A/N: This story is dedicated to my partner in crime in this idea, E.C.Peters (better known to some as Squeaklebeep), and to my first and fast fanfic friend Straitjackit. Thanks to my great friends from TheLionsCall's Monday Night Writing Group (eInklings) for the advice and edits! (And, in case it's not obvious... Mericu is pronounced Mary Sue.)
Chapter One
"Mericu. Wake up!" An urgent voice hissed quietly.
Waves of pressure lumbered rhythmically through Edmund's head, landing with painful regularity against the backs of his eyes. With a sharp intake of breath he winced, turning away from the tender lump that rose behind his right ear.
Moments later the King was jostled by a sharp poke in the arm. With an impatient grunt he rolled onto his side. As he did so a loud clanking noise thundered in his ears. He could feel a heavy weight around his right wrist and his arm twisted uncomfortably into the small of his back.
Falling flat on his back, the groan escaping Ed's throat was cut short by a sharp inhalation as the bump on his head made contact with the hard surface. Cracking his eyes open he blinked, trying to clear the involuntary tears from his painful, blurry vision. As he slowly focused, he could make out a thick, iron manacle clamped around the tight-fitting, lace embroidery on his arm. Ed stared at the frilly sleeve for a moment, his eyes tracing upward to where it very clearly was attached to a very attractive, formal gown.
A dress that he himself happened to be wearing.
Groggy memories leaked into his brain.
Grinning broadly, Lucy breezed into the small audience chamber and plopped into the seat beside her brother.
Unable to help himself, Edmund returned her infectious grin. Over the course of the year and a half since they'd arrived in Narnia, her moods had become more and more attuned to the land. Lu seemed to be the heart of the country, her smile bringing sunshine, her tears-- gentle rains, and her exceedingly rare tantrums, well, the northern giants would surely not to venture out into such storms again any time soon.
"So, Counselor Tumnus," The King leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "What is on today's docket?"
The faun shuffled the stack of papers before him then passed one of the pages to Queen Lucy.
"There is but one supplicant today, my lord. Farmer Olin. He moved north from Archenland last autumn with his wife and daughters and settled in a valley five leagues north of here."
Lucy scanned the sheet of paper as Tumnus spoke. Her bright smile faded and her whole demeanor darkened.
Ed briefly contemplated sending a guard for torches to brighten the room until he was interrupted by the young Queen shoving the piece of paper in front of him.
The click of the door latching drew Edmund's attention up from the parchment. His eyes met Olin's haunted face. Dark circles hung under his reddened eyes and his broad shoulders slumped inward.
"Your Majesties," the farmer's voice came in a ragged gasp, catching and fading as his eyes met Lucy's.
The young Queen was out of her chair with her arms wrapped around the the farmer. She had guided him to a chair at the table before the greeting had finished passing his lips. As Olin was seated, she turned to fetch him a hot cup of tea.
At the clink of the cup and spoon against the marble table, his head dropped to his arms and his shoulders quaked with powerful sobs. Tumnus came over and rested a hand against his shoulders as he placed a handkerchief in the farmer's spasming hand.
Gathering his composure, the careworn farmer met Edmund's eyes.
"Elise is Lani and my youngest. For her twelfth birthday we told her she could go to the dance at last week's festival in our valley." His voice quavered. "She never came home."
His fists crashed on the table, making the tea crockery jump. "I've searched everywhere for her. In Aslan's name, please help me find her!"