The Queen of Narnia

Chapter Thirteen

  The entire town square burst into action. There were significantly more slave traders and buyers, but we certainly had the element of surprise.

  Here's your opening.

  I launched forward, catching one of the traders off guard, and swung my chain at his face, hearing a satisfying smack that sent him to the ground. The other traders on the stage started to close in, and though my hands were still bound, nothing else was. I landed a solid kick into the stomach of the closest man, making him stumble back, and used my chains to attack another. My body moved without me even thinking, so used to the conflict by now. Nearby, I spotted a small figure land on a trader's shoulder.

  "Reepicheep!" I called, knowing he'd hear me. "Get to Lucy and Eustace!"

  "Yes, your majesty!" His voice traveled over the sound of yells and clashing metal, and I knew he'd take care of my family.

  A blade flashed in the corner of my eye, and I raised my chains just in time to catch a trader's sword before it dug into me. Shoving him off the stage, I barely had time to turn before another trader's fist came flying towards me. I hardly ducked in time, but managed to recover by landing a solid hit to his knees, causing him to tumble down. As I stood, someone tackled me from behind, and I hit the stage hard, stars dancing in my vision slightly. The man on top of me was much larger, this time one of the buyers according to the rings that were digging into my arm. His weight gave him advantage, allowing him to pin me down while two more traders approached.

  "Get off, you oaf!" I yelled.

  "Apologies, your majesty," He spat, yanking me upright so quickly that the stars returned to my vision. He kept a tight hold on my arms though, restraining me in place while the pair of traders approached with daggers in their hands. "Don't worry, I'm sure you'll still look beautiful with only one eye."

  My eyes widened and I kicked out with no luck. The others were all too preoccupied with their own battles that there was not one around to help. I tried my best to fight back, but one trader's hand grabbed my chin, forcing me to look at him.

  "This'll teach 'em," He grinned, raising his dagger and-

  Then he was no longer there, kicked aside by someone swinging from a rope. Now, it was Caspian standing there and slamming his fist into the other trader's face. His appearance shocked both me and the man holding onto me, and I took the opportunity to slam my head back into his nose. A string of curses left his mouth as he dropped me, and my knees buckled, sending me down as Caspian kicked him away before kneeling beside me, concern written plain on his face.

  "Susan," His hand came to cup my cheek, and despite the fighting around us, I only saw him. "Are you alright? Did they hurt you?"

  I gave him a small smile. "I'm fine. I'll be better if you had the keys to these." I lifted my shackled wrists.

  He grinned, revealing a set of keys in his pocket. "Lucky for you, I'm crafty."

  "Of course," I laughed as he unlocked the shackles. I rubbing my freed wrists, pain dancing up my arm. Caspian looked like he was going to say something about it, when I noticed something and grinned. "Look. The town folk, they're fighting back."

  "You did give quite a compelling speech," He said and stood, offering me a hand. "My queen?"

  I took it and as he pulled me to my feet, a man ran up behind him clutching a club. In one swift movement, I grabbed a nearby stick of broken wood and swung hard, nailing him in the face. I dropped the wood alongside the attacker, dusting my hands off as I turned to face my husband, who had a surprised expression.

  "What?" I joked. "I couldn't have him take you out, I still need you around."

  He laughed this time and wrapped an arm around my waist, pulling me close as the battle died down. Most of the slave traders and buyers were on the ground now, unconscious or groaning in pain. Silence fell once more, all eyes falling on me and Caspian on the stage. A quick scan showed me that Lucy and Edmund were among the fighters, both appearing unharmed, which made relief course through me.

  And then the cheering began.