I finished this chapter in just over an hour the other day. It will probably be the last update for a while since classes have started back up. I'll do my best to get another one up but there are no breaks this semester so I won't have a lot of free time to write. Anyways... Enjoy!

Chapter 18: Request for a Duel

"I promised to come for you should something happen," Lucy explained as we walked.
"What did happen?" I asked, realizing she hadn't told me.
"The Telmarines... They figured out where we were hiding. A scout spotted them earlier, but now they've amassed at the edge of the woods. We can't leave the How without them noticing."
"And Peter has a plan?"
"I'm not sure... He sent us to gather a few of the Narnians. Glenstorm, Trumpkin, Reepicheep, you. Caspian was already present or Peter would've sent for him as well. But he didn't tell us what his plan was or if he actually had one."

I nodded but didn't have a chance to speak before we reached our destination. To my surprise, it wasn't the Stone Table room, but a much smaller room. Perfect for the small group of Narnians gathered, our best warriors and—assumingly—Peter's most trusted advisors.

Susan and Edmund were there along with Caspian and Professor Cornelius, both of which sat on the steps across the room from the other two. Susan stood near a corner and Lucy joined her sister while Edmund made himself comfortable on the other set of stairs. Trufflehunter and Trumpkin stood nearby and Glenstorm and Reepicheep remained closer to Peter, who was in the center of the room. There was a bear and a few other Narnians gathered as well.

I made my way over to Lucy and once everyone was settled, Peter began to speak.
"I've had a chance to think," he began, "and I realized I've been going about this all wrong. We cannot defeat the Telmarines on our own. We need Aslan's help."
"Aslan?" Trunpkin questioned, skeptical. "A lot of good He has done us. Where has He been the past few hundred years?"
"He's been waiting," Lucy spoke up. "He's been waiting for us to ask for His help. If we don't want Him, He will stay away. Aslan only goes where He's wanted and the Narnians decided they were just fine without Him."
"But He's always been there," I added. "Some of us may have seen His presence more than others."
Peter nodded, seeming to agree. He was different now, more like the King I knew before. "But we must seek Him out now and ask for His help. This is why I believe Lucy is the best for this. She and Susan will go in search of Aslan and we'll provide a distraction, allowing them to get away undetected and time to return."
"Cakes and kettledrums! That's your next big plan?!" Trumpkin cried. "Sending a little girl into the darkest parts of the forest alone!"
"It's our only chance," Peter argued.
"And she won't be alone," Susan agreed. Trumpkin had apparently glossed over the fact that Susan would be going with her sister.

I tried to keep my face neutral, surprised by Peter's plan. Based on what I could gather, Peter knew Lucy would somehow be able to find Aslan. Trumpkin didn't like the plan and I assumed it was because he had grown quite attached to the young Queen. But she was a Queen and more than capable of taking care of herself. Peter was sending Susan with her for extra protection and likely to keep them from the fight if at all possible. It was a good plan and I was surprised he was finally thinking things through.

"H-haven't enough of us died already?" Trumpkin stated, voice filled with sorrow for his lost friends.
"Nikabrik was my friend too," Trufflehunter told him, "but he lost hope. Queen Lucy hasn't and neither have I!"
"For Aslan," Reepicheep said, drawing his rapier and placing it across his chest.
"For Aslan," said the bear.
"Then I'm coming with you," Trumpkin demanded.
"No," Lucy placated, placing her hands on his shoulders. "We need you here."
"We have to hold them off until Lucy and Susan get back," Peter explained.
"If I may," Caspian interjected and Peter looked to him, "Miraz may be a tyrant and a murderer but as King, he is subject to the traditions and expectations of his people. There is one, in particular, that may buy us some time."

At Peter's nod, the Prince began to explain about a challenge a King would be hard-pressed to refuse. The challenge could only be issued by someone of equal or greater rank if they wished to make Miraz fight. As King, he could refuse but it was likely the people would view him as a coward. Single combat, a duel, between two leaders. Caspian even suggested that the losing side surrender, making the offer even better for his uncle.

We knew of past tactics, past duels, but Caspian explained the rules in case they had changed. When he was finished, Peter nodded in agreement and requested someone to fetch a scroll and quill so that he could write down the request for King Miraz.

"But who should duel?" Reepicheep asked.
"I will," Peter stated, to everyone's surprise. "It's only right that it be me."
"But he's my uncle," Caspian protested. "This battle is mine to fight."
"It's too personal for you and exactly why you shouldn't. It has to be me."
"But Peter—" Susan began.
"I just have to hold him off until you return," he assured her.

Ending the discussion, Peter quickly wrote his message and held it out to his brother. "Edmund, deliver this message to Miraz. It is imperative that he agrees, so do whatever you must to convince him."
Edmund sent him a sly grin, indicating he understood his brother's message. He was an eloquent speaker, the diplomat, capable of convincing the other person it was their idea to do something. "Of course," he answered with a bow.
"Ana, Glenstorm, and Wimbleweather will go with you for protection should they try anything. But only Ana and you are to be armed," he stated. "We don't want them to feel threatened."

Edmund and I both nodded in understanding. Glenstorm bowed his head in agreement and the three of us made to leave. Before we could, Peter halted us and we looked at him. I could see the barely concealed concern on his face as he spoke. "Be careful. Both of you."

Edmund nodded and I bowed my head, promising to do our best. Glenstorm left to put his sword safely away and I headed outside to gather up flowers. As with typical peace missions, I knew Edmund would want to approach them as disarming as possible. Flowers were always a nice touch.

I understood Peter's reasoning for having the others go unarmed but I was a little surprised when he didn't request that I do so as well. But the more I thought of it, the more I realized Glenstorm and our giant, Wimbleweather, could use brute strength if they had to. Unless I used magic, I didn't have the same chance and it was unwise to leave Edmund completely defenseless. He was a good swordsman but even the best can't expect to defeat an entire army on his own. It was then I realized that Peter probably also sent me because he knew I could get his brother out if they turned on us.

After Wimbleweather was informed of the plan, the four of us headed towards the enemy's camp. Edmund held the scroll while Glenstorm and I carried the flowers. I noticed, albeit too late, that Wimbleweather carried his club with him. But I figured either Peter had changed his mind or Edmund allowed him to bring it, so I made no comment on the matter. It had the added benefit of making the Telmarines think twice about attacking us.

~Prince Caspian~

Once we had reached the camp, Edmund ordered the Telmarines to inform their King we had a message for them. We were guided to a large tent where Miraz sat with several Lords and noblemen. Glenstorm and Wimbleweather were instructed to stay outside while Edmund was waved forward. When I followed, they stopped me and he immediately protested, saying that it was for his protection. As long as they made no move against him, I would be of no trouble to them. They, somehow, agreed and I stood just behind Edmund—to his right—as he stood in the center of the tent.

"Who are you and why have you come?" Miraz asked.
"I am King Edmund and High King Peter asked me to deliver a message," Edmund quickly explained. "He implores that you listen to it."
"And your friend?" one of the Lords inquired.
"She is merely here to ensure I am not harmed during the delivery of the King's message. You have nothing to worry about from her. She acts only if I say to." I saw some of the others frown and send questioning glances. But none of them spoke so I didn't know what they were thinking.
"Get on with it then," Miraz ordered, practically snarling.

Edmund unrolled the scroll and began to read. "I, Peter, by the gift of Aslan, by election and conquest, High King of Narnia, Lord of Cair Paravel, and Emperor of the Lone Island, in order to prevent the abominable effusion of blood, do hereby challenge the usurper Miraz to single combat upon the battlefield. The fight shall be to the death. The reward shall be total surrender." He rolled the scroll up while he waited for Miraz to speak.

"Tell me, Prince Edmund—" Miraz began, only to be immediately cut off by Edmund.
"King," he corrected.
'Pardon me?"
"It's King Edmund actually," he explained, smiling slightly. I could hear it in his voice as he spoke. "Just King though. Peter's the High King." Miraz and the nobles sent him a confused look. "I know. It's confusing," he added.
Miraz quickly recovered. "Why would we risk such a proposal when our army could wipe you out by nightfall?"
"Haven't you all ready underestimated our numbers?" Edmund countered. "I mean only a week ago, Narnians were extinct,"
"And so will you be again," Miraz stated and some of the noblemen chuckled.
"Then you should have little to fear," Edmund pointed out.
Miraz laughed at that statement. "This is not a question of bravery."
"So you're bravely refusing to fight a swordsman half your age?" Edmund questioned, making sure he understood the King correctly. He was smiling a bit too, telling me this was all a part of his plan.
"I didn't say I refused," Miraz answered.

"You have our support, your Majesty. Whatever your decision," the man to his left told him.
"Sire, our military advantage alone provides us with the perfect excuse to avoid what otherwise might be—" another one said.
Miraz abruptly stood and drew his sword, causing me to stiffen and Edmund's hand to slowly move towards his sword. "I'm not avoiding anything!" he growled at the man.
"I was merely pointing out that my Lord is well within his rights to refuse," the same man defended.
"His Majesty would never refuse," a Telmarine from behind us said, causing us to look at him. He was a general by the looks of his attire. "He relishes the chance to show the people the courage of their new King."

Miraz looked at the Telmarine and then back to Edmund. He pointed his blade at Edmund and both of us stiffened, prepared to draw our weapons. We kept our faces neutral, not wanting to let on how prepared we were. Instead, Miraz spoke. "You had better hope your brother's sword is sharper than his pen," he warned.

Edmund nodded and bowed. I bowed as well and we both turned to leave. Just as we passed the guards outside the tent, I heard someone mutter: "I don't know how you escaped, but you most certainly will die with your fellow Narnians this time."

I tried to pretend like I didn't hear—and I wasn't sure if Edmund had—but the laughter as we left made me think they noticed. Or perhaps they were simply laughing because they agreed with the man's comment. I didn't know who said and didn't want to risk a look back to find out. I could feel their eyes watching us and I didn't want them to think I was afraid of them. We all followed after Edmund silently and I knew at least one of them had heard the Telmarine's comment.

"You convinced Miraz to take the deal," I told him, breaking the silence once we were out of earshot. "Not that I doubted you would."
"I don't expect they'll keep up their end of the bargain," Edmund answered. "Not with the threat they just gave." So he had heard. Great...
"Or maybe they just think their King will win," I offered instead.
"Even so, we must prepare for it," Glenstorm chimed in.
Edmund nodded. "I'll let Peter know about it. I'm sure he has something in mind should they go back on their word."
"Peter has the pressure of a duel to win," I said. "And I'm worried for him."
"I am as well," Edmund agreed. "We have more at stake than Miraz does. If he loses, his men could just attack. But if Peter loses, we'll stay true to our word and be forced to surrender."
"That won't happen," I told him. "You'll see."

He grinned and nodded in my direction. I could tell he believed me, but there was still worry in his eyes. I didn't blame him, knowing I was worried for Peter as well. However, I felt more confident about this plan and knew Peter was starting to trust Aslan again. And with them aligned, or chances were better.

"We just have to trust in Aslan," I told them, knowing the others probably had doubts too. "Courage. We are all between the paws of the lion."