Disclaimer: Definitely do not own any of this except my OCs, all property of C.S. Lewis
A/N: Thank you, once again, for all your reviews! They mean so much to me and I really do appreciate them all, especially when I get your theories and wonderings of what will happen next (winks)
Have fun with this chapter! More twisties to endure :D
As always, your reviews, comments, suggestions, theories, fav characters/parts are extremely welcomed and very much appreciated!
Chapter Thirty-Seven: Friend or Foe
"Edmund!" Lucy and Susan ran over to where Edmund knelt, his head bowed and his fingers clenching the dirt and stones. "What happened? Where's Peter?"
"He's gone," choked out Edmund, the rage suddenly rushing out of him, now replaced with despair of losing his brother yet again. If only I had been stronger, I could have resisted the magic that Sirrian had used, I could have saved Peter…But even as he thought this, he knew it was not true. There was nothing he could have done but to him, there would always be thousands of 'what ifs'.
He knew that the Narnians thought him mad, for this was the second time he had lost it in front of them. Firstly with that horrible nightmare or illusion, or whatever it was. And now. They didn't know that time had stopped. To them no time had passed at all and suddenly Peter was gone and Edmund was on the ground, yelling for Peter.
Edmund felt his sisters' hands on his arms, helping him to his feet. He took a deep breath, closing his eyes briefly. Pull it together, Ed. Be strong. Peter's not here and now it's up to me to save him and defeat Sirrian. All in a day's work, right? he thought wryly. Once he had collected his thoughts and calmed down enough to speak, he opened his eyes and looked at his sisters and then at the Narnians, who were all staring at him, unsure as to what to do or say.
"Sirrian has returned," he stated simply. Gasps could be heard from many and the Narnians looked shocked, as well as Lucy and Susan.
"Then –" began Susan.
"Sirrian took Peter?" asked Lucy. "But how?"
"Sirrian created illusions to lure us here into his trap," began Edmund. "It was merely a ploy to get us away from Cair Paravel so that his forces could take control of the castle."
"Then we will go at once and take it back!" exclaimed a Satyr and Edmund heard several roars and grunts of approval.
Edmund held up a hand to silence them. "Yes, that is what we will have to do, but not yet. Sirrian appeared here and somehow managed to freeze time so that he could take my royal brother without any of you realising." He knew how mad this sounded but it was the truth and he didn't know what else to say. "Ever since the battle at the Pass, Sirrian has been gathering his forces and due to how he has gained this newfound power, he was able to show me horrible things that I will not allow to pass." His voice grew stronger as he spoke and he felt a little more like a King and a little less like a teenager. "His forces have grown considerably and we will not be able to face them on our own." Edmund called out, "Hawkeye!"
"Yes, your Majesty," said the Griffin from his perch on a stone ledge.
"Fly to Anvard with one of your companions and inform King Lune of our situation. Tell him that King Edmund the Just of Narnia asks for his help and that we need anyone he can spare as soon as possible. We will meet him in Glasswater, near the Hollowed Tree and the Rush River. He knows this place well for we have visited it frequently."
Hawkeye clicked his beak in acknowledgement. "Yes, Sire." He turned to one of the other Griffins and gave him a nod. Together, they flew up into the air and soared off towards Archenland and the South.
Edmund turned to look at everyone. "We need to move and quickly. We have little time."
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Two evenings later, the Narnians reached the meeting place in Glasswater. Though no one had said anything, Edmund knew that they were still wondering if everything was all right with him. They had been awfully quiet since that day in the Western Wood but Edmund pushed it to the back of his mind. He focused on battle tactics and what they were going to do once they reached Cair Paravel. It was a way for him to keep the images of his family dying and all the other horrible things that Sirrian had shown him out of his mind. Business had been his way of escaping things like that for many years. Perhaps that was why Lucy was always trying to coax him out of the library or his chambers to go stargazing or riding.
Edmund was going over plans the following day with General Oreius and his Commanders when he heard a horn sound. Turning, his entire face lit up as he saw King Lune, Lord Dar, Lord Darrin, Lord Cole, Lord Colin, and the Archenland army. Edmund couldn't even describe how he felt at seeing the Archenlanders but he felt the grin split his face.
Hurrying over, he clasped hands with King Lune and the other Lords. "Your Majesty, Lords, Narnia is extremely grateful for your assistance," said Edmund, trying to keep calm and collected.
Lord Dar, Edmund's mentor and closest friend, gripped Edmund's hand tightly. "You know that we wouldn't leave you alone in this struggle."
"And I thank you for that," said Edmund, smiling.
"We came as soon as we could," said King Lune.
"Your Majesty, thank you," said Edmund and King Lune smiled.
"Formalities, King Edmund," said King Lune with a wave of his hand. "Now, knowing you, you've already planned out the battles and all the possible outcomes. Why don't we have a look at those plans and see what my men can do for you."
Edmund nodded. "This way." He led the King along with Lord Dar, the Commander of the Army, to where his Commanders waited. After proper greetings were given, they began to discuss what needed to be done.
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Edmund was walking through the camp, heading to get some dinner when he caught a glimpse of something moving near one of the tents. Frowning, he slipped into the shadows and drew his sword quietly. He saw the figure stop, its back to him. As Edmund drew closer, he saw that the figure was very short and sussed that it was probably a Dwarf. However, he wasn't taking any chances. He was almost upon the figure when it suddenly turned and ran, barreling right into Edmund, sending them both crashing to the ground.
Now that they were in the light of the torches, Edmund saw clearly who it was. He didn't know what to think. He was shocked, angered, confused, and amused all at once. "Prince Corin! What is your Highness doing here!" he said angrily, sheathing his sword carefully and pulling Corin to his feet. "This is no place for a young boy!"
"King Edmund!" said Corin, his eyes wide. Then he set his face into a mask of determination. "I wanted to see the battle. I don't want to be stuck in some stuffy castle with my batty nurse." He punched a fist into the night air. "I want to box some of those creatures Lord Dar is always talking about!"
Edmund hit himself mentally. By the Lion, this is not what I needed. "Let's go," he said, gripping Corin's shoulder firmly.
"Where are we going?"
"To see your Father."
"But King Edmund! He'll never let me stay. He'll send me back for sure." Corin looked up at him pleadingly. "Can't I just stay in the back? I promise you'll never know I'm there and I'll stay out of trouble, promise."
Edmund smirked slightly. "You and trouble are one and the same, Prince Corin." As Edmund led a protesting Corin towards the place where everyone was gathered for dinner, he couldn't help but wonder how exactly Corin had managed to get himself this far without being seen.
"Your Majesty," said Edmund once they had reached the center fire. Archenlanders and Narnians were scattered around, some sitting, some standing, all eating their share of supper. The Cats and Griffins were on border and sky patrol, having found their own supper in the forest.
King Lune looked up from his conversation with Lord Colin and shock appeared on his face. "Corin!" Anger flickered on King Lune's face as he stood, walking over to his son. He looked at Edmund. "Thank you, King Edmund." He looked at Corin sternly. "Corin, what do you think you're doing here? Come with me, right now." He gripped Corin's hand tightly and led the protesting Prince off.
Lord Colin chuckled, standing. "The Prince has a habit of always finding trouble," he said and Edmund nodded.
"That he does. King Lune has no choice but to send him back to Archenland."
Lord Colin glanced at where King Lune had led Corin away. "This is true but with Sirrian on the loose once more, his Majesty might find it in better interests to keep Corin close, instead of sending him away with a group of our men. We only brought so many and I have a feeling we'll need every man and Narnian we have to battle Sirrian." Lord Colin rubbed his temples. "It's a no win situation, either way."
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The next morning they set off for Cair Paravel, making their way along the river and remaining in the shadows of the forest, so as not to draw attention to their arrival. Corin had been given permission to stay, but would remain in the forest with the group of soldiers intended as backup in case things went south at the castle.
They paused at the edge of the forest and took a few moments to go over the plans once more. Edmund sent Shadowclaw, Swiftfoot, and several other Cats to scope out the castle and surrounding area. They would wait until the Cats returned with the information and then act upon it.
He was running along the water's edge, Peter right next to him. They were going for their usual morning run and as always, it was competitive. "You're getting slow!" taunted Peter with a grin as he raced past Edmund.
"Far from it!" yelled Edmund and with a new burst of energy took off past Peter, his long legs covering the ground quickly as he raced far ahead of his brother. Soon Peter caught up with him, but Edmund was pleased to see that Peter had to put up some effort to catch Edmund.
The two brothers continued to race along the shore, heading into the forest and running along the unmarked path that they both knew by heart. They continued to run for some time, lapsing into silence. That was even better to Edmund, for though he always loved good competition, he also liked the quiet times between him and Peter.
As they neared their goal, a grassy knoll that overlooked the ocean and Cair Paravel, Edmund flashed a grin at Peter. "Looks like younger is better." And with that, he took off in a full sprint for the finish.
"We'll see about that!" Edmund heard Peter yell from behind him. Edmund heard Peter's footfalls growing closer and gritted his teeth, putting all his effort into running. Ever since their coronation, Edmund had taken a liking to running and would often run for miles at a time. Presently he was up to sixteen miles in one stretch. However, no matter how good he was with long-distance running, Peter was the better sprinter.
Edmund saw Peter reach his side. "Oh no you don't," muttered Edmund.
Both brothers were running as fast as they could. Edmund saw the tree in the middle of the grassy knoll: whoever touched it first won. Peter pulled ahead slightly, closing in on the tree. But at the last minute, Edmund had one final burst of energy, leaping for the tree and tagging it a split-second before Peter.
Edmund staggered to a stop, breathing hard. He managed a grin as he caught his breath, looking at Peter, who had his hands on his knees. "Looks – like – I win," gasped Edmund, his heart pounding in his chest.
"Close," managed Peter, taking a few deep breaths.
When they could breathe again, the brothers made their way over to the cliff-side and laid down on the soft grass, their backs against the slope of the knoll so that they could see out over the ocean without lifting their heads.
Edmund folded his arms beneath his head, looking up at the cloudless, blue sky. A cool, refreshing breeze washed over them, rustling their hair and clothes. Edmund closed his eyes, feeling his body relax.
"One month until the Tournament," said Peter after quite some time. "And soon your nineteenth birthday."
"Both very good things," said Edmund with a grin, looking over at Peter.
Peter smiled, meeting Edmund's gaze. "Very." Peter chuckled, looking up at the sky.
"What's so funny?" asked Edmund, arching an eyebrow.
"Princess Swalena will be arriving soon."
Edmund groaned, looking upwards. "Don't remind me. Ruffles is going to be here too."
"And Lady Arianna."
"She looooves you," teased Edmund with a smirk.
Peter rolled his eyes. "Give over, Ed. She is a royal pain but it's not like we have much choice." Peter laughed. "If anyone heard us right now…complaining about princesses and ladies. Not very Kingly."
Edmund laughed lightly and looked over at Peter. "Even Kings don't have to love everyone."
"But we have to pretend to."
"Point taken."
They looked upwards and lapsed into silence again. "Edmund loves Swalena and Swalena loves Edmund," sang Peter and Edmund elbowed him for it. "Hey!"
"I do not like her," said Edmund, sitting up and mock-glaring at Peter.
"You know you love when she's here, admit it," teased Peter, grinning.
"No I don't."
"Do."
"Not."
"Do."
"That's it." Edmund tackled his brother and they wrestled around until finally they broke apart, breathing hard. "Don't mention her name again."
"Or what."
"I'll lock you in your room and make sure no one lets you out."
"I'll climb out the window."
Edmund rolled his eyes. "I wouldn't doubt it."
Peter climbed to his feet, brushing off the grass. "Do not doubt, for I would do quite many things."
"Is that supposed to make sense?" asked Edmund, arching an eyebrow as he stood.
Peter grinned. "Possibly." Peter took off in a light jog. "Do!" he yelled.
"PETER!" cried Edmund in frustration. He took off after his brother.
"King Edmund!"
Edmund blinked, snapping out of his memory and turned to see Lord Dar hurrying towards him. Edmund frowned and said, "What's wrong?"
"Prince Corin is missing."
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King Lune was furious at the fact that Corin had gone missing but Edmund knew that he was as worried as the rest of them. This did not bode well.
However, soon after King Lune was informed of the Prince's disappearance, battle cries were heard as part of Sirrian's army descended upon the armies.
Edmund withdrew his sword, giving the signal and sending his sisters and the archers to the stone ledges that rimmed the eastern edge of the area. He hurried into the thick of it, his sword a blur as he cut down Minotaurs, Ogres, Wyverns, and other creatures. He saw a huge Polar Bear descending upon Lord Darrin's unprotected back and sprinted over to him. Moving so that his back was to Lord Darrin's, Edmund dodged the Polar Bear's swipe and thrust his sword upwards. The Polar Bear let out a deafening roar, swiping at Edmund with both claws now. However, two arrows hit the Polar Bear just above where Edmund's sword had entered, and then another hit it squarely in the head, killing it. The Polar Bear crashed to the ground and Edmund leapt nimbly out of the way. He glanced at the archers and saw Lucy give him a quick salute.
He smiled, though grimly and gave a nod of thanks. Then he turned and continued to fight alongside Lord Darrin.
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The battle continued for some time and Edmund could feel his muscles protesting as he fought against a particularly tough, burly man. The man wielded a double-bladed axe and it was no small feat for Edmund to dodge the attacks and parry the axe's swings with his shield.
Blood was dripping from a cut above his eye and a gash in his arm, but Edmund ignored the pain and continued to fight. "Ed, down!" Edmund heard Susan yell and Edmund ducked just as the man swung the axe at his head. Two arrows hit the man in the chest, knocking him backwards.
"Thanks, Susan, Lu," called Edmund, making his way over to his sisters. He surveyed the area and saw the Narnians and Archenlanders caught up in their own battles nearby. However, as Edmund turned, he saw a flood of Minotaurs, Ogres, men, and other beasts making their way towards him and his sisters.
Edmund backed up until he met up with both his sisters, their backs to each other. He held his sword steady, looking around at what appeared to be hundreds, if not more, Minotaurs, Wyverns, Hogs, and various other creatures, some more ghostly and gruesome than others. It was difficult to feel particularly brave at that moment but he knew they had to get through Sirrian's forces if they wanted to have any chance of saving Peter. He could hear the sounds of battle all around him as the Narnians fought their own battle, but this group was the Pevensies' problem at that moment.
Sirrian's army converged and the sound of clashing swords echoed throughout the area. Edmund found himself face to face with a huge Minotaur and threw up his shield to protect himself from the Minotaur's attack. Edmund slashed upwards, dodging the Minotaur's axe, and thrust the sword into the creature, effectively killing it. He spun and continued to fight. He caught glimpses of Susan nocking arrow after arrow, letting them fly into the enemy. Lucy was doing the same but soon the enemies were just too close. She drew her short sword and began matching blows with some of the smaller creatures while Edmund continued to battle the Minotaurs, Black Bears and Ogres.
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Edmund staggered back, collapsing onto one knee. He could feel blood trickling down his face and hastily wiped it away. Lucy was tending to Susan, who had fallen with an arrow to the thigh, and Edmund had to buy the time necessary for Lucy's cordial to work. However, that was easier said than done. He was exhausted and while he'd never admit it, he wasn't quite sure if he was going to be able to fight much longer. A group of Minotaurs charged towards him and he tried to stand but his ankle failed and he collapsed onto one knee, hissing with pain. By the Lion, get up Ed! You can do this.
He knew the Minotaurs would strike at him at any moment and he threw up his shield to protect himself. However, the blows never came. He heard the ringing of swords being drawn and his first thought was that the Archenlanders had made it to where they were, but when Edmund lowered his shield, he saw something shocking and very different.
A figure, dressed in black clothes, leather boots, a black robe sewn together along the front of the torso and the hood drawn over its face, had two swords in its hands. This person fought like no one that Edmund had ever seen. The figure whirled around and moved so fast that Edmund only saw brief flashes of a sword and the enemies falling one by one. The figure leapt onto one of the ledges and lunged at two Ogres, cutting them down effortlessly. Moving quicker than the eye could see, the figure continued to cut down the enemies until the majority of the group had been dealt with and the others had run. Edmund could only stare, having never seen such fighting ability, even in the Tournament. The fighting style reminded him slightly of Farian but the figure wasn't as broad-shouldered.
The figure turned and Edmund saw that the figure wore a silver belt etched with symbols and a silver chain draped around its neck, two smaller, triangular-shaped chains hanging from the front edges, keeping the hood drawn. Edmund caught a glimpse of white hair but the hood kept the figure's face in shadows. Then it was gone, leaping onto the stone ledge and disappearing from sight, leaving Edmund only to stare at where the figure once stood. He had no clue as to who that person was, but whoever it was, it had saved Edmund's and his sisters' lives.
Cliffy yet again :D
Who is that, I wonder. Take note of the description (the hair, build etc) and let's see if you can figure out who this person was. Hint: They are someone that you have read about already (remember this can include all my three fics)
And Prince Corin…well, we'll see what happens with that!
I just wanted to let you know that only a handful of chapters remain in the fic and I thank each and every one of you for keeping this going as long as it has been! I'm going to end this after the Sirrian conflict but I do plan on a sequel to this, involving Horse and his Boy from Ed's POV, as well as when they return home to England. Meanwhile, you have Switched! and Trading Places, so enjoy (smiles)
Will you find out who that figure is? We shall see (winks)
Just a note, yes Ivaylo is with them and next chapter you get a conversation with him and Edmund
Thanks again for reading! I'd love to hear your theories on what will happen :)