• chapter six
Sarina slipped away from her cousins, and started making her way to the Narnians. She observed the fauns and the dwarves from her vantage point, working in unison, mending broken weapons and forging new ones. The centaurs, nymphs, talking animals, and an array of creatures are nearby, preparing for the impending battle, their energy palpable as they trained under the open sky.
As she ventures outside, Sarina was pleasantly surprised by the warm welcome of the Narnians. After all, she is an outsider. A nobody in a land where the Pevensies and Caspian has authority among them.
After a spontaneous climb to the rockslide, she found herself enveloped by a familiar sense of awe. It was a feeling she couldn't quite place until he appeared before her.
"Am I dreaming again? Because I don't remember sleeping," she teased, her tone light. Aslan's deep chuckle rumbled through the air, a sound rich with warmth.
"Sit with me, young one," he invited.
Carefully, Sarina made her way to a large rock beside him and settled down, gazing up at the night sky. The stars twinkled brightly, unhindered by clouds.
"So, what now?" she inquired, looking back at the great lion.
"Of all those who have had the honor of an audience with me, you are undoubtedly the most intriguing," he replied.
"Oh? How so?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.
"You are filled with curiosity yet refrain from asking questions outright."
Sarina laughed softly. "I'm a Ravenclaw at heart. I seek answers, but I believe the true treasure lies in the discoveries made along the way." She smiled.
Aslan's eyes glimmered with satisfaction at her response. "That is why I wish to help you in your time of need." Sarina frowned, a mix of confusion and curiosity washing over her, until a grimoire emerged from beneath his majestic mane.
"Take it, young one. It's for you."
"For me?" she exclaimed, surprise coloring her voice as she struggled to comprehend, "Why?"
"It might be helpful for you, it might as well become a suitable weapon for you," he explained.
"I'm a witch. My wand is my weapon," she said to him, holding up her wand—a slender piece of pear wood with a phoenix core, measuring 12¾ inches and possessing a slightly yielding flexibility.
"I am aware of your capabilities. You are a bright witch, Sarina. Your wit and instincts have already proven valuable in your past adventures. However, Narnia is different. It won't harm you if you accept it. It depends on you to use it or not as you see fit."
Sarina turned her gaze to the grimoire resting under his mane. She reached for it and the moment her fingertips touched the cover, something shifted. She can't really explain it, but it felt like she became connected with the book. She observed it, The grimoire features a deep forest green leather cover, adorned with intricate embossed patterns of vines and leaves with its edges slightly worn. When opened, the pages reveal crisp, white surfaces, completely blank. And a delicate silver bookmark shaped like a tree branch rests at the center.
"Fill it with your knowledge, young one. Take care of it and it will care for you."
Though she felt uncertain, she couldn't help but appreciate Aslan's concern and goodwill.
"Thank you... I promise to take good care of it."
°•••°
As morning broke, Sarina descended from the top of Aslan's How, only to be greeted by a faun who informed her that Peter had called a meeting. Grateful for the heads-up, she thanked the faun and received a respectful nod in return, which flustered her. She brushed it off, reasoning that such courtesy might be temporary.
She kept the sword in her pocket where she casted a Undetectable Extension Charm to keep her wand, and other personal things that she might need in the future—now including the Stinger.
She arrived at the Stone Table where the meeting will take place. She spotted Susan approaching her.
"Where have you been? I've been looking for you at the How," Susan said, concern etched on her face.
"I was outside, star-gazing. Did you know there are constellations here that I don't think exist in our world?" Sarina replied, carefully sidestepping the truth. She is not technically lying, she simply did not state who she was with while watching the stars.
Susan seemed to accept her explanation. "Alright, just don't wander off without telling any of us. We were worried," she continued, glancing at Peter, who appeared unfazed by her absence. Susan sighed, "Well, most of us were worried. That includes me, Edmund, Lucy, and a certain prince who's been searching for you too." She tapped Sarina's shoulder and added, "Speaking of the prince..."
Before Sarina could respond, Susan turned her around abruptly, and there stood Prince Caspian. His expression was one of evident concern, his breath coming in quick gasps and beads of sweat glistening on his forehead.
"I thought you'd been taken or something," he said, his voice tinged with urgency. "May I ask where you've been for the past hour?"
"Uh, I was outside... star-gazing," Sarina replied. She understood why Susan was worried, but Caspian's concern puzzled her. Did he see her as some kind of responsibility?
"Look, don't worry. I won't engage in reckless or thoughtless actions. That's more Peter's style, or maybe Edmund and Lucy. But I assure you, I'm not that careless," she added, "You don't have to feel responsible for my well-being. I'm not one of your people."
"You may not be one of them but you're important as they are," he murmured with his voice dropping to a softer tone.
"What was that? Sorry, I didn't quite catch that," Sarina said. Caspian chuckled, suddenly aware that he had been gripping her shoulders. He released her and cleared his throat.
"A Telmarine soldier was spotted near the borders. When I didn't see you, I feared you had been caught."
Realizing the weight of his concern, Sarina felt a twinge of guilt for overreacting. She raised her hand dramatically above her head. While Caspian looked at her, puzzled.
"I promise I'll be careful and won't wander off without permission from my cousins or your majesty." Her tone was playful, but the seriousness in her eyes was unmistakable.
Caspian's expression softened as he nodded. "I hold you to that promise."
As Sarina finished her promise, their eyes locked, and for a moment, silence enveloped them. She couldn't quite explain it, but Caspian looked especially handsome in that moment—more so than usual. Just as she became lost in that thought, the tension broke when Peter called the meeting to order.
Sarina and Caspian blinked, suddenly aware of how long they had been staring at each other. Sarina pouted, feeling a mix of gratitude for Peter's interruption—pulling her away from those indescribable feelings—and disappointment at the lost moment. In addition to that, she felt an urge to headlock her cousin for breaking the moment.
She is thankful though that Caspian did not walk away and stayed beside her. Their eyes on Peter as he started to talk. He's discussing the next course of action while their enemy's men are surveilling their hideout.
"It's only a matter of time. Miraz's men and war machines are on their way," Peter said, "That means those same men aren't protecting his castle."
"What do you propose, Your Majesty?" Reepicheep asked.
"We need to get ready for it—"
"To start planning for—"
Peter and Caspian answered almost at the same time. Peter looked at him, and waited for Caspian to stand down. Who let Peter continue. Caspian masked his frustration, he is a leader. He grew up to lead his men and to protect his people. But now that someone that is higher than him has arrived, he doesn't know how to act anymore.
Sarina noticed his actions. His shoulders tensed but he kept his opinions inside of him and listened to Peter's proposed plan. She shifted slightly towards him, their shoulders slightly touching. Caspian felt the tension ease from her action and silently thanked her for her support.
"Our only hope is to strike them before they strike us," Peter declared firmly.
"But that's crazy," Caspian replied, his voice now laced with disbelief, "No one has ever taken that castle."
"There's always a first time," Peter insisted.
Trumpkin chimed in, "We'll have the element of surprise on our side."
"But we have the advantage here," Caspian argued.
"If we dig in, we could probably hold them off indefinitely." Susan interjected.
Trufflehunter added, "I, for one, feel safer underground."
Peter looked at Caspian, "I appreciate everything you've done, but this isn't a fortress; it's a tomb."
"Yes," Edmund chimed in, "and if the Telmarines are smart, they'll just starve us out."
Pattertwig piped up, "We could collect nuts!"
Reepicheep rolled his eyes. "Oh yes, and throw them at the Telmarines! ... Shut up!" He turned back to Peter, his expression serious. "I think you know where I stand on this, Sire."
Peter turned to Glenstorm. "If I can get your troops in, can you handle the guards?"
"Or die trying, my liege," Glenstorm replied, unwavering.
Lucy, her brow furrowed with concern, spoke up. "That's what I'm worried about."
"Sorry?" Peter said, taken aback.
Lucy pressed on, "You're all acting like there are only two options: dying here or dying there."
"I'm not sure you've really been listening, Lu," Peter replied, his frustration evident.
"No, you're not listening," Lucy insisted. "Or have you forgotten who really defeated the White Witch, Peter?"
Peter sighed, "I think we've waited for Aslan long enough."
Sarina watched the meeting from the sidelines, her expression filled with concern.
This feels like a suicide mission, she thought.
While Peter has some valid points in his plan, he fails to account for the enemy's battle experience. He is underestimating them. The fall of Cair Paravel is a prime example—they managed to destroy it centuries ago. The enemy has resources and a strong understanding of the terrain, giving them the upper hand. Even with the 'element of surprise,' it won't be enough to defeat a seasoned soldier.
Miraz's tactics may be questionable, but he is also a strategist. Sarina is convinced that he won't leave his castle unguarded.
The crowd disperses and before Caspian could prepare for the attack. Sarina asks, "How many men does your uncle have at his disposal?"
"My uncle commands a sizable force—over a hundred men are stationed in the castle at any given time."
"That means, even if we strike now, more than half of his soldiers will still be waiting inside." Sarina muttered confirming her suspicions, "This is doomed to fail." she whispered under her breath.
She looked back to Caspian who thankfully didn't hear her, "I'm coming." she said with finality.
"What?" Caspian's brow furrowed in confusion.
"I'll tell Peter and the others," she replied firmly.
"Wait, no," he said, bewildered. "Why?" Sarina asked.
"It's dangerous," he insisted.
"And?" she shot back, unwavering.
Caspian ran a frustrated hand over his face. He gently pulled her aside, lowering his voice. "You and Queen Lucy will stay in the How."
Sarina crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow defiantly. "Tell me why. Give me one proper reason why I should stay while my cousins go into danger."
"It's dangerous," he repeated, his tone more exasperated.
"Well, that's a given. You have to come up with another valid reason," she challenged.
"Queen Lucy will be staying, and you will be protecting her," he replied, trying to find logic in his argument.
"She'll be safe in the How. Miraz's army is surveilling this place. If Miraz is in the castle, sleeping soundly with his dear wife, the head of his forces won't be able to launch an attack quickly if he's occupied."
"The Kings and Queens have done this before. You don't understand," he said, hoping to sway her.
Sarina considered his words but remained resolute. "Just like Peter said, there's always a first time."
°•••°
Sarina had come to the conclusion that riding a hippogriff was far more comfortable than riding a griffin.
"That's Edmund's signal. Let's go," Peter commanded, and the griffins soared toward a nearby tower. Caspian glanced at Peter, who gestured for him to lead the way. Flying low, Caspian swiftly dispatched a soldier in their path. Another soldier, spotting Edmund's signal, aimed his crossbow, but Susan was quicker and shot him down. They landed, and Peter eliminated a Telmarine soldier just as efficiently.
While the others engaged the enemy, Sarina refrained from attacking; she felt her companions had it well in hand. As the griffins retreated to safety, she focused on her own task. Pulling out a rope she had prepared earlier, she tied it tightly and discreetly cast a spell to ensure it would hold.
With a circular motion of her wand followed by a sharp downward thrust, she whispered, "Durare Firmus." Satisfied with her work, she turned to the others. "The rope is ready," she announced, but Peter, Lucy, and Caspian looked at her with confusion as she tossed the rope toward the tower.
"Are you sure it will hold?" Susan asked, skepticism in her voice. Sarina met her gaze with a wink, gripping the rope as she leaped off the tower. Gasps erupted from above, and three heads peeked over the edge.
"Can't you not do that?!" Peter whispered, exasperated.
Rolling her eyes, she urged the others, "You're dilly-dallying. Now, Caspian, which window should I knock?"
Caspian, momentarily taken aback by her question, quickly regained his composure and focused on the mission. "The first window you see."
Sarina nodded. "Got it." It didn't take long for her to reach the window. She knocked, but when no one answered, she slowly opened it, revealing a dimly lit study.
"Professor?" she called out, startled when a familiar warmth enveloped her from behind. Caspian stood close, causing her to jump. He noticed their proximity and silently thanked the darkness for concealing the flush creeping up his ears. His attention was drawn away when he spotted a pair of glasses resting on the table.
"I have to find him," he murmured, determination in his voice.
"You don't have time," Peter urged. "You need to get to the gatehouse."
Caspian shook his head. "You wouldn't even be here without him. And neither would I."
Peter and Susan exchanged concerned glances, and then Sarina stepped forward, "I'll be with him." Caspian looked grateful at her but also slightly surprised.
Susan nodded, glancing at Peter. "We can take care of Miraz. We've got this,"
"And I can still make it to the gatehouse in time," Caspian added, his voice steady with resolve.
With their plan solidified, the four of them dispersed, each focused on the tasks ahead. As they moved. Caspian and Sarina made their way through the dimly lit corridors of the castle with Caspian leading the way, his instincts guiding him toward the dungeons where he suspected the professor might be.
"Sarina," he began, glancing back at her. "I wanted to say... I'm sorry for how I handled things earlier. I had no right to tell you what to do."
Sarina paused, a soft expression on her face. "No, I overreacted. I'm sorry too. I just... didn't want to feel powerless while everyone was out there fighting."
It just doesn't feel right that her cousins are fighting for the freedom of this world. She might be an outsider, but she knows she can't turn away when someone is in need, especially if she can help them.
"It's just that I've seen too many people get hurt, and I didn't want that for you." Caspian said. Sarina was quite surprised to hear the prince. It's as if he cared for her— NOPE! NA-UH. She just met the man a few hours ago. What the hell? He is just worried for his comrade, nothing more.
"I appreciate that, but I can take care of myself," she replied, "We're in this together, remember? We're a team."
Caspian and Sarina held each other's gaze, locked in an intense moment. Sarina studied him, sensing he had something on his mind; his dark brown eyes seemed to communicate silently with her green ones. They were pulled back to reality by the sound of approaching guards.
Caspian cleared his throat, awkwardly breaking the moment. "Right, um, we should keep moving." He turned away, pushing forward down the corridor.
Sarina followed closely, her heart racing. "Yes, let's find that passageway," she said, forcing a lightness into her voice as they continued on.
As they approached a heavy wooden door, Caspian glanced at her, a hint of a smile returning.
"Just stick close to me. We'll get through this." he said, offering his hand.
"Always," Sarina responded, placing her hand over his. With a smile, Caspian guided her toward the passageway.
°•••°
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