A/N: Well, it took some time but here it is " The Triumph of the Witch" borrowing title from LWW, i thought this chapter was sad, but thats just me..lol
-"Jadis, the queen of Narnia! Empress of the Lone Islands!" Ginnarbrik cried out to the crowd of Narnian's.
-"Go Away!" yelled a faun.
-"Leave us alone!" cried a badger. The Narnian's shouted remarks at Jadis as she approached but she took little notice of it. Instead, her eyes were on a greater prize… Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy ran up near Aslans' tent. Peter looked to Claire who only looked at him and then looked away. As Jadis approached even closer, Aslan gave of a low growl. Aslan and Claire stood causing silence to overcome the Narnian's.
-"You have a traitor in your midst Aslan." Jadis spoke referring to Edmund. The crowd quickly began mumbling, some pointing to Edmund. Claire closed her fist in anger.
-"His offence was not against you." Aslan spoke with calmness, unaffected by her taunt. Jadis only stepped forward.
-"Have you forgotten the laws upon which Narnia was built?" she asked teasing him, knowing very well he knew them.
-"Do not site the Deep Magic to me, Witch…" Aslan said with a growl "I was there when it was written…"
Lucy turned to Susan, "what is he talking about?" she asked, But Susan only watched the scene before her unfold.
-"Jadis, enough!" Claire Yelled causing Jadis to turn to her, "You have come talk and not to tease!" She said stepping down from the hill and standing just a few feet away from her own Kin and Blood… "Away with you if you dare taunt Aslan himself! You and I were both at the beginning of Narnia, you know what I have!" she said through clenched teeth. Peter began to feel uneasy at seeing Claire just a few feet away from death itself.
Jadis only looked stunned, but recovered, "Then you'll remember well that ever traitor belongs to me." She said with a growing smile. "His blood is my property." Claire stepped closer but the two witches looked to the side to see Peter holding out his sword,
-"Try and take him then!" he said in a warning tone. Otmin gave a low roar crouching into a fighting stance. Claire quickly held both her hands out towards the two.
-"Peace be with us…" she said causing the two incapable of moving. Lowering her right hand, Peter began to feel he had control again, "Peter," she said softly "Sheath your sword." He nodded and did as he was told. She turned to Otmin, and did the same,
-"Enemies we may be, but we are all whole and same." She said before turning to Jadis who was only sneering.
-"You know the Magic which the Emperor put into Narnia at the very beginning. You know that human creature's life is forfeit to me and I have the right to kill."
-"Oh, so that's how you thought of yourself as Queen, by being the Emperor's hangman!" Mr. Beaver cried out.
-"Peace, Beaver." Aslan said in a low growl… Aslan had faith in Claire. After running away from her sister for so many years, she was now confronting her without fear, and she knew not she what she was doing… some would call it Mortal Courage...
Jadis stepped closer to where only Claire could hear what she had to say:
-"You know what will happen if I don't have blood." She said hoping to frighten her. Peter watched gripping his sword tighter by the second. Every second the Witch was with her, he wanted to go and be by her side… to protect her... Claire only stayed calm,
-"Then tell them." she said challenging her. Jadis only bit her lip before turning around to the crowd of Narnian's…
-"Aslan and your Empress know that unless I have blood as the law demands, All Narnia shall be overturned and perish in fire and water…" the Narnian's started mumbling again, but this time with fright. "That boy,"
Jadis spat pointing to Edmund, "Shall die on the Stone Table, as is tradition…" Peter looked to Claire who only gave a sad nod, implying everything Jadis said was true. He quickly turned to Edmund who began shaking with fear once he saw Claire nodding. Claire only bit her lip. It broke her heart to see the Pevensie's surrounding Edmund. They were desperate to protect him and no harm to come to him.
-"You dare not refuse me!" she said turning to Claire, this time it was her turn to challenge her. Claire only looked down, and let her shoulder sag. She opened her mouth but a voice spoke,
-"We shall talk with you alone." Aslan said before walking into his tent. Claire nodded and followed Jadis to the tent. Before entering, she looked to the crowd of Narnian's and then her eyes fell on Peter. He had fear showing throughout every part of his body. She gave a soft smile.
"It'll be all right, I won't let her take him" she mouthed. Immediately he calmed down and gave a nod with a smile.
"Be Safe." He mouthed. She nodded before turning to Edmund…
"I won't let her take you." She mouthed before turning way and walking inside…
BBB
It was mid-morning when Aslan, Claire, and Jadis went into the tent for council, but now it was noon. Peter sat on the grass watching his siblings, Edmund would pick grass every five seconds, Lucy would be watching the clouds roll by, and Susan played with a straw of grass.
-"They're coming!" a faun yelled gaining the attention of the camp. As on cue, Claire walked out of the tent and to the edge of the cliff. The crowd (Mostly Peter) studied her facial expression for any sign of what would come, but she hid it very well by giving off a blank expression too hard to read…
Jadis appeared and walked down the hill giving Edmund an expression of anger and happiness. This confused the children…
Claire looked from Jadis to Edmund and then to Peter, giving off still a blank expression. Aslan approached them and looked out to the Narnian's, eager to know what would come of their future king… He looked to Edmund with sorrow in his eyes and then to Claire who only nodded...
-"She has renounced her claim on the son of Adams blood." Aslan spoke loud and clear for all to hear. The camp let out a sigh of relief and began cheering. Peter patted Edmund on the back, before hugging Susan.
Claire gave a faint smile before being distracted by Jadis…
-"How do I know your promises will be kept?" she asked trying to ruin the happiness around her…
Immediately, Claire pulled her wand out and aimed it at Jadis, causing a gust of wind to hit them all. Aslan too had enough and gave a roar causing her to quickly sit down on her… The crowd laughed at the fain heart of the Witch… She and her followers left the camp, leaving the Narnian's to celebrate…
Lucy hugged Edmund before turning her direction to Aslan. She saw Claire place her hand on his side before walking away with a sad expression. Aslan turned to Lucy and sighed before returning to his tent. Lucy looked concerned and turned as she saw Claire sneak out by using the trees. Before she could tell Peter, or react to such events, the dwarves started celebrating with her, causing her to forget, (for the time being)…
BBB
The sun began to set on the horizon…
Claire stood on the hill embracing her as she cried…. Peter walked around camp looking for her, but had not seen her since the meeting with the Witch. Orieus past by so Peter figured he would ask if he knew where she was at…
-"Orieus, you don't happen to know where Claire would be at, would you?" Peter asked hoping he would say 'of course he had seen her' But luck wasn't with him, for Orieus replied with a shake of his head,
-"I have not seen her since the meeting." He said before taking off to patrol the borders…
"Where is she?" Peter thought as he checked her tent, and then it hit him…The fields.
He ran over with all the speed he had, but nay, she wasn't there, except for a few dwarves that were making some metal armor. Upon seeing his arrival, the dwarves quickly dropped what they were doing, and gave a bow,
-"Your majesty, what may we do for you today?" one dwarf asked coming up to him, the other only scoffed
muttering "suck up" under his breath before continuing on with his work. Peter held back a grin and replied to the question directed to him.
-"I'm looking for Empress Claire. Have you seen her?" This time, the answer was yes. Peter's heart skipped a beat, "Well, do you know where I may find her?" he said preparing himself to take off. The dwarf nodded,
-"Of course, she's been standing on the hill for more than two hours! I walked by and heard muffling and sniffing, I do believe she is crying. I say I do plan to tell Aslan about this, maybe he could calm her or bring some comfort." Peter only gave his thanks before taking off to the hill…
BBB
The sun sank lower into the sky as darkness and cold creped in all around…
Claire gave out a soft laugh as she cried as she remembered the day Aslan frightened Jadis with his Roar during the beginning of Narnia.
-"Claire?" A voice asked from behind her. Causing shock, Claire closed her eyes. The one person she didn't want to see was here…Peter.
-"Please go away, Peter." She said softly choking back tears. She could sense his movement. As of course, he shook his head. He walked up to her only for her to take a step away from him…
-"Claire, I just want to help. It hurts me to see you depressed." He said in a caring tone. He could never stand to see those he loved hurt. At times he would wish it was him in their place.
-"You're making me depressed!" she cried out, before covering her mouth. Peter only looked puzzled,
-"Me? Why me?" he asked coming closer… She shook her head and let more tears come out…
-"I can't…tell…you." She said sobbing. Peter really felt bad now. He walked over and embraced her, but this time she pushed him away.
-"No!" she cried in panic stepping away from him, as if he was contagious or something you would not want to come in contact with…
-"What is it?" he asked shocked by her reaction.
-"Go away!" she cried,
"I can't do this!" the voice in her head screamed over and over again… Peter only walked closer, determined to help her.
-"Just let me-"
-"No! Stay where you are!" she ordered… Peter did so, not wanting to cause her more panic or pain.
-"Then tell me this," he said gaining her attention, "Why won't you talk to anyone about whatever your problem may be?" he said as if begging her to talk.
-"I can't!" she replied choking back a sob as a breeze blew by her. Peter only looked sad,
-"and not me!" he asked with disbelief.
-"Especially you!" she cried out more. She stuck out her hand to keep her balance.
-"Why?" he asked hopelessly, but she didn't respond. He quickly ran to her and held her arms tight,
-"Why?!" he repeated with tears in his eyes. He couldn't believe it, she had secrets she wouldn't say to him, when all those years they would tell each other secrets. She only cried in his shoulder,
-"It would kill me, it would kill you!" she said looking up at him, "I'm so, so, sorry." She said closing her eyes.
-"Claire…" he breathed, "I love you." He said looking down at her. She opened her eyes with sorrow,
"No, Peter! Please tell me you didn't say that!"
-"What? No, Peter, you don't!" she said more to herself as if demanding it not to be true. He only shook her,
-"But I do…I love everything about you…you eyes, your hair…" She put her hand to her mouth to hold back a sob… "Your lips…your everything!" he said with compassion… Claire only closed her eyes in pain, even when her eyelids where closed, a tear escaped and rolled down her cheek.
-"Claire, do you love me?" He asked, his entire body shaking with nerves. There and then, her heart broke…
-"Claire…do you love me?" Peter asked again. She couldn't tell him, not to his face, his magnificent face. She couldn't stand to see him in pain… She opened her eyes and stared into his blue crystal ones… Her lips trembled as she shook her head…
-"No," she breathed "No." she repeated more firmly. Right there and then, she escaped his embrace and ran off down the hill towards the woods…. Peter's arms dropped to his side as he bit his lip in sorrow and pain. He watched her run, but didn't go after her…She didn't love him…him, the one person he wanted to spend a lifetime with, said she didn't love him… he dropped his head while choking back a sob and left to his tent to retire…
At that moment, as soon as Claire said 'no', the sun's last glimpse of sunlight vanished…
BBB
-"Claire," Aslan spoke softly to her as she walked into the forest. She only came up to him wiping her tear stained face.
-"Everything is done and settled, Aslan." She said trying to give a smile, but he only shook his head,
-"Oldest Daughter, have you not the heart to say what you feel? But yes, what's done has been done." He said gently before walking with her, "Night will come sooner than we think." He said leading her back to camp…
BBB
That night, Claire stayed hidden from the Narnian's and the Pevensie's… She gave a sorrowful sigh before quickly putting on her blood red dress with blue midnight velvet on, before swinging her midnight blue cape around her…
BBB
Aslan gave a sigh and looked down once more onto the map of figures. He set the pieces up where the armies would clash and where the forces of Jadis were at… Sensing the time, he walked out…
This was it, the night before the unexpected battle that would follow in the morning...
Claire walked silently to Peter and Edmunds tent… She entered to find the two princes asleep. She gave a short smile before placing her sword on the shelf near Edmunds' bed. She then moved to Peter… She gave him a kiss on his golden hair, before placing in his hands her locket. She had it engraved the night before... After placing it in his hands, she gave him one last kiss on the cheek before leaving…
BBB
Lucy rolled over in her bed, unable to sleep. Every time she would close her eyes for some reason she would open them again... Just as she rolled over, the figure of a lion could be seen walking past the tent. Curious to know, Lucy ran to Susan.
-"Susan!" she hissed trying to wake her up, "Susan, its Aslan." She said gaining the attention of the young Princess.
-"What about him, Lu?" Susan asked sitting up. Lucy only placed her cordial in her belt before walking out of the tent. Susan quickly followed taking her quiver and bow…
The hid behind the tent to see him walking into the forest that led to the Stone Table. Susan and Lucy looked to each other before Susan took off after him followed by Lucy…
BBB
Claire walked into the woods feeling dread come over her. She only sighed before shaking it off,
"This must be done Claire... For Peter and Edmund…" she said to herself but soon became quiet as the sound of roaring, groaning, and screeching could be heard in the distance…
She paused before making her way towards the noise. Her Cloak just slid on the forest floor, overturning the dead leaves…
BBB
Aslan gave a sigh before asking:
"Shouldn't you both be in bed?" he said looking straight in front of him. Susan and Lucy popped their heads out from behind a tree and came up to him.
-"Couldn't we come with you, Aslan?" Susan asked. The lion only gave a nod,
-"I would be glad of the company…Thank you." He said waiting for them to take his mane. Once they did he led them on…
BBB
Claire came into the firelight, causing the creatures of darkness to screech in fright. They only cleared a path for her that led up to the Stone Table. Pausing to look at it, she saw the creatures that surrounded it… Jadis as one of them…but she proceeded. If she was going to die, she was going to show her honor and pride. She marched forward showing no fear, and kept her head high, as if welcoming death… The creatures backed away from Claire as she past them. Once Half-way there, Jadis walked up onto the table. Claire finally reached the Stairs that led up…
-"Behold my Sister, the Empress of Foolishness!" Jadis mocked, causing the creatures to erupt with laughter. Claire only looked straight at Jadis.
"I won't let you intimidate me, witch!" she thought in her head. Jadis gave a smile as if reading her thoughts,
-"Show your wand!" Jadis demanded, Claire only pulled it out and tossed it in front of her… Jadis bit her lip,
-"Give it to me!" she demanded, Claire only answered calmly,
-"If you want it, come and get it." The creatures looked to Jadis as on what to do… She tilted her head up for Otmin to take it. He did so, but before he did, he knocked Claire to the ground, causing her to hiss in pain. Jadis only smiled,
-"Strip her of her outer garments!" she demanded. The creatures laughed before three hags came and started ripping her dress off. During the process the Hags' nails dug to deep and ripped some skin off of her... Claire couldn't stand the pain any longer. She gave a cry of pain, causing the animals to cheer… Once stripping her so where it was just her white tattered under gown, the hags pushed her up the steps. Although it was unnecessary, two of the hags pulled her hair back, causing her head to look up at an angle. They quickly threw her onto the table causing her to scrape her side. To Jadis, this was all fun… She encircled her like a vulture waiting for its prey to die… Jadis only smiled when Claire couldn't pick herself up… When Claire tried to lift herself up, her arms couldn't stand the pain, so this caused her to crash back down onto the stone.
-"Now say it!" Jadis demanded, Claire only rolled over on her back. She would say anything to end the nightmare…All she wanted was for it to be done…
-" I…Empr-…Empress of Narnia….Ugh…As….Witch…Herby give my powers…ugh! to…" but she ran out of breath, Jadis only ordered a hag to punch her.
-"Say It!" Jadis demanded through gritted teeth… Claire closed her eyes… "Peter…" she thought, immediately, she felt hope and comfort. When she opened her eyes, she saw him standing behind a bush watching the event… he was frightened.
-"Say it!" Jadis yelled, Claire turned to her and replied,
-"…Give my powers to Jadis, Empress of Charn!" Jadis smiled as Claire's wand glowed brighter than the full moon. The wind picked up and Claire felt her strength leave her… Jadis smiled once she saw her wand glow brighter than any star or sun in the universe. She quickly Pulled Claire up by her throat, causing her to gasp in pain.
-"You know, now that your mortal…I can kill you…" she said pulling out a stone knife… Feeling the last remains of life leaving her, Claire replied:
-"Let it be according to thy will." She said closing her eyes… Jadis only smiled,
-"It's a shame really, your giving your life for one that doesn't love you anymore…ha, you give your life for the traitor and his brother. You knew perfectly well, that if a mortal loved you…they would die…Well now, you give your life for him, and how does he repay you? Hmm?" she said before dropping Claire. Claire coughed as she gasped for air. She quickly turned to the bush and saw Peter there this time he was crouching as he came closer, he pulled out his sword.
"No! Peter don't!" Claire whispered. He only shook his head,
-"I'm not loosing you!" he mouthed…
"Tonight! You will witness the fall of a Queen and the Rise of a Powerful being in all Narnia!!!" Jadis screamed for all her minions to hear.. "A curse that was set so many years ago will finally be fulfilled, and the doom of Narnia will be sealed!!!" The wolves howled and the creatures cheered louder… Peter crept closer,
Claire began to feel tears in her eyes,
-"I'm begging you! Don't! Please!!" she said pleading with all her might… He then stopped when he saw Jadis lift Claire once more…
-"Despair and Die!!" Jadis screamed thrusting the knife into Claire. Peter quickly felt the blood leave him,
Claire looked over Jadis shoulder and at him one last time, giving off a soft smile, she whispered,
-"It will be all right…I love you, Pete"
…she closed her eyes…. And her body went limp… Jadis placed her onto the ground and studied her for any sign of breathing or life… Once a minute went by, Jadis looked up to the crowd.
-"The Great Empress is DEAD!!! I will be Queen of ALL NARNIA!!!" she shouted…This time the creatures stomped and cheered… "It's not over!! The Great Cat is coming! Let us prepare for the final Sacrifice!!!" Doing as they were told, they grabbed Claire's body and laid it near the forest and out of sight.
Peter ran to the body and knelt beside it…
-"Claire?" he asked shaking her, hoping by some miracle she would be alive, but no answer came. "Wake up," he said shaking her, but nothing… "Wake up!" he said roughly pulling her up and hugging her. He sobbed in her shoulders when she didn't respond… He placed her on his lap and cradled her in his arms as he rocked her back and forward, as if trying to calm her…
"Claire, don't leave me with a broken heart…"
"Peter…" a voice whispered as the wind blew,
-"Claire?" he asked looking up,
"Peter…" the voice (more like the wind) whispered. At that moment he felt the wind hit him and a leaf brush past his cheek…
BBB
-"Urgh!" Peter grunted waking up and pulling out his sword. The Tree spirit only held its arm up…
-"Be still my princes, I bring grave news from your sisters…" Peter lowered his sword and looked to Edmund who was looking back…
-"Narnia weeps for The Great Aslan, and Empress Claire, for they have been sacrificed on the Stone Table last night…" Peter's eyes went wide with fright. Edmund looked to his brother and saw the fright,
-"Are you sure?" he asked feeling the dread that they died because of his stupidity and greed.
The Tree spirit only nodded.
-"No!" Peter said getting up, but just as he was about to leave, the sound of metal could be heard as it hit the floor…. The locket.
Peter picked it up and read the engraving…
"Be brave and upright and we shall love thee, defend those before you as you are a great leader. Charge first into battle and be the last to retreat… These are the virtues of a great king, Peter… I still have faith in you even after the night…"
Peter closed his palm and held the locket tight..
-"Is there any news on Jadis's army?" he asked looking from Edmund to the Tree Spirit.
-"Yes my king, they're on their way here…" Edmund quickly looked to Peter…
A/N: I hope this was a good chapter; I wanted to cry on some parts, although I was listening to sad music so maybe that's why, lol… I know it may be fluffy at the beginning and end, but I wanted to show the love Peter and Claire have for each other… This is Claire's final appearance until a special part in the story takes place (wink, wink) maybe the Battle scene, or Edmunds healing… You never know… Thanks Vera Rose Nightingale for the idea!! I would love to get your thoughts on this chapter, Opinions and Ideas for the Future chapters!! I plan to get the next one done on New Year, or maybe the last chapter on New Year… You never know! Lol
Remember: Ideas, Thoughts, Opinions and REVEIWS welcomed!!!! Poll on Profile for Sequel!! Check it out!!