Hey, so I'm really sorry about how long it took me to get this chapter up; first there was getting ready for school and then the first week of school. Uhg, college why do you have to take up so much time? Anyway, here's Chapter Three! I hope it lives up to expectations. As always your comments are welcome.
Edmund studied the battle plans spread before the Stone Table once more. None of them were naïve enough to believe the Telmarines would honor their agreement if Edmund won the duel. As such, they had held a council of war to discuss their options. They couldn't defeat the Telmarines in battle, but with the right strategies the odds of them holding out until Lucy arrived with Aslan were better.
A familiar presence appeared at his shoulder and Ed smiled. Speak of the devil. Without looking up from the parchment, he asked, "Can I help you, Lu?"
The younger girl shook her head. "Not really." Red and silver dress rustling, she clambered onto the Stone Table and sat facing the carving of the Great Lion. Turning away from the plans, Edmund leaned against the stone beside her, following Lucy's gaze. "You've done well, Edmund," she commented after a moment. "I'm sure Aslan's proud of you."
"What are you talking about, Lu?"
Without looking away from the carving, Lucy smiled. "You've been supporting all of us this whole time, here and in England."
Silence fell between the youngest Pevensies, each lost in their own thoughts.
That was how Susan found them just as she had many times before, silently enjoying one another's company. "Lu," she called as she approached. "It's time to go."
Edmund flinched inwardly. This was the part of the plan that made him the most nervous. Lucy was about to leave and search for Aslan. While he had no doubt that Lucy would find Aslan or that the Great Lion would come to their aid, he did worry for his younger sister's safety. She'd be traveling without an escort in the hopes that she could slip past the Telmarines unnoticed. If she was spotted though…
"Just a moment, Susan." Hopping down, Lucy wrapped her arms around Ed's waist and buried her face in his shoulder, not seeking comfort but conveying affection.
As he returned the embrace, he pressed a kiss into her light brown hair. "Aslan guide you, sister mine," he whispered, using the endearment that the Pevensie children had taken to using when they wanted to reinforce their bond.
With one last squeeze, Lucy released him. Brown eyes shining with her own inner light, Lucy met Edmund's gaze and he was reminded of the valiant queen his younger sister was. "Aslan shield you, brother mine," she replied, standing on tip-toe and kissing his cheek.
When his sisters were out of sight, Edmund swallowed hard. This isn't the first time Lu's done this sort of thing, he reminded himself. Still… "Aslan, watch over her and guide her to your side," he breathed, closing his eyes. "Please."
For several long moments, he remained where he was, head bowed. Then, taking a deep breath, he gathered himself. Worrying about something that was beyond his control would do nothing to change the situation they were in. Right now, he needed to focus on his own task and trust in Aslan's plan.
Another yawn escaped Edmund as he tugged the chainmail hauberk on, successfully managing to keep his hair from getting snagged by the metal links. Caspian paused while helping Peter adjust his pauldrons and glanced at him. "Are you alright, Edmund?" Caspian asked, brow furrowed. "That's the tenth time you've yawned."
"Mornings don't suit me," Ed shrugged before yawning again. Neither one seemed to believe his explanation, but Edmund wasn't going to change it. Telling them he'd been up a good deal of the night training and praying would not help their already fragile moral and confidence. As he carefully pulled the crimson tunic on, he closed his eyes and pushed all thoughts unrelated to the duel aside.
"Ed's always been more of a night owl," Peter agreed as he nodded his thanks to Caspian. "You should've seen him in the mornings when we had visiting dignitaries. It was the only time I didn't have to worry about what he said."
Edmund laughed at the memories, but he could hear the forced playfulness in Peter's voice. Lacing up his leather gorget, he nodded towards his own pauldrons and asked, "Could you help me out, Pete?"
His older brother didn't need to be asked twice. As Peter fastened the straps, Edmund could feel the faint trembling in his hands. Once again Edmund's own doubts rose to the surface and he set his jaw, refusing to acknowledge them. A few feet away, Caspian glanced at him, a faint frown furrowing his brow. Edmund ignored the silent question.
Finished with the pauldrons, Peter picked up Edmund's leather vambraces and proceeded to lace them. Normally Edmund would protest and tell Peter not to hover, but he decided to give in without an argument this time. When Peter tied the last knot, Edmund gave him a small smirk. "You're a right old mother hen, Peter."
Caspian smiled as Peter turned red. "Edmund!" Peter protested and for a brief moment the fear in his stance was gone, something that boosted Edmund's spirit; he could still support Peter in all of this.
Still smiling, Caspian handed Edmund his belt. "Is the High King always like this?" the Telmarine prince asked.
"Before every battle," Edmund replied as he knotted the belt around his waist. "The queens can back my statement."
"Are we discussing Peter's habit of worrying over you?" Susan inquired, appearing at the entrance of the armory.
"Queen Susan," Caspian bowed as Edmund replied, "What else?"
A soft smile graced the Gentle Queen's features for a second before her blue eyes became serious. "Caspian, would you help me organize the troops? The Telmarines will be arriving soon."
"Of course, my queen."
As Caspian grabbed his sword, Susan put a hand on Edmund's shoulder, but didn't say anything for which he was grateful. It was hard enough with Peter's anxious presence. When Caspian moved towards the tunnels she gave her brothers a quick smile. "I will see you at the duel." With that, Susan turned and led Caspian back the way she had come. Almost immediately the tension returned and Edmund repressed the urge to sigh.
"Are you ready?"
The High King's question weighed heavily on the Just King's shoulders. Keeping his voice light, Edmund nodded, "Yes, Peter." And he was. He was ready to spill his blood for his country, to die if need be, but was he ready to face the Telmarine usurper as an equal swordsman? Aslan, give me the strength to save Your country, Your people.
Outside a single horn blast announced the arrival of the Telmarines. Edmund's heart pounded against his ribs at the sound. Beside him, Peter tensed, hands curling into fists. Swallowing in an attempt to moisten his throat, Edmund met Peter's gaze. "Escort me?"
"Of course," Peter replied, moving to pick up Edmund's sword and a helmet.
Edmund waved a hand at the helmet. "I've never worn one since Beruna and I won't wear one now."
"Must you always test fate?"
"I can't let fate get bored now can I?"
"Edmund!"
"It restricts my vision, Pete," Edmund reminded him. "A helmet would more of a hindrance than anything."
Reluctant, Peter replaced the helmet. With a nod, Edmund turned and strode through the tunnels, his brother at his side.