Dark Witch
Disclaimer: I do not own the Chronicles of Narnia
A/N: Hey, guys! I made some changes in the story from the Epilogue to chapter 13. The story plot is the same. I just felt like things needed to be more detailed. Also, Eirlys's relationship with Edmund and Caspian. Three encounters are not enough to fall in love with Edmund. And Caspian shouldn't trust Eirlys so easily. So, I made a major adjustment. Like Eirlys used to be Caspian nurse. Please reread the story before going further.
Chapter 16: The Second Battle of Beruna
Eirlys's POV
Glenstorm, Bugly Bear, and I made our way to the arena. It has been chosen that the duel between the two kings will take place at the ruins. Already, the Telmarines have arrived. All who I recognized of Miraz, General Glozelle, Lord Sopesian, and Lord Gregoire.
This caught me by surprise that Miraz would ask the three men who are cousins. Miraz took his place, as the Marshal of the Lists walked around the ruins ensuring there was no trickery or deception. We all kept our distance.
Then it was time to check the center. General Glozelle and I walked the center. I kept watch of his hands from a sneak attack. He stared at me, slightly surprised.
"I see you have not bled to death," Glozelle murmured.
"It takes more than a dagger and two arrows to kill me," I countered.
"I'll keep that in mind," he said.
"Still holding grudges?" I taunted.
Glozelle scowled as he returned to his post. I'll take that as a yes. Back when I was a spy while being Caspian's nurse, Glozelle was infatuated with me. During his free time, he would accompany the Prince and I. And when the Prince is not around attempted to court me. I kept my guard rejecting him, until using my glamour to manipulate him in getting information. There have been several kisses, but it never went further than that. Otherwise, the markings would be exposed and him seeing my ears.
I returned to the post next to Glenstorm.
He held a slight smirk.
"Don't go there," I whispered.
"Go where?" Glenstorm asked.
I sighed, shaking my head. We genuinely need to win this war. The birds have reported the Telmarines to have 7,200 foot-soldiers and 500 knights. And let's not forget the trebuchets and ballistas. Meanwhile, we Narnians only have a thousand able fighters of the hybrids and animals. Peter must win this duel. If Narnia is to continue Aslan's legacy, then he must defeat Miraz.
Already the left side of my body was numb and cover in dark markings. Any more serious magic, then I would fade away. However, if I must use my magic during a battle, so be it. I made a sacred vow to Aslan that I will serve Narnia and his people. The spurge of energy from the Stone Table last night should do the trick.
In the end, it depends on this duel.
And I have a bad feeling as I stared at Lord Sopespian.
The Narnians cheered as Peter and Edmund came out both dressed in armor. The only difference between the two brothers' armor, is that Edmund wears a leather gorget while Peter wears a mail standard. Then again, Edmund had more leather, from leather bracers, a leather gambeson under his chainmail, and leather trousers. At the same time, Peter is cover in all chainmail. Only this time Peter wore the helm, a sallet with a visor. Along with a shield in hand. Edmund carried the sword Rhindon.
Peter stood between Glenstorm and me.
All is secure, I told him in thought.
Peter nodded as he went over to Edmund, unsheathing his sword. Miraz stood up wearing the armor of gilded steel, resembling gold. The two kings stepped forward to the center. Glozelle was right behind him of the edge of the ring as I did the same for Peter. Glozelle held a crossbow. I made a warning to the General, as my hands glowed a grey smoke to not shoot during this match. I will not hesitate if he breaks the laws of the Marshal. The two kings walked around in a circle.
"There is still time to surrender," Miraz offered.
"Well, feel free," Peter replied.
"How many more must die for the throne?" Miraz asked, through his golden mask.
"Just one," Peter said, lowering his visor.
They both got in a fighting stance. Not even a second, as Peter made the first move, charging at Miraz. The False King raised his compass shield blocking the attack. He tried to strike Peter, yet the High King managed to prevent it. They pulled apart, as Peter did a strike from above, except Miraz blocked it with his shield. Pushing Rhindon to the side and punching Peter in the face with the shield.
The duel continued onward. Swords clashing on swords and shields. A fair equal match. Both have been trained by the Masters of Arms. The tension was rising, for it takes one simple mistake before a blade penetrates a weak spot. Miraz has the upper hand by wearing a breastplate while Peter is relying on chainmail. Although, Miraz has a leather gambeson on. If Peter can strike Miraz from under his arms or thighs, he can nick a major artery.
Miraz charged forward, in which Peter dodged, doing a spin and slashing at Miraz's back. Miraz gave a cry, making distance as he gathers his bearings. If this was a friendly duel, Peter had earned three points. However, it wasn't. Miraz charged again, as did Peter, which the Telmarine went for a low attack, and the High King did an upper strike. Miraz missed, while Peter blade cut along the lower breastplate, almost reaching the lamellar armor.
The crowd cheered as Edmund looked at Glenstorm and me with a smile. I kept a neutral face, making sure no cheating has transpired.
Miraz did another overhead strike attempting to decapitate, yet Peter dodged it. The moment Peter stood up, Miraz's shield made contact with his face. The impact knocked his helmet off. Peter grunted as I tensed for that was a foul move. Before I could make the call, Miraz struck again, which Peter forced his head back barely missing it. Once more, Miraz strikes, but Peter knelt down, slashing at Miraz's right leg. Miraz cried out, stepping back. The scent of blood filled the air.
Miraz glared at his Marshals to call a foul, but there was none. Even though Miraz broke the rule. Both men went for the attack, as Miraz went low. Peter didn't have a chance, so he jumped in the air doing a summersault. Quickly the High King stood up, blocking Miraz's frenzy of attacks. There was no space for Peter to strike, only put his shield up to block it. Until Miraz kicked under Peter's leg, knocking him down. Miraz then stomped on the shield. Peter's arm bend as he gave an agonizing cry. A loud pop could be heard.
Bulgy Bear bit his paws, hearing the possible dislocation.
Peter thinking quick, turned and attacked Miraz. The False King raised his shield, causing him to block his view. He tried to strike by crossing his arms, but Peter took the diverging to roll away. Miraz chased after him. By sheer luck, the blow struck the shield. In the midst of the chase, Peter rolled the other way, tripping Miraz down onto his back. Peter got up, as did Miraz.
Suddenly a horse neigh caught everyone in the ring's attention. It was Caspian returning with Susan. Lucy and Destrier were absent. Either Lucy made it through or…
"Does his highness need a respite?" Miraz panted.
"Five minutes?" Peter asked.
"Three!" Miraz seethed.
Peter nodded, accepting the Respite. The two limped away towards their side of the ring. Edmund and I came over. As Edmund got the helmet and I helped Peter back. A stool waited for him to rest. Although Peter went over to Susan.
"Lucy?" Peter asked.
"She got through…with a little help," Susan answered, glancing at Caspian.
"Thanks," Peter said.
"Well, you were busy," Caspian replied.
My ears twitch, hearing the opponent side, as Miraz growled, "I assume you won't let things get that close again."
I glance over my shoulder, glaring at Glozelle, who still held the crossbow.
"You better get up there. Just in case," Peter advised to Susan, gesturing to the How where the archers were. "I don't expect the Telmarines will keep their word."
"No, Miraz had ordered Glozelle to fire at you the moment you got close," I whispered.
All four of us stared at the Telmarines. Eyeing Glozelle putting the crossbow down and helped Miraz into his chair. Susan came over hugging her brother, only he gave a gasp of a complaint.
"Sorry," Susan apologized, immediately pulling back.
"It's all right," Peter assured.
"Be careful," Susan said.
"Keep smiling," Edmund said.
We glanced on our side, seeing the Narnians cautious and worry. Peter nodded as he waved his right hand, lifting Rhindon into the air. That was enough encouragement to receive a cheer. Susan ran back to the How to take her position with the archers.
Caspian and I helped Peter onto the stool. Caspian removed the shield, earning a groan from Peter. The way his left arm rested was an indication that he had dislocated his shoulder.
"I think it's dislocated," Peter mumbled.
Edmund rushed over, taking the left arm. I came to the right, bracing Peter into position.
"What do you think happens back home if you die here?" Peter asked Edmund.
The brother's glance at each other.
"You know you've always been there, and I never really . . ."
Edmund shoved Peter's arm back into place. Peter cried out.
"Save it for later," Edmund said as he went to check on the weapons.
I stood behind Peter, resting my hand on the tender area. I knelt to hide my face from the Telmarines and started whispering a spell. It was a healing spell, as it soothed the sore muscles and numb the pain. While I was doing this, I can feel the coldness of death spreading along my hip to the right side. Peter tensed then relax.
"Get him in the thighs or armpits, he is not protected there," I whispered, securing the shield back on his left forearm. "He's desperate. I'll make sure Glozelle doesn't fire his crossbow."
"Thanks," Peter muttered, as he stood up.
Edmund handed over Rhindon, which Peter accepted. The Silver King offered the sallet, yet the High King declined. Peter stepped forward that the Narnians cheered. Miraz noted Peter not wearing a helmet and out of equality declined his helmet as well.
Once more, Peter started the duel, charging in. The first round was based on skills. Now the second round is strength and brutality. Miraz was no longer holding back. Every strike he did with his sword was followed by a punch with the shield. Peter was forced back, trying to defend himself from each blow. A block from a shield got Peter in the face. The High King blindly swung his sword that Miraz stepped back.
The duel was getting brutal. Over and over the attack, until Miraz shoved Peter into a ruined column. Peter fell to the ground. Miraz charged in, yet Peter turned around, blocking the assault. By spinning his leg around, he managed to knock Miraz down. Making a side attack, Peter managed to hit the shield. Both quickly got up. Miraz swung, yet Peter put both their blades in a lock. He took the risk by grabbing Miraz's sword and yanked it out of the Telmarines hand. Using the Telmarine sword hilt to smack Miraz in the face.
Miraz lifted his shield disarming the High King from the opponent sword. Yet Peter still had Rhindon. Over and over, Peter struck Miraz's shield. The sword causing dents. When all of the sudden, Miraz lowered his shield while stepping back during a strike. The moment Peter swung up, Miraz used his arm grabbing the sword and headbutted Peter. The impact caused Peter to let go stepping back. Not wasting a second, Miraz used the shield and continuously pound it into Peter's face. On the next pound, Peter managed to grab the shield.
Both were in a deadlock, fighting to gain control. If Peter put's enough strength, he could dislocate Miraz's arm. Peter did something, as he maneuvered Miraz's arm and shield to be behind him restrained. Miraz used his arm, using the bracer bazuband to jab Peter's chest then face. The impact caused Peter to let go. Miraz got hold of Peter, shoving him to ruin. The False King grabbed a sword and charged at Peter, who barely dodged it. Using his own bracer bazubands as a shield.
Peter saw an opening and fell down, punching Miraz in the knee cap. A slight crack could be heard. Miraz stumbled back, losing his bearings that the Narnians cheered. Peter stood up about to punch him when Miraz growled out.
"Respite."
When Respite is called out, the duel must stop.
"Now's not the time for chivalry, Peter!" Edmund shouted.
"He can't," I said. "When respite is called, you must obey it."
Peter hovered over Miraz with a clenched fist. He glanced at us then back of Miraz. He nodded to the Telmarine, walking away. Miraz glared at his marshals. Grabbing his sword, he attacks Peter.
"Look out!" Edmund called.
Peter turned around, dodging the attack. I was about to cast a spell, when Miraz swung, only Peter grabbed the sword, spinning around to disarm and lunged it into the armpit where it was exposed. Miraz gasped in shock. Peter stood up, yanking the sword out. The motion caused Miraz to fall onto his knees, caressing his wound.
The duel was not over yet. Peter challenged Miraz to fight to the death. It can only end once Miraz is dead. High King Peter held his enemy sword glaring down at Miraz. However, he did not strike.
"What's the matter, boy?" Miraz taunted. "Too cowardly to take a life?"
Peter lowered the sword, "It's not mine to take."
He then glanced at Caspian, gesturing him to come over. Caspian was surprised for a second, then his face became neutral. He walked over, accepting the sword. Peter let go, collecting Rhindon before returning to the group. My heart stopped beating, wondering if this will seal the revenge Miraz has done on his father. Caspian raised the sword aiming it at his uncle's face.
"Perhaps I was wrong," Miraz murmured. "Maybe you do have the makings of a Telmarine king after all."
Miraz bowed his head, accepting his fate.
Caspian screamed as he strikes down. I tensed, hearing a sharp impact on stone. Instead of killing his uncle, Caspian stabbed the earth. Miraz was dumbfounded as he stared at his nephew. Mercy. Pride filled me to see the boy I raised for five years showed mercy, instead of anger.
"Not one like you," Caspian murmured. "Keep your life. But I am giving the Narnians back their kingdom."
With nothing else to say, Caspian returned to the group. The Narnians cheered in the victory that we don't have to fight in battle. Relief filled me, happy that this war was over. I walked over to Caspian, giving him a hug, which he returned. I pulled back slightly, cradling his cheek. His brown eyes were watery from the internal conflict he went through.
"I'm so proud of you, Caspian," I said. "You've made your parents proud."
Caspian nodded, giving a slight smile.
Caspian gave another hug. As we hugged each other, I stared over his shoulder, seeing Lord Sopespian helping Miraz up. The cheering of the Narnians blocked out their conversation. Making it difficult to ear. The only thing I could make out from their conversation was.
"It is over."
Lord Sopespian drew something out of his sleeve. It was an arrow. An arrow with red feathers. Before I could shout, casting a spell, the traitor shoved an arrow into Miraz's wound. With so much force, the arrow went through the gambeson, and in between the ribs puncturing the lungs. I ran towards Miraz, trying to stop the bleeding. No. No. The moment I reached him, death had already claimed him as he drowned in his own blood.
"Treachery!" Lord Sopespian exclaimed. "They shot him! They murdered our King!"
Glozelle was already on his horse and rushed to get the Telmarine army ready. Lord Sopespian collected Miraz's sword rushing back to his horse. Suddenly, Lord Gregoire charged at me with his sword. I was in no position to draw mine. Just as the sword came down, Rhindon blocked the attack. Peter stood in front of me as he pushed the Lord away. He swung again, decapitating Lord Gregoire. Peter grabbed my arm, forcing me up.
"Get ready!" Peter bellowed, then turned to Caspian. "Go!"
Caspian rushed to his horse and galloped back to the How where the underground forces were. Edmund, Peter, and I rushed to the front side of the ruins facing the Telmarine army.
"To arms! To arms, Telmar!" Glozelle ordered. "To arms!"
The Telmarine cheered, drawing their weapons.
Peter looked at me, "Are you with me?"
I nodded, "To the death."
Suddenly the trebuchets fired. Two projectiles came our way, missing the How and us. I took a deep breath, drawing my hands together, and mentally cast a spell. An invisible wall appeared between the Telmarines and us. When a projectile made contact with the forcefield, lightning sparks surrounded it while crumbling to the ground.
Meanwhile, I felt like I was punched in the gut. I kept my bearings keeping the forcefield up. At the same time connecting all our minds together when to release the trap.
"Eirlys," Edmund gasped.
"Nothing from their side can get through," I growled out. "The griffins, Narnians, and arrows can still pass."
Peter nodded in relief as he and Edmund stood on each side of me. A hand on my back to give support as I took every blow from the trebuchets. I panted and groan on each impact, digging my feet into the earth for strength. The coldness seeped down my right leg, causing it to lose sensation. I took deep breaths, focusing my magic on the forcefield.
The Telmarine Calvary of five-hundred knights charged in for the attack.
Now, Peter thought to everyone as Caspian and Glensrotm returned to the How. A few moments later, the faint sound of the fanfare could be heard underneath our feet, as the Narnian Calvary treaded underground. Vibrations could be felt from the earth.
"One, two…" Peter started.
"Three, four," Caspian thought.
"Five, Six…" I panted still keeping the forcefield up.
"Seven," Caspian thought aloud.
"Eight, nine…" Peter continued the count down. "Get Ready!"
"Now!" Caspian ordered from the tunnels.
The sound of the stone pillars and columns being destroyed. The crackling of the earth, seeing the ground parted and separated. As the field collapsed underneath the calvaries feet. A third fell into the sinkhole, while the rest tried to stop. I smiled slightly, proud of my trap. Not a second longer, the arrows came flying under Susan's order. The arrows crossed the forcefield with ease and landed into the ditch, killing in their wake. Behind the ditch thirty yards away, three ramps caved in, allowing the underground Calvary to come up and attack the Telmarines from behind.
Edmund was brought a horse as he got on.
"Charge!" Peter yelled as the front line went for the attack.
I remained at my place, with Rainstorm, Nausus, and Electrus surrounded me. I continued to hold the forcefield up, protecting everyone from the projectiles. I felt every impact on my body. My energy-draining me, as the death continued to seep through my body. I cried out in pain, then grounded my teeth.
"Eirlys," Nausus worried.
"Keep me standing," I ordered.
The faun nodded as he stood behind me, supporting my weight.
The Telmarine foot soldiers started marching towards us. A signal was given, as the griffins carried the dwarves to fly over the infantry and fire at them. Only the Telmarines pulled out the ballistas, firing massive arrows at the griffins. Unfortunately, they have crossed my forcefield, that I couldn't protect them. We don't have a chance against the infantry.
Peter turned around, mouthing, "Lucy."
There was no sight of the Valiant Queen or Aslan.
Having no other choice, Peter ordered, "Back to the How!"
I added more energy to the forcefield as the Narnians retreated. We can escape through the emergency tunnels. The Narnians passed through.
"Go," I ordered my guards.
"We're not leaving you," Rainstorm said.
"I can't leave this position," I barked. "Get the others and retreat. Fight another day."
"Your Grace," Electrus said.
"As your current queen, I command it," I yelled.
None could disobey as Nausus and Electrus ran back to the How. However, Rainstorm remained by my side.
"I said go!" I yelled.
"Once you lose power, I'll grab you," Rainstorm said. "You've helped everyone but yourself."
I cursed, keeping my hands together as the pain was surging through my body from the ballistas and trebuchet projectiles. Peter and Edmund came over to me.
"Get going, I'll hold them off," I said.
"No," Edmund argued.
"Do it," I yelled. "Get them to Western Wild. Back to Stone Castle. Live and fight another day."
"Come on, Ed," Peter said, grabbing his brother's arm.
Caspian came over, "What's happening."
"Eirlys is using the last of her magic to sacrifice herself," Edmund said.
"No," Caspian gasped.
"Boys, I lived this long. Let me save our people," I cried.
The Narnians were making their way inside the How. The projectiles still colliding with the forcefield as the pain vibrated through my body. The three continued to stand there. Not having a choice, I whispered a spell that pushed them to the How. Rainstorm stood by my side, as all the Narnians were inside the forcefield. The Telmarines continue to march forward.
I'm sorry, Edmund, I thought to him.
"Eirlys!" Edmund shouted.
Over and over, the projectiles crashed into the forcefield. The curse of death slithering along my body slowly. The Deep Magic spiral inside me, taking form to protect the Narnians. To protect my friends. The Narnians who became my family. The Prince I raised. The King, who was afraid of me. And the King I once loved.
This has been my war. For three hundred and five years, I have fought the Telmarines. Now it is time to end it. Once I know the Narnians were in the How, I will cast my last spell.
"Are they in?" I asked Rainstorm.
The Centaur looked over his shoulder, "They are."
"I'm going to cast the spell," I ground out, feeling another punch in the gut. "Whatever you do, don't touch me, and don't let the smoke touch you."
I know a spell that will use the last of my energy to create a smoke that can kill these soldiers. I will use the last of my body to create the ultimate weapon. I told Rainstorm to pull out the Sun-drop Lilium from the back pocket and put it between my fingers. He did so. Channeling my energy into the flower, I cast the spell.
"Power of the Sun
Gift me with your light
Shine into the dark
Restore our fading sight…"
The Sun-Drop Lilium came to life. The stem wrapping around my hands, digging its roots into my skin. A surge of energy enters me, as I watched the petal glow and brighten. My hair breaking from its confines, having a life of its own. My eyes no longer shimmering in green or silver, but gold. I'll use the remaining magic from the flower and my own to create a weapon. I know I will not survive from it. But I will give my people a chance to fight another day. A burst of light shot from my hands knocking down one regiment in the front line.
"Rise into the dawn
Blazing star so bright
Burn away the strife.
Let my hope ignite
Let hope-"
Suddenly a hand was pressed against my mouth, stopping the spell while another arm wrapped around my waist.
"Don't," Edmund growl.
Two hands rested on my left arm as I glance to see Peter and Susan. Another hand on my right, to be Caspian. Why are they here? They should be inside the How, escaping with the others. Live today, fight tomorrow.
"You don't have to do this alone," Susan said. "Not anymore."
"We are here," Peter agreed.
"Let us carry the burden," Caspian added.
"Remember that," Edmund said. "You are loved. Always have and always will be."
All the Narnians took their formation, creating a barricade. My eyes watered, realizing how much I have to lose. No matter my sacrifice, it will be nothing but a waste. Caspian took hold of the Sun-drop Lilium and separated the flower's magic from my own. The spell was incomplete, yet its energy remained to block the decaying in my bones. Edmund removed his hand and stepped to the side to see me.
"Let go," Edmund murmured, disconnecting the forcefield.
I sighed as my hands lower.
Nothing else to say, we faced the Telmarine army drawing our swords.
"United we stand," I said.
Edmund nodded.
Drawing my sword, we all stood facing our enemy.
"Care to say it?" Peter asked.
I nodded, raising my sword, "For Narnia!"
The Kings and Queen of Old, Prince Caspian, and our friends charged into battle.
I know, I'm evil.
The spell is from Tangled the series.
Thanks for reading, and please leave a review!