The Golden Witch || Peter Pevensie x OC

43. Two Plans

Valera hadn't seen this many people around the cracked Stone Table for some time.

Her people were present to listen in on what their leaders had to say.

Peter had taken centre stage, standing in the middle of the circle created by the Narnians.

Valera and Lucy had taken their seats on the two halves of the Stone Table.

Caspian was stood at the edge of the circle by Valera's side, Susan perched on a boulder just behind him.

Edmund was on the opposite side of the room to his older sister, also taking a seat.

Each of them was listening carefully as Peter began.

"Despite Valera's warning hopefully holding them off to reconsider and restructure, it's still 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."

"What do you propose we do, Your Majesty?" Reepicheep asked.

To no one's surprise, two voices answered over each other.

"We need to get ready for –", Peter began.

"To start planning –", Caspian said.

The two boys were interrupted by each other, stopping their sentences short to turn and look at the other with a stern glance.

Valera watched as both maintained their eye contact, but eventually Caspian submitted.

He removed his eyes to look down at the floor, giving Peter back his role as the speaker.

"Our only hope is to strike them before they strike us."

"That's crazy. No one has ever taken that castle", Caspian immediately rebutted.

"There's always a first time", Peter replied.

Across the room, Valera and Edmund shared a knowing glance.

She had been able to put a hold on the in-fighting between the two Kings.

But she hadn't completely stopped it.

Only time would tell if that would become a problem.

"We'll have the element of surprise", said a dwarf named Trumpkin who Valera learned escorted the Pevensies through the land back to her.

"But we have the advantage here!" Caspian argued.

"If we dig in, we could probably hold them off indefinitely. With Valera's powers back, that could be accomplished long before Miraz's first men arrive", Susan chimed in, defending the ex-Telmarine prince.

Valera didn't miss the glare Peter shot his sisters way.

She also didn't miss the grateful one Caspian gave.

"I, for one, feel safer underground", Trufflehunter said.

"Look. I appreciate what you've done here, but this isn't a fortress. It's a tomb", Peter directed his words towards Caspian.

"Yes. And if they're smart, the Telmarines will just wait and starve us out. We can't expect Valera to uphold our survival, given she's the only one who will be able to leave once we're sealed in", Edmund added.

"We could collect nuts!" one of the squirrels offered.

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

"I think you know where I stand, sire", the mouse then said to Peter.

His sword was offered.

He would fight.