Susan had been outnumbered in battles before. This time was different because Susan did not have a single one of her siblings or friends nearby. This was her end. Before shooting her first arrow, Susan kept aiming at Callabon and awaited an explanation.
"How dare thee deceive me?" demanded the Queen.
"So sorry, madame. I am general of the Salvages, a group feared by all left in this wretched land." Callabon took a step forward, making Susan uneasy. "Our goal is to storm the entrance of the New Narnia and destroy all of Aslan's most loyal followers as revenge for his punishment of exile put upon us."
The crowd roared in agreement, all except Shoof, but that hardly made the odds of Susan's survival more in her favor. Anxious, Susan held her aim. She would not stand down to liars and cowards.
"Then why lure me into your clutches?" asked Susan.
"We can use all the warriors we can get. Don't you want to be reunited with your loved ones?"
Susan thought to herself, terrible thoughts. Perhaps helping these poor souls would redeem herself as well as contribute to finding her siblings again. Once in the New Narnia she could simply aid her family in fighting against all those who oppose them...
"I-"
A giant roar shook the ground, everyone toppling over and distracted. Susan knew that was Aslan, another guidance by Him when she already knew what her decision should have been. With this available moment, Susan the Gentle turned away from the Salavages' camp and ran with all her energy down the hill back towards the woods. After about ten seconds of triumph, Susan heard yells and footsteps chasing after her. Not looking back, Susan felt the centaurs and fauns gaining on her. She didn't give up, she couldn't-
"Here!" It was Shoof, who paced himself at Susan's speed and extended his arm towards her. Doubting his intentions, Susan ignored him and kept running.
"You have twenty seconds before Callabon grabs you himself!"
Susan heard him, his breathing getting closer and closer. Finally, Susan gave in and reached out towards the young centaur. Shoof swung Susan over onto his back, the Queen adjusting herself before he sped up into his full sprint. Susan looked back for the first time, seeing the Salvages growing farther and farther away. Shoof was the fastest steed Susan ever rode and was grateful for his aid. The ride ended about an hour later, when both the travelers were dehydrated and famished. Susan started the pair's first conversation while both sat beside a small pond and ate freshly picked berries.
"Thank you, Shoof. I would most likely be dead if it were not for you."
"You were not going to join the Salvages? I could have sworn Aslan grew angered because your answer was yes."
"You knew that was Aslan?"
"All loyal Narnians would have known. By that I'd say you are faithful, correct?"
"It's complicated. I once was, and as you can see now I'm not or else I would not be here."
Both washed their faces in the pond, the water refreshing, making Susan and Shoof feel as if they could ride on for more hours. Neither got up although, Susan had more questions.
"Why aren't you in the New Narnia if you are faithful to The Lion?"
"I once let revenge consume me. As you may have inferred already, Callabon's story of himself he told you was a complete lie. Callabon was not only a Telmarine spy; he hates Narnians with a passion, specifically Aslan and his disciples. My wife was a loyal Narnian. She prayed daily and shared her rituals with the Narnian survivors. One day Callabon found her bathing alone in a spring... And he killed her."
YOU ARE READING
Susan Of Narnia
أدب الهواةI was really sad when I read "Susan is no longer a friend of Narnia." C.S Lewis had planned on changing this with a book called "Susan Of Narnia", but never got the chance to actually write it because he died. So here is the tale that I feel would...
