WE must now return to Aravis and the Horses. The Hermit, watching his pool, was able to tell them that Shasta was not killed or even seriously wounded, for he saw him get up and saw how affectionately he was greeted by King Lune. But as he could only see, not hear, he did not know what anyone was saying and, once the fighting had stopped and the talking had begun, it was not worth while looking in the pool any longer.
Next morning, while the Hermit was indoors, the three of them discussed what they should do next.
“I've had enough of this, ” said Hwin. “The Hermit has been very good to us and I'm very much obliged to him I'm sure. But I'm getting as fat as a pet pony, eating all day and getting no exercise. Let's go on to Narnia.”
“Oh not today, Ma'am, ” said Bree. “I wouldn't hurry things. Some other day, don't you think? ”
“We must see Shasta first and say good-bye to him—and—and apologize, ” said Aravis.
“Exactly! ” said Bree with great enthusiasm. “Just what I was going to say.”
“Oh, of course, ” said Hwin. “I expect he is in Anvard. Naturally we'd look in on him and say good-bye. But that's on our way. And why shouldn't we start at once? After all, I thought it was Narnia we all wanted to get to? ”
“I suppose so, ” said Aravis. She was beginning to wonder what exactly she would do when she got there and was feeling a little lonely.
“Of course, of course, ” said Bree hastily. “But there's no need to rush things, if you know what I mean.”
“No, I don't know what you mean, ” said Hwin. “Why don't you want to go? ”
“M-m-m, broo-hoo, ” muttered Bree. “Well, don't you see, Ma'am—it's an important occasion—returning to one's country—entering society—the best society—it is so essential to make a good impression—not perhaps looking quite ourselves, yet, eh? ”