Our Long Awaited Return Book #8

Chapter 4 Our Chests

We walked around for a while aimlessly. I was upset with Edmund because he had interrupted me. I knew it was stupid, but I didn't like getting interrupted. It was the same for Peter, as he was the leader. I was the intelligent one. Andrew was the artist of the family; it was his passion, and I didn't think he favoured academics, unlike his almost twin brother. Susan could if she wanted to, but she was the sensible one and just studied to pass tests. She hated school and cared more about how she looked. Edmund, well, he was just Edmund, definitely not intelligent in my eyes. He was the least of all of us. He was the one who betrayed us for Turkish delight.

Ruth was quiet and barely talked, and was very much like Susan about her grades.

Lucy was the one with the faith. And Peter, yes, he was smart, but he was the oldest he was supposed to be. During our time in Narnia, he chose me to make the battle plans.

"Catapults!" exclaimed Edmund, waking me from my thoughts.

He kneeled in front of a large stone, placing his hand on it.

"What?" Peter asked as we walked up to him.

He turned to look at us, "This didn't just happen, Cair Paravel was attacked."

Andrew knelt down beside him, looking at the object, "He's right; I mean, this would be the most logical explanation."

"What else would have happened?" I remarked sarcastically. "It was obvious."

Susan punched me in the elbow, "Stop being such a know-it-all, Verity!"

I glared at her, "I'm just stating the obvious; I'm surprised you all didn't realize it till now," I told her smartly. I knew it wasn't true, but I rubbed my conscience away.

My sisters and I watched as my brothers pushed a movable wall away, behind which stood a rotted door. Peter broke the lock, then swung open the door, revealing the steps for our treasure chamber.

He tore a piece off his shirt and tied it around a stick.

"How's that going to work?" I asked him doubtful.

He grinned at me, "You'll see." He looked at Edmund and Andrew, "I don't suppose both of you would have any matches."

Both boys began to dig in their bags.

"No," Ed answered slowly, "but would this help?" He showed us his new torch, which he had gotten for his fifteenth birthday a few months back. A grin was on his face.

Peter shook his head and sighed, "You might have mentioned that a bit sooner."

He threw his useless stick away while Edmund led the way to the chamber, his flashlight turned on, and we followed.

I saw our treasure chamber, just like it used to be. Our chests stood in the order of our thrones. Statues of our older selves stood behind them.

"I can't believe it!" exclaimed Peter, a smile on his face, "It's all still here!" as he swung upon the gateway.

"Wonder if our chests are still full," Ruth mused.

"I'm sure they are," Andrew said, "No one except we knew about this place."

Lucy and I ran forward and opened our chests. At the top of mine, I found a big fat book. It was already quite old; I remembered writing Narnia's history in it. I found my dagger pen beside it and my sword.

"I was so tall," Lucy commented as she held one of her dresses that she had worn before we left Narnia up to her.

"Well, you were older than," Susan smiled.