The_Complete_Chronicles_of_Narnia_(volumes_1-7,_in_order_of_publication)

perhaps, we might have been sent with the challenge. Sire, my people are grieved.
Perhaps if it were your pleasure that I should be a marshal of the lists, it would content
them."
A noise not unlike thunder broke out from somewhere overhead at this point, as Giant
Wimbleweather burst into one of those not very intelligent laughs to which the nicer sorts
of Giant are so liable. He checked himself at once and looked as grave as a turnip by the
time Reepicheep discovered where the noise came from.
"I am afraid it would not do," said Peter very gravely. "Some humans are afraid of mice -
"
"I had observed it, Sire," said Reepicheep.
"And it would not be quite fair to Miraz," Peter continued, "to have in sight anything that
might abate the edge of his courage."
"Your Majesty is the mirror of honour," said the Mouse with one of his admirable bows.
"And on this matter we have but a single mind... I thought I heard someone laughing just
now. If anyone present wishes to make me the subject of his wit, I am very much at his
service - with my sword - whenever he has leisure."
An awful silence followed this remark, which was broken by Peter saying, "Giant
Wimbleweather and the Bear and the Centaur Glenstorm shall be our marshals. The
combat will be at two hours after noon. Dinner at noon precisely."
"I say," said Edmund as they walked away, "I suppose it is all right. I mean, I suppose
you can beat him?"
"That's what I'm fighting him to find out," said Peter.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
HOW ALL WERE VERY BUSY
A LITTLE before two o'clock Trumpkin and the Badger sat with the rest of the creatures
at the wood's edge looking across at the gleaming line of Miraz's army which was about
two arrow-shots away. In between, a square space of level grass had been staked for the
combat. At the two far corners stood Glozelle and Sopespian with drawn swords. At the
near corners were Giant Wimbleweather and the Bulgy Bear, who in spite of all their
warnings was sucking his paws and looking, to tell the truth, uncommonly silly. To make
up for this, Glenstorm on the right of the lists, stock-still except when he stamped a hind
hoof occasionally on the turf, looked much more imposing than the Telmarine baron who