Revolution || Narnia Fanfiction || thecallofnarnia & NaturallyNarnian

Chapter 18: Give 'Em Hell

David sniffed as he placed both hands on the table, leaning as he stared down the Narnian map.

"Going in through the river or Owlwood is exactly what they're expecting, so we approach from the West and ride through the Mountains at a low level. Problem is, how do we get there effectively- quickly and low profile but enough people and weapons to wage an attack. Captain Heath, what do we have and what do they have?"

"We have airborne fighters and archers," the Captain began. "But they have the air advantage- flying Rebels of their own. Ground attacks will be repelled by flaming arrows, air attacks will be met head-on."

"They have air advantage, but they don't have air superiority," David replied. "Ground units will be bottlenecked the second they get to the Mountains. Any air-to-air attacks...it's like a one-sided dogfight. Airborne fighters and archers, but what else do we have? I don't think Option A should be trying to trick them into being bottlenecked in their own territory- in fact they have no reason to move. Unless..."

David's eyes shifted. "...'Move...or you will be moved.'"

Lilith gave a slight smile at the quote as David continued to stare downwards. "What if we can force them out?" he asked to no one in particular.

"We will." Lilliandil replied, almost surprising herself with how certain she sounded. "They know their own territory as it is now. It's familiar for them, so we'll have to make it less familiar. I think that we have the power to distort the landscape... the mountains are the surest thing they have on their side so... I think we should destroy them. Or... change them? It is for the greater good, after all."

David softly nodded in agreement.

"Any thoughts?" Lilith asked the gathered. Despite clear uncertainties amongst certain Court members and definite qualms arising at the mention of destroying mountains, all were kept silent, and all were still opinions open to be swayed, so Lilith deemed the response no reason to backtrack.

David stared at nothing in particular in visible worry before he leaned over to Lilith.

"I'm thinking we should've struck a better deal."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, Mara agreed she wouldn't control them. She never agreed to cutting all contact. If she can send or summon a dragon across realities then what do you think she gave the remaining Rebels in case of an attack?"

Lilith swallowed.

"You being a Goddess isn't our ace-in-the-hole... that's our equalizer," David spoke softly. "I need you alongside me."

"You, me, Lilliandil...we can't all go, we'll leave Cair wide open," Lilith protested. "There has to be some way to stabilize without spreading us thin."

"Well, at least there's Tumnus," David chimed in. "I trust him, but who else? Actually- I remember back when I was on a bit of house arrest after Thirsa almost crushed me that Tumnus and others functioned as a temporary replacement to watch over me in rotating shifts- maybe something like that, except instead of watching over me, it's...all of Cair."

Lilliandil nodded. "Cair Paravel and its nearby habitats are also fortunate to be under the watchful eye of not only the skies, but the sea and Stars, also. At the sign of any trouble that cannot be handled, word would get to us, whether that be sent via the Stars or Merpeople."

"You're both right." Lilith replied after a thoughtful moment. "Yes... yes, all are trustworthy- especially if both of you believe so, too." She smiled at them both and took a breath. When had her children not been safe within Cair Paravel and amongst those that called it home? If she didn't have utmost trust in her current Court then they wouldn't be gathered in this room at this very moment. Besides, if needed, she was certain that she could return to Cair Paravel quicker than the flick of a mermaid's tail... somehow.