Prove Justly

Chapter 14: After the Beginning

"Alas, he lives. Cured?"

Alenna took a moment to respond to the question. "Better."

The questioner gave a curt of a nod in acknowledgment. It was not the response they wanted, but it was truth. Edmund was better, which in entirely meant no longer dying.

"If I may speak freely," an elder dwarf spoke up. "I believe that if Prince Edmund did die then, things would be less complicated."

"How?" The question was in unison with many others. The room grew completely silent as all attention fell on the dwarf.

"There is no excuse for his previous actions. He was a traitor apparently driven by his desires. Have these desires really changed?" The dwarf began.

In quick response, a voice called out to object. "Aslan had forgiven him."

"Very well, but would something like that change his desires?" Asked the dwarf to the others.

It seemed that many were trying to process the dwarf's question. There seemed to be many beginning to give a second thought. There might have been some reason the dwarf was speaking…

At the other end of the large oak table where this council formed, Lalia's hands were in fists. She was fuming over this discussion. She could see that this dwarf apparently did not fight in the battle. He was not there when Edmund had stumbled before Aslan and the entire camp broken by a monster. This dwarf did not see how Edmund turned the fate of the battle in one fellow swoop…

"These are bold words for someone who stayed in their silver forge while many fought and died for freedom over the White Witch," Lalia nearly hissed.

"Amuse me, my lady," said the dwarf.

It seemed that the entire family of humans present were becoming fired up over this dwarf's words. They allowed Lalia to have the floor. "I shall because I believe you have never set eyes on this Prince Edmund you are speaking of. I pulled him out of the cold river after escaping the torture from the Witch. Every scar and memory he holds shows where his desires are. Prince Edmund's desires cannot be cunning or con because he would have never received what he has now. If there is any doubt about him sitting on a throne as the Just King, I would much rather have one who knows the evils but choose good."

There was a response of support and agreement from many, including the Beavers, Tumnas, General Oreius, and the many who fought in the battle. However, the dwarf was not finished.

"Being able to choose means nothing if it means he could choose evil again." This dwarf then began to walk out leaving his seat empty. He will not serve this reign. "No traitor, even forgiven by Aslan, shall sit on a throne."

Lalia watched this dwarf leave the room. "I hope he's not the smith for the silver for the crowns."

This left Lalia to redeem the rest who now had traces of doubts. "Our Just King will be the most devout because he knows. There are no valid reasons mentioned that his majesty's motives are for anything but Narnia."

They had forgotten what they were talking about after that debate. They looked at each other thinking about what else needed to be discussed.

Oreuis seemed to be first to remember. "Does Prince Edmund have the strength for training?"

Alenna's mind flashed to the sight of the boy nearly hitting the ground as he woke from death. "No, but in time. I believe his majesty is very determined."

"I believe that many of our fellows in this room were present at the time of Peridan's recovery?" inquired Aeren, who had mostly stayed silent. Many nodded in reply.

"In many respects, I believe this will be very similar to the time before. Although, we mustn't underestimate Prince Edmund's or even any of his royal siblings' potential," continued Aeren.

"Aye, but they were very adamant about not being of royal blood from where they came from. They will need and want guidance," said Oreius.

"In all respects, General, but we would not be sitting in this room if this was different," said Aeren.

"All is well by fellow Lords and Ladies. We shall provide our honesty and guidance when needed. We shall be patient; for tomorrow is the Coronation and they shall be crowned the Kings and Queens of Narnia. Through the darkness of winter we shall have an age of gold," Aer adjourned.

Indeed, this would be the Golden Age of Narnia full of prosperity Aslan will bless them. However, they all knew there would be challenges looming. What they did not realize at that moment was the challenge that had stormed out of that room.

Peter would force himself to wake at different times of the day. He would not move from his spot in bed; he would just watch his brother's chest rise and fall. Peter watched his calm and faint breaths as Edmund slept. It assured him that he was not dreaming. His mind was not playing a trick on him. There was an exception of this during the day. Lucy had arrived in the mid-afternoon. She had come just after tea with Susan and Tumnus. In the cup in her hand was spiced wine. Tumnus had recommended having Edmund take something before dinner so his stomach would not be upset. Peter had then helped Lucy wake their brother. They quietly coaxed him to drink the wine. Edmund did not protest. The spiced wine was soothing to his raspy throat. Finally, Lucy stayed until he fell back asleep which did not take much time. The two brothers then continued to rest until it was Susan to wake them. The sun was now setting in the rest. Peter could not remember a time where they had slept an entire day.

It was much needed. Edmund stood steadier. His eyes were no longer sunken or purple. He looked very much refreshed given the circumstances. Susan did not ask them to dress as they were just dining only with each other.

Edmund already had an idea that Peter and especially Susan would be pushing him to eat. He had no idea how he would feel after a full meal. Looking at the table before him, he believed that Susan and Lucy plan this one for him. There was a roasted chicken… or some sort of fowl. Edmund really could not be certain what it was. The rest was potatoes, greens with herbs, marmalade rolls, and gooseberries. Edmund had a very decent fill of it all. Furthermore, to his relief, he just felt full afterward.

Then at the end, desert. With a faint, yet excited smile. Susan watched as they were served Turkish Delight. It was Edmund's favorite. However, her smile fade as Edmund turned white and showed no emotions or even moved.

Edmund felt his stomach drop and roll as he was accidentally ambushed by his sister. She was not to blame because she did not know. He knew he would have to explain, but the sight of such as sweet was just too much to bare.

"May I go?" Edmund asked brokenly. He did not wait for an answer. He just rushed away back to his room.

Edmund splashed his face with some water before sitting down panting for air. He just needed a moment. Peter and his sisters would be coming after him very soon.

It was only Susan who put a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Are you all right?"

Edmund held back tears as he refused to reply for the sake of avoiding the explanation. Susan was not going to leave until he was all right again…

"You didn't know, Su." Edmund began in a haunted tone. He really did not know he would have to face the past in some much-unexpected ways. "She gave me Turkish Delight."

Susan's head dipped, very much guilty of her decision. Although, there was no share of the blame. "I'm very sorry Edmund."

"Don't be, Su. I just needed to get away," Edmund protested.

"I'll make sure it is not served tomorrow," said Susan.

Edmund shook his head. "Just because of me it doesn't mean that everyone else shouldn't be able to enjoy it. I'll be all right."

Susan rubbed her brother's arm tenderly. Edmund shifted in his seat as he tried his best to keep his mind away from the past. He just wanted to sleep again as he was still very tired.

There were two solid knocks at the door. Edmund allowed whoever it was in. He pulled himself around to see his valet bow before him.

"I thank you for your help, but I am afraid I do not know your name," said Edmund.

The valet replied, "I am Seymour, your majesty. I there anything I would be of service before you retire for the night?"

Edmund looked around. The room was big, almost too vast for him to be comforted. Furthermore, the total loneliness would be troublesome. He was always used to sharing a room with someone. Nervously, Edmund answered, "I don't know."

Susan then asked her brother. "Are you sleeping in your room tonight?"

Edmund shrugged sheepishly. "I should, but I am not used to having all this space."

Susan nodded, understanding what her brother was saying. They were all not used to all the space and privacy they were now entitled to have. Lucy had not really stayed in her room either.

Seymour warmly smiled as he remembered a secret to this room. He went to the large bookshelf along the northern wall of his room. With some strength, he pushed on a large blue book. The apparent book seemed to push through the book self just before they all heard a loud click. Then with even more might, the faun valet pushed on the shelf until it began to turn into the wall. It was a secret door to Peter's chambers. Within eyeshot, Edmund would be able to see his brother.

Edmund thanked Seymour before dismissing him with even more gratitude. Susan stayed for a little while longer. She discussed some things that she knew about the Coronation. Then it was time to wish her brother goodnight.

Peter went to his room after Susan reassured him and Lucy that Edmund was faring well after the sudden and unexpected ordeal at dinner. As he entered his room, Peter was very bewildered to see his bookshelf had moved. Investigating further, he saw that it had turned and opened to Edmund's own room where he was in his bed sleeping soundly.

Lost in thought, Peter just stood in that doorway. He remembered Susan mentioning a conversation she had with Alenna during her tea that afternoon. Her sister had repeated the centaur's words to him: "Edmund is very anemic, he will tire easily." Peter knew that Susan was already going to be determined to have Edmund make a full recovery.

However, there was much more to be concerned with about Edmund. Peter knew there were going to be a few who do not wish to see Edmund on the throne. King Lune was patrolling at that very moment the northwestern parts of Narnia, pushing out anyone else that could be loyal to the White Witch. Despite those efforts, Peter knew not everyone would surrender or flee. There would be many who would hide until the patrol was completed. Then, they would be out for blood. Peter believed that Edmund's position as King would make him an easier target.

Peter knew Edmund could not beat death again.

Susan returned to see Peter standing in that doorway. His jaw was set, and his eyes determined. The words he would speak were very much regal. "Su, my dear sister, my brother will not face his enemies alone. His enemies are my enemies. I will never let him out of my reach."

"Do be careful, Peter." Susan was taken off-guard by her older brother's words.

Peter nodded. "I will protect you all. I promised mother and had broken it. I will not do such ever again."

Susan responded. "We need to look out for each other."

This was a shorter update. There will be much more in the chapters to come.

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