The_Complete_Chronicles_of_Narnia_(volumes_1-7,_in_order_of_publication)

faced him on the left. Peter had just shaken hands with Edmund and the Doctor, and was
now walking down to the combat. 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?"
"It's the Dryads and Hamadryads and Silvans," said Trufflehunter. "Aslan has waked
them."
"Humph!" said the Dwarf. "That'll be very useful if the enemy try any treachery. But it
won't help the 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 chain shirts, with helmets and shields. They advanced till they
were close together. Both bowed and seemed to speak,, but it was impossible to hear
what they said. Next moment, the two swords flashed in the sunlight. For a second 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
pace and a half. "Follow it up, quick!" And Peter did, and for a few seconds it looked as
if the fight might be won. But then Miraz pulled himself together - began to make real
use of his height and weight "Miraz! Miraz! The King! The King!" came the roar of the
Telmarines. Caspian and Edmund grew white with sickening anxiety.
"Peter is taking some dreadful knocks," said Edmund.
"Hullo!" said Caspian. "What's happening now?"
"Both falling apart," said Edmund. "A bit blown, expect. Watch. Ah, now they're
beginning again, more scientifically this time. Circling round and round, feeling each
other's defences."
"I'm 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."