Disclaimer: All property of C.S. Lewis, etc. You know the drill ;)
A/N: Thank you so so much for all the wonderful reviews! (hugs all and gives biscuits). All of you, readers and reviewers, are simply awesome. :) What can I say, I feed off your feedback and you always give me ideas :D Could be good or bad, depending (smiles)
Character death ahead. That's all I'll say. Enjoy!
As always, your reviews, comments, suggestions, fav parts/characters are very much appreciated and welcomed!
Chapter Thirty-Eight: The Loss of One you Love
After the figure disappeared, leaving a very confused Edmund along with his sisters, the Narnians managed to fend off the rest of the enemies. Once Sirrian's army had departed, Edmund helped his sisters to their feet, checking to make sure they were all right. He thought that Sirrian's army had departed far too easily, but Edmund had other matters to deal with. He turned to go find Lord Dar and King Lune, but the two Archenlanders beat him to it.
"King Edmund, my recommendation is that we move away from this area rather quickly," said King Lune, glancing around at the weary soldiers. "That attack won't be the last and the sooner we're away from the castle, the better."
But what about Peter? was Edmund's silent plea. However, he knew King Lune was right. Edmund nodded. "Let's move easterly, staying near the river so that we have fresh water, but we'll use the forest to hide us."
"Very well." King Lune turned, heading to gather his Lords and the Archenlanders.
Edmund gave his orders to the Narnians and then turned to face his sisters. "Who do you think that was?" asked Lucy, looking thoughtful.
"Whoever it was," said Susan, wincing a little as she put weight on her recently-healed leg, "he saved all of us."
Edmund nodded. "I've never seen someone wield two blades like he did."
"You're assuming it's human?" asked a voice and they turned to see Lord Dar standing nearby.
"Well…I suppose it could be a Dryad…or something," mused Edmund, "but I think Susan's on the right track about it being human. The figure was definitely familiar…it reminded me of Prince Farian."
"Likewise," said Lucy with a nod. "He has a very unique fighting style."
"Could it have been Farian?" asked Susan.
"Highly doubtful," said Lord Dar, looking at them. "None of the Terebinthians have white hair."
They walked towards their horses as they spoke and as they rode with the company, they continued to discuss the mysterious figure. However, even when they reached their destination, none of them had any further clue as to who it could have been.
The afternoon was spent in council with the Narnian and Archenland commanders, King Lune, Lord Dar, and Edmund. Scouts were posted to warn if anything drew near. They had several matters of concern and no answers. Prince Corin was missing, Peter was kidnapped, and Sirrian's army would most likely pop up any minute to wreak havoc on their camp.
Edmund sighed, running a hand through his hair, looking quite a bit like Peter at that moment. It was true that Edmund was the more patient of the two brothers but this was a frustrating situation and it didn't help that every time Edmund closed his eyes, he saw the horrible images that Sirrian had shown him not so long ago.
"All right," said Edmund finally, setting his hands down on the map that lay sprawled across the makeshift table. "We're here." Edmund pointed to their current position. "As far as we know, Sirrian and his army are in this area." Edmund made a circle with his other finger around Cair Paravel. "However, there may be reason to believe that Sirrian is still planning on something here," said Edmund, pointing to Cauldron Pool. "Cauldron Pool, our initial destination until it came to our attention that Sirrian had taken over Cair Paravel. Now," Edmund looked around at everyone, "my royal brother, King Peter, could be in any of these places, but it's a probability that he is held captive at Cair Paravel. Or somewhere close by, so that Sirrian could keep a close eye on him. Also, Prince Corin has gone missing and we know nothing of his potential whereabouts. I need your ideas on what we can do, for our armies, even when combined, do not make up anything close to the amount that Sirrian has. There is absolutely no way that we can split them up to check out Cauldron Pool and watch Cair Paravel."
"What about sending one of the Griffins, Sire?" suggested Oreius.
Edmund nodded. "Do that." He pointed to the Fords of Beruna. "We'll head in this direction because we really shouldn't stop moving due to having Sirrian's forces so close by." Edmund looked at Oreius. "Send Hawkeye and one of his companions and tell them that we'll be en-route to the Fords of Beruna. Have them check out Cauldron Pool and see if they can sense any magic that Sirrian might be using or see anything that could be cause for concern." Edmund looked around once more. "This way we won't stray too far from Cair Paravel in case this is just a ruse to get us away from the castle."
"And what of the High King?" asked the Fox Swiftian, his tail swishing back and forth anxiously.
Edmund set his face in determination. "We will find the High King and Prince Corin, but right now our main concern is the safety of the army. If our army is incapacitated, we'll be unable to rescue my royal brother and the prince."
"Of course," said the Faun Mashera.
"Ivaylo," said Edmund, looking at his Wolf Commander.
"Your Majesty," growled Ivaylo.
"Take your pack and go ahead of the army," ordered Edmund. "Keep your eyes and ears open for Sirrian's army."
"As you wish," replied Ivaylo.
"We'll depart within the hour," said Edmund, looking at them. "Once we're at the Fords, we'll set up camp and get some much needed rest. However, we first need to get away from the castle."
There were growls, grunts, and nods of acknowledgement and then they ended the meeting, each of them heading out to prepare for departure.
------
By the next afternoon, they arrived at the Fords of Beruna. Luckily, they had run into no resistance. Once camp was set up and scouts were posted, the soldiers settled down for some much needed rest. Edmund, however, could not sleep and took to pacing the length of the camp, deep in thought. Hours passed as night fell over Narnia yet Edmund continued to remain awake, unable to quiet his mind.
Peter…where are you? You've got to be in the castle…I'm sure of it, but how in Aslan's name are we supposed to get to you? No one can get near that castle. It's surrounded by Sirrian's army and all his magic. Peter, please, just be all right. Hang in there. Then there's Prince Corin…who knows where the prince has gone or been taken. Though I believe it's the former. And then that figure! Who was it? It seemed so familiar…but I would know if someone was able to wield dual swords with such finesse. Whoever it was, they definitely know how to fight…I wonder if it's someone we know.
Edmund found himself on a very familiar ridge, looking out over the river and towards Cair Paravel. Sitting on the grass, he drew his knees to his chest, memories enveloping him.
The sound of metal clashing against metal drew his attention to the inner courtyard. The Tournament was only days away and Edmund knew that he should be practicing but other matters had taken his attention. Such as avoiding Princess Swalena. Why, oh why, did all the royals have to come to Cair Paravel for the weeks prior to the Tournament!
Edmund sighed and made his way to the courtyard, curious as to who was practicing. When he entered the courtyard, he stayed near one of the stone archways, crossing his arms over his chest and watching the person fight with interest. Who would have thought? he thought with an amused smile as he watched Princess Shalamane fight several of the soldiers from the Seven Isles. He didn't know Shalamane that well but he knew that she was close friends with Lucy.
This was the first year of the Tournament and though Edmund would never admit it, he was nervous. He and his siblings would, of course, be competing and Edmund hoped that all his sword practice would pay off in the end.
Edmund rested his hand on the hilt of his sword, straightening and walking over as Shalamane beat the last soldier. "Very nice," said Edmund with a chuckle.
Shalamane turned, startled and quickly bowed her head in a brief nod of respect, taking a moment to catch her breath. "King Edmund, I did not know that anyone was watching."
"I could hear the fighting and decided to investigate," said Edmund with an off-hand gesture. "Are you up for another round, Princess?"
Shalamane took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. She smiled. "If your Majesty wishes. Though I should warn you, I've been taught by the best."
"As have I." Edmund grinned and withdrew his sword, moving to face Shalamane.
A cool breeze washed over Edmund's face and he opened his eyes, looking out over the river. Night was falling fast and the stars were already starting to appear in the inky black sky. She nearly beat me that day, he thought with a small smile. Though I still win every time. And now look at us…Peter continually teased me that I would end up courting her. And it's true…I'm going to be speaking with her father later this month about just that. However, thinking of his brother made Edmund sighed and put his face in his hands. Peter…by the Lion…where are you? I need your help. I really don't know what to do. I can't keep running the army all over Narnia.
"Your Majesty!"
Edmund was on his feet instantly, spinning to face the source of the voice: the Faun Avedis. "What is it?" he demanded.
"Your Majesty," said Avedis, taking a moment to catch his breath when he came to a halt in front of Edmund. "Hawkeye and his companion have returned."
"Take me to them."
"Yes, Sire."
Edmund followed Avedis to the middle of camp where Hawkeye and his companion had landed. "What is your report?" asked Edmund, looking at Hawkeye. Out of the corner of his eye, Edmund saw the other Commanders coming to join them.
"It is as you suspected, your Majesty," said Hawkeye. "Sirrian is, indeed, doing something at Cauldron Pool. We sensed great magic there and saw the majority of his army is moving towards that area. They're a little over a day from the Pool."
"What if this is just another illusion?" asked Oreius.
"I thought of that," said Edmund, biting his lip. "But if the army is really there…"
"Perhaps that is why Sirrian drew you to the castle," said Lord Dar. "He wanted you away from where he was really going to strike."
"The castle is heavily fortified by both Sirrian's army and magic," said King Lune. "There is nothing we can do here but if we can make it to Cauldron before Sirrian's army, perhaps we can save the people that are there."
"And make a stand against Sirrian's army," said Lord Dar.
"I know a shortcut that will get us there before them," growled Ivaylo and they all looked at him expectantly. He quickly explained the route and Edmund nodded, knowing the area quite well.
"Yes, you're quite right." Edmund looked around at the Commanders and the Griffins. "Have everyone prepare to depart straight away. We need to get there as soon as possible." He hated forcing the army to move again and this quickly, but they had had several hours of rest and it was all they could really afford.
"Yes, your Majesty," was the response and preparations were made.
------
They moved quickly during the night, following Ivaylo's lead and came upon Cauldron Pool by the next evening. It was eerily silent near the waterfall, making everyone shift uneasily.
And that was when all hell broke loose.
If Edmund was asked to recall the beginning of the battle, he would only be able to remember bits and pieces. There was so much blood, yelling, screaming, swords clashing…Edmund fought through enemy after enemy until everything came to a standstill.
Edmund came to a halt, looking around to see that everyone was frozen in time. Not again! Shrill screams erupted in his mind and Edmund fell to his knees, his sword falling to the ground as he put his hands up to his ears, his eyes squeezed shut as horrible, gruesome images flashed before him. This had happened every night since Peter had been taken, but most of the time Edmund was alone in his tent when it happened.
Suddenly everything stopped and Edmund opened his eyes to see Sirrian standing before him. "YOU!" Edmund grabbed his sword, lunging at Sirrian but before he could reach him, Edmund found himself unable to move. "Release me!"
Sirrian smirked. "That would be rather foolish, I think. Now…this all seems so familiar. Ah, yes, it's just like the time I took your brother."
"What do you want! Where's Peter?"
"So demanding." Sirrian shook his head. "I'm afraid your brother is rather…indisposed at the moment, but be assured that he served his purpose."
Edmund glared at Sirrian, gritting his teeth in frustration. He wanted to scream and yell at Sirrian, but knew that wasn't going to get him anywhere. "Take me to him."
"Can't do that, I'm afraid."
"Yes you can. Where is he? Tell me," demanded Edmund.
Sirrian sighed. "You Narnian Kings are absolutely no fun. Always straight to the point." Sirrian withdrew his sword, pointing it at Edmund. "Very well, King Edmund. If you somehow manage to beat me, then I will tell you where your brother is." Sirrian smirked. "But don't count on it."
"You're going to lose," snarled Edmund as he was suddenly freed of the magic bonds. He lunged at Sirrian.
And if asked to remember what happened after that, Edmund remembered nothing. Everything was black and for the first time in six years, Edmund lost a match.
--------
Edmund stirred from the darkness and the first thing he noticed was that he was freezing. He cracked open his eyes one by one, waiting a few moments to allow them to adjust to the inky blackness that surrounded him. His first instinct was to reach for his sword, but his hand touched nothing but air. His sword was gone.
He reached around and felt his hands come into contact with cold, rough stone. A cell? Edmund stood slowly, wincing as pain shot through his body. I feel like I just ran a marathon, but then again, that's what fighting Sirrian will do to someone. He began to move around cautiously, keeping his hands on the stone wall. He felt his fingers touch icy iron bars and then wall again. Yes, definitely a cell…but where? Could I be in the cells of Cair Paravel? No one has been down here for over a hundred years. The stale air caused Edmund to cough as he tried to make his way back to the wall.
He had nearly made it when he tripped over something and fell onto his hands and knees, scraping his palms on the rough stone. He winced and then turned and sat on the stone, trying to make out what he had tripped over. It was a figure…someone…someone was here with him.
His heart racing, Edmund shifted so that he was closer to the form. He peered into the darkness, trying to make out who it was. His hand touched something freezing and he jerked it back, his heart beating quicker. Suddenly, Edmund choked, his eyes widening in horror. Edmund knew that form. That horribly still, freezing cold form. "Peter," he choked, reaching out to touch his brother. Dead…no…he can't be…it's…its not possible…Edmund jerked back his hand, his brother's skin icy to the touch. Edmund shivered, wrapping his arms around his body to try and keep warm. He refused to cry, knowing that now it was up to him to defeat Sirrian and save Narnia. Not hard at all, right? thought Edmund sarcastically, in an effort to not cry. However, his resolve was failing quickly and as he looked up into the inky blackness of the cell, hot tears sprung to his eyes and trickled down his cheeks. I can't…I can't do this…it's just not possible… He choked back a sob and buried his head in his arms, his shoulders shaking. Peter…
He didn't know how much time passed as he looked out into the darkness, lost in his thoughts. Suddenly, he heard footsteps, causing him to raise his head. He squinted as the light from a torch suddenly lit up the cell. He put a hand to his eyes, trying to make out the figures that neared the cell. One was tall, broad-shouldered…one of Sirrian's men, a guard. The other was slight and more willowy, wearing a hooded robe.
"Bring the eldest to me," said the hooded figure sharply. The voice sounded familiar, a female, but Edmund couldn't place it.
"Don't touch him!" snapped Edmund, coughing from his dry throat.
"Oh how very touching," said the figure sarcastically. The figure made a quick motion with her hand, taking the torch from the guard, allowing the guard to unlock the cell.
Edmund went to lunge at the guard but suddenly found himself unable to move. Ah ah ah, little King, sneered an all-too-familiar voice. Sirrian. You're not going anywhere. Unfortunately, I can't say the same for your brother, who seems to have passed on from this life. Such a shame.
"Leave him alone!" snapped Edmund, watching helplessly as the guard hefted Peter's limp form over his shoulder, walking out of the cell. The hooded figure shut the cell door, taking the key from the guard and locking it. Something glittered from around the figure's neck and when the light hit it just right, Edmund saw sparkling green. "YOU!" shouted Edmund, suddenly free of Sirrian's bonds. He lunged at the figure, glaring venomously through the bars, wishing he could reach out and kill her on the spot.
"Yes, me," snickered the figure. She reached up and removed her hood, revealing a very familiar face. Charna. "To think, all those years your little family trusted me…allowing me to wander freely through this castle. It came in quite handy."
"Where are you taking Peter!" yelled Edmund.
"Such a temper," tsked Charna, smirking. "You'll find out soon enough. But until then, enjoy your solitude. I hear it gets quite cold down here. Hopefully you won't freeze to death before Sirrian gets what he needs. Though your brother was quite stubborn and fought quite hard, he lost in the end. Perhaps you'll be smarter." She turned, pulling up her hood and motioning to the guard to leave. Charna followed.
"COME BACK HERE! BRING BACK MY BROTHER!" yelled Edmund as the light from the torch faded, plunging the cell into complete darkness. "BRING HIM BACK!" Edmund continued to yell until his voice was hoarse. "Peter," he choked out, falling to his knees. "Idiot!" Edmund punched his hands into the stone, ignoring the stinging pain from his scraped knuckles and palms. "By the Lion! I knew it! And I still ended up trusting her!" Edmund hit the stone ground several times before his body was shaking too much. "Peter," he whispered, swallowing as tears welled up in his eyes. "I'm so sorry."
I know! Sorry…another cliffy…sad cliffy (sniffs)
Well now you know about Charna :D Many of you were right, so congrats! She definitely comes into play in the next few chapters, as does the 'figure' and Corin.
I'm going to keep giving you hints about the 'figure' and I'll be curious to see if any of you figure it out before I reveal who it is:D That's your challenge, from me ;)
Only a few more chapters to go and then, El Fin. The end. Wish it wasn't, but I'm definitely doing a sequel including HHB, so look for that sometime at the end of June. (I'm going to Spain in a week or so, but don't worry, I'll have this finished before I go!)
Thanks again for reading! You know I always love to read your thoughts and ideas :)