There And Back Again 》Sequel

Chapter 16

The next morning the whole Howe aroused to a sentinel's panicked voice alarming the all the halls and corridors, "They've been sighted! Miraz's troops have been sighted near the Howe!"

My eyes shot open to the agitated shouts that echoed through the sleeping quarters. My body instinctively jumped out of bed, along with Susan and Lucy and sped out of dark room in haste. The panicked and crowded creatures that made up the council scampered around the corridors which lead into the conference chamber where the Pevensie's and I had visited on the first day of our arrival at the Howe.

I sat on the Table beside Lucy as Pip along, the rest of Pevensie's and all important generals and garrison who flooded the room talking amongst each other anxiously. It was only now that I had realised the state we were in and what we had gotten ourselves into. It had been too long since the Pevensie's and I fought in battle and now we may soon be dragged into one. Soon the chatter had died down and Peter declared, "It's only a matter of time. Miraz's men and war machines are on their way," he spoke articulately as he eyed everyone in the room, pacing around and expressing jurisdiction in his gestures. As a king would, "That means those same men, aren't protecting his castle."

"What do you suppose we do your majesty?" queried Reepicheep's soft voice. I bit my lip, fearing what Peter might say.

"We need to get ready for it-"

"To start planning for-"

Both Peter and Caspian's voice clashed, speaking quickly as they both stepped forward. I sighed, rolling my eyes when they both shared aggravated scowls. The battle of glares, talk about awkward... They are never going to see eye to eye if they continue to disapprove each other's perspectives on this matter. Caspian dropped his head and gritted his teeth momentarily, clearly letting Peter continue.

"Our only hope is to strike them before they strike us." Peter said boldly.

"But that's crazy!" Caspian argued, "No one has ever taken that castle."

"Maybe because no one has ever tried to take it." I told. Caspian gawked at me feeling deceived, but truth was I didn't know who's side I was on.

"Anyways, there's always a first time." Peter continued to persuade.

"We'll have the element of surprise." Trumpkin added, obviously giving his loyalty to Peter.

"But we have the advantage here!" Pip insisted, pressing more of Peter's buttons.

Susan joined Pip at his side, "If we dig in, we could hold them off indefinitely." She suggested. Peter turned to her with a disapproving look, evidently expressing betrayal. My stomach was churning with anxiety. In my head I had an argument with myself about whose side I was on. I truly wanted to scream.

"I for one, feel safer underground." Trufflehunter spoke up.

Pete then walked up to Pip and continued to influence his decision, "Look, I appreciate what you've done here-" There it is! Peter trying (again) to clarify who's boss, "But this isn't a fortress, it's a tomb." Pete was right, no matter how defensible the Howe, battle wasn't fit for a place like this.

"Yes!" Edmund agreed, causing all to whip in his direction. "And if they're smart, the Telmarines will just wait and starve us out." I nodded at his right judgement. He was very strategic and knew outcomes when it came to battles, which made me think twice again about my decision.

A red squirrel standing next to Reepicheep exclaimed loudly, "We could collect nuts!" I smiled and bit onto my lip, trying to hold in a laugh that urged to escape.

"Yes, and throw them at the Telmarines!" Reepicheep replied sarcastically. "Shut up!" I dropped my head, chuckling softly to myself. Lucy slightly pushed me, clearly telling me to stop. If this weren't such a serious matter I would have laughed so hard, it would have been as loud as father's mighty roar.