HOW ALL WERE VERY BUSY A LITTLE before two oclock Trumpkin and the Badger sat with the rest of the creatures at the woods edge looking across at the gleaming line of Mirazs army which was about two arrow-shots away. Iween, a square space of level grass had been staked for the bat. At the two far ers stood Glozelle and Sopespian with drawn swords. At the near ers were Giant Wimbleweather and the Bulgy Bear, who in spite of all their warnings was sug his paws and looking, to tell the truth, unonly silly. To make up for this, Glenstorm on the right of the lists, stock-still except wheamped a hind hoof occasionally ourf, looked much more imposing thaelmarine baron who
faced him on the left. Peter had just shaken hands with Edmund and the Doctor, and was now walking down to the bat. It was like the moment before the pistol goes at an important race, but very much worse.
"I wish Aslan had turned up before it came to this," said Trumpkin.
"So do I," said Trufflehunter. "But look behind you.」
"Crows and crockery!" muttered the Dwarf as soon as he had done so. "What are they?
Huge people - beautiful people - like gods and goddesses and giants. Hundreds and thousands of them, closing in behind us. What are they?」
"Its the Dryads and Hamadryads and Silvans," said Trufflehunter. "Aslan has waked them.」
"Humph!" said the Dwarf. "Thatll be very useful if the ery any treachery. But it wohe High King very much if Miraz proves handier with his sword.」
The Badger said nothing, for now Peter and Miraz were entering the lists from opposite ends, both on foot, both in shirts, with helmets and shields. They advaill they were close together. Both bowed and seemed to speak,, but it was impossible to hear what they said. moment, the two swords flashed in the sunlight. For a sed the clash could be heard but it was immediately drowned because both armies began shouting like crowds at a football match.
"Well done, Peter, oh, well done!" shouted Edmund as he saw Miraz reel back a whole pad a half. "Follow it up, quick!" Aer did, and for a few seds it looked as if the fight might be won. But then Miraz pulled himself together - began to make real use of his height a "Miraz! Miraz! The King! The King!" came the roar of the Telmarines. Caspian and Edmund grew white with siing ay.
"Peter is taking some dreadful knocks," said Edmund.
"Hullo!" said Caspian. "Whats happening now?」
"Both falling apart," said Edmund. "A bit blown, expect. Watch. Ah, now theyre beginning again, more stifically this time. Cirg round and round, feeling each others defences.」
"Im afraid this Miraz knows his work," muttered the Doctor. But hardly had he said this when there was such a clapping and baying and throwing up of hoods among the Old Narnians that it was nearly deafening.
"What was it? What was it?" asked the Doctor. "My old eyes missed it.」
"The High King has pricked him in the arm-pit," said Caspian, still clapping. "Just where the arm-hole of the hauberk let the point through. First blood. "Its looking ugly again now, though," said Edmund. "Peters not using his shield properly. He must be hurt in the left arm.」
It was only too true. Everyone could see that Peters shield hung limp. The shouting of the Telmarines redoubled.
"Youve seen more battles than I," said Caspian. "Is there any ow?」
"Precious little," said Edmund. "I suppose he might ju