The Early Chronicles Book Three: Narnia and the North

Chapter 11

The camp was in a wild rush as soon as Swanwhite realized Thasian and Laurel were missing.  Thankfully, Goran had been able to find the Giant tracks mixed with theirs and put the pieces together on what happened.  After much deliberation and rigorous discussion, they decided to make haste to Ettinsmoor which was in the direction the Giant's tracks headed.  They would take their chances that the Giant would be taking Laurel and Thasian there as well and they could find them in the city if they didn't overtake them on the way.  Dark rain clouds threatened to consume the otherwise clear sky and Swanwhite worried the storm would stop their pursuit.  Mounting quickly, the company of warriors raced again across the Wild Wastelands of the North towards the Giant city of Ettinsmoor.

Every so-often there was a patch of softer ground where the wagon tracks or the Giant's footprints could be seen.  Whenever this happened, it encouraged Swanwhite greatly that they would find them in the city.  The horses performed tremendously as they obeyed their masters and never slowed their pace.  Nomad's reins had been tied to Sir Ethan's saddle and Ira's reins to Sir Oliver's and these two horses seemed just as eager to find their owners.  

The land changed to a dry and rocky desert that had several ravines and chasms throughout it.  It still rose and fell in hills but it remained dry and grey.  It was here that Swanwhite felt the first drop of rain splash on her nose.  She pulled the hood of her cloak over her hair and braced herself for a more difficult ride.  The rain came slowly at first, only one drop every few seconds.  Then it became a gentle shower that splashed onto the dry rocks and left black marks, then the droplets became bigger and it was a proper turret, and then the thunder began to shake the sky and the lightning illuminated the rolling clouds.  Though it was mid-day, the clouds made everything look dark and foreboding.  Swanwhite had to tilt her head to avoid the rain getting in her eyes and clouding her vision.  Though it was very unpleasant riding in the rain, she could only imagine how horrible Thasian and Laurel must be feeling.  At last they rode up another incline and when the reached the top, they saw the Giant city below after another flash of lightning.  This was far more impressive than the village of Ettintown, and these houses were built with stone and not timber.  In the center was a massive house built of stone that Swanwhite picked out as the king and queen's, and except for the light glow of torches in some of the windows, there didn't appear to be any sign of life.  They raced down the slope towards the city, and Swanwhite prayed hard that they wouldn't be seen and crushed before they reached it.  

"Don't slow your pace!"  Goran shouted to them above the rain.  Swanwhite gave Kismir his head. 

"You've done well, Kismir.  Just a bit farther."  She urged him.  Kismir seemed to grow wings as they flew down the slope in the downpour with another clap of thunder drowning out the rain and the pounding of hooves.  At last they reached the mote and drawbridge of the city.  Surprisingly, there was no gate or gatehouse surrounding the city.  Evidently, the Giants feared no invaders.  Finally slowing their pace, they trotted across the bridge and stopped in the deserted stone streets of Ettinsmoor.

"Search the town!  Whether you find them or not, go back over the mote and on the other side of the slope by nightfall.  The queen and I will approach the king and queen."  Goran ordered.  The men didn't hesitate before spreading out across the town and beginning to examine every cart they saw.  Swanwhite and Goran urged their horses up through the lower town until they reached the great house in the center.  It was truly massive, nearly twice as tall as Chateau Kent, though about the same width.  Swanwhite mustered up her courage once again as they approached the front door.  They dismounted and found a hidden tree to tie Valeon and Kismir to.  Swanwhite kissed her stallion's nose before following Goran to the great door that was so tall Swanwhite had to crane her neck and step back to see the top of.