The Ride

I marched out of the castle hall and into the sunny, cheery courtyard. The flowers bloomed in the flower beds and white wisps of clouds raced across the bluest sky before fading into the west. Unfortunately, I didn't notice all these things as I walked into the large barn that stood to the right of the hall. The sun bounced off the marble walls, and cast its golden rays though the windows, illuminating the stall way.

"Your Majesty, Clisendal is ready." The stable boy, Collin said.

"Thank you. The saddle bags have provisions, correct?" I asked as he led my stallion, Clisendal towards me. Clisendal was white and had a black mane and tail with black socks near his hooves.

"Yes, my lady. Is there anything else I can get you?" He replied.

"No, thank you." I answered as the young, brunette headed boy helped me mount into the copper colored, sidesaddle. "I shall be riding most of the day westward if anyone asks you where I am. Thank you, Collin."

"You're welcome, your majesty." He called, as I rode out of the barn into the morning sunshine.

Clisendal quickly walked towards the towering cream colored gate. Making sure my bow and quiver were secure on my back, I rode out of the gate and turned Clisendal westward. Cantering him though a meadow that had a myriad of wildflowers, I thought about the heated discussion I had with the High King the night before.

"I don't think you should leave the country, dear sister, not with battle at hand. I don't know what to think about you courting Prince Rabadash either. You know the ways of Calormen; slaves, taxes, and many laws. We would not want to bring those things to Narnia." Peter said concerning the matter of courting the Prince of Calormen.

"Peter, I think Prince Rabadash is the perfect person! He is charming, handsome, chivalrous, and a great warrior! What is not to like about him? I will be in Tashbaan while Edmund and Lucy are here at the castle. I will be alright. Anyway, what could possibly go wrong?" I challenged.

"I just do not trust him or his father, the Tisroc. It would not be wise of us to send you to Tashbaan. I will not let you go." He replied.

"Peter! You are too overprotective. You said that I could visit Tashbaan a week ago. If you don't let me go, you would be breaking your promise to me." I shot back, irritated.

"The matter is closed. You will not go and court Prince Rabadash." He replied ending the conversation.

I made Clisendal pick up a fast gallop and the thick wooded forest ahead closed in around us.

Peter should let me go! I do not see a problem with the matter. The High King is just being stubborn because he does not like Prince Rabadash. My thoughts shifted. I wish Lucy was riding with me and was not in Beruna today. She always understands and would listen to my troubles right now. I sighed and started daydreaming about Prince Rabadash to take my mind off the matter. He is so handsome and courteous too!

The sun had ridden to midday and was now stretching towards the western mountains. I trotted near a cool, clear, bubbling, stream and dismounted on the lush bank. Looking in the saddlebag, I found the meal prepared for me. Letting Clisendal loose to graze on the fertile grass, I sat under a blooming cheery tree and listened to the trees as they whispered to each other. The laughing brook and the rustling trees forced me to forget my troubles and I started enjoying the afternoon.

Clisendal wandered downstream as I lingered on my midday meal. After a bit of rest in the soft grass, I whistled to Clisendal, remounted, and continued though the hushed forest. The trees began to look older and quieter as I wandered away from the stream.

After a while of riding I began to notice a difference about the wood. How strange. This part of the forest is thicker and the trees are closer together. I must be near the Western Wild. I thought. Glancing upward, I noted that I could hardly see the sky though the canopy of branches above me. That's when I decided to turn around and find my way back to the stream.

Riding towards the direction of the brook, Clisendal seemed nervous and tense. He started prancing in place. I tried to stop him but he backed up and reared; I lost my balance and nearly fell off. He bolted as I clung to his neck, trying to gather the reins. His hooves beat against the earth like thunder. I lost my stirrup and felt myself slipping off sideways.

Oh Aslan help me! I pleaded. Finally, I grabbed the right rein and pulled his neck around, turning him into a tight circle. He stopped, breathing hard. I paused, trembling. Exhaling deeply, I tried to calm my shaken spirit. Then I slowly walked Clisendal out, calming him down, while I looked for the stream.

Where is it? I thought for sure that we hadn't ridden far from the cheery tree. Maybe I should ask the trees if they know. I considered.

"Excuse me, trees? Do you know where the cherry tree that sits by the stream is located?" I asked in a gracious tone.

Silence. Not one tree answered my question and were as still as statues.

Beginning to get nervous, I glanced about me. The trees will not answer me and I cannot find the stream or the cherry tree. Why did Clisendal spook? What scared him? The sun is setting and I cannot find my way back. Will Peter know I'm gone? How will I find my way back to Cair Paravel?

For a moment, I listened hard for the sound of running water. All of a sudden I heard a shout and the sound of clashing swords. I rode toward the noise and came out of the dense forest.