Chapter 2 - thanks to those who added this to theri alerts, but please review too, ideas are always appreciated as well as comments. :)
I won nothing!
Edmund trudged his way through the snow, hugging himself with his arms and wishing he'd thought to bring the fur coat that was still hanging on its peg in the beavers' house. He couldn't have risked it though, not when he had to sneak away so quickly. He glanced up and saw the two hills the Witch had pointed out to him; they still seemed so far away. He looked back down and kept his eyes on the ground, carefully picking his way over tree roots and avoiding dips in the snow that might conceal rabbit holes. He had dreamt this journey a dozen times over but he still concentrated hard, unwilling to be caught unawares. His side ached and his lungs protested against the sharpness of the cold air. Moving on, he came into the open at the edge of the woods, where he knew he would look up and see the witch's house for the first time. But suddenly his gaze fell upon something new. Footprints. He raised his head and his eyes raked the moonlight scene before coming to rest on her.. A hundred yards or so ahead, she was dressed in a mackintosh, gumboots and had a scarf wrapped round her head and neck. Unlike him, she had obviously been expecting to make this journey tonight. Edmund followed her, catching up quickly now he was able to use her footprints to pick his way through the deep snow. As they reached the castle gates she was no more than an arm's length ahead of him but he shrank back as he saw the bulk of Maugrim stir on the steps before raising his head to stop her in her tracks. She conversed with Maugrim and the wolf stepped aside to let her pass. Edmund tried to shout to her, to warn her to go no further, but his breath caught on the wind and his cry was whipped away from hi. For a tiny moment she paused, her head turned slightly toward him. Had she heard him..?
Edmund sat up, his heart pounding and his breath coming in short pants. Who the hell was she? He shook his head to try and clear the image but it would not fade and he fell back against his pillows in frustration.
At breakfast he could not keep himself from dwelling on the dream and he noticed Susan looking at him in concern.
"What's wrong Ed? You look like something's on your mind."
"I'm just not sleeping very well. I'm sure it'll pass."
Later that morning a welcome distraction arrived in the shape of King Lune who had come to discuss plans for a forthcoming diplomatic trip into Calormen. Edmund smiled as Peter and Lune embraced heartily before shaking the King's hand himself; he was never one for showing affection quite as readily as his siblings but he was pleased to see Lune again.
The discussions did not take long and Edmund was relieved; despite the falling temperature outside, the parlour was warm and he was tired. The talks had left him feeling drained and his mind foggy. He wanted nothing more than to spend the afternoon with some good food, drink and company and then take to his bed.
"So we are agreed?" Lune said to Peter. " The three of us shall travel to Calormen at the end of winter and visit the Tisroc while your sisters prepare for the Spring celebrations here?"
"It seems odd to be talking about Spring when winter is not yet upon us, but yes, we are agreed." Peter replied with conviction. The three men shook hands and rose.
"Now," said Lune, "I would very much like to see your orchard King Peter."
Edmund stifled a yawn and Peter gave him an odd look.
"I'm just going to get some rest before lunch. Please carry on without me"
Edmund walked away without waiting for a response and headed to his room for a much needed lie down.
Inside the witch's castle he came face to face with her. She was older now; perhaps 16 or 17. She was taller, thinner and her eyes had taken on a vacant look that disturbed him to his very core. She wore a dress now; a silvery bodice, sleeveless and slash necked, that hugged her body down to her hips. Then a skirt made of layers of lace and net. The lace had a dirty, rotting look to that reminded him of how his mother's net curtains had looked after their neighbours' bonfire. Her alabaster skin was almost as white as the marble carvings in the castle but she did not appear to feel the cold. He followed her slow pace through the corridor, and watched as she sat at the witch's feet. Jadis handed her a small silver box and Edmund saw the girl take something from it and eat it.
Edmund watched as a faun was brought to the witch's feet and thrown upon his face.
Now you see what we do to spies said the witch coldly as she raised her wand. The faun turned instantly to stone and his face shattered as his suddenly top heavy figure fell forwards onto the floor. The witch looked down at him in disgust.
"Take him away"
The girl was emotionless, her face entirely without expression. Edmund felt sick as his feet carried him away.
Edmund awoke. He was sure now, that she was real. But what had happened to her?
