Commander Naveir marched through the camp the next morning, locating everyone under King Edmund's command. He didn't tell a single minotaur about the Princes origins or what he was planning. He didn't have to. Every single one of them was angered that the Prince was confined to his tent. None of them said it aloud, but Naveir could tell they were angry about the situation. He knew they would join the Prince in combat when the time came.
After talking to all the soldiers, he made his way out of the camp. Upon reaching a safe distance where none of the sentries would hear him, he knelt down.
"Great Lion, we are ready for war." the Commander whispered.
"I know of the King's plans and have already talked to High King Peter. I will approach you again when the time comes for your part in the war. Do not make a move until I tell you." Aslan's voice rang in the Commander's head; however the minotaur couldn't see the Lion anywhere.
"Yes, my Lord."
"You have served King Edmund well and it's nice to see his men loyal to him. I wish I did not have to see more Narnian's die in meaningless combat. When this war ends, you shall be rewarded."
"Thank you, my Lord." Naveir stated while lowering his head.
He felt the presence in his head disappear and he stood. Suddenly, howls emanated from the camps. The Commander turned in time to see a black cloud envelope the area where King Edmund was being detained.
While the Commander had been running around and chatting with his fellow soldiers, the White Witch had been in counsel with the Coven of Hags. She had summoned them early in the morning in hopes of solving the situation of Prince Edmunds powers. After discussing the events, she asked for suggestions. The hags were quiet for a moment, then Agora, the leader spoke.
"There are two choices. The first, and most recommended, would be to kill him before he learns to harness the power." she said in a raspy, aged voice.
"That is the one I have thought about. The problem with that is that most of the minotaurs are loyal to him. If they even caught a whiff of that plan, it would be releasing the dogs of war on the rest of our forces. I can't risk division in the ranks with Aslan and the other heirs still on the battlefront." Jadis said in a knowledgeable voice.
"We, the Coven, can try and draw the power out of him. It poses the least risk. However, if he is as powerful as you say, this option will take time."
"How long would it take?"
"It depends on his power. It could take minutes, or days. But it will make you look good and the minotaurs will stand by you and your army."
"Do it, and then see me afterwards." Jadis said with finality, ending the conversation. The hags seemed to vanish into thin air with a pop and Jadis was left to her thoughts. If this doesn't work, I will be forced to kill him. How can I do that without risking open war?
The hags appeared in Edmund's tent with a pop. He was sitting on his bed when he saw them appear. He glanced up in a questioning manner.
"My Prince, we have come to try and control this power within you." Agora said as she and the Coven sat in a circle, leaving a spot for the Prince to sit in.
"Is this my Queen's wishes?" He asked, trying to mask the slight fear growing in his heart. He knew they were going to steal his power, and that he would be vulnerable to the Jadis' powers.
"It is, my Prince. Please sit with us." Agora said with what amounted to a grin considering she had a beak. Edmund sat in the open spot and watched as the hags began to chant in some language he didn't know. They seemed to gain a red glow and the natural light started to dim. As Edmund saw this, he felt a pressure in his chest, as if a hand had grabbed hold of his heart and was squeezing. The pain continued to grow as the chanting seemed to grow louder in his head.
The hags began to notice something weird in the feel of their magic. The hags felt as if the magic was straining, as if it was doing more then it could handle. They began to sweat from the effort. They failed to notice the growing darkness around them. It was like a solid black wall had incased them and inching closer despite the red glow they were emitting.
Edmund, who was now on the ground writhing in pain, didn't see the darkness either. As if he had been transported somewhere else, he saw five red stars sitting where the hags had been and his spot was filled by a solid black lion that looked eerily similar to the Aslan. The Lion opened its mouth a shot a ball of black light at one of the stars. The star was covered in black flames for a moment and then disappeared. The Lion did this four more times before turning to Edmund.
"I know your plans, Son of Adam. Await my signal before you attack. You will know it when you see it." Aslan announced with authority.
"Yes, oh Great Lion." Edmund stated while bowing. When he looked up, he was shocked. He had returned to his tent, but it was burning in black flames. Two werewolves had been posted outside of his tent to guard him. They were also covered in black flames. Where the hags had been seated, there was nothing but piles of ash. A black cloud surrounded the tent and rose into the air like smoke. The other creatures nearby were looking on in horror as if Edmund had done this. Commander Naveir rushed up to the ruins of the tent and checked on Edmund for any physical harm. Edmund could tell from his look of both calm and curiosity that he was fine. Edmund knew the Queen would not let this one slide. He hoped that Aslan would show his sign soon, or Edmund would be in trouble.
