SMOKE SIGNALS

The Ill-Fated Attack

The sun had just disappeared behind the great mound of Aslan's How when the Narnians were ready to leave for Miraz's castle. Centaurs, minotaurs, fauns, and dwarves milled about the field, saying goodbye to their friends and family who'd be staying behind. Cahira double checked she had everything she needed. Her weapons were at her side, and her armor strapped into place. She wore dark, leather armor on her torso with a deep blue double layered skirt. The only metal she wore were her pauldrons. It made her feel a little bare; she usually felt more protected in plate, or at the very least, chain. But she supposed the lack of metal would make the "stealth" part of their mission easier. If everything went to plan, there wouldn't be much prolonged combat, anyway.

The twins and the Pevensies would be the first to infiltrate the castle via gryphon. Edmund would be positioned as a lookout, ready to signal the troops with his magic torch. Peter and Susan each would infiltrate with Cahira and Caspian, respectively, since the twins knew the layout of the castle by heart. Peter and Cahira would subdue Miraz and Prunaprismia while Susan and Caspian would rescue Professor Cornelius and take the gatehouse. The rest of the Narnian troops would take the castle and ensure cooperation from the guards.

The journey to the castle was quiet for the most part. Everyone wanted to save their energy for the fight ahead of them. There was still unresolved tension in the air as well- Caspian had only spoken to Cahira when it was absolutely necessary, and only with short one or two word responses, and from how far apart Peter and Susan were walking, it seemed they were having a similar conflict of interest.

By the time they arrived on the outskirts of Beaversdam, looking out over the castle, nighttime was well underway. The town splayed out in front of them was silent, as if its residents knew of their approach. The wind toyed with Cahira's hair, pulling loose pieces from her long braid. She swept it back behind her ears before turning to the others. The gryphons were already ready, clawing at the ground impatiently as Peter went over the plan one final time.

" ... three long flashes, right Ed?"

"Right."

Peter nodded, looking at Susan and Cahira. "We'll fly overhead until he gives us the all clear."

She approached the gryphon who would be carrying her. He was a beautiful creature, with speckled brown and cream fur that blended almost imperceptibly with the like-colored feathers on his wings and tail.

"I'm Cahira," she said with a light curtsey. "Thank you for doing this, Sir..."

"Just Silvercrown," he replied, inclining his head to her. His voice was gravelly, but still warm. "Are you ready, Your Highness?"

After a deep breath, she nodded. Her shoulders were tense as Silvercrown lifted off from the ground, circling around above for a moment before flying back down to her. The others were getting situated with their gryphons as well. The Pevensies looked marvelously at ease, but Caspian looked just as unsure as she felt. They made eye contact, and Cahira smiled. To her relief, her brother smiled back.

When they finally took flight above the castle, Cahira didn't know whether she wanted to scream, cry, or laugh. The structure looked like a miniature, guards looked the size of beetles as they patrolled the battlements. It was even colder up in the sky than on the ground, and she shivered as cold dew droplets settled on her face and hands. Silvercrown's claws were less a discomfort and more a reassurance as they gripped her shoulders and legs like a vice.

Once they received the signal from Edmund, their gryphons flew them lower over the castle. A few guards took notice of them on their descent, but a slash of a sword or an arrow from Susan ensured the group remained hidden. Caspian pointed out where they were to land- a tall bastion in the western wings of the castle. From here, they lowered themselves down the outer edge of the structure to the window that led into Dr. Cornelius' chambers.