Tyranny of the Heart

Chapter 10: A Fantastic Battle

Speedingthrough the corridors of the castle, being chased by guards, remindedme of when I was younger and I played practical jokes on the staff.Many years later, I still enjoyed the feeling of exhilaration that achase provided. Only this time, if I was caught, the punishment wouldbe more severe than a stern look from my father.

Stillhearing the soldiers behind me, I slowed my pace ever so slightly sothey could see who they were pursuing. I also thought I might givethem a sense of accomplishment. As soon as they caught sight of me,they shouted my name in anger, demanding that I stop for questioning.I then speed up and turn a sharp corner down another endlesscorridor. Caspian wanted me to meet him at the stables, so I wasmaking my way there in a matter of speaking. I was trying to buy himand Peter and Susan some time to do whatever crazy thing they wereplanning. Also, I was quite enjoying the chase.

Ilooked over my shoulder to see that two more guards have joined in,making me grin even wider. I was able to maneuver around servants andducking into small corridors that lead to more corridors with ease.Seeing that I was drawing closer to the stables, I increased myalready impossibly fast pace. I felt my bones screech as theyadjusted to the new speed, since I had not run this fast in a verylong time. But I pushed through, thinking of the larger scale ofthings.

Myturns got more abrupt and sharp. From the frustrated and tired soundsof my pursuers, they were not as agile as I was, for every once in awhile, I would hear a loud bang or a woman's yelp. The sounds gotfurther and further behind me and I finally made it the stables, thesoldiers far enough away for me to ready myself for a fight.

Iclosed the doors behind me and locked them, taking a moment to catchmy breath. My lungs felt as though they were on fire and my legs werecomplaining about all of the running. Suddenly, I felt a hand on myshoulder, making me jump and swing my leg out to deliver a kick to myattacker's stomach. A loud groan sounded as I whipped my head aroundto face him. Professor stood before me, clutching his stomach andbent over slightly.

"Professor!"I gasped, feeling my fighting instincts decrease. "I have told youbefore. Do not surprise me like that or I will hurt you."

"Allowme to express my apologies." He grunted sarcastically, stillcradling his rather plump belly.

Ifeel myself soften. "I am sorry, Professor." Then a thoughtstruck me. "But what are you doing here?"

"Caspianfreed me from my cell and told me to meet him here." He sucked in adramatic gulp of air. "But I fear he might be in grave danger."

I quickly run over to the weapons area tograb a few supplies that might prove useful. "Yes, I think that is perfectly clear. Do you know that he is planning on taking over the castle? And I met High KingPeter and Queen Susan of Narnia? The Kings and Queens of Old?Professor, tell me you know what is going on, because I am lost."

Withthat, there was a loud bang on the stable door, followed by a seriesof grunts. There was no time for explanations; the soldiers were justoutside the door. I directed Professor up to the loft, where we keptmost of the hay we fed to the horses. Keeping him out of harm's waywas the primary objective for me. "Stay here and keep low." Icommanded, holding up a crossbow. "Do you know how to work one ofthese?"

ButI see that he is not paying attention to me. Instead, he is lookingout the small sliver of a window that looks out into the courtyard. Iget closer to follow his gaze and what I see is what can only bedescribed as breathtaking.

Peter,Caspian, and Susan are manually lifting the gate, as dozens upon dozens of creatures burst through and pour into the courtyard.Creatures of all sizes and species. Centaurs, dwarves, mice,minotaurs. They were all running, screaming battle cries and wavingweapons of various sizes around. "For Narnia!" I heard Petershout, as he drew his sword and joined his army. Susan and Caspianfollow close behind. As the Narnians filled the courtyard, I heardProfessor gape, "By the Lion."