It was a huge shock to all of Narnia that both the King and Queen had died in the same day. Despite the sadness that overtook the land, Queen Vyrina was overjoyed to finally have the throne. She put on a show for the country, but when it was just her and her handmaidens she didn't even try to hide her happiness. Finally, she had got what she wanted and she didn't even have to go out of the way to deal with her father. Some of the handmaidens had hoped that Vyrina would go back to her old sweet self since she finally got what she wanted. However, Queen Vyrina's evil reign had just begun.
She was beginning to make new rules that limited some of the Narnians rights. Vyrina had decided to give some time before her new rules were in effect, but some of the Narnians that worked in the castle had already heard of the rules she was about to enforce. Many had begun to flee the caste for the safety of the forest. Most joined Trufflehunter and Trumpkin to formulate a plan to stop the new Queen's terror.
Reepicheep was one of the last to flee the castle. He did not like to run from a fight, but now was not the time. He learned of the Queen's most recent plan that was to go into effect immediately and he needed to warn the others. He hurried along, careful to stay out of site of the townspeople. It was a sad time for the animals of Narnia and he did not want to waste time.
The trees were watching, worried as they saw a group of guards march through the town. It appeared that the queen was trying to turn back Narnia to the time before King Caspian. Several trees watched as Reepicheep made his way into the forest, several guards behind him.
“Run fast valiant mouse,” one of the trees said. “We will hold them off.”
“I thank you,” said Reepicheep as the trees began to block the soldiers path. Reepicheep picked up his pace, trying to make it to Trumpkin and Trufflehunter's den before the soldiers caught up to them. He noticed that there were several other animals running around him. It appeared that they were also being chased. Reepicheep stopped in front of Trufflehunter's door, catching his breath before he entered.
“Reepicheep,” Trufflehunter said, surprised. “What are you doing here?”
“The Queen has just made a new decree,” said Reepicheep. “She is going to lock up all of the animals in Narnia. She said that we have gotten away with too much in our time and that we are not at the level of humans.”
“What?” Trumpkin asked, angry. “She thinks she can stomp out the animals just like that?”
“That is what she is doing right now,” said Reepicheep. “I am afraid we are running out of options and time.”
“What are we going to do?” Trufflehunter asked. “They will be knocking down our door any minute now.”
“They only want animals right?” Trumpkin asked.
“That's right,” Reepicheep answered.
“Well, I'm not an animal,” said Trumpkin. “You two need to find a place to hide. They won't be taking me if I am not an animal.”
“What if they know that you are trying to help us?” Trufflehunter asked. “They may take you too.”
“Not if they can't prove it,” said Trumpkin. “The Queen hasn't corrupt all of the systems yet. It will at least buy us some time. Now hide!”
The two quickly went through the small home trying to find the best hiding places. It wasn't long until someone knocked on the door and Trumpkin made sure his two friends were out of sight before opening it. There stood two soldiers, each holding a sword. It appeared that they were in the middle of a battle with their armor torn and slight injuries covering their body.
“Can I help you?” Trumpkin asked when the soldiers did not speak.
“We're here for the animals who reside here,” one of the soldiers answered.
“There are no animals that live here,” Trumpkin said. “It's just me.”
“We were told that this was a badgers residence,” said the other soldier.
“It was a badgers residence,” Trumpkin admitted. “Now it's not. I live here now.”
“Is see,” said one of the soldiers. “Are you sure there are no animals hiding around here?”
“I can tell you there are none in this house,” said Trumpkin. “As for outside here, I don't know. I don't keep track of them. Isn't that your job?”
“Right,” said the soldiers. “Thank you for your time.”
Trumpkin shut the door slowly making sure the soldiers were well away from the house before letting Trufflehunter and Reepicheep know it was safe. Trufflehunter and Reepicheep came slowly out of their hiding places after the coast was clear.
“What are we going to do about this?” Trufflehunter asked. “If they find out we're here, the Queen will have you arrested too.”
“Which is why we need to make sure she doesn't find out,” said Trumpkin. “I know something we can do, I was just hoping we wouldn't have to resort to that.”
“What?” Reepicheep asked, curious.
Trumpkin held out a small object covered in cloth, slowly unwrapping it.
“What is that?” Trufflehunter asked.
Trumpkin unfolded the last piece of cloth showing the two what was inside. A white horn with the head of a roaring lion and a red strap was revealed. The two looked up at Trumpkin recognizing the well known horn.
“Queen Susan's horn,” Trumpkin said, before the other two had a chance to speak.
“The King's and Queen's of Old?” Reepicheep asked. “They were not supposed to return here. At least King Peter and Queen Susan were not.”
“Things have changed, Reepicheep,” said Trumpkin. “I fear they are the only ones who can help us.”