lunam et stellas

chapter four

the raid...

Alex ran through the woods, grinning as she saw the old trees she had longed to see for so long. She ran her hands through the creek, whispering quietly. "It's all right, you can come out now."

But the nyads stayed hidden. Alex sighed and left the stream, running back deep into the forest. She twirled around, grinning at the way the air nipped her nose. She stopped, watching as the leaves fell around her in a dance.

The woods still seemed as magical as they once had, but there was something missing. She couldn't quite put her finger on it. She took a deep breath and whispered his name.

"Aslan?" Nothing. She sighed. "Aslan?"

A branch broke. Alex grabbed one of her swords and drew, whipping around towards the intruder. She sighed, putting her sword back.

"Caspian, what have I told you about sneaking up on me?"

He laughed. "I am sorry my lady, but King Peter requests you come back to the How. We have preparations to talk over."

She laughed. "His exact words?"

He nodded, smirking. "Yes, Alex."

She nodded, looking back at the trees once more, wishing they would come alive just once. "Alright, I'm coming."

The Narnians convened in the How's main room, discussing their plan after being scouted by the Telmarines.

Peter sighed and shook his head. "It's only a matter of time. Miraz's men and war machines are on their way. That means those same men aren't protecting his castle."

Reepicheep spoke up. "What do you suppose we do, Your Majesty?"

Caspian and Peter spoke at the same time. "We need to get ready for-"

"To start planning for..." They looked at each other hesitantly, and Alex cleared her throat. "May I?"

They both nodded quickly. "Your idea is excellent, Peter, really. I worry logistically about how many lives we could lose."

Peter nodded, smiling timidly at Alex. She wanted to roll her eyes at his horrible attempt at an apology. "I agree, Alex. That's why we must strike them before they strike us."

Caspian shook his head. "But that's crazy. No one has ever taken that castle."

Peter glared at the young prince. "There's always a first time."

"I understand your concern, Caspian," Alex smiled gently. "But with our shared battle experience, if we plan it precisely, this shouldn't be too difficult."

Trumpkin nodded. "We'll have the element of surprise."

"But we have the advantage here."

Susan stepped forward, backing Caspian. "He's right. If we dig in, we could probably hold them off indefinitely."

Trufflehunter, the badger, smiled gently. "I, for one, feel safer underground."

Peter stepped towards Caspian. "Look, I appreciate what you've done here, but this isn't a fortress; it's a tomb."

Edmund nodded. "Yes. And if they're smart, the Telmarines will wait and starve us out."

A squirrel smiled. "We could collect nuts!"

Reepicheep scoffed. "Yes! And throw them at the Telmarines. Shut up!"

Alex smiled sweetly at the squirrel. "It was a nice suggestion." She looked towards Susan and Caspian with understanding. "We're not saying that you two aren't correct. We could stay here for weeks, but logistically, it wouldn't last. The Narnians who couldn't make it here in time would be slaughtered, and by then, Miraz could have cut down half the forest with his cheap labor." She crossed her arms, firm on her stance. "The positives outweigh the negatives."