Born For Better (A Peter Pevensie/ Narnia Fanfic)

Chapter 22- Building an Army and Aslan's How

Annabelle's POV

The Narnians shouted over each other, surrounding Caspian in a dark clearing. I sat next to the centaurs, feeling safest amongst the most loyal warriors in Narnia.

"All this horn proves is that they've stolen yet another thing from us!" Nikabrik spat.

"I didn't steal anything." Caspian protested.

"Didn't steal anything? Shall we list the things the Telmarines have taken?" A minotaur called out.

"Our homes!"

"Our freedom!"

"Our lives!"

"You would hold me accountable for all the crimes of my people?" Caspian cut in.

"Accountable...and punishable!" Nikabrik snapped.

"That's words from you, dwarf. Or have you forgotten that it was your people who fought alongside the Witch?" Reepicheep accused.

"And I'd gladly do it again if it would rid us of these barbarians!" Nikabrik spat back.

"Then we are lucky it is not in your power to bring her back. Or do you want us to ask this boy to go against Aslan?" Trufflehunter said. The Narnians began to shout over one another again. Trufflehunter limped forward. "Some of you may have forgotten, but we badgers remember well, that Narnia was never right except when a son of Adam was king."

"He's a Telmarine! Why would we want him as our king?" Nikabrik shouted. I stood up.

"We've gone over this!" I shouted. "He is the one Aslan has chosen!"

"I can help you. Beyond these woods, I am a prince. The Telmarine throne is rightfully mine. Help me claim it, and I can bring peace between us." Caspian negotiated. Glenstorm stepped up next to me, laying a hand on my shoulder.

"It is true... The time is ripe. I watch the skies,for it is mine to watch as it is yours to remember, badger. And yours to foresee, my Queen." He spoke deeply, nodding to Trufflehunter and me. "Tarva, the Lord of Victory, and Alambil, the Lady of Peace have met, and here a son of Adam has come forth to offer us back our freedom." I nodded my thanks to him, as the other creatures seemed to heed his words.

"There is a prophecy." I spoke up, all eyes turning to me. "I have kept it with me in all my years of captivity, counting the days until I would see its fruition. It spoke of Caspian, and of the Kings and Queens of Old. I have seen it, they have returned to Narnia, through the power of this horn." I held the horn up for all to see. "It is with them and Caspian that Narnia will be pulled out of this dark age and into peace." A squirrel scurried down a tree and across a tree branch, twitching slightly in excitement.

"Is it possible? Do you really think there could be peace? Do you? I mean, really?" He sputtered, his eyes wide.

"I do believe so, my friend." I said with a smile. "We have been in the darkness for too long. It is time for Caspian to take his place on the throne and bring forth peace." I nodded to Caspian, urging him to speak. The prince took a deep breath and turned in a circle, looking over each and every Narnian.

"Two days ago, I didn't believe in the existence of talking animals, or dwarfs, or centaurs. Yet, here you are...in strength in numbers we Telmarines could never have imagined." He pointed to the horn still gripped in my hands. "Whether this horn is magic or not, it brought us together. And together, we have a chance to take back what is ours."

"If you will leads us, then my sons and I offer you our swords." Glenstorm spoke first, drawing his sword, followed by the centaurs behind him.

"And we offer you our lives." Reepicheep said, speaking for the mice around him. Unreservedly." He bowed. Each Narnian then bowed to Caspian. He smiled, his eyes resting on me.