The New Warrior (Book 1)

Chapter 24 The return

Lucy and I endured one sleepless night of fear as we awaited the return of the troops. The sun had risen a few hours ago and we had yet to move from our spots on the stone table.

"Did you hear that?" Lucy asked, raising her head off of my shoulder.

"What?"

"It sounded like....."

"There back!" The strong, growly voice of one of the Minotaurs rang out. We jumped up simultaneously and dashed out of the Howe, but what we saw caused us to freeze dead in our tracks.

The troops that were approaching the Howe didn't equal half of the number of troops that left.

"What happened?" Lucy desperately asked Peter and Caspian, who were leading the group.

"Ask him." He replied harshly, nodding to Caspian.

"Peter." Susan shook her head.

"Me? You could have called it off, there was still time."

Peter stopped. "No, there wasn't, thanks to you. If you would've just stuck to the plan those soldiers might be alive."

"And if we would've just stayed here like I suggested they definitely would be!" Caspian retorted.

"You called us, remember?"

"My first mistake."

Peter turned away. "No your first mistake was thinking you could lead these people. "

"Hey!" Caspian yelled, causing Peter to spin around and glare.

"I am not the one who abandoned Narnia!"

"No, you invaded Narnia!" Caspian scoffed and brushed by him. "You, him, your father, Narnia's better off without the lot of you."

Caspian spun around and swung his sword, crashing against Peters with a loud 'clang'.

"Stop!" Lucy cried, running towards an unconscious Trumpkin. I followed and helped her hold his head up. Susan dropped to her knees beside us and assisted Lucy as she steadied the bottle and dropped one single drop of fire fly juice into his mouth.

Everyone was silent as we waited for him to wake. He began to stir slightly after a few seconds, shooting up into a sitting position and coughing.

"Thank you." He gasped, "Dear little friend."

Lucy giggled and pulled me to my feet, following everyone inside. I squeezed Caspian's arm as I walked by, receiving a sad yet grateful smile in return. Peter noticed and met my eyes briefly before turning and walking the opposite way.