The High Queen II

An Old Friend

The entire walk through the woods, Peter, Caspian, and Eleanor had been deeply engrossed in discussions of strategy—how many troops they had at their disposal, where they could be positioned, and the best tactics for the days to come. Eleanor's voice, steady and assured, guided most of the conversation, her experience as a commander clear in every suggestion she made. Caspian had, of course, heard the legends—the tales of Narnia's golden age and its legendary rulers—but witnessing Eleanor in action was entirely different. She wasn't just the High Queen; she had led armies, fought for Narnia's freedom, and earned her place as one of its greatest commanders.

What surprised Caspian the most wasn't her skill—though that was awe-inspiring—it was the dual nature she carried so effortlessly. One moment she was speaking of war, of tactics and ambushes, a sharp strategist with a battle-hardened mind. The next, her tone would soften when addressing Peter, her brother, a warmth that spoke of deep familial love. Caspian found himself enchanted by her ability to blend strength with gentleness, grace with ferocity. She moved with such purpose, her steps echoing confidence not born of arrogance but of sheer experience.

Caspian couldn't help but be drawn to her. Eleanor's presence was commanding—there was something magnetic about the way she held herself, the way she spoke. She didn't seek admiration, least of all his, but every moment spent in her company made it increasingly difficult for him not to feel awe.

The plains ahead of them stretched wide and open, a sea of soft, swaying grass beneath a sky that seemed to go on forever. In the distance, a gentle hill rose, crowned by the ruins of an ancient temple—once a place of great power, now only a crumbling remnant of Narnia's long history. The remnants of the Howe stood tall, a silent guardian of what had been, and as Eleanor's eyes lingered on the sight, Caspian could sense the weight of memories pressing on her.

As they neared the edge of the forest, something dark swooped from the sky, too fast for any of them to react. In an instant, Eleanor was knocked to the ground, her axe slipping from her belt as she hit the earth hard. Peter's instincts kicked in—his sword was drawn, and he surged forward, ready to protect his sister—but Caspian quickly grabbed his arm, stopping him before he could strike.

"Wait," Caspian said, his voice calm but firm. "He means no harm. He's been waiting for her return since she left."

Peter froze, his sword still raised, but his gaze followed Caspian's to the creature that had attacked Eleanor. It was no enemy but a gryphon, its great wings folding around her protectively as it nuzzled her with its beak. The large beast lay on its back, wrapping her in feathers and fur, its excitement clear. Eleanor, though winded, laughed from beneath the creature's heavy frame.

"You're here! You're really here!" the gryphon exclaimed, its voice full of joy. Eleanor struggled beneath its enthusiasm, her voice breathless but amused.

"It's good to see you too, Aelwyn," she said between gasps. "But you're squeezing me just a little too tightly."

At her words, the gryphon's wide, golden eyes blinked with realization, and he quickly loosened his hold, releasing her so abruptly that Eleanor tumbled back onto the grass. "My deepest apologies, my queen," Aelwyn said, his voice rumbling with embarrassment.

Eleanor rose to her feet, dusting herself off before placing her hand on the gryphon's head, her expression soft with affection. "It's quite alright, Aelwyn," she assured him, her voice kind. "But how... how are you still here after all this time?"

Aelwyn's eyes lit up, his joy returning in full force. "It was Aslan, my lady!" His wings fluttered in excitement. "Shortly after you disappeared, he appeared to me. He said my task was not yet complete. Then he roared—and I have awaited your return ever since."

Eleanor glanced back at Peter and Caspian, sharing a meaningful look with her brother before turning her full attention back to Aelwyn. "Whatever the reason, it is truly good to see you, old friend," she said, her voice soft with emotion. She gently ran her hand along the gryphon's feathers. "Would you do us the honor of leading the way?"

"Of course, my queen," Aelwyn replied, his voice booming with pride. He leapt into the air with a powerful beat of his wings, soaring high above them, his large shadow stretching across the ground below.

Eleanor watched Aelwyn soar through the sky, a fond smile tugging at the corners of her lips before she rejoined Peter and Caspian. As they continued toward the temple ruins, the dark entrance loomed ahead, flanked by rows of solemn centaurs, their expressions serious as they prepared for the challenges that lay ahead.

Caspian fell into step beside her, glancing at Eleanor as they walked. He could see the joy in her eyes still lingering from her reunion with Aelwyn, and he felt compelled to comment on it.

"You leave quite an impression," he said quietly, letting the words hang between them.

"Not always my intention," Eleanor replied, her smile widening. "Although, Aelwyn and I have quite the history." She looked ahead, her thoughts drifting back to all the adventures they had shared.

Caspian couldn't help but feel intrigued. "I can't wait for you to tell me all about it," he said, returning her smile. There was a warmth in his voice that made Eleanor's heart flutter slightly.

As they approached the dark entrance of the temple ruins, the Pevensies and Caspian reached the tunnel where the centaurs stood at attention, swords held out in solemn ceremony. Four of the five Pevensies stepped forward, but Eleanor noticed Caspian hesitating, his gaze fixed on the centaurs.

"My dear Prince," Eleanor interrupted his thoughts, a teasing lilt in her voice, "I do believe that it is the host's duty to escort the queen."

Caspian blinked, momentarily caught off guard by her playful tone. He glanced at her, the corner of his mouth lifting in a hesitant smile. "Is that so? I'd hate to take the honour from them."

"They wouldn't have it any other way," she replied, her confidence unwavering. "Besides, they've waited long enough for me to return. You should be at my side, not standing in the shadows."

His hesitation faded as he absorbed her words. "If you insist, then I shall not argue." He stepped closer, positioning himself beside her, his posture straightening as they prepared to move forward together.

Eleanor looked ahead at the centaurs, their proud figures silhouetted against the dim light of the entrance. "Ready?" she asked, her voice low but filled with resolve.

"Always," Caspian replied, his tone matching hers as he shared a determined glance with her and together they walked, arms linked as the descended into the hustle and bustle, ready for war.