The New Warrior (Book 1)

Chapter 23 Departure

Okay I just want to say a quick thank you to TheNarnianWarrior for her votes and comment. This chapter is dedicated to her!! You are amazing!!!!!!!! Thank you!

"Hey." I called softly, peeking into the stone table room. Peter sat perched upon the large rectangular stone. He turned slowly, the fire light illuminating his dirty blonde hair and his face, making him look angelic.

"Hey." He called back, motioning for me to join him. I walked over and sat down slowly, shocked that he had wrapped his arm around me.

"Are you nervous?" I whispered, not having the nerve to break the silence completely.

"Nervous, no. Scared, yes."

I leaned my head back against his shoulder and sighed. "I wish I could do more to help. I feel like all I've been doing this entire time is asking questions and sitting around."

"You help me."

I scoffed, "And how exactly do I do that?"

He leaned up, causing me to lean up as well and face him. "You help me by making this easier." He motioned around with his hand. I cocked an eyebrow. "You being here helps me to be happy even in these terrible times. You never seize to make me smile or laugh and everyone knows I live for our 'arguments'," I giggled. "And that noise, your laugh, makes my heart skip a beat." I blushed and looked down at my hands. "You really are amazing." He mumbled.

"Okay. This is way too cheesy." I exclaimed. He laughed and propped his arms on his thighs as he leaned forward.

"Your majesty, we are ready." I looked up at the badger standing in the doorway and then to Peter, who had risen to his feet.

"Thank you."

The badger nodded and walk away briskly. I graciously took his out-stretched hand and followed him down the hall way, having yet to let go of his hand. Once we reached the dirt ramp he let go of my hand and turned to face me. "Well..."

"Well."

He smiled. "Take care of Lucy while we're gone."

I nodded. "Of course. I'll see you when you get back?"

He pulled me into a tight hug and mumbled against my hair, "Yes, you will. I promise." He reluctantly released me as his siblings joined us.

"Be careful!" I whispered to Susan as I hugged her tightly. She pulled back, smiling. I turned to Edmund just as he was releasing Lucy. I watched out of the corner of my eye as she hugged Susan and then Peter, whispering words of encouragement.

"Good luck, best swordsman of Narnia's Golden Age." A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips and he cleared his throat. "Listen about earlier-"

I shook my head and grabbed him. "Save it for when you get back."

He nodded against my shoulder and followed Susan out of the Howe.

Peter departed after one last hug from me and then Lucy, letting go of my hand only because we couldn't reach each other anymore. Lucy and I waved, watching fearfully as her siblings and Aslans Army took off into the thick darkness.