Leona looked out the castle window, her heart heavy with worry. Her Aunt Prunaprimsa wasn’t feeling well, a reality that troubled everyone—except for Caspian. He seemed unfazed, asking questions but showing no sign of concern.
“Leona,” a voice interrupted her thoughts.
She turned to see her older brother, Caspian, entering the room. “Caspian!” she exclaimed, trying to reassure him. “She’s alright!” But he quickly placed a hand over her mouth, silencing her.
“You have to go,” came another voice, and Leona recognized it as Dr. Cornelius, her brother's tutor.
“Dr. Cornelius! Why?” she asked, puzzled and growing more anxious.
“You talk too much for a fourteen-year-old girl,” he whispered urgently.
“Miraz has had a son, and he’s out to kill your brother,” Dr. Cornelius revealed, his voice low.
Leona fell silent, understanding the gravity of the situation. She knew Dr. Cornelius was in danger for telling them tales of old Narnia, stories that Miraz had forbidden. A chill curled in her stomach as she realized how close they were to terrible danger.
“Come,” their tutor instructed, leading them to the weapons room. Both Leona and Caspian grabbed swords, and she pulled on her cloak, the familiar weight of the fabric offering some comfort against the fear gnawing at her.
They slipped past the guards and made their way to the stables. Destyra, her horse, was already saddled and waiting. Caspian mounted first, and Leona quickly followed, gripping him tightly as they prepared to flee.
“You must head for the woods,” Dr. Cornelius urged them.
“The woods?” Caspian replied incredulously.
“But aren’t the woods full of ghosts?” Leona exclaimed, a tremor of fear in her voice.
“Which is why they won’t follow you there,” Dr. Cornelius reassured them.
He handed Caspian a horn, telling him, “It has taken me many years to find this. Don’t use it except at your greatest need.”
Caspian shoved the horn into his pocket, and Leona’s heart sank as she realized how precarious their situation truly was. “Will I ever see you again?” she asked, dread pooling in her stomach.
“I dearly hope so, my princess and prince,” Dr. Cornelius replied, looking at Caspian. “There is so much more I meant to tell you. Everything you know is about to change.”
A shiver went through her at his words, laden with foreboding.
“Now go,” he said, giving Destyra a slap to set her off into a run. Fireworks filled the sky behind them, signaling their flight as a shout rang out: “Miraz has had a son!”
Leona glanced back just as they crossed the drawbridge, the fierce figure of General Glozelle and his men appearing in pursuit. “Caspian!” she cried, urging her brother on.
He spurred Destyra into a full gallop, and Leona tightened her grip around his waist, feeling the adrenaline rush through her veins. They raced into the woods, the tales of ghostly apparitions echoing in her mind, heightening her fear.
Behind them, the sound of horses continued to chase them. As they reached the forest, Leona spotted a river blocking their path. “What do we do now?” she asked, heart racing.
“You worry too much, Leona,” Caspian said with a sigh, looking at the water. “The river isn’t too deep.”
With a gasp, she felt the cold splashes as they crossed, her dress getting soaked. She glanced behind and caught sight of a soldier tumbling from his horse, a brief moment of dark amusement rising within her even as they pressed on.
Emerging from the river, they entered a fresh wood. But just ahead, a tree branch threatened them. “Duck!” she shouted instinctively.
She dove down, but Caspian did not. The sound of a loud thud echoed, and she winced, knowing he must have collided with the branch. To her horror, Destyra pulled him from the saddle and began to gallop away. Panic surged through her.
“Stop! You stupid horse!” she yelled, yanking at the reins desperately.
Caspian managed to kick free from the saddle, and Leona quickly followed suit, landing on her feet. “Are you alright?” she asked, concern flooding her voice as he rubbed his head.
“Yeah,” he said, though he looked a bit dazed. “You could have saved me a headache, you know!”
She laughed lightly, but her expression quickly turned serious as she heard a noise. “What’s that?” she whispered, moving closer to Caspian, who instinctively placed a hand on her shoulder.
From a small door in a tree, two dwarves emerged—one with a red beard and the other with an aged black beard. “They’ve seen us!” the red-bearded one exclaimed.
The sight of the horn lying at Caspian’s feet caught the attention of the red-bearded dwarf. Just then, the rapid approach of horses signaled General Glozelle was close behind. Caspian instinctively pushed Leona behind him, fear evident in his eyes. He contemplated his sword, but in the blink of an eye, it seemed there was no point.
“I’ll take care of them,” the red-bearded dwarf declared, charging toward the soldiers.
“Caspian, the horn!” Leona urged in a hushed tone, a desperate plea.
In an instant, Caspian grabbed the horn and blew into it, the sound echoing through the woods.
“No!” cried the grey-bearded dwarf, just as a soldier’s blow landed squarely on Caspian’s head, leaving Leona holding her breath and fearing for her brother’s life.
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Our Long Awaited Return Book #8
AdventurePrincess Leona and her brother Prince Caspian must flee from their Uncle Miraz. They are given a horn that they are told will call the Kings and Queens of Old back again. If they do will they be able to help them. When they meet them, they aren't li...
