Dark Witch
Disclaimer: I do not own The Chronicles of Narnia. Only Eirlys and Bircha.
Chapter 22: The Next Chapter on Life
Eirlys's POV
It has been a month since the Pevensies left. The ache was still there, losing my friends. More importantly, losing Edmund. I kept myself distracted in helping Caspian to run a Kingdom. Allowing the New Narnians the once Telmarines into the Council. If he kept his new Council all Narnians, there would be complications and bias. Therefore, Lord Montoya joined the council, being more accepting than his predecessors.
As time went by, many of the Telmarines have accepted Aslan offer to return to the land of their forefathers. Based on Lord Montoya's reports, keeping records of the population, a quarter of the Telmarines have left. Caspian had to place a representative at the post, to make sure people and their families who do cross, know there is no going back. Along with guards to keep curious children from getting to close to the tree.
Other than that, the adjustment is going well. There was some discrimination, yet those who openly attack a Narnian verbally or physically has been stopped. There shall be some adjustments once the Telmarines can see what the Narnians can do. At least the children are accepting, many asking questions—the nymphs providing knowledge on herbs and increasing medicine. The Minotaurs and Minoboars have shown their strengths in the construction as new houses are being built or helping in the forge. The Centaurs have shown their agility, there was an incident when a farmer's horses had an escape, and a group of centaurs came to help, collecting the escape and bringing them back. The dwarves have shown their craftsmanship. I believe those who struggle the most are the talking animals. The humans freaking out, thinking they have been killing intelligent animals. I had to explain that domesticated animals are not intelligent…except for horses and those of their species.
Currently, I was in my chamber, packing my bag for my journey to the Western Wild. I will be gone for a few months in search of the Narnians who are still in hiding. Bircha was helping me pack as well. She will be joining me on the search since some dryads are still asleep that need assistance on waking.
"I'm surprised Bacchus hasn't appeared yet," I said.
"After five hundred years of sleep, what do you think he and his maenads are doing," she joked.
I laughed, "Along with Silenus."
"He is half nymph and half-human," Bircha reminded.
"I expect we will see them in a few months since summer is around the corner," I concluded.
"Should I be afraid?" Caspian asked out of nowhere.
Bircha and I turned around, seeing him standing there.
"Caspian, what did I tell you about knocking?" I scolded.
Caspian knocked on the wood door before entering, "How is the packing?"
"It is going well," I said.
"When do you leave?" he asked.
"In a few days," I answered.
Caspian nodded with a nervous expression. I chuckled softly as I rest my hand on his shoulder, "I'll be gone for two months. Bircha will be joining me, along with Rainstone and Suncloud. I'll send reports daily, and the messenger birds will do the same. If it is an emergency, the trees can pass the message on faster."
Caspian nodded, "Forgive me, I'm just a bit apprehensive."
"I understand, I was nervous too when I became queen," I said, gesturing him to sit down on the lounge.
We sat down, facing one another.
"How was your first year of being a queen?" Caspian asked.
"Difficult," I confessed. "Then again, I thought I would be dead after a week."
"What do you mean?"
I took a deep breath, "When I was young, Jadis merged our magic together so she could become stronger. By doing that, she placed the prophecy on me." I then quoted the Golden Age Prophecy to him.
"Wrong will be right, when Aslan comes in sight,
At the sound of his roar, sorrows will be no more,
When he bares his teeth, winter meets its death,
And when he shakes his mane, we shall have spring again.
When Adam's flesh and Adam's bone,
Sits at Cair Paravel in throne,
The evil time will be over and done."
Caspian comprehended the words of the prophecy.
"When the Pevensies sat on the four thrones in Cair Paravel, the magic Jadis had over Narnia was gone, vanishing. On the same day, I felt my magic disappear and was dying. I could even sense Tash was on his way to claim my soul. All I could think through the week after the Battle of Beruna was my people. Will they be safe? Will they be hunted down? Can they be forgiven." I took a moment remembering the anxiety I felt from the moment I build Stone Castle. "My people were waiting outside mourning, for I told them my magic was gone. But when I looked out to the horizon, Aslan appeared and saved my life. Along with the conditions to rule the Western Wild."
"I see," he said.
"I'll admit, it took me twenty years to get the hang of it. But I was alone, not having guidance and support. My council was more about war." I added. "But now, you have a good council, and it will take time. A good ruler learns and matures."
Caspian nodded again, "I hope so. I have many plans."
"And what plans are those?" I asked.
"I was thinking about restoring Cair Paravel, a place to rule during the warm season and Telmar during the winter," he suggested.
"It is an idea," I agreed. "We will talk more about the restoration when I get back. Right now, you need to focus on the equality with your people and alliances with the neighboring kingdoms."
"You're right," he said.
I took his hand, "Your parents would be proud of you. All your father wanted to be equal so you can live a peaceful life without hate. Although you had to do it, I know he would be proud."
"I wish I knew my father," Caspian said.
"When I get back, I will show you some memories," I promised.
"I would appreciate that," he smiled.
I nodded until noticing the small bag he had. Caspian gave a chuckle as he handed it to me. I raised a brow, accepting the gift feeling a slight weight. I open it, pulling out the content to be the silver torch. My eyes widen when seeing the torch. I thought it was lost or got destroyed during the raid. And yet here it was.
"I found it amongst the guards in the barracks," he explained. "I thought you would like to have it since you and Edmund were close."
"Thank you, Caspian," I said, feeling my eyes water. "I truly appreciate this."
"You truly loved him?" he asked.
"I do," I answered.
"After all these years?"
"Sadly so. There are some bonds that can't easily be diminished. Like my bond for you has been maternal."
"Hopefully, we can turn it to friends. It's sort of strange seeing you haven't aged."
I chuckled in understanding, "Agreed. But it won't stop me from lecturing you."
"Agreed," Caspian said.
We smiled towards each other. We have become good friends, despite my deception of being his nurse five years ago. Together, we can restore Narnia back to its formal glory. It will take some time to repair the damages the Telmarines and Miraz have done. Nevertheless, everything starts off slowly with small steps. I know deep down; Caspian will become a great king.
"Your grace, you need to finish up for packing and see Professor Cornelius on herbs," Bircha spoke up.
"Well, then, I shall let you ladies be," Caspian said, standing up. "Shall I see you for dinner?"
"Of course," I promised. "And Caspian, thank you for the torch."
Caspian smiled, giving a bow before leaving. I watched him go until the door was closed. Afterward, I stared at the silver torch. I genuinely appreciate that Caspian gave me Edmund's torch. After the sudden departure, I barely have anything of him. I managed to provide Edmund with one of my rings, except for the dragon, and he still had my handkerchief. The only thing I had was his armor, in which I took custody. Now having the torch brought some comfort. As I turn it on, staring at the light power by electricity.
"Strange Magic," Bircha noted.
"No, tis but science…or at least that is what the Pevensies call it." I corrected.
"Well, one day you will see him again," she said.
"Pray for not a thousand years," I joked, which made the Birch laugh.
I turned off the torch and placed it on the mantel casting a protection charm so it will not be taken or tarnish. I then walked over to the balcony to stare out from the view. Right now, I need to focus on guiding Caspian in his monarchy. It will take some time for Caspian to get the hang of it.
I grabbed hold of my crystal orb to see the route I will be taking. A vision showed a route until green smoke swirled around, showing giants rebelling, a battle between the Narnians and the Calormene, and a ship with a bow of a dragon. The green smoke consumed the orb with lightning, a dark presence with a serpent slithers about until screeching at me. I gasped, disconnecting the spell, dropping it.
"Eirlys," Bircha murmured, right by my side, catching the orb. "What is it? What did you see?"
I groaned, "Trouble. And I thought I could have at least one year of peace."
Bircha chuckled, "Since when did your life stop being adventurous."
"Very funny," I grumbled.
By the mane, Aslan, can you at least give me a break, I thought bitterly.
Hey guys, this ends the Dark Witch. Sorry that it took five years to finish this story. I will do better in book three. Book three will be called Eternal Queen. It will take place during the Voyage of the Dawn Treader. It will take some time to plan things out. I might write some mini-stories, finishing the Something that could have been (Rewritten). And another mini-story on the side. I will post to let you know when the Eternal Queen is ready.
Thank you all for reading Dark Witch, and please leave a review!