The New Warrior (Book 1)

Chapter 11 A Barbaric Place

"They're so still." Lucy sighed, looking up at the trees as our boat made it's way down the stream.

"They're trees. What'd you expect?" The dwarf rolled his eyes.

"They use to dance." Lucy frowned.

"Not long after you left, the Telemarines invaded. Those who survived retreated to the woods. The trees then disappeared so deep within themselves that they were never heard from since." The dwarf looked down at his lap.

"I don't understand. How could Aslan have let this happen?" Lucy shook her head.

"Aslan?" The dwarf looked up suddenly. "I thought he abandoned us when you lot did. "

"We didn't meant to leave you know." Peter replied, pushing the two large oars forward, a trickle of sweat dripping down his forehead.

"Well it doesn't make much of a difference now does it." The dwarf snapped.

"Get us to the Narnians-"Peter started, pulling the oars back. "And it will. "

***

Not long later, we had arrived at a small beach. Peter hopped out of the boat first, and he and Edmund pulled it ashore. Edmund reached up and pulled Lucy and Susan out and then reached for my hand as well, but Peter beat him to it, glaring at Edmund a bit.

"Thanks." I mumbled, grasping his hand and stepping down on the soft, sugar like sand. My feet sank down with every step I took as I joined Susan in stretching. I reached up and brushed my hands through my hair, letting it fall against my back.

"Hello there!" We all heard Lucy exclaim. "It's alright! Were friends." She shouted towards a large black bear.

"Don't move your majesty!"

I snapped my head towards the dwarf and then back at Lucy just in time to see the bear charging at Lucy.

"Stay away from her!" Susan cried as she pulled back her arrow.

"Shoot!" I screeched.

"Shoot Susan Shoot!"

Lucy ran towards us at full speed, tripping and landing on her back in the process.

"Lucy!" I shouted, running towards her.

"Maggie!" I heard Peter cry. Lucy shrieked as the bear leaned over her and roared an ear splitting roar. Not seconds later, the bear crumpled to the ground, an arrow sticking out of his chest. Peter brushed by me and pulled Lucy to her feet.

"Why didn't he stop?" Susan asked, shakily.

"He was wild. I don't think he talk at all." Edmund mumbled, poking the bear with his sword.

"You get treated like a dumb animal long enough, that's what you become." The dwarf grumbled. "You might find Narnia a more savage place than you remember."