Hey guys! So I know it has been a bit since I updated but, life has been hectic this past month. I also wasn't sure whether or not I was going to combine this chapter with the next, but I wanted you guys to have something to read. So, here is chapter 2.
Chapter 2
The high noon sun shone bright and warm overhead as Lucy and Edmund walked out on the veranda in the family's dining chambers. It gleamed brightly off the gold inlay on the back of the chairs around the table and the flowers and plants that decorated the space seemed to sing their love of the rays. Lucy had always loved the room, as she was the one who suggested that they use it as their private family room, away from the grandeur of the Great Hall. It over looked the Eastern Ocean, and, in the morning, it had a picturesque view of the rising sun. It was one of her favorite spots in their home.
Susan and Peter were already seated at the table being served lunch by the staff. They looked up at the arrival of their siblings, both holding wary smiles, happy to see them, yet still remembering the disastrous meal that morning. Edmund held out Lucy's chair as she seated herself at the table and then continued along to his own, avoiding the searching gazes of the older pair. The fawns, having finished serving the older two royals, rushed to accommodate the two that had just arrived. A heavy silence settled around the table as Edmund and Lucy thanked the serving fawns, who then faded into the back ground. As Peter signaled, the siblings clasped hands and bowed their heads, collectively thanking Aslan for their blessings. Releasing their hands once said, the heavy, uncomfortable silence returned. Edmund and Lucy glanced at each other. They both knew what they had to do yet neither wanted to be the first to speak. Lucy, finally garnering her courage, said hesitantly,
"Peter, Susan. I… wanted to apologize for my behavior this morning. I was being untoward and childish. I am sorry that I acted that way. I know you were only trying to help."
Susan smiled and reached her hand over to clasps Lucy's on the table. "I know you did not mean it Lucy. You were just upset. We all have a temper when we are upset, and we can say things that we don't mean. That is one of the good things about being family. We know we can always come back and we will still be loved."
Lucy smiled and squeezed Susan's hand, relieved. Peter leaned in from across the table, adding to Susan's comment.
"Lu, you know we love you no matter what. We are family and families have disagreements. It is normal and to be expected. But in the end, we will always welcome you back. How could we not?"
Lucy sent a radiant smile in Peter's direction, secure in the knowledge that she would always have her family's love. She turned her head to look at Edmund, silently encouraging him to get on with his recompenses. He lightly glared back at her and then took a deep breath. Edmund had never liked apologizing when he was wrong, but he never shirked the responsibility either.
"I must apologize as well. My behavior this morning was, abysmal to say the least. Neither of you deserved to be privy to my poor behavior and for that I truly remorseful." He said gingerly.
Peter chuckled and clapped Edmund on the back, jovially. "Oh Ed. There were no hard feeling taken. Were there Su? Let's just let bygones be bygone, all right?"
"He's right Ed. As I said, we are family and we love you both. We shall put this all behind us now." Susan's gently voiced her agreement.
The siblings smiled around the table at each other, their friendly, cheery natures returning. Soon conversation turned to what each sibling had done that morning. Peter spoke of the mind-numbing task of reviewing the agreements between Narnia and their trading partners. He said that it was a task he always dreaded yet one that had to be done. He complained about all the time, yet Lucy suspected that he secretly enjoyed the economical aspect of it. He had an eye for goods and the return that Narnia could gain from them. Whatever item Peter bargained on never turned into a bad investment, very much the opposite in fact. Many said he had the golden touch.
Edmund entertained his siblings with his findings in his meeting with Mr. Tumnus and some of the philosophical views he found interesting about the magical history of Narnia. Lucy was pleasantly surprised to see how riveted Edmund was at reading about anything that had to do with philosophy. She had never thought that her serious brother, who delved into facts and figures, concrete things, would be interested in something as abstract as the subject of philosophy.
"But Ed, don't you find philosophy a little boring?" she posed the question to her brother.
"Actually, it is very much that opposite Lu. I considerably enjoy reading the works of Gundril. He focuses on the why of reasoning. He states that all forms of reasoning and decision making originates from a form of why. That without that foundation that no true decision can be made, nor can a line of reasoning be formed." Edmund elaborated.
"He further goes on to state that with no true line of reasoning being formed and no true decision to be made, life in itself comes to a complete standstill. That the basis of life all comes back to that form of why."
"That sounds very interesting Ed. I believe I might like to read that book when you are done." Susan commented, fascinated.
"I'll give you the copy I have in my study. Mr. Tumnus brought it to me this morning along with a few other volumes." Edmund said.
Lucy shook her head. She would never understand her sibling's fascination with the abstract concept of life when there were so many concrete things to enjoy and ponder. Its was not that see didn't understand it, it was just she never showed a real interest in the subject. It always bored her.
"And Lucy, how did your meeting this morning get on?" Peter asked, interrupting her musings.
"It went well, although we were not able to do as much as I had hoped." She admitted, solemnly.
"Oh no. Has the disease gotten worse?" Susan asked concerned.
Lucy shook her head. "No, it hasn't gotten worse nor has it spread much. It just that there doesn't seem to be a known cure for the pox. All the books that we referenced and studied don't have a clear-cut way of combating this sickness. In truth, there are very few mentions of the sickness itself. Only vague remarks and indications that the disease may have occurred before, but nothing of any substance." Lucy said, disheartened.
"So, it is not fatal, yet?" Peter asked seriously.
"No. And that is what we are trying to prevent. We want to make sure that if this somehow does become worse, that we have a more concrete remedy to treat the whole of the disease as opposed to just the symptoms. As of this moment, we don't." Lucy confessed.
"And Mistress Abies has never heard tell of this sickness in all her years as a healer?" Edmund asked, taking a sip from his goblet.
Susan signaled to a serving fawn to refill her cup. After thanking him, she asked. "Mistress Abies has been a healer for almost 50 years. In all that time she has never even heard stories of this illness?"
Lucy finished the last bite of her meat pie. Wiping her mouth, she answered, "She said she might have heard a vague mention of the pox that occurred in a far-off region many, many years ago. It was a story she heard in passing when she was an apprentice. She assured me that she would try to track down the source of the story. But other than that, she also has never heard any real mention of this strange illness."
"Is it still being contained?" Edmund asked eyes narrowing.
Lucy's defiant blue eyes met the keen silver- gray gaze of her brother. She knew that the safety of the kingdom was always at the forefront of Edmund's mind. He was after all the head of the intelligence circuit and made it his business and responsibility to know everything that happened within Narnia's borders and as much as he could in the surrounding kingdoms. If this disease turned into an outbreak that threatened the safety of Narnia and her people, he would step in to correct the problem, no matter what it took. It was a topic of constant contention between them. She felt that some of his ways were harsh and barbaric and entirely unnecessary. He felt that sometimes hard decisions and sacrifices had to be made, no matter the consequences.
She narrowed her eyes at him in warning. If she had too, she would fight tooth and nail against him on this subject.
"Yes, the illness had been contained to a small hollow outside of Glasswater creek. There are only a few who have contracted it and there are no new reports that it is spreading beyond that point." She said deliberately.
Edmund sat back in his chair and returned his attention to his plate. "That is good to hear. I hope you will keep us reprised of the situation." He said nonchalantly.
"As I hope you will inform me of any further reports that might come in." Lucy countered evenly.
"Of course." He replied, looking up calmly.
Sensing the growing tension between his two younger siblings, Peter turned to Susan and imploringly inquired, "And Susan what have you been up to this morning?"
Susan, who also had noticed the developing friction between her siblings, prudently replied, "Oh, I have started the planning for Lucy's birthday celebrations."
Both Edmund and Peter winced visibly at the oblivious change in topics. Both had hoped that they would be able to get through the rest of the day, if not just one meal, without the potential explosive topic of Lucy's celebrations being discussed. They exchanged a glance of solidarity, both hoping and praying that this meal would not end the way the last had.
Edmund watched as Lucy's shoulders stiffened slightly. He really could not believe that Susan would introduce the very topic that had caused such strain at their morning meal. His older sister was very intelligent, but sometimes she could be a little obtuse.
"And what have you already planned?" Lucy asked in a strained tone.
Edmund could see the effort she was making to not have the conversation dissolve into that morning's disastrous occurrences. He knew she didn't like fighting with Susan, but she also did not like to be treated as though she were too young to offer an opinion.
"Well I was piecing together a quick guest list and starting on the decorations for the ball." Susan said happily.
"Oh?" Lucy questioned.
"Yes. I was thinking we'd invite all your friends from the surrounding kingdoms. Princess Aria, Lady Madelaine, Princess Penelope, and her sister Princess Grace. And of course, Lady Genevieve and Victoria." Susan continued, warming to the topic.
"You must not forget the Ladies Felicity and Frances. Their father is the king of Morah and a very good trade partner. It would be seen as a slight if his daughters were not invited." Peter added.
"Oh, but Peter, must I really? Those two are absolute nightmares. They are so pretentious. I would really rather not listen to their veiled comments all week." Lucy complained.
"If you invite the Hersh brothers, they will do nothing but follow them around all week. Problem solved." Edmund teased.
"But then I will have to deal with Maddox. You know we can't invite the Hersh brothers and not invite Maddox Yorker. He is their cousin after all." Lucy grumbled.
"If you invite Yorker, we better have plenty of satyr wine. I can only stand his brand of… humility after I have had a few glasses of wine." Peter uttered.
"If you invite Yorker, you will have to invite his sister Dalia. I don't think there is enough wine in this kingdom that would make me want to spend an entire week near her." Edmund drawled.
He had a particular dislike for the younger sister of the Viscount of Aredile. She had a malicious mean streak like her brother and, as with most bullies, loved to pick on the smallest one in the group. When he was 15 and Lucy was 13, the Marquess and Marchioness of Kort visited with their children along side the then prince of Lathan, as part of the court. Dalia, who had been 16 at the time, had tormented Lucy the entire time her parent's backs were turned. Lucy had spent the entire visit crying or hiding from the girl. Edmund had never forgiven the girl for her deeds and never would. Her brother was not much better. He had tried to do the same to Edmund when he thought no one was looking. Edmund though, had survived the torture of Jadis and her minions. A pudgy, pocked 16-year-old was not going to scare him. He had put Maddox in his place very quickly and very publicly, completely humiliating him. Maddox had been scolded by his parents severely and Edmund supposed privately for causing such a scandal and embarrassment. The viscount had never really forgotten or forgiven Edmund. It all came to a hash at Edmund's 20th celebrations. Maddox had challenged Edmund to a friendly bout of swordplay at a picnic. Edmund had originally declined stating that there were much more interesting things to do than swing around a sword at the time. Maddox had persisted, calling attention from the crowd, eventually claiming Edmund to be a coward. Through it all, Edmund had ignored Maddox, yet after being called a coward, Edmund had no chose but accept the invitation. He had accepted the challenge on the one condition that it remain a friendly bout and that they would stop at first blood. Maddox had readily agreed.
They had sent two page boys back to the castle to fetch the men's swords while a proper sparring field was prepared. His family had approached him, Lucy insisting he not go through with the bout and Susan admonishing him for accepting the challenge.
"Ed, you know he was trying to bait you. Why would you go through with something this ridiculous?" Lucy asked, as she watched one of the servants take his coat.
"Yes Edmund. Really you should just ignore him." Susan put in.
Edmund had given them a look they had both seen many times over the years. They knew that nothing either one of them said would stop this duel.
"Well, if you are going to do this, try not to embarrass him too much. He already hates you for last time." Lucy sighed, giving in.
Edmund had shot her a wicked grin.
Only Peter had understood why Edmund had taken the challenge and he pulled Edmund aside to offer some brotherly advice.
"I have heard that Yorker's father retained a well-known swordsman to train his son over the years. He is said to be a very good student. Yet if he fights how he boast, you will have no issues." Peter clapped Edmund on the shoulder, shooting him a sly smirk. Edmund returned the look with his own cunning smirk.
The pages returned with the swords and everyone gathered around the makeshift sparring ring. Many of the ladies chattered excitedly about the upcoming match while the gentlemen place bets as to the winner of the contest, a conversation Peter heartily joined in, much to the disapproval of Susan. After all the bets were taken and the competitors were made ready, Jon Hersh, the elder of the two brothers stepped forward.
"This is a friendly match between Edmund and Maddox. A bout to test their skills. As I personally know both men and their skills with a blade, I will attest that this ought to be a rather brilliant contest. The rules are simple; the first to draw blood is the winner. This is game of honor and as gentlemen, I expect you both to abide by gentlemen's rules. Any questions?"
Edmund consented, removing his neck tie, and handing it to Lucy still standing at his side.
"Be careful, Ed. You know he's a snake and that he is just doing this to try and get back at you. I would very much hate it if he won."
He had ignored her as he strode forward to meet his opponent. Maddox Yorker stood on the other side of the circle, an overconfident, self-assured look on his face.
"I think you have overestimated his abilities, Jon." He proclaimed in a loud voice.
"He is after all a boy, king or no, who has been pampered and coddled." He continued, receiving a few scattered giggles from a few ladies in attendance. Edmund had just raised one eyebrow in indifference.
"He is only a year younger than you yourself Yorker. And he has been tested in battle. Or had you not heard the stories?" William Hersh drawled.
"I heard them. But how hard is it to fight beast, magical or no? It is very different to fight a man." Maddox chuckled condescendingly.
"You'll have to let me know when I actually face a man, Yorker. I believe my skill at fighting…, beast, will be more than enough today." Edmund interrupted.
The guest surrounding them broke into a chuckle at Edmund's insult. Maddox's face turned a slight shade of red and he stared Edmund down with genuine hatred in his eyes.
"Gentlemen, are you ready? En-garde!" Jon proclaimed.
Edmund and Maddox circled each other around the field, both waiting for the other to make the first move, both measuring up their opponent. Unexpectedly, Maddox burst forward swing his sword at Edmund's side. Edmund brought up his sword to block quickly, surprised at the speed the other man possessed. He quickly blocked another attack to his other side. He had underestimated Maddox, despite Peter's advice and if he wasn't careful, the man would succeed in making him look the fool. Maddox followed with a sharp downward swing aiming towards Edmund's neck. Edmund swiftly swiveled to the side just barely avoiding the tip of Maddox's sword.
"What's the matter King Edmund? Should I perhaps slow down a bit? You seem to be having some trouble." Maddox mocked accompanied by a few feminine giggles.
Edmund grimaced and brought his sword back up to face the older man. He had agreed to this battle. He might as well contribute to it as well. Without warning, he lunged forward and swung a shallow swing at Maddox's left thigh, only to change mid swing and bring the blade tip up the front of the man's chest, causing Maddox to stumble back to avoid being slashed.
"Atta boy, Ed!" Peter called.
"Should I slow down Yorker?" Edmund returned.
Maddox fumed at the slight and readied his sword for another strike. He lunged forward swinging for Edmund's shoulder, only to be blocked by Edmund's blade. He barred down on the sword bringing the two closer together.
"You will not win this one, Pevensie. Not this time." Maddox seethed.
"Then you'll have to do better, Yorker." Edmund countered.
They broke apart and the battle continued. Edmund blocked and parried as he waited for his opening. He could feel Maddox's anger growing with each block and each second the battle continued. He had goaded Edmund into this duel with the thought that it would be an easy win. He had underestimated Edmund greatly and Edmund was going to take advantage of that fact. The battle continued gloriously for another few minutes until the opening Edmund had been waiting for appeared.
Maddox had over extended his lunge leaving his right side open. Edmund side stepped Maddox's sword and smoothly sliced shallowly along Maddox's side, drawing a small line of blood, and thus winning the duel.
"Amateur move Yorker." Edmund mocked.
"First blood! Match goes to Edmund!" Peter declared.
The circle converged around Edmund, everyone wanting to congratulate him on an excellent duel. Maddox had stalked away glaring at Edmund as he retreated. The rest of the week after that, there had been a distinct air of tension and loathing that hung in the air anytime Maddox and Edmund were in the same vicinity.
"I don't want Maddox, or his sister invited to my birthday celebrations. They are horrible people, and no one really likes them. For that matter I don't want Dalia's cronies invited either." Lucy insisted.
"Lucy! What a horrible thing to say." Susan admonished.
"It's true, though! You know it as much as I do." Lucy declared.
"It is still a horrible thing to say. And we can't not invite the Yorker's when we are going to invite the Hersh brother's. They are cousins after all. It would be seen as a slight." Susan rebuked.
"We don't want to start insulting people of the Lathan court. It could be bad for trade and ally relations. I'm sorry Lucy, you'll just have to put up with him and Dalia. Just as we all will." Peter commented.
"But Peter! Is it not my birthday celebrations? Can I not be allowed to choose who I want there or not?" Lucy queried.
"Not when it could make Narnia look bad." Peter answered firmly.
Lucy looked down at her almost empty plate. It was the breakfast conversation all over again. They still treated her as a child and excluded her from everything. The celebration was supposed to be about her, however she had yet to contribute an idea or even a thought that had been taken seriously.
Lucy calmly folded her napkin and placed it over her plate. She then looked up at her family.
"Will you answer one question for me? Will I be allowed to contribute anything to this celebration? Or will I be told to sit back and hold my tongue?" She grated through her teeth.
"Lu." Edmund's warned.
Lucy glared at him. He had been quiet throughout the whole exchange, observing as he always did. She knew it really wasn't fair to be angry at him along with her two older siblings. He hadn't joined in against her, but he also hadn't join in to help her either.
"Lucy, that's not fair. We are only trying to help make this a wonderful celebration. You are our baby sister and we want it to be special." Susan asserted.
"I understand that Susan. You said that this morning. Yet what I fail to understand, is why I have to be excluded from the planning. It is my birthday after all!" Lucy exclaimed.
"Of course, you're not being excluded Lucy. We want your opinions." Susan attested.
"Then why are my wishes being ignored about the guest list?" Lucy demanded.
"Lu." Edmund warned again.
"Lucy, you know how bad it would look for Narnia if we caused a slight against another kingdom. By specifically not inviting Yorker and his sister that could hurt our relations with Lathan in general. They are a very good ally and trade partner. We should not have to explain this to you." Peter lectured from across the table.
"I am not asking you to explain that to me Peter. I understand all that. What I am simply asking is why I seem not to be able to help in anyway to plan what is essentially supposed to be a celebration of me!" Lucy challenged.
"Lucy we are not stopping you from helping. You are correct in that this is all celebrating your growth into an adult, but as we are all older than you, sometimes we are aware of things you are not. That is just the nature of things." Susan soothed.
"And you never let me forget it!" Lucy cried. She jumped up from her seat, compelled by the emotional storm raging within her. They never understood. They always managed to somehow dismiss her feelings and concerns. She couldn't stand it and she was done tolerating it.
Lucy glared at her eldest brother and sister; anger, hurt, and frustration bubbling up from the depth of her heart. Calmly, she spoke.
"The both of you have taken on a role in my life, one I did not ask for, but at the time needed. You have become the most important people in my life. You have held this family together through all the difficulties that come with ruling while managing to keep a nation together as well. I could not be more proud or honored to be your sister and fellow monarch."
Warily Susan and Peter exchanged glances. They had never heard this speech or this tone from Lucy and they were unsure how to proceed.
"That being said however, there is something I very much need to remind you two of and that you need to understand." Lucy continued, just as calmly. "Although you have been everything to me these past years, you are not my parents, nor will you ever be. Do not think you have the right to lord over me as though you were. I will no longer stand for it." She finished curtly.
A shocked silence echoed around the table and the room. Lucy's harsh words seemed to hang in the air for all to see. Never in all the years the young queen had been known to her people had they ever expected to hear such harsh words drop from her lips. Never in all the years her siblings had known her had they ever expected their sweet gentle sister to utter such unforgiving words.
"Now," Lucy said, breaking the uncomfortable silence, "I will bid you all good day. I will be out for the rest of the afternoon. Good day Susan, Peter, Edmund. May the rest of your day be rewarding."
With a smile and a nod, Lucy turned away from her still reeling family and calmly walked out of the room.
So I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I will try to get the next one up as soon as possible.