Becoming a Lioness (Book 2)

Chapter 34 Griffin to the Rescue

"What about the others?" Lucy asked as we struggled to maneuver Peter out of the cave.

Aslan froze mid step and turned away from us momentarily to face the massive cluster of trees that lined every inch of the island. He placed one paw down seemingly gently, but the moment it touched the forest floor the island began to tremble. He blew his breath ever so lightly into the air, causing the trees shake. Once his breath stopped flowing out, the trees continued to twist and bend, moving their branches in a way that almost seemed like stretching.

One particular group of trees heaved their roots out of the ground and began to jolt and jerk their way to the cave, bending down once they reached the entrance in order to fit through. "Now this island has its permanent protectors."

"I thought you already freed the trees?" Lucy asked as she gazed at the sight in front of her, tightening her grip on her brother as Aslan began to venture deeper into the woods. We followed closely behind the great lion as he lead the way to our destination.

"This island has been untouched by all since the staff was placed here thousands of years ago, thus keeping the trees from being affected by my will to free them."

"But it worked now because you're here? I mean, actually on the island?" Lucy peered at him carefully.

He nodded his head, his golden mane shaking as he did so. He moved forward a few more paces before stepping on a fallen tree limb and freezing on the spot. A snapping sound rang out, filling the void of silence that hung heavily around us, echoing several times before dying down.

I opened my mouth to say something, but the echoing started again, this time further away. "Is that the Jibergs?"

"Take Peter to the ship, now!" Aslan exclaimed, turning his back to us and widening his stance a bit. "Quickly! I'll hold them off. The ship isn't too far, just continue on this path." We were already moving before he even had time to finish his sentence, glancing back periodically.

"Come on!" I cried to Lucy as she stumbled a bit, nearly loosing her grip on Peter all together. He had passed back out a while ago in the cave so we were now carrying all of his weight.

"I can't carry him much further!" She called back to me. I could feel her struggling and the truth was, I was too.  

My arms were burning and the second I thought I would give out all together, the screech of a griffin filled the air. We both looked up simultaneously as a large golden griffin began its descent towards us.

"Thank Aslan!" I exclaimed as the griffin landed a few feet in front of us. We rushed over to it, lifting Peter up as best we could, the griffin maneuvering in way that adjusted him perfectly.

I climbed up behind Peter and tugged Lucy up behind me, and once we were both settled the griffin took off with a jolt. I kept my arms secured around my beautiful king as we soared through the air, high above the island.

I strained my neck a bit so I could see Peters bruised face. Brushing his matted hair off of his sweaty, flushed forehead, I whispered in his ear, "Hold on, Peter. We're almost there."