Disclaimer: Ownership is relative. But I still don't.
Author's Note: Another one because you're so awesome. The passage below was from the same book as the description in the previous chapter.
Chapter 27: "The Chariot"
"A new beginning. Great events that cannot be influenced. To reap what has been sown. Fate. Fortune. Luck."
Edmund had to admit, he was surprised. He had expected quite a lot, but not this. He stared at the newly joined Wolves. Ed had been given command over everyone not Narnian while Oreius handled the civil forces and Peter the royal army. Everyone not Narnian turned out to be far more than he had expected. Including their latest allies.
The nomads had arrived very early in the morning, in numbers far exceeding the Just King's wildest hopes. Far more than had been present at the council of patriarchs. Even Spalo and his guilds were there. Women as well. It seemed they had rebelled against their usually set roles and insisted to fight. Or at least join.
Edmund had sent a Falcon to alert his brother of the arrivals and had received orders to halt. So they halted when even more nomads arrived. That was two hours before the Wolves arrived as well. The Luri house, Romel had whispered at the strange humans. They came on foot.
It was around then he was approached by a very pleased Zoren. "King Edmund." The patriarch almost beamed. "There is someone here to see you."
And Edmund had been introduced to Whillam Luri for the first time. Great great grandson of the man who established the houses and guilds. A grandson who lived up to his legacy. He was calm and regal, almost more so than Edmund felt at that moment. "An honor," He bowed and received one from Whillam. The two looked at each other and Edmund got the distinct feeling that the nomad could see right through him.
The whimsical smile never left his face and Edmund saw a lot of Whilamina in him. Whillam was about thirty years old. Fair-haired unlike his mother, but with the same features and the same eyes. With him he had a host of about three hundred men. Three hundred more to join their ranks. That brought their side to over three thousand. It blew his mind the magnitude of what they were attempting.
On top of everything it seemed the Irins had decided to act as the king's personal guard since the royal guard was with Peter at the front. The four of them never left his side and had yet to lower their weapons. Edmund was still dealing with that particular turn of events. He was ashamed to say he had expected less from them.
The Wolves were the next unexpected visitors. They had been noticed several miles into the wilderness. Keefang had jumped over to him atop Phillip and announced that he smelled other Wolves. Vala and several others had confirmed his suspicions and Edmund had sent out Bird scouts. The two knights were with him while Bacchus and Nex stayed with Peter.
Edmund had stopped his company of about seven hundred and sent another messenger to his brother. This time the High King came riding into the make-shift camp with Oreius, and several of their royal guards behind him. Red cape, swinging with the motions of his war-mount. Tassels and straps sparkling in whatever sunlight that fell between the tree crowns. Magnificent as ever. "What's happening?" he asked as he dismounted.
Edmund approached him calmly as their men stood to attention. "Keefang alerted me moments ago that Wolves were approaching."
Peter's eyes instantly widened and he remembered again the night he had sent his wounded brother away with Harash. "The Warrows?"
"It would appear so." The two young, men looked at each other before Edmund caught Zoren's eyes. Spalo was there as well. Hema insisted on traveling as close to whichever of the kings he could. When Peter had announced that every civilian would submit to his brother's orders the house patriarch had looked disappointed, but quickly accepted the opportunity to question Edmund about everything between heaven and earth. Was it hard to run a kingdom? How old were they when they were crowned? Was it true Edmund had once betrayed his family? Where did on get such fancy riding-boots, not to mention a Talking Horse? Was the sky bluer when looked upon by kings?
At the end Edmund had been ready to kill something, so Phillip had wisely suggested a trot. Edmund deliberately left Hema behind. Only the four Irins and his two knights followed.
"I was afraid something like this might happen." Peter groaned. "We heard them just as we were crossing the mountains into Narnia."
"You what?" It was news to the dark-haired king.
"After the Gryphon took you to Cair Paravel we heard them howling."
Edmund glanced at Keefang for confirmation and frowned when the Wolf gave it in the form of a look. "Well what should we do?"
Peter was at a loss as well. He glanced at the newly arrived Luri house leader and greeted him quietly. The man smirked, barely looking nervous. "How much do we know about them?"
Edmund tried to remember the rapport Vala had given not minutes ago. "They're moving quickly. Not trying to sneak up on us. But nothing they've done so far suggests that they want to attack."
Peter nodded, already knowing their next move. "Regardless, I want some kind of defense in case they try anything." He nodded to Oreius and the Centaur instantly took off. "Judging from their heading I'd say they're coming directly for you." He looked his brother deep in the eye.
"How would they know him from the rest of us?" Romel asked. He had lingered on the fringe of the conversation until curiosity overtook him.
"I don't know. Perhaps you left a blood trail in the forest. We wrapped you up, but something might've dripped and left a scent for them to follow." Peter suddenly felt guilty for not ensuring his brother's care better.
"It helps us that they have a target." Edmund said and nodded for Keefang to join them. "Start moving people back. I want all civilians behind the royal guards." he told the Wolf.
"Oreius isn't bringing near enough. Only a handful." Peter interrupted.
Edmund knew as much and gestured for his soldiers to get to work. A forward line of defense was erected. Heavily armed Narnians with spears pointed outwards, towards the forest. Nomads behind and the kings at the very back on Peter's orders. Only a few seconds after the last man was in place they saw the first Wolf. It burst into the large clearing, panting and haggard, but that wasn't what stopped Edmund's breath.
"Hold!" He stormed forward, having to force Phillip a little. He knew the Horse was very concerned with his safety at all times and very much against riding head first into any kind of situation that didn't severely warrant impulsiveness. "Narnians, stand down." He approached the front of the line where he saw Kanell and Barrow looking at him in concern. They weren't thrilled with their kings' impulsiveness either.
Edmund dismounted Phillip when he saw the little creature atop the Wolf's head. As he watched, more Wolves crashed into the clearing. They all stopped behind the first. It looked younger and scrawnier than the others and Edmund guessed it was unlikely to be the Alpha. And yet it ran at the front of the pack. He stepped closer and as he did his smile ignited. "Peter."
His brother was waiting right beside him with Rhindon out and ready to attack anything that looked the least bit hostile. He stepped up to his brother's shoulder when he saw the Wolves had no intention of attacking. "Spavia?"
The tiny Shrew was perched atop the Wolf's head. "High King Peter, King Edmund," she said loudly as her tiny voice would allow. "I would like to introduce you to Dust." The young grey-Wolf bowed its head and only remembered at the last second that Spavia was sitting on it. With meek puppy eyes pointed heaven-ward he apologized. She only petted his head and smiled.
"Which one of you is the Alpha?" Edmund called.
"I am." A large male made his way to the front. Past Dust, to stand directly in front of the kings. He didn't show an ounce of fear and Edmund could practically feel his brother's non-existent hackles rise. He glanced sideways lightning quick before he smiled calmly at the large Wolf.
"And what is your name, Sir?" Edmund asked. The fleeting look of surprise on its face almost made Edmund grin.
"Rufus." he answered with a glance at Peter.
Edmund knew the Wolf would very likely be drawn to his brother's personality, yet compelled to rebel against it, and decided to use it for his advantage. "Stand down, all of you. Collect your things. We move out in five minutes." He looked at his brother for confirmation. Peter didn't exactly give it, but he didn't overrule it either. Edmund took it as a victory.
As the Narnians cleared back with Oreius, and the nomads began picking up their things, more of the Wolves approached. Edmund looked at each and every one of them calmly. It was unlikely Peter would want them roaming around Narnia while the entire army was in Calormen. So he proposed the only other thing he could think of. "Will you take them or should I?"
Peter's hawkish eyes darted to Edmund's with obvious doubts in them. "What?" Rufus barked. Clearly he wasn't pleased with others making decisions for him. Like two apples from the same tree, Edmund thought dryly.
"Well we assume that you did not come here, looking for a fight. So the most logical solution would be for you to join us." He shared a quick, and very small, smile with Spavia. Clearly she had kept her head about her. He also realized that she had most likely wagered her own life against their safe travel into Narnia. "And we assume you had a purpose seeking us out on the way to battle and not simply choosing to stay in hiding until we returned?"
Rufus glanced quickly back at the young Wolf, or perhaps Spavia who was still sitting on his head?
"Also we cannot have you roaming our lands unattended." He took a step forward. He knew body language was everything to Wolves and hoped he exuded calm, patience and confidence.
"What does the High King feel about deserters joining his army?" Rufus asked with a wicked grin. He didn't seem the least bit remorseful, which Edmund felt sure would bring his brother's blood to a boil.
Peter was about to answer when he interrupted. "It's not the High King's decision to make since you will not be fighting under him, but under me."
All the Wolves looked momentarily taken aback and Edmund took the opportunity to look to his brother for confirmation. Peter looked surprised, but quickly schooled his expression and nodded. The coolness in his eyes made it clear to Edmund that it would take more than their involvement in one battle to redeem them. "The decision lies with my brother." He stepped forward. "But trust me, Master Rufus. If word reaches me after battle that you and your kinsmen failed to follow his orders the punishment will be swift and severe." He furthermore looked to Spavia. "And I believe you are holding one of our best scouts hostage?"
Rufus looked confounded. Even a little humbled at the commanding sound of Peter's righteous voice. Dust lowered his head to let Spavia down. Edmund couldn't help but smile when she was allowed to hop to the ground and run over behind her kings. The dark-haired king noticed the quick wave she offered the grey Wolf in departure. "We ride for Tashbaan to free our sister." he said clearly.
Like a stroke of magic it was as if all the Wolves stood to attention. At that moment he felt as he had many times before, blessed by Aslan. He could say with the utmost confidence that he harbored no anger towards the Wolves. He often marveled where such levels of understanding came from. There were over forty of them and it was only their good fortune and Aslan's continuing blessings that they weren't there with malicious intentions. Rufus again looked at his brothers and sisters in arms.
"What say you?" Edmund called. "We offer you absolution for your sins against your fellow Narnians by aiding us now." He was very deliberate about not telling them of their betrayal against himself and his siblings. He felt it would only hinder the dealings.
"Not to take it would be most unwise." Barrow growled slowly. Edmund had forgotten he was there, right behind them. Even more surprised was he to discover that the captain had locked gazes with one of the females in the group.
Edmund smelled a good story and made a mental note to question Barrow about it later. "What say you?" he asked again, this time looking very closely at Rufus, the Alpha.
The Wolf huffed in the way only Dogs and Wolves could before he bowed. The rest of the pack did as he without thought or hesitation. It seemed they were all ready to be forgiven. And it seemed Edmund would be the one to give it to them. "So be it." He nodded and turned away with his brother at his side. Not until they were a bit away did he speak. Peter had been uncharacteristically silent so far. "Peter?" His voice was smaller than he would've liked. His brother had a presence that easily humbled him, simply walking by his side.
He stopped and Edmund stopped with him. "I commend you for your great heart." His voice was soft as well. "I could not have done it."
He had slipped into formal speech and Edmund could feel his heart pounding because of it. It was the voice of disappointment that Peter so desperately tried to hide. He felt his brother had done wrong by forgiving the Wolves. He also couldn't help but notice the nomads that were all within hearing range. Not to mention the Irins. "I'm sorry for talking like that." He found it hard to look up all of a sudden.
Peter's firm, but gentle hand reached out and pulled his face up. "Never apologize for being Just." He smiled and tricked one from Edmund as well.
"What would you have done?" It didn't matter in the slightest. The war was approaching and the decision had been made, but every bone in Edmund was peaked with curiosity and awe. He blamed his place as third in the family. It was hard being a younger sibling. One could always find reasons to forgive and even admire one's older siblings.
Peter sighed and glanced in the direction of the Wolves. Barrow was speaking with them about the travels that lay ahead. "I don't even think I would've given them the chance to speak."
Edmund's eyes widened a little and he inched closer. Molding himself after his brother's slightly defeated posture. "Of course you would." He believed that with every inch of his being. "You would've armed every creature with hands, but you would've shown mercy had they asked." Even if his brother didn't know it, Peter was the most empathetic person in the world. Only outdone by Lucy. "The young one, Dust, would've looked at you with his big eyes and you would have thought of me." He smiled and felt his joy bubble when Peter smiled as well. He slapped his older brother's shoulder.
Peter put his arm around Edmund's shoulders and ushered him along. "Will you not come up and ride with me? I miss talking about the wretched suitors and awful fish-cakes Mrs. Beaver insists on making every time we visit."
"Can't you speak with Oreius?" Edmund really had no valid reason for not joining his brother at the front. They were both equal as kings. But it felt wrong for some reason. He felt compelled to stay with the nomads. Even despite Hema's infuriating questions.
"Every time I mention something I even remotely dislikes he offers a philosophical counter. The man is like a well of patience and not even I can frustrate him any longer." Peter noticed his brother's amused huff with a grin. "You're the only one who seems even remotely capable of still annoying the old codger."
"Peter," Edmund quietly admonished. If their general heard them talking about him, he wouldn't get mad. He would most likely become very disappointed or take his revenge on the training grounds. "He has ears everywhere." he whispered conspiratorially.
Peter let out a real laugh. The likes of which hadn't been heard for what seemed like months. And Edmund knew that even if Oreius heard them speaking of him, that laugh would have made the Centaur smile. "We'll speak in Anvard." Peter threatened.
They spotted Phillip, looking impatient. He was swishing his tail hither and thither. It wouldn't be long before he started stomping his hooves. Romel, Archer, Thale and Valera were perched atop their horses, also waiting for their kings to mount up. "Speaking of Anvard," Edmund suddenly remembered. "Do you have eyes on the twins?"
Peter actually groaned and for a second managed to chase away the fear they all felt for their sister's life. "The little blighters are worse than you in the morning."
Edmund laughed as well then. He noticed the Irins raise their brows and even crack a smile here and there.
"Don't be so damned happy. I'm sending them your way until we reach Anvard. Then they're King Lune's problem."
Edmund, still smiling, mounted with a boost from his brother. "Fine. Send them down. I've rather missed them to be honest."
Peter smiled and petted Phillip when he let out a discrete, frustrated puff of air. "They do grow on you, don't they?" he asked fondly.
"So does fungus," a snide voice interrupted and made Edmund snort. Phillip stomped of his left foreleg to accentuate the point. It seemed the steed was as impatient to get moving again.
Peter looked at his brother in surprise with Edmund sporting the very same expression. With a snort both kings burst into giggles. They agreed to send the twins down to the Just King for a while. Peter headed back to the frontline with Oreius and Barrow close behind.
The twins were waiting patiently atop their horses when Edmund passed them at the head of his party. Hema had been politely pushed back by Romel and Valera, taking up flanking positions on either side of Phillip. They too moved back to allow the twins to ride next to the king. "We're not that far from Stormness Head and the Blue Mountains," Corin commented after a few seconds of silence.
Edmund had to give him credit for keeping his mouth shut for that long. "We'll be passing around the eastern side of it to reach Calormen."
"Familiar lands." Romel rumbled softly behind them.
Edmund glanced back out the corner of his eye and smirked. He remembered the trail that led around the mountain very clearly. He hadn't been there for some time, but the feeling of cold gravel under his hands was one that would never leave him. "Heading south this time." He said in answer. He saw Romel flash a quick smile before the Irin looked away. He wondered briefly how it felt for the Irins to be leaving Narnia in such an official manner. With friends at their backs instead of enemies.
"What happened?" Corin asked.
Edmund's smile vanished and he looked away. "It's a long story. One meant to be told just before bedtime in front of a roaring fire."
"It's been ages since anyone's told us bedtime stories." Corin huffed.
Edmund saw Cor smirk beyond the prince. "The horror." Though his voice was quiet it still made both boys giggle and Edmund smile. "I will let you know that my skills as a storyteller are only outdone by that of my sisters."
"So we should get them to tell us?" Cor asked in his quiet, cheeky voice.
It made Edmund laugh to hear the usually quiet boy jest. "They only know part of the tale." It occurred to him that he only knew part of it himself. He didn't know what his siblings had felt in the weeks he had been missing. His smile had now completely faded.
"We'll get her back, King Edmund." Cor said in a calm voice. Not quite like before, but strong.
Edmund looked up with slightly brighter eyes. Both boys looked so sure. It was easy to forget they were still only children sometimes. It filled him with an unexpected sadness, and he realized that it was probably what others felt whenever he or one of his siblings acted beyond their years. It was tragic to see such seriousness in such young faces. He nodded and tried to smile, but found himself unable. The momentary joy had been banished. Phillip wordlessly reached back and nibbled the toes of his boots in silent comfort. He had no idea how much that simple act helped.
AN: A light, little one as we make our way towards Calormen.
