced her disagreement with the idea she chose instead to stay quiet, turning her face away from him. Peter let out a near inaudible sigh and turned to Glenstorm. 

    “If I can get your troops in, can you handle the guards?”

The centaur looked between him and Caspian and for a moment Lilith hoped that he would remain loyal to Caspian and say he would not, however she was never so lucky.