Beyond the Horn

CHAPTER 14: ANNALIESE

Annaliese listened as Peter relayed a shorter version of their plan to the Narnians, but in her mind she once again saw her arrow sinking into Nikabrik's back, the sight of the dwarf falling to the ground. She remembered the knowledge that it was all her doing.

But this peace that had come over her and remained was from Aslan himself, she just knew it. Her fear of battle was replaced with a new determination that there was nothing else to be done, and she would have to face her fears head on. While the physical battle was going on, she was going to be facing her own inward battles.

Peter was speaking about sending Annaliese and Lucy into the woods, alone. As several Narnians protested, Annaliese felt a strong hand grip her own. Looking back, she found Caspian next to her. She couldn't explain it, but after he had admitted what had happened in the night raid and then asked for forgiveness from everyone, there was something strong that had bonded them together and now she felt completely at ease with him.

Next to Peter, Annaliese saw Kara standing with Ed, their hands clasped together. Annaliese knew that she herself had changed and that was all due to Aslan, but something had happened to her sister, too. She seemed more grown up, bolder. Like...like a queen.

Yes, that was it. Aslan was moving—something was happening in all of them.

"You sure you'll be alright, Annaliese?" Caspian said in her ear.

She turned to look at him with a smile. "I'll be fine. Lucy and I'll have each other, and we'll find Aslan. I'm sure of it."

"If only I could have your measure of faith," Caspian said wistfully.

"It's a matter of letting go of your worries and trusting that Aslan knows best," Annaliese replied just as quietly.

Peter finally convinced the Narnians that it was the only thing to be done, that the Kings and Queens of Old, the Ladies Rems, and even the new Narnian prince believed that they needed to go and find Aslan.

Ed had returned only a few hours after leaving the Howe and informed everyone that Miraz had accepted. The duel between the Telmarine king and the Narnian High King would take place the following day, about mid-morning, therefore it was decided that Annaliese and Lucy would leave an hour or two before, early enough not to excite suspicion but still give them more time to find Aslan.

Annaliese felt a quiver of anticipation run through her. She was honestly excited and didn't feel the least bit doubtful that they'd find the Great King.

"Are you ready?"

Annaliese realized with a start that Peter was speaking to her, and that everyone was looking at them. Her cheeks flushed and she nodded. "Yes, sorry. I am ready."

"Then Caspian will now take you to the armory and get you a breastplate and a new bow," he said with a small smile.

"Okay." Annaliese's blue-eyed gaze found Caspian's dark one still beside her and followed him out and farther into the Howe, to the armory.

Upon entering it, Caspian immediately headed for the pile of breastplates stacked against the wall. As he helped her strap one on, and then arm guards and leg guards, he remained silent and stiff-lipped. Annaliese was not known for her patience, so she shrugged and went for it. "What's wrong, Caspian?"

"It's nothing. Really."

Annaliese grabbed his hand as he fumbled for a shield, forcing his attention to her face. "Caspian. Talk to me. What's going on?"

"I'm just worried," he said, blowing out a long breath. "Do you want a longbow or a short bow?"

"Longbow. And I'm worried too," Annaliese answered, her brow knitting in confusion. "I'm pretty sure there's a lot of worry going around right now."