A Dance 'Round the Memory Tree

10

Inside Aslan's How, Susan and Lucy climbed up on Caspian's horse. Marion climbed up on another.

"Destier has always served me well," Caspian said. "You are in good hands. Rest assured, Marion, with Nicodemus, you're in good hands as well."

"Or hooves," Lucy joked.

Caspian smiled, looking up at Susan. "Good luck."

"Thanks," Susan replied.

Caspian pulled out the horn. "Maybe it is time you had this back."

"Why don't you hold onto it? You might need to call me again."

The girls rode off as Caspian watched.

""You might need to call me again"?" Lucy repeated.

"Oh, shut up."

---

Peter and Edmund walked out of Aslan's How as the Narnians cheered them on.

Miraz said to Glozelle, "If it should appear to be going poorly..."

Glozelle looked at the crossbow in his hands. "Understood, my lord."

Peter drew his sword and stepped forward. Glumpuddle watched in awe.

Miraz stepped forward and they began circling before Miraz said, "There is still time to surrender."

"Well, feel free," Peter shot back.

"How many more must die for the throne?"

"Just one."

Peter pulled down his helmet and jumped at Miraz and the fighting started. Each army cheered for their respective competitor.

FOREST

Susan, Lucy and Marion rode away. Telmarine soldiers on horseback pursued them.

"They've seen us!" Lucy cried.

Susan stopped the horse and climbed off.

"What are you doing?" Lucy and Marion asked.

"I'm sorry, Lu," Susan apologised. "It looks like it'll just be you and Marion after all."

Lucy and Marion rode off. They took once last glance at Susan, and disappeared. Susan turned towards the oncoming Telmarines. She put an arrow to the string and took aim. She took down a few, then was knocked down. A Telmarine was about to kill her when Caspian came out of nowhere, killed the Telmarine, and held out his hand to Susan.

"Are you sure you won't be needing that horn?" Caspian questioned.

Susan climbed on and they rode off.

BATTLEFIELD

The fight continued, and Peter hit Miraz in the back. In turn, he knocked off Peter's helmet and his coif. Peter swung low and cut Miraz's leg. He glanced at Glozelle, who was still holding the crossbow. Miraz swung, but Peter quickly recovered. He tripped Peter and stepped on his shield causing him to yell. Bulgy Bear gasped. Miraz swung again, but Peter rolled out of the way and kept doing so. Peter stopped rolling and Miraz tripped. They both got up and were breathing heavily. Peter looked over Miraz's shoulder and saw Caspian and Susan riding up.

"Does his highness need a respite?" Miraz asked in a mocking tone.

"Five minutes?" Peter requested.

"Three."

Miraz and Peter limped back to their respective sides and Peter said to Susan and Caspian, "Lucy and Marion..."

Susan nodded. "They got through... with a little help."