Now We Are Free

10

"It'll be a struggle up that slope," Eustace said as he stared at the staircase. "These steps are a bit steep."

Marina, Evreux, Eustace and Jill began climbing up.

"I'll tell you something," Puddleglum stated from the ground.

"I know," Jill replied. "If we break our necks slipping backwards we won't break them slipping down the other side. Yes? Oh, come on."

The four resumed climbing and Puddleglum followed them up.

They walked along the bridge.

Eustace, who wasn't looking at the surface he was walking on, tripped and slipped through a hole, hanging on with his fingers. The arrows he had fell and Jill screamed.

"Somebody do something!" Jill yelled.

"Help me!" Eustace cried and Jill, Evreux and Puddleglum began pulling him up.

"Are you all right?" Jill asked.

Marina looked between the group. "It would be wise to watch your step."

The five moved carefully around the ice-covered holes, Puddleglum and Evreux helping Eustace and the girls after they'd gone, and they made their way across the remainder of the bridge.

They descended the steps on the other side and as soon as Puddleglum had almost reached the bottom, Jill asked, "Where are we now, Puddleglum, Evreux, Marina?"

"A dense moore behind us, we face the Great Northern plain ahead," Puddleglum replied.

The five walked across the plain.

Something caught Eustace's eye and he exclaimed, "Look! Someone's coming."

Marina eyed the figures on horseback warily and said, "Be on guard, mates."

As Eustace walked slightly ahead of the others, Puddleglum warned, "Now be careful. The Queen is right in her warning. Anybody we meet in this place is likely to be an enemy. Mustn't let them think we're afraid and we must keep the King's beloved bride and her friend safe. And whatever you do, don't tell them anything."

Jill let out a sigh. "At least they're not Giants."

The figures on horseback reached the five and the woman stared at Marina a moment before saying, "Why, good day to you, travellers. Some of you are very young pilgrims to be walking this rough waste." She turned to Marina and Evreux. "Aren't you a long way from home."

"We're looking for the ruined city of the Giants."

"The ruined city? That is a strange place to be seeking. What will you do if you find it?"

"Begging your pardon, ma'am, but we don't know you or your silent friends and we'd rather, uh, we'd rather not discuss our business with strangers," Puddleglum said. "Do you- Do you think we'll have a little rain soon?"

The woman laughed and said, "Well, children, you have a wise, solemn guise and a joking but no-nonsense Royal, alongside a silent, guard of sorts and I think none the worse for them for keeping their own council of jokes, but I shall be free with mine. I have heard of the Giant city ruinous, but have never met anyone who would tell me the way to it. But this road," she gestured behind her, "leads eventually to the castle at Harfang. And in Harfang, you will find the gentle Giants who are a smile, civil, present and courteous as the Giants of Ettinsmoor are foolish, savage and stupid."

"And shall we there hear tidings of the city ruinous?" Puddleglum questioned.

"I know not. But certainly you will find good lodgings and many hosts. There you shall have hot steaming baths and soft beds. And the baked and sweet will be on your table four times a day." She chuckled.