Chapter 3, At the Gates of Tashbaan Summary

Aravis introduces herself and begins to tell her story in the Calormene tradition. Aravis's father is the lord of the province of Calavar and is married to a woman who does not like Aravis. Aravis's stepmother encouraged her father to arrange a marriage for Aravis. This marriage is to be to Ahoshta, soon to be Grand Vizier of Calormen. Aravis is not happy with this arrangement, so she decided she would go into the woods and kill herself. While in the process of this act, Aravis is interrupted by Hwin, whom she did not know could speak until this moment. After a long discussion about Narnia, Aravis and Hwin plan to run away.

Aravis goes to her father and tells him she will take a three day trip to the woods to perform...