Ribbons | Peter Pevensie

Chapter Seven

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From behind a pile of logs, Peter watched as hundreds and hundreds of men worked. The Telmarines worked in teams: some cut down trees, some removed branches in order to prepare them, and others worked on building the bridge across the river. Most of them weren't  soldiers - they didn't have helmets or weapons aside from the tools provided for work. The only soldiers that were present oversaw the work but didn't seem to be lifting a hand.

"They're expanding their territory," Trumpkin observed. "If they get far enough North, they'll find us."

"We won't let it get that far," Lucy insisted. But looking at the sight in front of people - the number of men available to build a bridge - she wasn't as certain anymore.

A horse whinnied close by and they all ducked just in time to not be seen by approaching Telmarines. Rosemary covered her mouth with her hand to muffle her heavy breaths.

"Perhaps this wasn't the best way to come after all."

"You think?" Rosemary interjected, though she knew Susan's words were meant only for Peter. One more glance at the building site and the group of six were off with Peter retracing his steps back to the River Rush. Rosemary easily caught up with him. "How are we going to cross?"

"I don't know but we couldn't stay. The longer we stayed only increased the risk of being seen."

The group was far enough behind for Rosemary to grab Peter by the elbow. He stopped and turned back to look down at her. "That scene back there may not prove that Aslan existed but either way, you owe Lucy an apology. You don't have to believe that Aslan was there, but act like it for Lucy's sake. Please, Peter."

Peter squinted at Rosemary before glancing back at Lucy, who was looking back where the bridge was. He could see the fear in her eyes and understood what Rosemary was implying. Believing she saw Aslan was what was motivating Lucy. He looked back at the group once more and after confirming no one was looking, he leaned down and pecked Rosemary's temple. "Okay."

Rosemary smiled as the familiar blush crept up her neck and to her cheeks. "I am so happy I don't have to swim."

♕

"So where exactly do you think you saw Aslan?"

"I wish you'd all stop trying to sound like grown-ups. I don't think I saw him - I did see him."

"Sorry, Lu. It's been sixteen years." Peter hesitated. "I'm trying."

Lucy nodded, glad to see a bit of her brother poking out from behind the dark cloud that had been hanging over him since they left Narnia. "It was right over-" She screamed as the ground below her gave way and she dropped out of sight.

"Lucy!" Edmund surged forward and peered over the edge, expecting to see his sister's body in the water far below. Instead, she was just a few feet below them on another ledge. Safe.

"Here."

Edmund laughed breathlessly. "Guess you found our way down."

Up close, the river was much less daunting. It was more of a stream now, no more than five inches at its deepest point.

"I thought you said you were learning to swim?" Peter asks as Rosemary kept as far away from the water as possible. "Not that you could even swim in it, though I'd like to see Edmund try."

"Ha. Ha." Rosemary stared unamused at Peter. "It only takes two inches to drown."

"How would you drown?" Edmund wondered from behind. Rosemary could hear him trying to hide his laughter behind fake coughs.