Our Long Awaited Return Book #8

Chapter 24 I Have To Find Aslan

***Leona's POV**

The fight felt hopeless; they might never make it out alive.

Leona watched as Reepicheep bravely attempted to take down some troops alongside Edmund. She turned just in time to see her friend Caspian fall into a hole. When he surfaced, he faced General Glozelle, who brandished a spear menacingly.

"Caspian!" she shouted, her heart racing. "Don't, general, please don't."

With her sword in hand, she ran toward him, determination driving her steps. She noticed the general hesitate for a fleeting moment, but before anything could unfold, a tree reached out with its roots, ensnaring General Glozelle and throwing him to the ground, unconscious.

Leona stared in shock; all around her, trees had come to life, wreaking havoc by destroying catapults and capturing soldiers. Peter helped Caspian to his feet, relief washing over his face.

"Lucy," Peter grinned, his eyes lighting up.

"She must have found Aslan," Leona smiled back, but her joy quickly faded as concern settled in. "The bridge—they still have the advantage. I have to go find Aslan and Lucy. He'll be able to do something about it."

"Key, no," Peter called after her, urgency in his tone.

"Too late!" Leona replied, already mounting a horse and preparing to ride off.

"Where's Verity going?" Andrew asked his brother, glancing at Ruth and Beth as they caught up with them.

"She's going to find Lucy and Aslan," Peter answered, a mix of confidence and worry in his voice. "She'll be alright."

"But," Andrew protested, "Alone?"

"I'm sure your sister knows what she's doing," Beth chimed in, shooting a reassuring smile at Andrew, who couldn't help but smile back at her.

Another tree plunged its roots deep into the ground, demolishing yet another catapult with a swift motion.

Peter raised his sword high, rallying their spirits. "For Aslan and for Narnia!"

They continued to fight fiercely, but the Telmarines started retreating toward the river. Leona knew Peter was right; they could still lose if they didn't stop them from crossing that bridge!

Verity's pov

I didn't know how I managed to make it past the Telmarine army. I thought the trees were a distraction.

"Come on, girl or boy," I said to my horse, "We have to find Aslan!"

I could hear my brother shout, "For Aslan and Narnia!"

I headed into the woods and emerged at the river where the bridge stood. I went past the bridge and into another section of wood.

"Aslan!" I cried, "Lucy!"

I saw my little sister with Aslan right behind her. I jumped off my horse.

"Verity!" Lucy cried, and we pulled each other into a hug.

Then I turned to the great lion, "We have a problem. The Telmarines still have the bridge, and they could defeat our army there, unless..."

"I know," the lion said gently, "I knew that you were coming."

"So you'll help us?" I asked.

"Where is your faith, child, yes," the lion nodded his head.

"I'm sorry," I said, "For everything, for my pride, my unbelief, help my unbelief."

"You are forgiven, remember I have forgiven you for so much more," Aslan replied softly.

"What do you mean, Aslan?" Lucy asked, confused.

"You will find out in time," the lion answered, "We must hurry, the Telmarine army is nearing."
Leona's pov

When they reached the river, they all waited. Lord Sospesian stood at the edge ready to cross, but then Verity and Lucy appeared. They stood at the other end, acting like barriers. Lucy unsheathed her dagger and Verity grinned at her sister, then turned around.

"What are they doing? Doesn't Verity realize she has a sword?" Leona asked Caspian.

"Wait, look," Ruth grinned.

Right behind them came the most beautiful lion Leona had ever seen.

"Aslan!" she gasped; she had been waiting for this moment her whole life.

Lord Sospesian chuckled and made his way to the other side. His troops followed.

But the Great Lion roared—the loudest roar Leona had ever heard—and a huge wave came toward the bridge. Most of the soldiers jumped off, but Lord Sospesian stayed on.

The wave washed over him and the bridge.

"Surrender!" yelled one of the men.

Caspian and Leona exchanged grins; they had won!