ELECTRA OF THE LONE ISLANDS
Disclaimer: The characters of Peter Pevensie, Susan Pevensie, Edmund Pevensie, Lucy Pevensie, and Aslan are all property of Disney® and C.S. Lewis, as is Narnia.
Retribution
Electra moved to the edge of the upper deck and allowed gravity to take effect. She landed with a loud thud against the hard wood, her wet hair smacking hard against her skin as it rebounded. Everyone on the deck was paralyzed with a stunned silence.
Electra stood up strait. After the initial shock a few things happened at once: Both Kings, mostly Edmund, attempted to get to her. Many of the pirates quickly drew out a few of their swords.
"Don't anyone touch her!"
Everyone aboard suddenly stopped and turned toward the speaker, Tritan. He had an evil grin on his face, one that Electra had seen many a time from other pirates. He wore a smile of enjoyment, as he pulled out his own sword.
"She's mine," he said, taking his stance and facing her with the same expression.
Electra'a heels softly clicked against the wood as she moved across the deck, her eyes dead on the captain. Her sword made a foreboding scraping sound against the wood. She didn't lift it up until she was within ten feet of the captain. With as much strength as she could muster, she swung her sword around in a deadly arc at the captain.
Tritan didn't move until she was upon him. Electra used her momentum and swung again, and this time metal crashed against metal. She fought against loosing her balance, moving away from the captain before striking at him again. To Electra, each strike was one that severed the threads of her past that connected her in any way with these fiends.
The captain was not unskilled. On the contrary, he was the best she'd ever fought. She knew this because she was beating him back with all she had in her while he didn't even seem to be concentrating at all. The only difference was, he was temporarily toying with her, while she was fighting for her life.
Once, she was able to push her blade past his defenses. The sword ripped through his shirt sleeve and severely damaged his upper left air. He instantly retaliated by taking the hilt of his weapon and smashing it across her face, sending her smashing into the main mast. She had to take a moment to regain herself, and within that moment she realized two things. The first was that because it was his left arm that had been mildly injured, he could still fight. And second, the minor damage she had done would only enrage him and make him fight with all he had.
He lunged forward in an attack again, this time with a new determination: to kill. She was able to duck out of the way and stand up behind him in a single movement. He grabbed the back of his head and smashed it into the wooden pole.
He let out an angry growl as his forehead collided with the mast. Electra took the time she had and swung her sword in another deadly arc. It wasn't enough time though. In an instant, he spun around, catching her sword with his before shoving her backward hard.
Electra was sent toppling into several unsteady crates that had been brought aboard from Cair Paravel. They toppled over, and Electra could hear the screaming of someone as she attempted to regain herself. Many of the heavier objects on the top came crashing down, splintering several crates until they were nothing more than broken pieces of wood jutting sharply upward.
The captain moved past the debris and pulled her up from the ground. Electra didn't have enough time to pick her sword up that had fallen from her hand next to her until she was thrown to the ground once more in front of her peers. The captain loomed over her, sword pointed directly at her throat.
"Any last words?" Tritan growled with a devilish gleam in his eyes.
"Yeah," Electra snarled, glowering just loathingly. "Say hello to Jadis for me."
With one swift motion of her feet, she caught the side of his ankle, sending him crashing backward to the ground. The wooden spoke that had been damaged earlier drove through his stomach. He let out a wrenched scream that filled the night air. Slowly, Electra rose to her feet to finish the job. She picked up the captain's sword that had fallen to the ground and moved over to his head. She raised the sword and took it off in one swift motion.
Electra stood over the bloodied and mangled body for a minute before her knees gave way. She fell to the ground with a thud, completely exhausted and for the first time really noticing how cold it was; Aslan's extra strength he had given her was beginning to swiftly fade.. No one moved. No one spoke. The only sound was the heavy breathing from Electra as she did what she could to regain her breath.
The sound of footsteps met her ears and she attempted to regain control of the sword in her hand. She didn't have the strength to raise it though.
"Are you alright?"
The sound of Edmund's concerned voice eased what fears she had about someone attacking her for killing the captain. On the contrary, all of the crewmates were paralyzed, save for one.
Trinity was holding a sword tightly and was shaking in fury. "You double crossing-conniving-"
"Shut your mouth, Trinity," Darit's voice shouted. Electra glanced up to see him holding her back with a knife to her throat. All of the other pirates seemed to be uneasy as well. No one else moved, and Electra knew this was because they were lost without a captain. Who would protect them now? If they killed the two kings and Electra, there was nothing left for them.
More shouts met her ears, and she realized another ship was approaching this one. The guards had quickly gathered what forces had survived the attack and come after the Kings. The three of them were safe.
Electra felt a bit hazy when moved over to the opposite boat. She heard Peter issuing orders to the guards to arrest all of those aboard the pirate ship. Electra pretty much knew their fate, and didn't feel a mite of sympathy for any one of them.
Edmund led her into the cabin, laying her on the decorated couch that happened to be on the side before lying her down. It was then she noticed she was really shivering. Electra watched as he hurried over to one of the trunks, pulling out several articles of clothing as well as blankets. He placed them next to her.
"Here," he said. "You'll catch your death if you stay in your wet things any longer. You can see the water soaking through your shirt and you're hair is practically frozen."
Electra looked up at him incredulously. "Excuse me?"
"You heard me," he retorted.
"No offense, Edmund," she said with a smart tone, attempting to keep herself from blushing. "I really don't think you want to watch me change."
She watched as his cheeks turned a delicate shade of red. He didn't say anything, but simply walked from the cabin, closing the door behind him. She was grateful he hadn't said anything, for if he had, she wasn't sure what her response would be.
Electra half expected him to walk back in while she was changing as a challenge against her word. She knew he wouldn't however, as he was too noble and well brought up for that. Once dry, save for her hair, Electra curled back up on the couch beneath her blanket and was soon fast asleep.
She didn't re-awaken for a while, though the precise time was unknown. All she knew that it was light out. Someone had brought her back to her own bed. Electra sat up slightly before shivering and ducking back under her covers. It took a moment for her to realize she was feeling a bit woozy. Her nose was slightly stuffed and she felt both uncomfortably exhausted and still cold. Not to mention, she was feeling as though she was having a bit of a hangover.
Raising her head just high enough so that her eyes were just above her cover line, she glanced groggily around her room. It was just as she had left it earlier the previous morning, except in the corner near her bed an armchair had been pulled into it, and on it slept Edmund. From his position he had to have been quite uncomfortable, and the chances of him waking up with some portion of his body sore were high.
As though sensing she was awake, he opened his eyes, taking a moment to take in his surroundings before turning to Electra.
"How are you feeling?" he asked, sitting upright and obviously worried.
"Could be better," she answered truthfully, her voice scratching a bit as she sat up more. "What time is it?"
"About midday," he replied. "I was afraid you were going to get hypothermia… especially after being in that freezing water. How did you get through it all without freezing?"
"Long story," she mumbled, nuzzling farther into the covers. Part of her wanted to share the story with Edmund. She knew he'd met Aslan in person and would understand what she meant. But another part of her wanted to keep it to herself.
He looked as though he wanted to inquire about it, but she cut him off before he could.
"Where are your sisters?" she asked.
"Word has it they took sanctuary in Beruna. They were heading west away from the pirates. A search has been out to find them."
"And your brother? Is he alright?"
"He's fine," Edmund replied with a small smile. "Fixing some problems down at the dock. One of the pirates somehow escaped, that woman and maybe one or two others. The rest we still have in custody."
Trinity. Electra closed her eyes. As long as at least one of them was out, there would be trouble. She was probably the worst; being a woman demanded respect and being a ruthless and dedicated pirate was even worse. Trinity's affairs with Cair Paravel would not soon be over, Electra knew. She would bide her time, even if that was years, before renewing her attack.
"You saved our lives," Edmund whispered. Electra turned to face him, feeling her cheeks burn slightly at the thought. She quickly focused her attention back on the blankets that she was now ringing in her hands in them.
"Don't mention it," she whispered, unable to look back up at him.
She felt the weight of her bed shift and she was unable to help glancing up. Her breath caught in her throat as she noticed Edmund had moved closer to her before placing his hand atop hers.
"You deserve more than you give yourself credit for," he responded with a sincere look.
Electra watched him, feeling as though her heart were going to pound out of her chest. She felt she needed to respond, but no words would come. Instead her body lurched forward and she pulled her hands away to cover a large sneeze.
Edmund couldn't help but laugh. "We gave you some fire flower juice," he told her, sitting back over in his armchair. "Unfortunately that only helped with your minor wounds and some of the minor frostbite you received after being in that water. It won't cure illness, so I'm afraid you'll be stuck in bed until it's gone."
"And are you going to guard me to make sure I don't do anything rash?" she asked, only half sarcastically.
"I might just have to," he teased back. "You see, when people other than myself get confined to their rooms, it's my pleasure to make sure they stay there until otherwise notified. Especially Peter."
"So I take it, this as some sort of punishment?" Electra raised her eyebrow.
"Consider it a perk because I'm here," Edmund replied with a smile.
Electra couldn't help but laugh at this joke, let alone be happy he was staying with her. Her laughter was short lived, however, as a sudden sneeze erupted from her once more. Sighing, she flopped back down on her bed, closing her eyes and letting out a soft moan.
"Are you alright?" Edmund asked her, a bit more concerned now.
"I just have a little bit of a headache, is all," she explained, pulling the covers up farther to her neck. She suddenly realized Edmund was here while she was in bed, in her nightgown. Feeling a bit self conscious, she pulled the covers a bit farther up.
"Okay, I'll silence myself," he replied, pulling up a book that was lying next to his chair and opening it to a marked page.
Electra couldn't help but watch him curiously. Was he really going to stay with her the entire time until she was better? She was somewhat doubtful but a deeper part of her really wished he would stay that long. Perhaps she could pretend to be sick a little longer if it meant spending more time with him.
She quickly chastised herself for thinking of something so selfish and closed her eyes, pretending to fall asleep. She didn't actually think she would fall asleep so quickly, but within minutes she was dreaming once again.
When she awoke again, the sun was still shining brightly through her bedroom window. Glancing around, she noticed this time the room was completely empty; the chair was still in the corner, but there was no Edmund to occupy it. Instead, she heard voices in the hall. If she strained she could barely make out what they were saying.
"But he helped, didn't he?" Lucy's voice wandered. "Shouldn't he be given a second chance."
"He wasn't giving us a second chance when he tied up Electra to those chains," Edmund replied in a voice of stone. "He almost killed her."
"But the chains came off in the water," Lucy argued. "You said the chains came off in the water. He must have meant for her to escape."
"She would have never survived in those icy waters even if he meant for her to escape," Edmund replied sternly, his voice even more stiff than before. "How she survived is beyond me. I'm just glad she seems to be recovering."
There was a small pause before Lucy spoke again. "When was the last time she was awake?"
"Yesterday afternoon," Edmund replied. "She was out of it for about two days before then."
Electra was now listening just inside of the ajar door, having gotten up to listen to their conversation better. When they had mentioned the man in the chains she had pushed the covers off her bed, pulled on her dressing robe and gotten up. She knew they were talking about either Damin or Darit. After a moment she pushed the door open.
"I'm just glad—" Lucy stopped in mid-sentence as Electra came into view. "Electra, you're awake."
Edmund turned and gave Electra a smile. "How are you feeling?"
"Is he still here?" Electra asked, completely dismissing Edmund's question.
The two watched her silently, watching her. Lucy looked somewhat amazed that Electra looked so well after the story she had just been told. Electra was glad to have seen her safe, but her mind was not to be easily swaded.
"He's in the dungeons," Edmund replied with a nod.
Electra nodded, "What's his name?"
"He says his name is Darit," Edmund replied. "He's the only one left in the dungeons. The others were already put on trial and taken care of. He was the sole one left able for appeal."
"What will his sentence likely be?" Electra asked.
"Exile," Edmund replied. "At the least."
Electra nodded once again. "I want to speak with him."
Edmund looked as though he wished to object, but said nothing. Without waiting for an approval, she moved down the hall and to the dungeons.
They were empty, save for one man in the middle cell. He was sitting down on the bench with his head in his hands, only looking up at his visitor when he heard her footsteps.
"They killed Damin," he said, turning away from Electra as he did so, his voice full of regret.
Electra felt herself go slightly sick at the sight of him. Sure he felt regret because he was captured. But was he really sorry? He'd had so many opportunities to go back on his actions up until the point they were taken to the ship but he'd refused to do so for the sake of his brother. A heavy silence parted them more than the bars from the cell did.
"I'm not going to forgive you for what you did," Electra finally broke the silence.
"I never asked you to," Darit replied. "I know I've done wrong by you and I know there's nothing I can do to make it up. I'm prepared for the consequences."
Electra shook her head in disgust. "Of course you are," she said, her voice cracking slightly. "You feel the guilt, don't you? Darit, you knew the right path all along. You could have walked away with a shred of dignity when you had the chance, and there were many of those." Tears welled her eyes and she didn't stop them from splashing down her cheeks. "You were my brother, Darit. I loved you."
"I'm sorry I helped kill our family," he apologized.
"No, you're not," she said. "Or you would have turned back before it was too late. You may have loosened my chains but you still helped throw me into that icy water and to my death. You're not my family anymore. Those of Cair Paravel are my family. They protect me."
"I hoped you'd get out, and you did—"
"To hell with that!" she screamed, slamming her hands onto the bars as her cheeks were stained. "To hell with hoping I'd get out. You knew it was in the dead of winter, and even without the chains the chances of surviving that freezing water was slim to none! What happened to nobody gets left behind?"
"But you didn't die," he stated.
"Dumb luck," she hissed back in disgust. Electra took a moment to regain herself before speaking again. "Your best chance is exile from Narnia, and from the Lone Islands. But if I ever see you anywhere again, I want to make myself perfectly clear. I don't know you. I never did. You were never my brother. You were never a part of my life, and I want to keep it that way." He looked back up at her, and she saw the hurt in his eyes.
"You've changed, Electra," he said. "You're not a pirate, despite all the history you've had with them. You never let your mind submit true piracy."
"I wouldn't say that completely," she snarled. "If I had my way right now, I throw you into the ocean and see how you would suffice."
A small smile crossed his lips. "I'm proud of you, Electra. You're stronger than I ever could be."
Electra watched the man before her, placing his head back into his hands. A small part of her wanted to forgive him, but it wasn't strong enough to overcome the larger overwhelming half that wished nothing more than to throw him into the ocean. Without another word she turned her back on him. She left, shutting the door and everything from her past inside the dungeon along with him.
A/N: Exams are almost over, which means the chapters should be coming a little quicker now. Thanks again to everyone who's reading!